Yes, you can replace a single AirPod, but Apple charges for it and the process depends on which model you own

Apple sells individual AirPods as replacements through their website, in Apple Stores, and through authorized retailers. The cost varies by model — a single AirPod Pro costs around $89, while a standard AirPod runs about $69. You are not required to buy a full new pair. However, Apple will not replace a lost or damaged AirPod under warranty the way they might replace a phone screen. You pay the full replacement price, and the new AirPod arrives already paired to your account.

The catch is that your replacement AirPod must match the generation you already own. If you have AirPods Pro (2nd generation), you cannot buy a 1st generation replacement. Apple's system will not pair mismatched generations together, and they will not function as a pair. Check your Settings app to confirm which generation you own before ordering.

Key Takeaways

  • Apple sells individual replacement AirPods at full price through their website and stores, with no warranty coverage for loss or damage.
  • Your replacement AirPod must match the exact generation of the one you still own, or they will not pair together.
  • A replacement AirPod arrives already paired to your Apple ID and will connect automatically to your devices.
  • If your AirPod is defective within one year of purchase, Apple may replace it at no cost under the standard one-year warranty.
  • AppleCare+ for AirPods covers accidental damage and loss, but requires enrollment within 60 days of purchase.

How to find your AirPod generation before ordering a replacement

Open Settings on any iPhone, iPad, or Mac that your AirPods are paired with. On iPhone or iPad, go to Settings > Bluetooth, then tap the information icon next to your AirPods name. On Mac, go to System Settings > Bluetooth, then select your AirPods and click Details. The screen will show your model name — for example, "AirPods Pro (2nd generation)" or "AirPods (3rd generation)". Write this down exactly as it appears.

If you no longer have a device paired with your AirPods, you can check the original box or receipt. The box label will list the model. You can also visit apple.com/support and use their serial number lookup tool if you have the serial number from the original packaging.

Ordering a replacement AirPod from Apple

Go to apple.com and search for "replacement AirPod" or navigate to the AirPods section. Select your exact model and generation from the dropdown menu. Add a single AirPod to your cart — do not add a full pair. Complete checkout as you normally would. Apple will ship the replacement to your address within 3 to 5 business days.

When the replacement arrives, it will already be paired to your Apple ID. Open the charging case near your iPhone or iPad, and the AirPod should appear in your Bluetooth settings within seconds. If it does not, open Settings > Bluetooth, forget your AirPods entirely, then place both AirPods in the case and hold the setup button on the back until the light flashes white. This forces a fresh pairing.

What the one-year warranty actually covers

Apple's standard one-year warranty covers manufacturing defects — a speaker that stops working, a battery that fails to charge, or a microphone that cuts out. If your AirPod stopped working within one year of purchase and you did not drop it or expose it to water, contact Apple Support with your serial number and proof of purchase. They will likely send a replacement at no cost.

The warranty does not cover loss, theft, or accidental damage like water exposure or physical impact. If you dropped your AirPod in water or lost it, you pay the full replacement price. This is why AppleCare+ exists as a separate purchase.

AppleCare+ for AirPods: what it covers and when to buy it

AppleCare+ for AirPods costs $29 and covers accidental damage, loss, and theft for two years from the date you enroll. If you crack an AirPod, drop it in water, or lose it, AppleCare+ reduces your out-of-pocket cost to $29 per incident. Without it, a replacement costs $69 to $89 depending on your model.

You must enroll in AppleCare+ within 60 days of buying your AirPods. If you already own AirPods and did not purchase AppleCare+ at the time, you cannot add it later. This is a common point of confusion — many people assume they can buy coverage retroactively and cannot.

Buying from retailers other than Apple

Best Buy, Amazon, and other authorized retailers sell individual replacement AirPods at the same price as Apple. The advantage is that you may find them in stock locally if Apple's website shows a delay. The disadvantage is that you lose the option to walk into an Apple Store and speak to someone if the replacement does not pair correctly.

Replacement AirPods from any authorized retailer will still arrive paired to your Apple ID. The pairing process is identical whether you buy from Apple directly or from a third-party seller. Avoid marketplace sellers on Amazon or eBay unless you are certain they are authorized — counterfeit AirPods exist and will not pair properly.

What to do if your replacement AirPod will not pair

First, make sure both AirPods are in the charging case and the case has at least 20 percent battery. Open the case near your iPhone or iPad and wait 10 seconds. If the AirPods do not appear in Bluetooth settings, open Settings > Bluetooth on your device, find your AirPods in the list, and tap the information icon. Select "Forget This Device" and confirm.

Place both AirPods back in the case, close it, and wait 5 seconds. Then open the case and hold the setup button on the back of the case for 15 seconds until the light inside flashes white. This resets the AirPods to factory settings. Hold the case near your iPhone or iPad again. The AirPods should now appear as a new device ready to pair. Select them and follow the on-screen prompts.

If this does not work, the replacement AirPod may be defective. Contact Apple Support with your order number and serial number. They will troubleshoot further or send another replacement.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use an old AirPod with a new replacement if they are the same model?

Yes, as long as they are the same generation. A 3rd generation AirPod will pair with another 3rd generation AirPod. However, if one AirPod is significantly older and the battery is degraded, you may notice a difference in battery life between the two. Apple does not may provide matching battery performance across AirPods purchased at different times.

What if I lost one AirPod and do not have the other one anymore?

You will need to buy a full replacement pair, not a single AirPod. Apple's system requires at least one original AirPod to pair a replacement. If you have neither, you have no way to verify ownership or generation, so retailers will not sell you a single replacement.

Does Apple replace AirPods if they stop holding a charge?

If the battery failure happened within one year of purchase and you did not damage the AirPod, yes — the standard warranty covers battery defects. Contact Apple Support with your serial number and proof of purchase. If the AirPod is older than one year, you pay the full replacement price unless you have AppleCare+.

Can I return a replacement AirPod if I change my mind?

Apple allows returns within 14 days of purchase if the AirPod is unused and in original packaging. Once you have paired it to your Apple ID and used it, you cannot return it for a refund. You can only exchange it if it is defective.

Will a replacement AirPod work with my Android phone?

Yes, but with limitations. AirPods will pair with Android via Bluetooth and you can listen to audio and take calls. However, features like automatic device switching, Siri integration, and spatial audio only work with Apple devices. The replacement process is the same regardless of what devices you plan to use them with.