Apple charges $69 for a single replacement AirPod, or $89 for a replacement charging case
If you lose or damage one AirPod, Apple will sell you a replacement for $69 (as of 2024). The price is the same whether you own AirPods Pro, AirPods Max, or the standard AirPods — the cost depends on which model you own, not on buying just one piece. A replacement charging case costs $89 separately. These are the official prices from Apple's website and Apple Store locations.
You do not need to buy a full new pair. Apple treats each AirPod as an individual product and will ship you just the one you need. The replacement arrives with a full charge and pairs automatically to your device the moment you put it in your ear, using the same pairing connection your original AirPod already has.
The catch is that Apple's warranty does not cover lost AirPods — only defects in materials or workmanship. If your AirPod stopped working because the battery failed or the speaker broke, you may be covered under the one-year limited warranty that comes with your purchase. If you lost it or sat on it, you are paying the replacement price.
Key Takeaways
- A single replacement AirPod costs $69 from Apple, regardless of which model you own.
- Apple's standard warranty covers defects but not loss or physical damage, so most lost AirPods require you to pay full price.
- AppleCare+ for AirPods covers accidental damage and loss, but costs $29 upfront and only works if purchased within 60 days of buying your AirPods.
- Third-party sellers sometimes offer used or refurbished AirPods at lower prices, but they may not pair correctly or hold a charge as long.
- Replacement AirPods pair automatically to your device and do not require you to unpair or reset your original AirPod.
How to order a replacement from Apple
Go to apple.com, click Support, then select your AirPod model from the dropdown. Scroll down to "Service and Repair" and click "Get Service." You can either order the replacement online for shipping or make an appointment at an Apple Store to pick one up the same day.
You will need your device's serial number or the serial number of your original AirPods case. You can find this by opening Settings on your iPhone or Mac, going to Bluetooth, tapping the information icon next to your AirPods, and looking for "Serial Number." Apple uses this to confirm you own the product and to may support the replacement pairs correctly.
Shipping usually takes three to five business days. In-store pickup is faster but depends on whether your local store has the model in stock. Call ahead if you need it urgently.
What AppleCare+ covers and when it makes sense
AppleCare+ for AirPods costs $29 and covers accidental damage, loss, and battery degradation beyond normal wear. If you break your AirPod or lose it, AppleCare+ reduces your out-of-pocket cost to $29 per incident instead of paying $69 for a replacement. You can file two claims per year.
The trade-off is that you must buy AppleCare+ within 60 days of purchasing your AirPods — you cannot add it later. If you already lost one AirPod, AppleCare+ is no longer an option. The $29 upfront cost breaks even after one replacement, so it makes sense if you are accident-prone or frequently lose small items.
AppleCare+ does not cover normal battery degradation over time (AirPods are designed to lose about 10 percent of battery capacity per year), and it does not cover damage from water exposure beyond what the AirPods' standard water resistance rating allows. Check the fine print for your specific model.
Third-party and refurbished options
Amazon, eBay, and other retailers sell used and refurbished AirPods at discounts ranging from 20 to 50 percent off Apple's price. A refurbished AirPod might cost $35 to $50. The risk is that used AirPods may not pair correctly to your device, the battery may hold a charge for only a few hours instead of the standard five to six, and you have no warranty if something goes wrong.
Refurbished AirPods sold by Apple directly (through apple.com) are safer than third-party refurbished units because Apple tests them and includes a one-year warranty. These cost slightly less than new ones — usually $10 to $15 off — but are harder to find in stock.
If you buy from a third party, check the seller's return policy before purchasing. Many will not accept returns on used electronics, so you could be stuck with a defective AirPod.
Insurance and protection plans from carriers
Some phone carriers like Verizon and AT&T offer device protection plans that cover AirPods if you bought them through the carrier. These plans typically cost $10 to $15 per month and cover accidental damage and loss with a deductible of $25 to $50 per claim. If you already have a carrier protection plan on your phone, check whether it extends to accessories — many do.
Carrier plans are usually more expensive over time than AppleCare+ because you pay monthly rather than once upfront. They make sense only if you already have the plan for your phone and want to add AirPods to it, or if you have a history of losing or breaking expensive items.
What happens if your AirPod is under warranty
If your AirPod stopped working within one year of purchase and the failure is not from physical damage or loss, Apple will replace it at no cost. This covers battery failure, speaker problems, microphone issues, and connection problems caused by a manufacturing defect.
To claim warranty service, go to apple.com/support, describe the problem, and Apple will either send you a replacement or direct you to an Apple Store. You may need to provide proof of purchase (your receipt or order confirmation email). The process usually takes five to seven business days if you ship the defective AirPod to Apple, or same-day if you visit a store in person.
Warranty coverage ends one year from the date you bought the AirPods, not from the date you first used them. If you bought them on January 15 and they failed on January 20 of the following year, you are outside the warranty window and will pay the replacement price.
Preventing loss and damage
The most cost-effective strategy is not losing your AirPods in the first place. Keep them in their charging case when you are not wearing them — AirPods left loose in a bag or pocket are far more likely to get lost or sat on. Use a case designed for AirPods (silicone or leather cases cost $10 to $30) to protect them from drops and scratches.
If you frequently lose small items, consider a Bluetooth tracker like AirTag. You can attach one to your AirPods case for $29, and it will help you locate the case if you misplace it. This does not help if your AirPod itself falls out of the case, but it prevents the more common scenario of losing the entire case.
Mark your AirPods case with your initials or a distinctive sticker so you can identify it if you accidentally grab someone else's case at a coffee shop or gym.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I return one AirPod and get a refund instead of a replacement?
No. Apple only offers replacements, not refunds, for individual AirPods. If you want a refund, you must return the entire pair within 14 days of purchase. After that window, your only option is to buy a replacement AirPod for $69.
Will a replacement AirPod work with my old charging case?
Yes. Replacement AirPods are the same hardware as your original pair and work with the same charging case. You do not need to buy a new case unless yours is damaged or lost.
How long does a replacement AirPod last before the battery degrades?
A replacement AirPod has the same battery lifespan as a new pair — roughly five to six hours of listening time per charge, with about 10 percent capacity loss per year under normal use. After three to four years, you may notice the battery drains faster, but this is normal wear, not a defect.
What if I lost both AirPods — do I have to buy two replacements?
Yes. If you lost both AirPods, you would need to buy two replacements at $69 each, for a total of $138. At that price point, buying a refurbished pair from Apple for $200 to $220 may be a better option because you get a full warranty and both AirPods are may provide to work together.
Can I buy a replacement AirPod without proof of purchase?
Apple prefers proof of purchase but will sometimes sell you a replacement without it if you can provide the serial number of your original AirPods case. Call Apple Support or visit a store in person to ask — policies vary by location and situation.