How to Replace Lost or Broken AirPods, AirPods Pro or Cases | Digital Trends

When it comes to premium wireless earbuds and headphones, the Apple AirPods and AirPods Max are two of the best products money can buy, and we never get tired of talking about them.

And the latest generation of AirPods Pro features improved sound quality and ANC performance, making them an ideal everyday wear. And for those of us who can’t live without over-ear headphones, it doesn’t get much better than the AirPods Max.

However, these are consumer tech devices, which means the chances of something unfortunate happening to your beloved AirPods are slim. Whether you’ve run an earbud through the dryer one too many times and need a replacement, or you’ve completely lost an AirPod or charging case and couldn’t find them using Apple’s handy Find My feature, don’t worry, it’s Apple I won’t let you down.

The replacement of broken or missing AirPods, AirPods Pro and their charging cases is handled by the company’s support team. We created this guide to help you get the process started.

How much does the replacement cost?

The true wireless design of Apple’s AirPods makes them compact and easy to carry, but also makes it easier to misplace any of the parts. If you’ve lost or permanently damaged an AirPod or its charging case, here’s how much it costs to replace each component from Apple. Keep in mind that you may find cheaper prices from third-party sellers:

AirPods

• AirPods Pro 1st and 2nd Gen: $89

• AirPods 1st, 2nd and 3rd gen: $69

Accesories

• MagSafe Charging Case for AirPods Pro 1st and 2nd Generation: $99

• MagSafe Charging Case for AirPods 3rd Gen: $69

• Lightning Charging Case for AirPods 3rd Gen: $69

• Wireless charging case for AirPods 2nd generation and earlier: $79

• AirPods Pro 1st Gen Wireless Charging Case: $99

• Charging case for AirPods 2nd generation and earlier: $59

How to get a replacement

Apple makes it extremely easy to replace a single AirPod, a pair of AirPods, AirPods earbuds, charging cases, and AirPods Max items.

Here is a step-by-step overview of the replacement process.

Step 1: First, make sure you are signed in to your Apple account with the correct ID. Then navigate to this support page.

Step 2: Once you’re here, choose Lost or missing AirPods to open an additional menu screen.

Step 3: On this screen, you can choose whether you want to replace a lost AirPod, charging case, or even damaged AirPods Pro earbuds. For the purposes of this guide, let’s assume you want to replace a single AirPod Pro. Once you have selected the product you want to replace, begin the process Order a replacement. At this point click Getting started.

Step 4: When you’re signed in to your Apple account, you’ll see all of your devices, including your AirPods if they’re registered. If you don’t see this, you can simply enter the AirPods serial number. Once found, select and select the left or right AirPod you want to replace Keep going.

Step 5: Next you will see the estimated price for the replacement. Fill out all shipping information and additional details and complete the transaction.

Replacement of components under warranty or AppleCare+

So what if you still have all the parts but something isn’t working properly? Luckily, Apple’s AirPods and AirPods Pro are protected by a one-year warranty.

The service for all AirPods with reduced battery capacity or a defective battery within this period is free. Service for battery issues outside of this one-year warranty period will incur a charge of $49 for each defective AirPod or $98 for the pair. A replacement AirPod charging case costs $49. If you need to replace the battery on your AirPods Max headphones, you’ll spend $79.

If you are the type of person who values ​​security, you should subscribe to AppleCare+. For two years of coverage for AirPods, AirPods Pro, and Beats, it costs $29 and $59 for AirPods Max, and you can add it up to 60 days after purchase.

AppleCare+ limits replacement fees and covers some repairs. For an AppleCare+ plan, the new replacement fees are as follows:

• AirPods Pro 1st and 2nd Gen: $29

• Charging Case for AirPods Pro 1st and 2nd Generation (MagSafe and Wireless): $29

• AirPods 1st, 2nd and 3rd gen: $29

• All AirPods 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Generation Charging Cases: $29

When it comes to repairing damaged components, AppleCare+ gives you unlimited accidental damage protection for the two years you have the plan. However, keep in mind that every time you file a claim and send your product to Apple, you will be charged a $29 repair fee, on top of the $29 (or $59) you are already charged for have paid for the AppleCare+ plan.

What about the AirPods Max?

The AirPods Max – Apple’s over-ear headphones – are a single unit, meaning they’re easier to replace or repair.

If you have two years of AppleCare+ worth $59, each AirPods Max repair will cost you $29. This should also cover replacement services if necessary. You can also replace the AirPods Max earpad only when necessary, which is useful if an earpad tears. If you don’t have AppleCare+, you’ll need to call or chat and ask for specific replacement pricing in your region.

However, there is one significant limitation when replacing AirPods Max under warranty: new ear pads are not included as standard. This means you will either need to keep the cushions from your previous pair or purchase/replace new cushions for your new model.

Can I upgrade my charging case?

Apple has introduced a new feature for its AirPod Pro Gen 2: USB-C charging! Of course, this means that newer versions of the MagSafe case ditch the Lightning port in favor of the latest USB standard.

Luckily, the company is allowing owners of the MagSafe Lightning case to upgrade to the USB-C model, which offers improved UWB location tracking and an IP54 rating for dust and water protection. The cost of this is $99.

It’s also important to note that Apple no longer offers replacement cases for AirPods Pro Gen 2 with Lightning. So if your original case is lost or damaged, you’ll need to upgrade to a USB-C model.

Use of Third Party Services

Apple Support isn’t the only place to go if you’re looking for an AirPods replacement, especially if you’re looking to save some money. There are several third-party providers of refurbished AirPod replacement parts, with TheRightOne being one of the standouts. The site offers refurbished replacements for individual AirPods, AirPods Pro and charging cases of various generations, as well as replacements for Beats and Samsung Galaxy Buds products. Prices are reasonable too: a single replacement AirPods Pro (1st generation) costs around $65 compared to Apple’s $89.

According to the website, all products are clean, disinfected, refurbished and thoroughly tested. Securing a replacement is as easy as browsing, searching and purchasing online. TheRightOne also offers a 60-day warranty and a 30-day return policy if a problem occurs.

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