If you’ve ever lost an AirPod, you know how difficult it can be to find it again. While the Find My feature can help in some instances, what can you do if it’s truly gone? Does your AppleCare plan even cover a lost AirPod? This guide will cover what your options are and how much it might end up costing you.
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AppleCare and AppleCare+ do not cover a lost AirPod or charging case. You can buy replacements from Apple. Alternatively you could opt for a third-party service that sells refurbished replacements or buy third-party insurance.
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Replacing a lost AirPod through Apple
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AppleCare and AppleCare+ do not cover replacements for lost AirPods, but you can buy another AirPod through Apple. Apple only offers AirPods Pro and AirPods (3rd generation) buds. A Pro earbud will cost you $99 USD each. Replacement 3rd generation AirPod earbuds are $69 USD each.
Replacing a lost AirPod with a third-party service
Sam Smart / Android Authority
If you don’t want to shell out that much cash on a replacement bud, you can opt to use a third-party seller. Services like therightpod.com let you buy refurbished AirPod earbud replacements for each generation of AirPod.
Other insurance plans, such as Akko, do cover lost or stolen AirPods. However, there may be a time limit to sign up after purchasing your AirPods. If it has passed, then you can’t use these types of services. We can’t verify the reliability of third-party insurance, however, so be sure to read up on their terms and conditions and check out customer reviews.
Read more: Apple AirPods Pro review: Third time really is the charm
FAQs
No, this plan is not available for headphones. AppleCare+ for Headphones does not cover lost AirPods.
Yes, it is possible to listen to content with only one AirPod — but, of course, you will hear outside noises through the other ear.