I recently lost my right AirPod Pro (2nd gen) earbud. As disheartening as it was knowing I’d probably have to replace it, I was shocked to find out how much Apple charges to get a replacement! For the AirPod Pro (2nd gen), it was going to cost me $89 to replace a single AirPod earbud! My pair was around a year old and I was already seeing signs of wear to my case’s battery and I had dropped my AirPods enough to second-guess the idea of just replacing one of the AirPods.
So what did I do? I wasn’t ready to shell out $89 for a single earbud. I decided to check what was available on Swappa and was pleasantly surprised to find that I could get a like new, used pair for around $140. Not only am I getting a full set but I’ll have a backup charging case and a left earbud when I inevitably lose it. In my opinion, that’s a killer deal.
Can I replace just one airpod (right or left)?
Yes, you can replace the right, left, or charge case. You will need to go through a syncing process to pair the new AirPod to the case.
What is the setup process for pairing replacement AirPods with an AirPod charging case?
- Put both of your AirPods in the charging case.
- With the lid closed, connect the case to power for at least 20 minutes.
- Open the lid and check the status light. It should flash amber.
- Find the small round setup button on the case and press and hold for 15 seconds until the status light flashes white.
- Go to the Home Screen on your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch.
- Open the case while the AirPods are still inside. Hold the case next to your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch and a setup screen will appear on your screen.
- Tap Connect, then tap Done.
What should I do if I’m having trouble pairing my AirPods?
Here are some simple troubleshooting steps:
- Check to make sure your AirPods and the case are charged. Plug them in and let them site for at least 20 minutes before trying to pair again.
- Bluetooth should be turned on in your phone’s settings. Open your Control Center or the Bluetooth section of the Settings app
- Restart your phone to potentially fix any Bluetooth pairing issues you might encounter
- Update your iOS if you’re using an older version.
How much does a new AirPod earbud cost?
The cost of a replacement AirPod depends on the model and generation. You can check the cost of a replacement on Apple’s service estimation page.
At the time this article was written, the cost to replace a single AirPod from Apple are:
- AirPods (single, any generation) $69
- Case for AirPods $79
- AirPods Pro (single, any generation) $89
- Case for AirPods Pro $99
How can I pair my AirPods to a new case?
It’s a quick, easy process that requires you to put the AirPods in the new case and reset them using the setup button on the case. See the instructions from earlier in this article.
Are there any alternatives to Apple to buy a single replacement AirPod?
There are places where you can buy a replacement AirPod other than Apple but you are likely rolling the dice when it comes to authenticity. Apple AirPods are a popular product for counterfeiters to fake because they are so popular and integrate so well with the Apple ecosystem. Before you decide to purchase a replacement AirPod, just make sure it’s authentic and that you’re buying from a reputable source.