Does AppleCare cover a lost AirPod?

Update: February 3, 2023: We updated this article to include how to connect a replacement AirPod to your iPhone.

Original article: August, 2022: 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.

Replacing a lost AirPod through Apple

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 each. Replacement 3rd generation AirPod earbuds are $69 each.

Replacing a lost AirPod with a third-party service

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.

How to set up a replacement AirPod

Okay, so you received your replacement AirPod, but now it’s time to pair it with the earbud from the original set of AirPods. Resetting the AirPods together creates a link between the two earbuds. After that, you can pair the AirPods to your Apple device like new.

1. Place the new and old AirPod earbuds into the charging case.
2. Close the lid of the case.
3. Open the lid, and wait for the LED to flash amber.
4. Press and hold the button on the back of the case and wait for the LED to flash white.
5. Unlock your iPhone and bring the AirPods near the phone.
6. Wait for the pop-up card to appear. It will read, “Not Your AirPods Pro.”
7. Tap Connect.

Read more: Apple AirPods Pro review: Third time really is the charm

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