AirPods don't have user-replaceable batteries — Apple replaces them for you

You cannot open an AirPod and swap out the battery yourself. The battery is sealed inside, and prying it open will break the device. Instead, Apple offers a battery replacement service through Apple Stores and authorized repair shops. For standard AirPods, AirPods Pro, or AirPods Max, the cost is typically between $49 and $79 per earbud or headphone, depending on the model. The process takes a few days to a week.

Before you pay for a replacement, check whether your AirPods are still under warranty or covered by AppleCare+. If you bought them within the last year, battery degradation may be covered at no cost. If you have AppleCare+, battery service is covered as long as your plan is active.

Key Takeaways

  • AirPods batteries cannot be replaced by the user — you must send them to Apple or visit an Apple Store.
  • Battery replacement costs $49 to $79 per earbud depending on your model, unless you have AppleCare+ or are still under the one-year limited warranty.
  • Check your purchase date and warranty status in the Settings app before scheduling a repair.
  • The repair process takes three to seven business days, and you will be without your AirPods during that time.

Check your warranty status before you pay

Open the Settings app on your iPhone or iPad, then go to General > About. Scroll down and tap AirPods. You will see the serial number and model. Write down the serial number — you will need it when you contact Apple.

Next, visit support.apple.com/repair and enter your serial number. The page will show you whether your AirPods are still covered by the one-year limited warranty. If you bought them less than a year ago and the battery is draining faster than normal, you may not owe anything. If you have AppleCare+, the page will also confirm that your plan is active and covers battery service.

If you are out of warranty and do not have AppleCare+, you will pay the full service fee. There is no middle ground — Apple does not offer discounted out-of-warranty battery replacement.

Schedule a repair through Apple or an authorized shop

Go to support.apple.com/repair-options and select your device model. You can choose to mail your AirPods to Apple, visit an Apple Store in person, or take them to an authorized Apple repair shop. Mail-in repair is the slowest option but works if no Apple Store is near you. In-store repair is fastest if you have a location nearby.

If you choose mail-in repair, Apple will send you a prepaid shipping label. Pack your AirPods in a small box with padding and drop them off at any shipping location. Apple will receive them in two to three business days, repair them in one to two days, and ship them back. Total time is usually five to seven business days.

For in-store or authorized shop repair, call ahead to confirm they have the parts in stock. Some locations can complete the repair the same day if you arrive early, but most take one to three business days.

What happens during the repair

Apple does not repair individual AirPods — they replace the entire earbud or headphone unit. This means you will receive a refurbished device that has been tested and certified to work like new. The refurbished unit will have the same warranty as a new device from that point forward.

If both earbuds need battery replacement, you will pay the service fee twice. Some people choose to replace only one earbud and keep using the other until it fails, since the cost adds up quickly.

Apple will not transfer your settings or pairing information to the replacement — you will need to re-pair the new earbud to your devices after you receive it. This takes about one minute and happens automatically when you open the charging case near your iPhone.

Signs your AirPod battery is failing

A healthy AirPod should hold a charge for about five to six hours of listening time on a single charge. If your AirPods are draining in two hours or less, or if they die suddenly without warning, the battery is likely failing. You might also notice that one earbud drains much faster than the other.

Check your battery level by opening Control Center on your iPhone (swipe down from the top right) and looking at the battery percentage shown for each earbud. If the percentages are wildly different — for example, one at 80% and one at 20% — one battery is degrading faster than the other.

Battery degradation is normal over time. AirPods are designed to retain about 80% of their original battery capacity after 500 charge cycles. If you use your AirPods daily, you will reach 500 cycles in about two years.

Extend your current AirPod battery life while you wait

If you cannot afford the repair right now or are waiting for an appointment, you can stretch out your battery life by turning off features you do not use. Open Settings on your iPhone, go to Bluetooth, tap the information icon next to your AirPods, and turn off Automatic Ear Detection. This prevents the AirPods from pausing when you remove them, which saves power.

You can also reduce the frequency of charging by lowering the volume and avoiding noise-cancellation mode if your model has it. Noise cancellation uses significantly more battery than standard listening mode.

Keep your AirPods in their charging case as much as possible when you are not using them. The case charges the earbuds and also protects the battery from temperature extremes, which can speed up degradation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I replace just one AirPod if only one battery is bad?

Yes. You pay the service fee for each earbud you want replaced. Many people replace one at a time to spread out the cost, though you will need to keep using the old earbud until you can afford to replace its pair.

What if my AirPods are damaged but the battery is fine?

Physical damage is not covered by the standard warranty, but Apple may still repair or replace them for a fee. The cost varies depending on the damage. Contact Apple Support to get a quote before you commit to a repair.

Will I lose my settings and pairing when I get the replacement?

Yes. The replacement earbud will be a refurbished device with no memory of your previous settings. You will need to re-pair it to your iPhone, which takes about one minute and happens automatically when you open the charging case nearby.

How long do AirPod batteries last before they need replacement?

Most AirPods last two to three years before the battery degrades noticeably. This depends on how often you charge them and how you store them. Frequent charging and exposure to heat will shorten battery life.

Is AppleCare+ worth it for battery replacement?

AppleCare+ costs $29 for standard AirPods and covers battery service, accidental damage, and loss or theft. If you plan to keep your AirPods for more than two years, the coverage may pay for itself through one battery replacement alone.