Can you buy a single AirPod? Here’s how to do it

Apple’s AirPods are beautiful but also expensive. It’s a bitter pill when you lose a pair of headphones. Can you buy a single AirPod? So, that you can put the Earbuds in both ears at the same time. Let’s find out how and where you can buy a single AirPod individually.

However, Apple does not plan to buy individual AirPods. You won’t find a single headphone for the left or right ear on display in stores. However, there is a way to get just one AirPod online.

Can you buy a single AirPod?

Yes, you can buy a single AirPod. Fortunately, Apple has anticipated this problem and designed the AirPods so that you can easily replace both the Earbuds themselves and the charging case individually. They have set up a dedicated service page where you can reorder individual AirPods after a loss.

AppleCare+ does not cover a replacement AirPod. So, the replacement parts aren’t exactly cheap. On the other hand, you do not have to dig quite as deep into your pocket for an AirPod as for a new complete set.

Where can I buy one AirPod?

The safest way is to buy one AirPod from direct Apple. You can also order a lost or broken charging case directly from Apple. This price is $89 for AirPods Pro and $69 for AirPods or AirPods 3^rd Gneration.. The wireless and MagSafe variants for the normal AirPods cost $79 each (all prices as of June 2022).

To get a replacement AirPod from Apple, you need the serial number. Ideally, you still have the receipt or original box where you can read the serial number. You should also take the charging case with you when you pick up the replacement at a local Apple store.

Buy a single AirPod: Here’s how to do it at Apple

If you want to reorder an AirPod spare part from Apple, proceed as follows:

• Open the service page designated for AirPod replacements.
• Scroll down to the section for “lost AirPods.”
• Here, select the “Replace a lost AirPod” option.
• Then select “Order a replacement.”
• Sign in with your Apple ID.
• Hold the serial number of your AirPods and follow the instructions to complete the order.

Sometimes you can also find individual AirPods for the left or right ear on “eBay,” “eBay Classifieds,” and other portals with private sellers. Here you can often order the replacement cheaper because, someone has lost an AirPod and does not want to reorder a new single headphone. However, pay attention to the buyer ratings to avoid getting fake AirPods or defective goods.

What you need to buy a single AirPod

Apple is aware that a single AirPod can be defective or lost due to an accident or an oversight. Due to this, you also have the option to purchase just one AirPod.

The prerequisite for this service from Apple is that you have an original invoice and can use it to prove your identity to customer service. Therefore, you should also insist on receiving the original invoice when buying used AirPods.

To buy a single AirPod, you need to fill out the appropriate form on Apple’s website and attach a digital copy of the original invoice.

If only the battery of an AirPod needs to be replaced, you must send it to Apple in a padded envelop. If you covered by AppleCare+, then they won’t charge you, but if you don’t, Apple charges $49 per AirPod or AirPods Pro for this service.

Can I replace AirPods individually if I lose one?

Yes, you can replace one AirPod if you lose or broke. This not only saves users from buying new ones, but Apple also benefits from it. If there is a warranty claim, the company can simply replace the defective component and not the entire product.

How to replace a single AirPod – here’s how

To buy a replacement airpod, a few setup steps are required. Usually, the charging case should recognize the new AirPod, but the connection with the iPhone or iPad needs to be re-established.

• Go to Bluetooth in Settings, tap the (i) next to the AirPods,.
• And then tap Ignore this device. Confirm by ignoring the device.
• Put the new AirPod into the charging case along with the old one, leaving the lid open.
• The indicator should now flash orange (Apple calls the color “yellow”).
• Press and hold the button on the back of the charging case until it flashes white.
• Open the case and finish the setup process on the iPhone.

Occasionally, replacement AirPods may not be recognized by the charging case. In this case, you should contact Apple Support. Solving the problem, yourself is possible but overly complicated and lengthy, which is why we do not recommend it.

Alternative: Carry-in repair of the AirPod

Instead of buying a new single AirPod, you can also drop it off at the nearest Apple store and have it repaired if it is defective. The repair takes an average of one week. In addition, Apple Support is also available to help you with any problems. To contact Apple support, you will need the serial number of the AirPods, which you can find on the bottom of the charging case.

Replacing the charging case

In case of a defective or lost charging case, you can replace this as well. Since Apple does not cover this, the service also costs $29 during the warranty period. Out of warranty, both the warranty replacement and a new case will cost $59 if you can provide an original invoice.

Buying a single AirPod is possible – but costly

However, Apple pays well for the replacement of individual AirPods or the charging case. If you add up the individual prices for the left and right AirPods and the charging case, the result is a higher sum than the total package costs. For example, the new AirPods (3rd generation) cost $179.

However, if you take the individual prices, $89 per AirPod Pro, $99 for the MagSafe charging case. To buy a single AirPod or the charging case, you must contact Apple support. This is possible online via chat, in the Apple Store, or by phone. Here are the price lists:

In the Apple Store, the AirPods can usually be exchanged directly, provided that replacement units are in stock. However, the company can charge up to $6.59 for shipping to the customer.

You should note that the individual AirPods only come in the simple outer packaging. Except for the AirPods Pro, which Apple still includes the silicone attachments in three sizes, the replacement devices come without any accessories.

New replacement parts are practically only available from Apple itself and also only via customer support. One exception is the charging case for the 2nd generation AirPods, which is also available from other retailers. However, those who do not want to spend that much money have alternatives. For example, you can find refurbished, single AirPods for little money on the Internet. Even third-party charging cases work with original AirPods and are significantly cheaper.

You can also read related article: How to update AirPods Pro Firmware