Can AirPods Be Fixed? | Repair Options Guide

AirPods fail for a handful of reasons: pairing glitches, debris in the mesh, weak batteries, or a lost bud. The good news is you have several paths before you give up. This guide shows what you can fix at home and when Apple’s service makes sense, with direct links to the steps and policies you’ll use.

Can AirPods Be Fixed? Repair Paths That Work

Quick check: Start with the lowest-risk fixes first. Many “broken” AirPods spring back after a full reset, a gentle clean, and a fresh pairing sequence. Apple documents these steps and they take minutes to try. If hardware is actually failing, Apple can service batteries for a fee and can replace a single left or right earbud or the case when needed. Apple service overview, reset steps.

• Reset the pair — Put both buds in the case, close the lid for ~20–30 seconds, then open. Press and hold the case’s setup button until the status light flashes amber, then white; reconnect on your phone. Official reset.
• Clean the sound path — Use a soft brush and a dry swab to lift lint and wax from the grill. Keep liquid away from the openings. You can clean the case with a dry cloth around the charging wells.
• Charge long enough — Seat both buds firmly, close the lid, and charge via cable for at least 30 minutes. Firmware updates and calibration states settle best after a longer charge. Firmware update context.
• Test with another device — Pair to a second phone or a laptop. If sound or mic issues move with the AirPods, you’re looking at an earbud issue; if they stay with one device, it’s a phone setting or app problem.
• Run Apple’s service flow — If the issue persists, use Apple’s service page to get an estimate, arrange mail-in service, or book a visit. Get an estimate.

Fixing AirPods: Costs, Warranty, And Battery Service

Bottom line for costs: Apple offers battery service and one-part replacements, but prices vary by model and region. The official page routes you to a live estimate for your country, and Apple Authorized Service Providers may set their own fees. Apple pricing flow.

What service covers depends on your coverage status. With AppleCare+, batteries that test under 80% capacity are covered at no extra charge during the plan term, and you’ll also have accidental damage coverage with a per-incident service fee. AppleCare+ overview, battery service note.

Problem	Fix Path	Source
Won’t pair or drops connection	Full reset, re-pair, charge case 30+ minutes	Apple reset guide
One bud quiet or dead	Clean grills; try reset; arrange single-earbud replacement	Apple service
Battery fades fast	Battery service via Apple; covered with AppleCare+ if under 80% capacity	AppleCare+ policy
Lost left/right bud or case	Purchase a single replacement part from Apple	Replace a part
Liquid exposure	Service isn’t covered by the base warranty; replacement is typical	Liquid damage policy

Proven At-Home Fixes Before You Pay

Quick check: Knock out these basics to rule out common hiccups. They’re safe, fast, and line up with Apple’s own help pages.

Reset And Re-Pair

1. Charge the case — Top it up via cable for at least 30 minutes with both buds inside.
2. Reset the set — Open the lid and hold the setup button until the light flashes amber, then white. Apple reset.
3. Reconnect on your phone — Open the case next to your iPhone and follow the card, or pair from Bluetooth settings on Android.

Clean The Audio Path

• Brush the mesh — Use a clean, dry soft brush to lift lint and dust from the speaker grill and mics.
• Dry swab only — A dry cotton swab helps around edges. Skip liquids on the openings.
• Clear the case wells — Dust in the charging wells interrupts contact; tap out crumbs and brush carefully.

Let Firmware Catch Up

Deeper fix: Firmware updates install automatically. Keep the case open near your iPhone while charging for a while, then check the firmware number in Bluetooth settings; if it’s stale, reset and leave them charging again. Update conditions.

When Repair Beats Replacement

Decision tip: Use repair when one piece fails but the rest still works, or when a battery test qualifies for service. Apple supports single-part replacements and standardized battery service across AirPods models, and you can use mail-in or local provider options. Service choices.

• One bad bud — Replace only the left or right piece. The new bud will be matched to your case after a reset. Single-bud replacement.
• Case won’t charge — Replace the case alone if the earbuds still charge and play correctly. Case replacement path.
• Battery service — If battery health is below Apple’s threshold during AppleCare+, service is covered. Out of coverage, Apple lists a service fee in the estimate tool. Coverage rules, estimate tool.
• Authorized providers — If you visit a partner like Best Buy, pricing should mirror Apple’s structure, and they can complete many jobs in a few business days. Authorized service.

When You Should Replace Instead

Straight talk: Some issues aren’t worth chasing. If water has entered the drivers or mic assembly, or the buds were through a wash cycle, recovery is unpredictable and tends to get worse with time. Apple’s forums and policies point to replacement rather than repair in these cases. Forum guidance, liquid policy.

• Water damage — Replace the affected piece; drying tricks don’t restore consistent audio or ANC.
• Severe physical damage — Cracks near the stem or torn mic mesh usually mean swap, not fix.
• Multiple aged parts — If both buds and the case show weak runtime, a full set is often the better spend than piecemeal service.

“Can AirPods Be Fixed?” In Warranty And AppleCare+ Scenarios

Coverage terms shape your best move. During the standard warranty, manufacturing defects are covered; wear from normal battery aging isn’t. With AppleCare+, batteries under 80% capacity are covered during the plan term, and accidental damage has a per-incident fee. Replacements sent through Apple’s Express Replacement Service help you stay up and running while the return is processed. AppleCare+ terms, Express Replacement Service.

What Apple Guarantees After A Repair

Good to know: Apple guarantees service and parts for 90 days or the remainder of your warranty/AppleCare term, whichever is longer. Replacement units may contain new or previously used genuine parts that pass Apple testing. Service guarantee.

Model-Specific Notes Worth Checking

• AirPods (1st–3rd gen) — Full reset and cleaning solve many audio balance and mic issues. Battery service and single-bud replacements are available through Apple. Service page.
• AirPods Pro (1st–2nd gen) — Eartips and vents can clog; swap tips and clean grills before assuming hardware failure. Known issues are handled under warranty/AppleCare+ when applicable. Service page.
• AirPods Max — Ear cushions are user-replaceable; other repairs route through Apple. Battery service is covered with AppleCare+ when capacity falls below 80% during the plan term. Coverage rules.

How To Pair A Replacement Bud

Heads-up: Replacement earbuds must match the exact model and generation of your existing set. After you receive the new piece, you’ll pair the two together with a reset so the case can assign a fresh identity to the pair. Official replacement flow.

1. Place both buds in the case — Old and replacement together, lid open.
2. Hold the setup button — Wait for amber, then white; this creates a new matched pair.
3. Connect on your phone — Follow the on-screen card or add from Bluetooth settings.

DIY Repair Reality Check

Practical view: AirPods are tiny, glued assemblies. While skilled hobbyists have published battery replacement teardowns, the process uses hot air, delicate prying, and micro-soldering risks that easily destroy the housing. For most users, Apple’s battery service or one-part replacement is the safer route with a warranty on the work. iFixit battery swap example, Apple service guarantee.

When To Say “Replacement” And Move On

Save time: If you’ve tried a reset, a deep clean, a long charge, and pairing to another device—and the same ear still cuts out or the mic stays muffled—it’s time for service. Use Apple’s estimate tool to price a single bud or a case, or explore a new set if multiple parts are failing. If your plan includes AppleCare+, check eligibility and decide whether a covered battery service or an accidental damage incident fits your situation best. Estimate, coverage check.

Reader-Friendly Cheatsheet

• Start simple — Reset, clean, charge 30+ minutes, test on another device.
• Use Apple’s tool — Get a price for battery service or a single-part replacement.
• Lean on AppleCare+ — Battery under 80% is covered during the plan; accidental damage uses a flat service fee.
• Skip liquid fixes — Water inside the drivers rarely recovers; replace the affected part.
• DIY is risky — Tiny adhesive seams and solder points make home repairs easy to ruin.

So, can airpods be fixed? Yes—in many cases you’ll revive them with resets, cleaning, and fresh pairing, and Apple covers batteries that test below its threshold during AppleCare+. When hardware is gone for good, Apple’s one-part replacement keeps costs contained. Use the official estimate tool to price your exact model and region, and you’ll know whether to repair or replace in minutes. Start here.