AirPods Battery Replacement and Repair Options
By Suraj Giri, reviewed by Suraj Giri on
Published . 5 min read.
Prices from Apple's AirPods service estimate on support.apple.com/airpods/repair, US, checked September 26, 2026. Apple inspects your AirPods to set the final fee; tax and a shipping fee may apply, and Apple Authorized Service Providers set their own prices.
AirPods battery service is Apple servicing AirPods whose batteries have worn down. The same Apple page also prices a damaged or lost AirPod or case. If your AirPods drain fast but aren't old, try AirPods Battery Draining Fast before you pay for anything.
Apple Watch owners have a separate price list: see Apple Watch Battery Replacement.
When Apple Replaces AirPods Batteries for Free
With AppleCare, Apple replaces the battery for no extra charge if the capacity drops below 80%, and its accidental damage protection covers your AirPods and charging case for unlimited repairs for drops and spills. Without AppleCare, the Apple Limited Warranty covers manufacturing issues for one year from the date you bought them, but it doesn't cover accidental damage or batteries that wear down from normal use.
How Much Does AirPods Battery Replacement Cost?
AirPods battery replacement costs $49 for AirPods and AirPods Pro and $79 for AirPods Max in Apple's US out-of-warranty estimate, and $0 with AppleCare+. The table groups the 17 models in Apple's estimate tool (our count on September 26, 2026), using Apple's model names.
| Model | Out-of-warranty battery service | With AppleCare+ |
|---|---|---|
| AirPods 1 (Lightning), AirPods 1 (Wireless), AirPods 2 (Lightning), AirPods 2 (Wireless), AirPods 3 (Lightning), AirPods 3 (MagSafe), AirPods 4, AirPods 4 (ANC), AirPods 5, AirPods 5 (Wireless) | $49 | $0 |
| AirPods Pro 1 (Wireless), AirPods Pro 1 (MagSafe), AirPods Pro 2 (Lightning), AirPods Pro 2 (USB-C), AirPods Pro 3 | $49 | $0 |
| AirPods Max 1, AirPods Max 2 | $79 | $0 |
Apple's estimate, US, checked September 26, 2026. Apple's tool shows one battery service figure per model and doesn't say whether it covers one AirPod, the case or the whole set, so we don't add a unit. If you're not sure which model you have, check your AirPods model numbers.
AirPods Repair Costs for a Damaged or Lost AirPod or Case
Apple's out-of-warranty estimates for a damaged or lost AirPod or case run from $59 to $99, depending on the model and the part. With AppleCare+, Apple's estimate for accidental damage is $29 for every model.
| Model (Apple's names) | Damaged AirPod (left or right) | Damaged case | Lost AirPod (left or right) | Lost case |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AirPods Pro 3, AirPods Pro 2 (USB-C), AirPods Pro 2 (Lightning), AirPods Pro 1 (MagSafe), AirPods Pro 1 (Wireless) | $89 | $89 | $89 | $99 |
| AirPods 5 (Wireless), AirPods 4 (ANC), AirPods 3 (MagSafe), AirPods 2 (Wireless), AirPods 1 (Wireless) | $69 | $69 | $69 | $79 |
| AirPods 5, AirPods 4, AirPods 3 (Lightning) | $69 | $59 | $69 | $69 |
| AirPods 2 (Lightning), AirPods 1 (Lightning) | $69 | $59 | $69 | $59 |
| AirPods Max 1, AirPods Max 2 | Not listed | Not listed | Not listed | Not listed |
Apple's estimate, US, out of warranty, checked September 26, 2026. For AirPods Max, the tool lists only battery service and "Other damage", with no figure for other damage: Apple needs to inspect them to give a personalized estimate. If you lose your AirPods or case, Apple says you can order a replacement.
How to Get AirPods Repaired
To get AirPods repaired, start online, then choose how Apple sees them:
- Online first: on Apple's AirPods repair page, tell Apple what's going on with your AirPods, and it shows solutions to try or helps you arrange a repair or replacement.
- In person: at the Genius Bar or an Apple Authorized Service Provider, technicians inspect your AirPods, explain your options and handle it from there. Service providers can set their own fees.
- Mail-in: Apple sends a prepaid shipping box, so you can mail your AirPods in on your schedule, without an appointment.
Have the serial number ready. AirPods and AirPods Pro share one serial number with their case, printed on the underside of the charging case lid; on AirPods Max, detach the left magnetic ear cushion to see it. It's also in Settings on your iPhone: tap Bluetooth, tap the name of your AirPods, then tap the More Info button next to your AirPods. On a Mac, open System Settings, click Bluetooth, click the name of your AirPods, then click the More Info button next to them.
What Happens After You Book
Apple inspects your AirPods to determine the final service fee. It guarantees the service and replacement parts for 90 days or the remaining term of your Apple warranty, whichever is longer, and the parts may be new or previously used genuine Apple parts that have been tested and pass Apple functional requirements. With AppleCare, Apple says it will send replacement AirPods before you send yours back; its repair page doesn't say whether that applies to battery service. Service options may vary based on parts availability and location. To follow the repair, sign in to My Support or the Apple Support app with your Apple Account.
Before You Pay: Fixes to Try First
Each of these symptoms has its own fix page with Apple's steps, so work through yours before you book: AirPods Case Not Charging? Causes and Fixes, AirPods Not Charging, AirPods Max Not Turning On, and the steps for when one AirPod stopped working. For drain, AirPods Battery Draining Fast comes first. Firmware installs on its own: Apple says firmware updates are delivered automatically while your AirPods are charging and in Bluetooth range of your iPhone, iPad or Mac that's connected to Wi-Fi.
Does AppleCare or the Warranty Cover AirPods Batteries?
AppleCare covers a worn battery: Apple replaces it for no extra charge once capacity drops below 80%, and for service covered by an AppleCare plan the fee is the same at Apple and all Apple Authorized Service Providers. The one-year Apple Limited Warranty doesn't cover batteries that wear down from normal use. Apple's repair page links a check of your coverage status.
How Long Do AirPods Batteries Last?
Apple's repair page gives no lifespan figure for AirPods batteries. How Long Do AirPods Last has the full answer, and AirPods Battery Draining Fast covers AirPods that drain early.
AirPods Repair Questions
Two parts people ask about fixing at home: the ear tips and the battery.
Can I replace AirPods Pro ear tips myself?
Yes. Ear tips aren't a battery repair, and you can buy a new set from the Apple Online Store, an Apple Store or another authorized retailer. To swap one, grip the ear tip near its base and pull straight out, then align the new tip with the oval-shaped connector and push until it clicks. Apple designs ear tips for each AirPods Pro model and says to use the ones that come with yours.
Can I replace an AirPods battery myself?
Apple's battery service goes through Apple: the Genius Bar, an Apple Authorized Service Provider or mail-in. Apple's Self Service Repair page lists repair manuals for iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple displays and Beats, not AirPods, and Apple's 90-day guarantee covers its own service and replacement parts.