Smart AudioOpen-Ear vs Bone Conduction vs Earbuds vs Over-Ear: Which Fitness Headphones Should You Choose?Does Apple Care Cover Lost AirPods?
Find out if AppleCare covers lost AirPods, what replacement options exist, and how much a new pair costs.
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What’s inside4 sections · 2 min read
If you have lost your AirPods recently, then I will save you from the dilemma that Apple does not cover lost AirPods under its warranty or AppleCare+. Apple will take care of the damages done if it comes under their warranty, but is not bound to cover expenses for your lost AirPods.
Additionally, if you have lost your AirPod case, you will need to pay for its replacement.
What AppleCare+ Does Cover?#
| Coverage Area | Details |
|---|---|
| Duration | 2 years from the date of AppleCare+ purchase |
| Accidental Damage Protection | A service fee of $19.99/mo |
| Battery Service | Coverage if the battery retains less than 80% of its original capacity |
| Hardware Coverage | Includes repair or replacement for AirPods, charging case, and included charging cable |
| Software Support | Assistance with issues like Siri, Bluetooth connectivity, and other software-related inquiries |
| Express Replacement Service | Replacement device shipped to you; return of original device required within 10 business days |
| Service Options | Carry-in repair at Apple Store or Authorized Service Provider Mail-in repair Pickup and delivery service |
| Technical Support | 24/7 priority access to Apple experts via chat or phone |
Why Apple Does Not Cover Lost AirPods?#
Being an Apple user, you might want a sense of assurance when your Apple AirPods are lost. However, there is only so much that Apple and AppleCare+ can do.
Since Apple offers repairs for accidental damage, covering lost AirPods will be a totally different query. I guess many users can exploit them in this way, which is why it is not an option. Not just Apple, no other brand would consider this option to be beneficial from a business perspective.
The best Apple can do is put it under the ‘Find My’ option to make tracking easy. However, covering lost AirPods, which seems like a case of theft or user negligence, is not Apple’s concern. All in all, the high risk of abuse is one of the major reasons why Apple does not cover Lost AirPods.
Final Thoughts#
Although Apple warranty and AppleCare+ do take responsibility for some of the damages, theft and losing your AirPods do not fall into this category. AppleCare+ does not even guarantee replacement for scratches and dents. See my stance on if AppleCare+ is even worth it for your Apple Watch!
This is why I am always cautious with Apple products; otherwise, it might become very risky. Anyway, now you know that your 100% attention and care should be on your AirPods because once they are lost, it is only your responsibility to find them again becuase you won’t get any replacement.
Frequently Asked Questions [FAQS]#
01Can anyone else use your lost or stolen AirPods?
If your AirPods are signed in to your iCloud and Find My App is enabled on the iPhone, then no one else can use them. You can lock it on iCloud and the Find My App to prevent anyone else from using it.
02Does AppleCare cover stolen AirPods?
No, AppleCare does not cover stolen AirPods as well.
03Does Apple offer a replacement for a single lost AirPod?
Yes, Apple does offer a replacement for a single lost AirPod.
04Does Apple reduce the price of lost AirPods?
No, Apple does not reduce the price of lost AirPods.
LJWritten by
With a practical, real-world approach to testing, Lokesh focused on smart audio wearables at WearableXP. He covers wireless earbuds, open-ear headphones and audio-enabled devices, evaluating how sound quality, comfort, battery life and connectivity come together to fit naturally into everyday routines like commuting, workouts and remote work.
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