AirPod Replacement Guide: How to Replace Lost or Damaged AirPods

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Krisp plus AirPods equals the best listening experience you’ve ever had. Krisp is known for its perfect background noise cancellation, and AirPods for their exceptional performance. While Krisp promises clear communication, it can only work its magic if your headphones are in good condition. Keeping your AirPods undamaged is essential. However, sometimes things go out of hand, and you find yourself needing an airpod replacement. 

Whether you’ve lost or damaged an AirPod, this guide will help you navigate the replacement process, ensuring that you continue to enjoy seamless audio quality and uninterrupted communication, especially when paired with tools like Krisp.

Every day, people look for new ways to simplify their lives. Big companies compete with each other and themselves to create and offer the best innovations. 

Apple is one of the aspiring companies that never ceases to amaze its customers. Imagine the expressions of awe, when at Apple’s keynote presentation in 2016 they first introduced Airpods. If you own a pair of groundbreaking AirPods, you may know the struggle of losing one. They are undoubtedly comfortable and convenient for both work and workouts, but they are also very small, making them easy to misplace or damage. 

If you’ve lost or damaged an AirPod, this article will help you figure out what to do next to get your AirPods back and continue enjoying your best experience. 

Are Your AirPods Eligible for Replacement? 

Don’t worry if your AirPods are damaged or lost. Many people lose at least one of their AirPods every day. If this happens to you, just stay calm and understand your next steps. 

First things first: don’t rush to buy a new pair of AirPods, just find out if your AirPods are eligible for replacement as a replacement will cost you little or no money. 

Assess the type of Damage

If you’ve lost one or both AirPods, there is nothing to assess, but if your AirPods are not functioning properly, you need to define the type of damage in order to determine if they can be replaced. 

Physical damage

AirPods and water are not the best match, so if they were exposed to water or they have other physical damage they can not be replaced or covered under the standard warranty. But, if you have AppleCare+ then you may get a replacement, of course, you still need to pay, but it will cost you not much. 

Battery Issues

You need to pay attention to this issue, as you may not recognize it at first. Battery degradation happens frequently; it means the batteries don’t charge like they used to. This issue can be solved easily; you need a warranty or AppleCare+. Your AirPods might be eligible for a replacement in this case. 

Decline in Sound Quality

Audio issues are common and can happen to every headphone. So, if your sound quality has issues, for example, one AirPod is quieter than the other one, or it has distortion or other problems, it will be considered a hardware defect and will be eligible for replacement. 

Do you have a Warranty or AppleCare+ coverage?

After identifying the type of damage you need to look for your warranty or AppleCare+ coverage, of course, if you have one. These options will help you get a free replacement or at least a discounted replacement. 

AirPods products include a limited warranty covering hardware repairs for a year and up to ninety days of free technical support. With AppleCare+, your coverage is extended to two years from the date of purchase and includes unlimited accidental damage protection. Each incident is subject to a $29 service fee and applicable tax. Furthermore, you’ll receive priority access to Apple specialists by phone or chat around the clock.

How to Check Your Coverage

It is the easiest part, you just have to visit the Apple Support website and enter your AirPods’ serial number to check your warranty status and AppleCare+ coverage. This can help you understand what’s covered and the associated costs, if any, for a replacement.

What’s Covered

AppleCare+ typically covers issues like battery degradation, speaker malfunctions, and other hardware failures. If a manufacturing defect damaged your AirPods, Apple would likely replace them free of charge.

What’s Not Covered

AppleCare+ does not cover the loss of AirPods, so if you’ve misplaced one or both of your AirPods, you’ll need to purchase a replacement.

Official or Third-Party AirPod Replacement? 

When it comes to replacing AirPods, you have two options. The first one, of course, is the best choice if you want to stay on the safe side. The second one may be risky but may save you some money. Let’s go through two options, and then you can make an informed decision.

Why Choose the Official One?

If you are looking for premium quality, less hassle, and full compatibility, then this option is just for you. You can be sure the new AirPods you purchase from Apple will be authentic and compatible with your current Apple ecosystem. This implies that your new AirPods will work perfectly with your iPhone, iPad, Mac, and Apple Watch, preserving functions like “Hey Siri,” spatial audio, and automated device switching.

Also, if anything goes wrong with the official replacement, the company takes responsibility and will do everything to correct it. Usually, they are very responsive and supportive.

The only downside to this option is the price, so it may not be the best option for those trying to save money. Let’s dive into the pros and cons of the official AirPod replacement option.

Pros of Using Apple’s Official Replacement Service

Guaranteed Quality and Authenticity

As we’ve discussed earlier, Apple’s official replacement ensures that all replacement parts are genuine, which promises an appropriate lifespan for the AirPods. This statement is crucial as the longevity of the new AirPods depends on this.

Warranty Protection

All the repairs authorized by Apple come with a warranty on the replaced parts, which is essential, as sometimes already replaced parts may have some problems or may not work properly. In many cases, repairs may be covered under the device’s original warranty or AppleCare plan.

Highly Trained Technicians

No matter how good a technician is, if they are not trained and certified in Apple products, they may have difficulty diagnosing a problem with the device. So, Apple’s technicians can ensure a high standard of repair quality. This reduces the risk of errors during the repair process.

Access to the Latest Tools and Techniques

As long as the technician performs an accurate diagnostic, you don’t need specific software. However, sometimes the problems your AirPods have may not be common, and in such cases, you will need the help of diagnostic software. Apple provides its service centers with the latest tools and diagnostic software, which can lead to more accurate and effective repairs.

Support and Service Records

If you often encounter problems, then this will make you happy. If today you need the right AirPod replacement and tomorrow you need the left AirPod replacement, then you need to track the service history. In this case, you don’t need to explain the problem to specialists every time; they will just see the tracking history. This can also add to the resale value of the device, as buyers often prefer devices serviced by Apple.

Cons of Using Apple’s Official Replacement Service

Higher Cost

For good service, you need to pay the price. It’s true, that Apple’s official replacement services are often more expensive than third-party repair options, which is why third-party replacements seem more appealing. Although the higher price indicates that genuine parts and skilled experts are used, it might be a major drawback for clients on a tight budget.

Longer Wait Times

Using Apple’s official service may occasionally result in longer wait times for appointments or repairs, depending on demand and location. This is especially true when compared to third-party services that may be quicker.

Limited Repair Options

Apple prefers replacing over repairing. This may seem like the perfect option, but a replacement AirPod will cost more than repairing it or its components. Additionally, sometimes they may suggest purchasing a new one instead of repairing or replacing your existing one.

Geographical Restrictions

Apple users are spread around the world, but their official service centers are not available in every corner of the world. This might be a problem for those who live in more remote or less populated areas. Consequently, some users may find it difficult or impossible to obtain official services without making large travel commitments.

Less Flexibility

There may be some changes or repairs that third-party sellers offer that Apple’s stringent repair procedures prohibit. Furthermore, if an unauthorized service provider has previously fixed a device, Apple may decline to provide further support for it.

The Charm of Third-Party Replacements

Third-party replacement is an interesting option, as it can either go smoothly or present challenges. It’s a budget-friendly choice, which is why many people opt for third-party replacements. However, it’s important to remember that if things don’t go as planned, additional costs may arise.

This option is quite appealing if you need a replacement quickly and want to save money. It can offer some significant benefits, so let’s dive in and explore the pros and cons of third-party replacements.

Pros of Using Third-Party Vendors for AirPod Replacement

Cost Efficiency

Cost efficiency is the greatest and most obvious advantage of the third-party option. Specialized services from third-party providers are frequently less expensive than hiring teams or allocating resources internally. This can lower capital expenditure and overhead costs.

Expertise and Specialization

Vendors usually specialize in specific services or products, offering a depth of expertise and industry knowledge that might not be readily available within your organization.

Scalability and Flexibility

Apple’s official service centers usually operate slowly, which is why third-party vendors can move the needle. AirPods are essential for everyday use, and fast fixes are appreciated by every user.

Access to Advanced Technology

We know that Apple has the best diagnosing software for its products, but third-party vendors are also good in this sphere. Vendors often make investments to acquire the latest technologies and infrastructure. Consequently, they provide businesses with access to cutting-edge tools and services.

Risk Mitigation

It is possible to shift some risks—like legal obligations, technological malfunctions, and compliance—to the vendor and thus lessen the business’s exposure.

Cons of Using Third-Party Vendors

Loss of Control

Vendor services can be great, but there is no control in this business. All you can do is rely on the vendors and trust that they are being honest with you. This can lead to quality and service issues.

Security and Compliance Risks

Nowadays, nobody feels completely safe and protected from fraud, which is why data sharing is considered a sensitive topic. Unfortunately, people don’t know how vendors will treat the data they receive from various customers. Here again, we face the issue of no control.

Hidden Costs

Dealing with third-party services may lead to additional costs that may not be apparent at first. We know that vendors offer services cheaper than Apple’s official service centers, but we rarely consider that the price can accumulate from hidden costs such as service add-ons, penalties, or management fees, making outsourcing more expensive than anticipated.

Dependency

While not often discussed, there is a risk of dependency on third-party services. An excessive reliance on outside suppliers may create a dependency that is costly or difficult to break. Operational disruption can be significant if the vendor defaults on a contract or ceases operations.

Communication Challenges

Apple’s official service centers are always available to help, and you can contact them almost anytime you need. However, third-party service providers may not offer the same level of availability. Communication problems may arise when working with an outside vendor, especially if there are language barriers, time zone differences, or cultural difficulties.

Enhance Your AirPods Experience with Krisp

If you want to take your audio experience to a whole new level, then you should pair it with Krisp. Krisp’s AI-powered noise cancellation magic tool works perfectly with AirPods. It will ensure that your voice is super clear without any background noise, also it will help you hear the sound more clearly than ever. 

With Krisp you can work, enjoy your music, or catch up with friends from wherever you like: it can be a noisy cafe, noisy gym, or a crowded office. Krisp also ensures that your recordings are distraction-free. Krisp and AirPods are the perfect match; they don’t compete but complement each other, unlocking their full potential and enhancing their performance.

Bottom Line

 Losing or damaging AirPods is a regular thing. After the incident, you just need to thoroughly look for the best option. Both Apple’s official replacement and third-party vendors have their advantages and disadvantages you just need to understand what is more essential for you at that time. Of course, it’s better to choose the option that is safe and guarantees quality and authenticity. But if you are short of money then you need to go for the cheapest way. 

Ultimately, the decision should align with your priorities—whether it’s budget, quality, or convenience.

FAQ on AirPods Replacement