Can You Replace Just One AirPod? How to Choose the Right Replacement

Airpod Replacement Store · Buying Guide

Apple provides replacement options for missing AirPods, and AirPod Replacement Store sells individual replacement AirPods and charging cases. Before ordering from any source, identify the AirPods you already own so the replacement matches your existing set.

Apple also provides AirPods support and replacement information for customers who prefer to obtain a replacement directly from Apple.

Can You Buy Just One AirPod?

Yes. Individual left and right AirPods can be replaced separately. This is useful when one earbud is lost or damaged but your other AirPod and charging case still work.

You can replace:

• A missing left AirPod: purchase the compatible left earbud for your model.
• A missing right AirPod: purchase the compatible right earbud for your model.
• A missing charging case: purchase the charging case designed for your AirPods model.

If your AirPod is not actually missing but has stopped working, troubleshoot charging and connection issues before purchasing another earbud. A lost AirPod and an AirPod that will not connect are different problems.

How Do I Know Which Replacement AirPod I Need?

The safest way to choose a replacement AirPod is to identify the model number of the AirPod you still have. AirPods that look nearly identical can belong to different generations or configurations.

1. Find Your AirPod Model Number

You can identify your AirPods through the Bluetooth settings on a connected iPhone or iPad. You can also find an A-prefixed model number printed in small text on the underside of each AirPod.

If you need help locating and identifying the number, use our AirPods model number identification guide .

You can also compare your model number with Apple's AirPods identification guide .

Do not choose a replacement based on appearance alone. Check the actual model number and the compatibility information in the product listing.

2. Determine Whether You Need the Left or Right AirPod

Left and right refer to the ear in which the AirPod is worn. If you still have your right AirPod and lost the other earbud, you need a left replacement. If you still have your left AirPod, you need a right replacement.

Product photographs can show AirPods from different angles, so use the listing's written side and model-number information rather than relying only on the picture.

3. Match the Replacement to Your AirPods Generation

The replacement needs to belong to the appropriate AirPods generation and configuration. Model numbers are particularly important with products such as AirPods Pro 2 because Apple produced both Lightning and USB-C versions.

For AirPods Pro 2 specifically, read our AirPods Pro 2 USB-C vs. Lightning replacement compatibility guide before ordering if you are unsure which version you own.

4. Check Exactly What the Listing Includes

A single-AirPod listing is not a complete pair. Review the product description to confirm the side, model number, condition, included items, return terms, and warranty information for that specific replacement.

Is It Worth Replacing Just One AirPod?

Replacing one AirPod can make sense when your remaining earbud and charging case are still working properly. Instead of replacing components that still work, you can replace only the missing or damaged piece.

Before deciding, compare the total replacement cost with the cost of another complete set and consider the condition of the components you already own.

If your remaining AirPod has significantly reduced battery life or your charging case also needs replacement, compare the combined cost before deciding whether individual replacement still makes sense.

How Do You Pair a Replacement AirPod With Your Existing AirPod?

A compatible replacement AirPod needs to be set up with your remaining earbud and charging case before the complete set can be used normally.

Apple's current replacement setup instructions begin by placing both AirPods in the charging case, connecting the case to power, closing the lid, and waiting 20 minutes.

AirPods 1, AirPods 2, AirPods 3, AirPods Pro 1, and AirPods Pro 2 use the setup button on the back of the charging case during the reset process when required. AirPods 4 and AirPods Pro 3 use a sequence of taps on the front of the charging case instead.

Because the procedure varies by model, follow our step-by-step replacement AirPod pairing guide or Apple's replacement AirPods setup instructions .

What If Your Replacement AirPod Says “Mismatch”?

An AirPods mismatch alert does not by itself establish that a replacement AirPod is defective or counterfeit. Apple says mismatch alerts can appear when AirPods from different generations are together, when AirPods have been mixed up with someone else's, or when an AirPod is still associated with another Apple Account for Find My.

Start by checking the model numbers and confirming compatibility. Then complete the appropriate replacement setup procedure.

For AirPods Pro 2, use our AirPods Pro 2 mismatch troubleshooting guide . You can also read Apple's information about AirPods mismatch alerts .

Find the Correct Replacement AirPod

Once you have confirmed the model number and missing side, choose the replacement that matches your existing AirPods.

• AirPods Pro 2 USB-C: Left A3048 or Right A3047 .
• AirPods Pro 3: Left A3064 or Right A3063 .
• AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation: Left A3056 or Right A3055 .

Check the individual product listing for current availability, price, condition, and compatibility information before purchasing.

Frequently Asked Questions About Replacing One AirPod

Can I replace only one lost AirPod?

Yes. If only your left or right AirPod is missing, you can obtain a compatible individual replacement instead of replacing the complete set.

Can I pair a replacement AirPod with my old AirPod?

Yes, when the replacement is compatible with your existing AirPods configuration. The replacement must then be set up with your remaining AirPod and charging case using the appropriate procedure for that model.

How do I know which replacement AirPod to buy?

Find the A-prefixed model number on the AirPod you still have, identify its generation, determine whether you need the left or right side, and compare those details with the replacement listing before ordering.

Do replacement AirPods need to have the same serial number?

Individual AirPods have identifying information of their own, so a replacement earbud should not be selected by trying to match a serial number from the missing earbud. Use the AirPod model number, generation, side, and compatibility information to identify the correct replacement.

Can I use an AirPod from another set as a replacement?

A compatible replacement AirPod can be set up with an existing AirPod and charging case. Compatibility still matters, and an AirPod associated with another Apple Account may need to be removed from that account before setup can be completed.

Do I need to replace the charging case when I lose one AirPod?

No. If your existing charging case is compatible and working properly, losing one earbud does not by itself require replacing the case.

What should I do before ordering a replacement AirPod?

Confirm the model number of the AirPod you still have, identify the generation and missing side, and check the replacement listing's compatibility information. This is more reliable than choosing a replacement based only on appearance.

Airpod Replacement Store is an independent reseller and is not affiliated with or authorized by Apple Inc. Apple and AirPods are trademarks of Apple Inc.