Can You Use Two AirPods From Different Sets Together?

This means that losing one AirPod or a charging case does not necessarily require purchasing an entirely new set. You can replace only the missing left AirPod, right AirPod, or charging case.

The critical step is choosing the correct replacement. AirPods from different generations or configurations can look nearly identical while using incompatible model numbers.

Different set does not mean different model

An AirPod from a different original set can work. An AirPod from a different generation or incompatible configuration generally will not.

For example, an AirPods Pro 2 USB-C left AirPod can be paired with an AirPods Pro 2 USB-C right AirPod that originally came from another set. However, an AirPods Pro 2 USB-C earbud should not be treated as interchangeable with the earlier AirPods Pro 2 Lightning configuration.

AirPod replacement compatibility chart

The following chart covers the four AirPods systems for which AirPod Replacement Store sells individual replacement components.

AirPods Pro 2 USB-C replacement compatibility

If the bottom of your AirPods Pro 2 case has a USB-C charging port, verify that the case is model A2968. The commonly matched replacement earbuds sold by AirPod Replacement Store are A3048 for the left side and A3047 for the right side.

Example: If you still have the A3047 right AirPod but lost the left side, purchase an A3048 left replacement AirPod. If you lost the right side, choose the A3047 right replacement AirPod.

If both earbuds remain but the case was lost or damaged, choose the A2968 USB-C replacement charging case.

Do not select a replacement simply because the listing says “AirPods Pro 2.” Read our AirPods Pro 2 USB-C versus Lightning compatibility guide for a complete comparison.

AirPods Pro 2 Lightning replacement compatibility

If your AirPods Pro 2 case charges through Apple’s Lightning connector, the commonly matched replacement group sold by AirPod Replacement Store is A2699 left, A2698 right, and A2700 charging case.

Example: If you still have the A2699 left AirPod but lost the right side, you need an A2698 right replacement AirPod. If the left side is missing, look for the A2699 left replacement AirPod.

If you lost the charging case, choose the A2700 Lightning replacement charging case.

Do not mix the A2699/A2698 Lightning group with the A3048/A3047 USB-C group merely because both are called AirPods Pro 2.

AirPods Pro 3 replacement compatibility

AirPods Pro 3 use a different component family from AirPods Pro 2. An AirPods Pro 3 replacement should be matched with the other AirPods Pro 3 components shown above.

If you need an individual earbud, choose the A3064 left replacement AirPod or the A3063 right replacement AirPod.

If the case is missing, choose the A3122 AirPods Pro 3 replacement charging case.

AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation compatibility

AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation and standard AirPods 4 are separate configurations. Apple states that the A3059 Wireless Charging Case is compatible with AirPods 4 ANC earbuds and is not compatible with standard AirPods 4 earbuds.

For the ANC configuration sold by AirPod Replacement Store, choose the A3056 left replacement AirPod, A3055 right replacement AirPod, or A3059 replacement wireless charging case.

How to identify which replacement you need

1. Determine which component is missing. Confirm whether you need the left AirPod, right AirPod, or charging case.
2. Check the remaining AirPod. The model number beginning with “A” is printed in small text on the underside of the earbud.
3. Check the charging case. Find the case model number in the printed information on the case.
4. Check the charging connector. For AirPods Pro 2, determine whether the case uses USB-C or Lightning.
5. Compare all numbers with the compatibility chart. Do not order based only on the product name or physical appearance.

If the text is difficult to read, use your phone camera to photograph the underside of the AirPod and enlarge the picture. Our AirPods model-number identification guide shows where to find the number.

What happens after you receive the replacement?

A compatible replacement component must still be set up with your existing AirPod and case. It will not always begin working immediately after being placed in the case.

Apple’s current replacement procedure begins by placing both compatible AirPods in the case, connecting the case to power, closing the lid, and waiting 20 minutes. The remaining reset procedure depends on the model:

• AirPods Pro 2: Use the setup button on the back of the charging case.
• AirPods Pro 3 and AirPods 4: Use the touch-sensitive setup area on the front of the case.

Follow our complete replacement AirPod pairing instructions after confirming compatibility.

Why does my iPhone say “AirPods Mismatch”?

An AirPods mismatch warning can appear when the earbuds belong to different generations, the components were mixed up, or a previously used AirPod remains associated with another person’s Apple Account.

If the model numbers do not match the same row in the compatibility chart, you probably have an incompatible component. If the model numbers are correct, complete the replacement setup process and verify that the previous owner removed the replacement from their Apple Account.

A mismatch message does not automatically mean the replacement is defective or counterfeit.

Frequently asked questions

Find the correct replacement component

AirPod Replacement Store sells authentic individual replacement AirPods and charging cases for the four systems covered in this guide. Check the model number on your remaining components, compare it with the compatibility table, and then purchase only the piece you need.

Browse the AirPod Replacement Store catalog to find a compatible left AirPod, right AirPod, or charging case.