AirPods batteries generally have a limited shelf-life.
And yes, it can be really frustrating when they’re no longer performing as expected.
If you feel like yours is already dying, you’re probably wondering what you should do now.
Well, worry not. We have several options for you to consider.
Continue reading to find out:
- The risk of buying used AirPods.
- Whether it’s even worth it to replace AirPods batteries.
- Why is beneficial to have AppleCare+ for Headphones.
- What Apple actually means when they say battery replacement.
- And a lot more…
Can AirPods batteries be replaced?
AirPods batteries can’t really be replaced. At least not in the literal sense. AirPods are designed in a way that it would almost be impossible to replace the batteries without destroying the unit. Apple’s battery replacement offer essentially means swapping defective AirPods with refurbished ones.
AirPods battery replacement: 3 options
#1: Go to an Apple service center and ask for a replacement
The very first option you have to consider for AirPods battery replacements?
The Apple service center, of course.
They do offer battery service. The cost will depend on several factors. These include your warranty coverage and the cause of battery defects.
And it’s explained by the Washington Post. When Apple says battery replacement. It actually means swapping your old AirPods with refurbished ones.
They don’t actually just take out the batteries and replace them with new ones.
This is because the actual design of AirPods makes it almost impossible to do so. Unless you have a sophisticated machine for that.
Here’s a video of an attempt to disassemble an AirPod:
#2: Look for stores that offer to swap defective AirPods
It won’t be hard to find online shops out there. Those that offer to swap defective AirPods with refurbished ones.
One of the most popular companies that do that is The Swap Club, formerly known as PodSwap.
They founded the company with the intention of specializing in AirPods battery issues. They’ve since expanded to include iPhones.
Similar to Apple. They also swap AirPods with defective batteries with a refurbished version.
But at a cheaper price.
You may search for other companies similar to The Swap Club to get the best deals.
#3: Shop for used but still fully functional AirPods
Do you know the cheapest way to replace AirPods with defective batteries? It’s looking for second-hand sales.
You can easily find these in online stores. Sites like Amazon, eBay, Craigslist, and Facebook Marketplace.
If you’d really like to save money, you might consider this option. Used AirPods go for much cheaper than refurbished ones in swap stores.
We wouldn’t necessarily highly recommend this option. But it’s still worth considering.
Warning: The quality of second-hand AirPods you can buy from these shops may vary. It’s crucial to do your due diligence first before buying used products.
How much does it cost to replace an AirPod battery?
So you want to know how much the battery replacement will set you back. Well, there are several factors to consider.
These include your AirPods’ warranty, which may vary per country. Whether you purchased insurance for them. And whether they’re still covered with that would also matter.
Of course, another factor that would determine the cost is where you decide to look for a replacement.
Are you thinking about simply buying a used one as a replacement? Or are you considering taking advantage of swap offers?
It can be confusing with several options available. But don’t worry. We’ll discuss the price for each option so you can better decide.
Getting battery replacements from the Apple store
Purchasing original Apple products like your AirPods comes with insurance.
If you’re based in the US, Apple insurance offers a one-year limited warranty from the time of the purchase.
For countries under the European Union, the law requires warranties to extend up to two years.
And if you opted to add the AppleCare+ for Headphones when you bought your AirPods? You should enjoy two years of warranty. AppleCare+ for Headphones costs $29.
Now, here’s how much it will set you back.
First, if you have AppleCare+ for Headphones. And your defective batteries are less than two years old.
Battery replacement would be free.
And aside from the extended warranty? AppleCare+ for Headphones also covers replacing your AirPods or charging case for free.
Even if the only issue is that their batteries hold less than 80 percent of their original capacity.
“What if I don’t have AppleCare+? What if I only have the limited one-year warranty?”
If that’s the case, if your AirPods are under a year old, you should also get battery replacements for them for free.
Bear in mind that this warranty doesn’t cover battery defects from the usual wear and tear. It only covers manufacturing issues.
It’s always prudent to read the fine print of your warranty to know your benefits.
“What if my AirPods are already beyond warranty coverage?”
On average, your AirPods’ batteries won’t start deteriorating until after a few years. Around a little over two years of usage.
So if you’re dealing with a defective battery? Chances are you’re already beyond warranty coverage.
Here’s where it will cost you some money.
This is according to Apple’s official website.
The battery service fee for out-of-warranty AirPods and AirPods pro is $49 each.
For AirPods Max, it’s $79.
Charging case replacement would also cost you $49.
So if both of your AirPods’ batteries are defective, it will cost you $98.
To put it in perspective, second-generation AirPods are priced at $129.
The third-generation ones cost $179.
Swapping your AirPods through other companies
So what if you decide to look elsewhere? Well, you should be able to find companies that offer cheaper alternatives.
As we mentioned, The Swap Club is a popular and trusted website. They’re pioneers in AirPods battery replacement swaps.
For 1st Gen AirPods, their starting offer is $59.99 for a pair. Adding a charging case would be an additional $10.
For 2nd Gen Airpods, the starting price without the case is $69.99. You’d also have to add $10 for a case.
Buying second-hand AirPods
The price for used AirPods will vary greatly. And there’s definitely more risk in going this route.
Take a quick glance at online stores and you’ll see ones that are priced as low as $30.
Just remember to take extreme caution when buying used AirPods.
While this can help you save money, there’s no guarantee that you’ll be satisfied with your purchase.
Further reading: 5 Reasons Why Your AirPods Are Dying So Fast + Fixes
Is it worth it to replace AirPods batteries?
We’ve just laid out the options that you have. We also covered the prices.
Now, it’s time to ask. Is it actually worth it to replace AirPods batteries?
The truth is, there isn’t a single one-size-fits-all answer to this question.
There are many factors to consider before being able to answer this.
Among them include how often you use your AirPods. How much do you need them in your daily activities? How much budget do you have for gadgets? And many others.
For many people, listening to music via their AirPods helps set the tone for their day.
It helps them relax. It pumps them up when they need to work out. Or it provides a welcome escape from the hustles and bustles of our daily lives.
You might also like: 2 Ways To Play Apple Music On Google Home (Mini)
If you can relate to these, then yes, it’s definitely worth replacing AirPod batteries. Or replacing your AirPods altogether.
The great thing is that you have several options available on how to do that.
You can take advantage of Apple’s battery service offer. You may swap your AirPods for a refurbished one. Or you can purchase a used but functioning one at a cheaper price.
Each option has its pros and cons. So see to it that you weigh them before coming to a decision.