How to send one of your AirPods back to Apple from the United States or Canada

Here's how to send one of your AirPods back to Apple after you get a replacement.

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After you’ve contacted Apple for service, you’ll receive a kit that contains a replacement product with everything you need to return your original product to Apple. If you're only returning one of your AirPods, you'll get a shipping box with one compartment (shown in this article). If you're returning two, you'll get a shipping box with two compartments. Returning your original product is not required if it was lost.

Important: If exchanging a product, return it so that Apple receives it within 10 days of the day your replacement product was shipped to you by Apple (check your ship date). If Apple doesn't receive your product within 10 days, or if Apple technicians find that your product has accidental damage or unauthorized modifications, you'll be charged the full value of the replacement product. For more details, see terms and conditions.

Pack your AirPods

  1. Remove your replacement AirPods from the packaging materials. Leave the insert to the white box open.

  2. Place your original AirPods into the insert in the white box by sliding the stem of the AirPods into the paper tube. Make sure the top of the AirPods is placed into the hole in the insert.

    airpods-packout-step1-v2

  3. Fold the flap at the top of the AirPods.

    airpods-packout-step2-v2

  4. Fold the insert in half to close it and fold the flap sticking out of the insert.

    airpods-packout-step3-v2

  5. Place the insert into the white box. The AirPods should face upwards. Close the white box by placing the lid on it.

    airpods-packout-step4-v2

  6. Place the white box in the shipping box. Do not include any other items, such as your other AirPods, your charging case, or your cable.

    airpods-all-packout-step3-v1

  7. Close the shipping box.

    airpods-all-packout-step4-v1

  8. Seal the box with tape and mail the box to Apple.* If there is a battery sticker pasted on the outside of the box, please make sure the battery sticker is not obstructed.

    airpods-all-packout-step5-v1

  9. Remove the top label from the shipping box. This is your receipt. Make sure the return shipping label remains on the box.

*Apple is not responsible for any damage during shipping.

Ship your AirPods to Apple

  1. Find the name of the courier on the return shipping label.

  2. Visit the courier's website to schedule a pickup or find a drop-off location.

  3. Ask the courier for a receipt.

  4. Check that Apple has received your product after a few days.

Use your replacement AirPods

  1. When you replace only one of two AirPods, your serial number does not change. Your replacement Apple product is covered by a 90-day service warranty, the remainder of your original product warranty or AppleCare plan, or by consumer law, whichever is longer.

  2. Place your AirPods in your charging case and press the setup button until the status light is flashing white.

  3. Set up your AirPods.

© 2023 Apple Inc. All rights reserved. Apple, the Apple logo, iPhone, AirPods and iTunes are trademarks of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries and regions. AppleCare is a service mark of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries and regions. Other product and company names mentioned herein may be trademarks of their respective companies.

NOTICE TO CALIFORNIA CONSUMERS

  1. An estimate for repairs, as required (section 9844 of the California Business and Professions Code), shall be given to the customer by the service dealer in writing. The service dealer may not charge for work done or parts supplied in excess of the estimate without the prior consent of the customer. Where provided in writing the service dealer may charge a reasonable fee for services provided in determining the nature of the malfunction in preparation of a written estimate for repair. For information, contact the Bureau of Electronic and Appliance Repair, Department of Consumer Affairs, Sacramento, CA 95814.

  2. A buyer of this product in California has the right to have this product serviced and repaired during the warranty period. The warranty period will be extended for the number of whole days that the product has been out of the buyer's hands for warranty repairs. If a defect exists during the warranty period, the warranty will not expire until the defect has been fixed. The warranty period also will be extended if the warranty repairs have not been performed due to delays caused by circumstances beyond the control of the buyer, or if the warranty repairs did not remedy the defect and the buyer notifies the manufacturer or seller of the failure of the repairs within 60 days after they were completed. If, after a reasonable number of attempts, the defect has not been fixed, the buyer may return this product for a replacement or a refund subject, in either case, to deduction of a reasonable charge for usage. The time extension does not affect the protection or remedies the buyer has under other laws.

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