Owen PalmerBy Owen Palmer

Updated November 2026

An AppleCare AirPods Pro replacement is available when your earbuds or case fail within your coverage period and the damage is covered by the plan. Accidental damage is typically handled through a service fee rather than a free swap, and loss or theft is not covered. Check your coverage status in your Apple account before you request anything.

Why an AppleCare Replacement Is Sometimes Denied

Apple’s AppleCare for AirPods Pro is built around manufacturing defects and battery degradation. If a bud stops charging, produces no sound on one side, or the case refuses to pair, that is usually a covered fault. Problems caused by water exposure beyond the rated resistance, cracked housings, or lost pieces fall into a different category, and those claims are evaluated individually.

Shopping for one? See our guide: 3 Best Apple AirPods Pro Replacement Options for Every Fit (2026).

Coverage also depends on timing. AppleCare for AirPods Pro generally runs for two years from the original purchase date, and accidental damage protection requires an active plan at the time of the incident. A device purchased secondhand may carry a shorter remaining window than you expect, so confirm the serial number before assuming you are covered.

Factors That Affect Your Replacement

Several details shape the outcome of any claim. Owners often report that the following matter most:

  • Serial number and purchase date: These determine whether your plan is active and which model generation you qualify for.
  • Type of damage: Manufacturing faults are usually covered at no added cost. Accidental damage may carry a service fee per incident.
  • Which part failed: A single bud, a single case, or both may be replaced, and the process can differ for each.
  • Device condition: Visible physical damage, corrosion, or signs of tampering can complicate a claim.
  • Location of service: Apple’s support options vary by country, and in-store versus mail-in processes may differ.

How to Request an AppleCare AirPods Pro Replacement

  1. Locate your AirPods serial number in the Bluetooth settings on your iPhone, or on the case underside.
  2. Visit Apple’s support page and confirm your AppleCare coverage status and remaining term.
  3. Run any diagnostic tests suggested by Apple’s support tools, and note the exact symptoms you see.
  4. Request service online, by phone, or through the Apple Support app, and choose either a store appointment or mail-in option.
  5. Before handing over your old pieces, pair the replacement and confirm both buds and the case work as expected.

Keep your original receipt or the email confirmation from your purchase. Some service requests stall when the purchase record cannot be matched to the serial number. If the replacement takes longer than expected, follow up through the same support channel rather than opening duplicate requests.

What We’d Use

If your claim is denied or the fee does not make sense, a protective case reduces the risk of future physical damage. A snug-fitting option such as the View on Amazon helps guard the charging case against drops.

For replacement ear tips rather than a full earbud swap, the View on Amazon sold in multiple sizes lets you fix fit problems without involving AppleCare at all.

FAQ

Does AppleCare cover lost AirPods Pro?

No. AppleCare for AirPods Pro covers hardware defects and, with the accidental damage add-on, certain drops or spills. Lost or stolen units are not covered.

Is there a fee for an AppleCare AirPods Pro replacement?

Manufacturing defects are usually handled at no added cost. Accidental damage typically carries a service fee per incident, so check the terms for your specific plan.

Can I replace just one AirPod?

In many cases, yes. Apple often replaces a single bud or the case individually, depending on which component is faulty. Confirm the options when you request service.

Ready to choose one?

Owen Palmer

About Owen Palmer

Owen Palmer is part of our editorial team and reviews and edits our brand headphones & noise cancelling guides, checking product details against manufacturer specifications and owner feedback.