Owen PalmerBy Owen Palmer

Updated November 2026

To find an AirPods case, open the Find My app on your iPhone or iPad, select your AirPods, and check their last known location. If the case is nearby, you can play a sound from the case to pinpoint it. If it is gone for good, you can still block it from being used and plan a replacement.

Check the Last Known Location in Find My

Find My keeps a record of where your AirPods were last connected, and it can show the case when it is paired to your Apple ID. Open the app, tap the Devices tab, and select your AirPods. The map shows the last place they were seen, along with a timestamp. Start your search there, but keep in mind that a case left in a pocket or bag may still show an older location if it was not connected to a device recently.

Shopping for one? See our guide: AirPods Pro 3 Case Review: Features, Pros and Cons.

Play a Sound to Pinpoint the Case

When the case is close, you can use Find My to make it play a sound, which helps when it is tucked under a cushion or behind a desk. Follow these steps:

  1. Open Find My and tap your AirPods under the Devices tab.
  2. Tap Play Sound. The earbuds play a tone, and the case may too if it is open or has battery.
  3. Move slowly around the area and listen. Stop when the sound is loudest.
  4. If nothing plays, the case may be out of battery or out of range, so return to the map view.

Note that Play Sound works best when the earbuds are in range of a device connected to your Apple ID. A case with no charge will not respond at all.

Use Lost Mode and Search Tips When the Case Is Missing

If the case stays missing after a sound search, turn on Lost Mode from the same device screen. Lost Mode lets you leave a phone number or message, so anyone who finds the case can contact you. You can also check the most common hiding spots, such as car seats, jacket pockets, gym bags, and the gap between a sofa and its cushions.

Keep in mind that Lost Mode will not stop someone from using the earbuds once they have been removed from your account. For a case that cannot be recovered, you may want to look into a replacement, and the related guides listed below walk through that process.

Confirm It Is Really Yours and Plan a Replacement

If the case is not found, check whether it can be replaced under your AirPods’ warranty or through a service option. Apple sells replacement charging cases separately, and a serial number confirms which model you need. For a case that was lost with an earbud still inside, you may need to replace the whole set. A quick check of your Apple ID and the device list helps confirm what you own before you order anything.

Small tracking tags can make a future search faster, though they do not connect to Find My for AirPods themselves.

  • Apple AirTag works with Find My and can be attached to a keychain or bag so a lost item shows up on the map. View on Amazon
  • Silicone AirPods case sleeve adds visible color so the case is easier to spot in a bag or on a table. View on Amazon

Common mistakes

  • Relying only on the map. A case that has not reconnected recently may show an old location.
  • Waiting too long to search. The case battery drains over time, which stops the sound alert.
  • Forgetting to check Lost Mode settings before you need them.
  • Assuming a found case is safe to use without checking that it is paired to your account.

FAQ

Can I find an AirPods case if it has no battery?

Not with Play Sound, since the case needs power to make a sound. The last known location in Find My may still help you narrow the search.

Does Find My show the AirPods case or just the earbuds?

Find My shows the earbuds and the case together when they are paired to your Apple ID, although the case may have a separate location record.

What should I do if I cannot find the case at all?

Turn on Lost Mode, check the common hiding spots, and then review your options for a replacement case through Apple or an authorized seller.

Conclusion

Start with the last known location in Find My, then use Play Sound to pinpoint the case once you are close. If it stays missing, Lost Mode and a check of your replacement options will help you move forward. Acting quickly gives you the best chance of recovering the case.

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.