AirPods Battery Replacement Tips to Save You Money

May 29, 2020 • Zachary Amos

Advertisements
This blog contains affiliate links. This means that ReHack may make a small commission if you purchase products through links in this post. Click here to learn more.

_________

AirPods are some of the best wireless earbuds on the market, so it’s frustrating when they stop working. If your AirPods stop holding a charge, your first thought is probably to replace their battery. You should know, though, that AirPods battery replacement doesn’t work like most electronics.

With most devices that use lithium-ion batteries, you can switch out the old battery for a new one. AirPod batteries, on the other hand, aren’t replaceable by design. AirPod battery replacement is a bit of a misnomer because you’ll end up replacing the AirPods themselves.


Want to take your AirPod accessories to the next level? Get a unique case for your AirPods, like this one from Amazon!


Why Can’t You Replace AirPod Batteries?

You may now be wondering, how long do AirPods last? Typically, you’ll get a good two years’ worth of use out of them. On a daily basis, most sources will tell you that you’ll get a good five hours of usage. Use them more, that number may decrease over the years and you’ll find yourself needing an AirPods replacement and trying to find out an AirPods battery replacement cost.

However, it’s a little more complicated than a simple replacement. You can’t replace the lithium batteries on other Apple devices like iPhones and Apple Watches. What makes AirPods different? It comes down to their design, which maximizes space and cleanliness at the cost of longevity.

If you try to open an AirPod, you’ll see where the problem lies. Instead of using screws, Apple seals their AirPods with glue, so you have to cut into it to get to the battery. If you manage to slice it open without damaging anything, it’ll be nearly impossible to put back together.

This design provides a better seal while taking up less space. It also means you have to replace the entire AirPod instead of just the battery, though. All in all, it will end up being more of a hassle that will just lead to more problems.

But you still need your headphones for your concentration, entertainment and daily life. Here are some AirPods battery replacement tips to help you save some money in that process. 

AppleCare+

AirPods come with a one-year limited warranty, so if you have battery issues within a year, you can replace them for free. That’s right — no hassle, just walk in and get some new batteries!

To take advantage of this warranty, you’ll need your serial number along with the AirPods. You can then ask for service over the phone, or at an Apple Store or authorized Apple Service Provider.

Your AirPods should last quite a while, so what if you have battery problems after the first year? If you buy AppleCare+ coverage when you purchase your AirPods, your warranty will extend to two years. Under AppleCare+, you can get your AirPods and their charging case replaced for free.

AppleCare+ will cost you $29, and it doubles your warranty length, so it’s a worthwhile investment. You can also buy it anytime within 60 days of your original AirPods purchase.

Using AppleCare+ is your best bet for saving money in the long run. According to Apple’s site, if you don’t have coverage, the prices can get up into the $69 range for each earbud. Add it all up and you’ll be potentially paying more than a new pair would cost.

AppleCare+ is a proactive solution, though. What if you don’t have any coverage when you need AirPods battery replacement?

Ask for Battery Service

If your warranty has run out, AirPods battery replacement costs $49 per AirPod. Since you’ll more than likely need to replace both, expect to pay $98 in total. When you go to the Apple Store for this service, though, you may have trouble getting that price.

Even though you’re replacing your AirPods, you shouldn’t march in and say you need a replacement pair. If you do that, they’ll probably ask for a whopping $138 for the replacement. Which, again, that price is almost as much as buying a brand new pair.

The secret is to ask for “battery service.” You know you’re not servicing the battery, and Apple knows it too, but their terminology doesn’t admit that. “Battery service” is their codeword for AirPods battery replacement, and it’ll cost you less than asking for a replacement directly.

Why is the company so secretive about its AirPods replacement method? It’s most likely part of the sales tactic, but it’s also frustrating for the consumers who want a simple fix. Thus, here are some more tips that can save you money with your AirPods battery replacement cost.

Only Replace What You Need

You should be careful not to pay for anything you don’t need. Remember that Apple service providers are also salespeople, so they may try to upsell you. They may ask if you want to replace your charging case too, but this will cost another $49.

The problem may lie with the charging case, but there’s an easy way to tell. Ask a friend or relative if you can borrow their charging case. If your AirPods still die too quickly after charging in a different case, it’s an AirPod problem.

If your AirPods work just fine after that, you’ll only need to replace the case. Always test this out before you ask for battery service, so you know what you need.

If the opposite is true and the issue lies with the AirPods themselves, then focus on replacing those only. Maybe only one earbud is the problem. Stick with the essentials and you’ll save money.

Last Tips to Consider

If Apple wants to stay ahead in the competition of innovative headphones and earbuds, it will have to make some cost adjustments. In the meantime, you can limit the wear and battery drainage on your AirPods with these simple tips.

  • Keep your AirPods in their case when you’re not using them. It’s easy to leave them lying around, but that can drain their lifespan and make them less useful overall. Keep them safe and secure in the case.
  • When you take a phone call, try out using just one AirPod. It will still transmit the same audio back and forth, and you’ll be charging the other earbud in the meantime.
  • Keep the case closed. Everyone likes the fidget with the case, opening and closing it over and over. However, this act can drain the efficiency of the earbuds and the case. It’s best to leave it be.

These subtle steps will help you out in the long run, preserving every ounce of battery life your AirPods can hold. Of course, when the time comes, it will be best just to get a new pair. Hopefully Apple will make some improvements by then.

Get the Most Out of Your AirPods

AirPods aren’t cheap, so you’ll want to get as much out of them as you can. If their battery life starts to deteriorate, it’s not the end of the world if you know what to do. You already spent a decent amount of money on them, so there’s no need to spend that much more.

For the next purchase, the $29 AppleCare+ charge will cover your AirPods for two years and be the best long-term investment for protecting their battery life. In the meantime, follow the above steps and you’ll be all set to keep the earbuds working well.

Know what to look for and ask, and you’ll save a considerable amount of cash. No more wondering — how long do AirPods last? Take AirPod battery replacement into your own hands. 

bg-pamplet-2