How do I buy a single compatible AirPod or AirPods case?

 

Did a bad stroke of luck leave you with a single AirPod? Or two AirPods and no case? We’ve got your back. 

 

Single AirPods are a fraction of the cost — you’ll just need to make sure they’re compatible with your current AirPods set. Read on, and get back to listening in no time. 

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How can I tell what kind of AirPods I have?

How can I tell what kind of case I have?

I’ve got my model number. What kind of AirPods and case do I have?

How do I set up my new AirPod or case?

 

How can I tell what kind of AirPods I have?

There are lots of fish in the sea — something that applies to people, to fish, and to AirPods too. Make sure you correctly identify what AirPod model you’re going to need when you order a new one. 

 

First, find the model number using the instructions below. Then, use the model number to identify what kind of replacement you’ll need

 

iOS 14 and later or iPadOS 14 and later

Step 1. Go to “Settings”. 

Step 2. Select “Bluetooth”. 

Step 3. Find your AirPods in the “My devices” list (for example, “Greg’s AirPods”). 

Step 4. Select the “(i)” icon next to the device name for more information. 

Step 5. See the model name and number under “About”.

 

Earlier than iOS 14 or iPadOS 14

Step 1. Go to “Settings”. 

Step 2. Select “General”. 

Step 3. Select “About”.

Step 4. Scroll down until you see the name of your AirPods. 

Step 5. Select the name of your AirPods. 

Step 6. See the model name and number under “About”.

 

AirPods are no longer connected

In the event that your AirPods aren’t connected to your device anymore, you can find the model number on the AirPods themselves. The model number is included in the first line of text printed on the underside of each AirPod.

 

How can I tell what kind of case I have?

Knowing the model of your case can give you key information about what kind of replacement case or AirPod you need. 

Here are the different types of AirPods cases on the market and information you’ll need to identify yours. 

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Cases introduced in 2023

Cases introduced in 2022

Cases introduced in 2021

Cases introduced in 2019

Cases introduced in 2017

 

Cases introduced in 2023

MagSafe Charging Case (USB-C) for AirPods Pro (2nd generation)

Model number: A2968

This case is compatible with Qi-certified wireless chargers, and it can align magnetically with MagSafe-compatible chargers. There’s a USB-C port on the bottom of the case for plug-in charging. There’s also an external speaker on the bottom of the case to indicate charging and battery status, and a lanyard loop on the side. The status light is on the front of the case, and the serial number is on the underside of the lid.

Cases introduced in 2022

MagSafe Charging Case (Lightning) for AirPods Pro (2nd generation)

Model number: A2700

This case is compatible with Qi-certified wireless chargers, and it can align magnetically with MagSafe-compatible chargers. There’s a Lightning port on the bottom of the case for plug-in charging. There’s also an external speaker on the bottom of the case to indicate charging and battery status, and a lanyard loop on the side. The status light is on the front of the case, and the serial number is on the underside of the lid.

Lightning Charging Case for AirPods (3rd generation)

Model number: A2897

There’s a Lightning port on the bottom of the case for plug-in charging. The status light is on the front of the case, and the serial number is on the underside of the lid.

Cases introduced in 2021

MagSafe Charging Case for AirPods (3rd generation)

Model number: A2566

This case is compatible with Qi-certified wireless chargers, and it can align magnetically with MagSafe-compatible chargers. There’s a Lightning port on the bottom of the case for plug-in charging. The status light is on the front of the case, and the serial number is on the underside of the lid.

MagSafe Charging Case for AirPods Pro

Model number: A2190

This case is compatible with Qi-certified wireless chargers, and it can align magnetically with MagSafe-compatible chargers. There’s a Lightning port on the bottom of the case for plug-in charging. The status light is on the front of the case, and the serial number is on the underside of the lid. The last four digits of the serial number are either 1059 or 1NRC.

Cases introduced in 2019

Charging Case for AirPods Pro 

Model number: A2190

This case works with Qi-certified wireless chargers. There’s a Lightning port on the bottom of the case for plug-in charging. The status light is on the front of the case, and the serial number is on the underside of the lid. The last four digits of the serial number are either 0C6L or LKKT. This case is compatible with AirPods Pro. 

Wireless Charging Case

Model number: A1938

This case is Qi compatible. There’s a Lightning port on the bottom of the case for plug-in charging. The status light is on the front of the case, and the serial number is on the underside of the lid. It works with 2nd generation AirPods and 1st generation AirPods. 

Cases introduced in 2017

Lightning Charging Case

Model number: A1602

There’s a Lightning port on the bottom of the case for plug-in charging. The status light is on the inside of the case, and the serial number is on the underside of the lid. It works with 2nd generation AirPods and 1st generation AirPods. 

I’ve got my model number. What kind of AirPods and case do I have?

 

Now that you have the model number, you can find out which AirPod or case you have in the list below. If you’re looking for a single replacement AirPod, make sure to also check if you need the left or right one. 

 

How do I set up my new AirPod or case?

Once that you’ve found the perfect replacement piece, here’s how to set them up. 

Step 1. Put both AirPods in the charging case.

Step 2. Connect the case to power, close the lid, and wait 20 minutes.

Step 3. Open the lid and check the status light. It should flash amber.

Step 4. Press and hold the button on the back of the case for 15 seconds until the status light flashes white.

Step 5. Go to the home screen on your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch.

Step 6. Open the case — with your AirPods inside — and hold it next to your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch. A setup animation will appear on your screen.

Step 7. Select “Connect”. 

Step 8. Select “Done”. Nice work!