Pair a replacement AirPod or case

  • Updated
This guide shows how to pair a replacement left or right AirPod (or both) with your existing case, or pair a replacement case with your original AirPods.

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Before you start
Step 1: Unpair your previous AirPods
Step 2: Charge the replacement AirPod(s) and the case
Step 3: Pair the replacement AirPod(s)
If pairing fails

Before you start

  • Have your iPhone nearby, unlocked, with Bluetooth and Wi-Fi on.
  • Make sure the replacement AirPod(s) match your exact AirPods model and generation. AirPods and cases are generation-specific, which means even tiny differences like AirPods Pro 2nd Gen Lightning vs. USB-C can prevent pairing.
Take your time. Plan for 15–40 minutes, grab a coffee, and follow along. It's normal to try these steps more than once. Patience solves most pairing hiccups.

Step 1: Unpair your previous AirPods

  1. On iPhone: "Settings" > "Bluetooth".
  2. Find your AirPods in the list and select the "i" (info) button.
  3. Select "Forget This Device" and confirm "Forget Device." This removes them from your iCloud account on all devices so you can set them up again.

Step 2: Charge the replacement AirPod(s) and the case

  1. Put the replacement AirPod(s) into the charging case with the other AirPod (if you still have it).
  2. Plug the case into power (Lightning or USB-C depending on model).
  3. Let everything charge for at least 15 minutes. This ensures enough power and lets the buds sync with the case.

Step 3: Pair the replacement AirPod(s)

  1. Make sure both AirPods (old + replacement) are inside the case.
  2. Open the case lid. Check the status light:
    • Flashing amber or orange = not yet paired together (expected).
  3. With the lid open, press and hold the setup button on the back of the case for around 5 seconds until the light flashes white.
  4. Hold the case near your unlocked iPhone.
  5. When the setup animation appears, select "Connect," then "Done."
You're all set. Your AirPods will now appear across your devices signed in with the same iCloud account.

If pairing fails

Again, it can take a few tries before it works:
  • Charge longer: Keep both AirPods in the case and charge the case itself. Leave them together for at least 15–30 minutes, then retry Step 3.
  • Reset and retry: With the lid open, hold the setup button around 15 seconds until the light flashes amber, then white. Then repeat Step 3.
  • Make sure the models match (this trips up many of us): the left and right AirPods must be the same generation and model to pair as a set.
  • Basic checks: Restart iPhone, toggle Bluetooth off and on, keep the lid open and the case close to the iPhone during setup.

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