AirPods have become something of a status symbol thanks to their premium price tag and recognizable design. But those qualities also make them an attractive target for potential thieves.
Your AirPods are more vulnerable to theft than other Apple devices because they don’t use iCloud Activation Lock. That means it’s easy for someone to connect your stolen AirPods to another iPhone.
If a thief steals your AirPods, it’s painfully easy to connect them to a different iPhone.
All the thief needs to do is put both AirPods in a charging case and hold the Setup button for a few seconds. It’s the same process you’d follow if you reset your AirPods to fix a software problem.
Resetting AirPods is as easy as holding the Setup button. Image Credit: Apple
After resetting them, your AirPods are no longer paired to any of your Apple devices. They might still show up in your settings, but you can’t stop anyone else from using them.
What If My AirPods Were Stolen But I Still Have the Case?
You might think a thief can’t use your AirPods if you still have the charging case. That makes sense since the thief needs to return your AirPods to the case in order to pair them to a new iPhone.
However, they can still use any other AirPod case to do this.
You may not realize it, but your AirPods work with any charging case—provided you use a Pro case for AirPods Pro.
So, if a thief stole your AirPods, they can still connect them to another iPhone using a different AirPod charging case. Maybe they’ll use a case they stole from someone else.
What If They Only Stole One of My AirPods?
A single AirPod is certainly less useful to a thief than a pair. But if that thief steals another AirPod from someone else, they can still link the AirPods together to make a complete set using a charging case.
At least you can still listen to music in one ear with the remaining AirPod.
Can I Track My Stolen AirPods?
Open the Find My app to track your AirPods. Image Credit: Apple
Open the Find My app on a connected Apple device or access the Find My page after signing in to the iCloud website. If your AirPods were connected to a device that uses Find My, you should see them listed with your other devices.
You can track your AirPods when they have an active connection to one of your Apple devices. This happens when one or more of your AirPods are out of the case and within the Bluetooth range of your device. They also need to have battery power remaining.
The Find My app places your AirPods on a map and lets you play a sound to help locate them. This is more helpful if you lost your AirPods down the back of a sofa rather than if someone stole them. But it still might help you find a thief in a crowd.
If your AirPods are offline, Find My only shows their last known location and doesn’t offer any other tracking options.
Use Third-Party Accessories to Track Your AirPod Case
Unfortunately, you can’t use Find My to track your AirPods if they were in the charging case when someone stole them. This is because they don’t maintain an active connection to your device while in the case, to conserve battery life.
If you still have your AirPods, you can protect against future theft by attaching a third-party tracking device to your case. These accessories let you track your valuables using specialized apps.
If you’re interested in third-party tracking devices, take a look at Tile.
Tile offers plenty of tracking options. Image Credit: Tile
Can I Lock My Stolen AirPods?
With most Apple devices—like an iPhone, iPad, or Mac—you can use the Find My app to lock them when they go missing. This stops whoever finds your device from setting it up and using it as their own.
Combined with Activation Lock, this is a great way to discourage potential thieves, as it makes it incredibly difficult to use stolen Apple devices.
Activation Lock stops other people using your devices.
Unfortunately, none of these features are available for AirPods.
You can’t lock your missing AirPods, or do anything to stop someone connecting them to a different iPhone. Combined with their high price and easy pocketability, this makes AirPods a tantalizing target for potential thieves.
How Do I Replace Stolen AirPods?
If someone stole your AirPods, the first thing you should do is report it to the police. If your home or property insurance covers your AirPods, you may be able to use the police report in your insurance claim.
Without insurance, your only option is to pay for replacement AirPods.
Fortunately, Apple offers a replacement service, so you only need to replace the individual AirPod or charging case you’re missing.
Although it’s still expensive, and if you lost the entire set it’s cheaper to buy new AirPods off the shelf.
Here are Apple’s AirPod replacement prices:
AirPod (1st or 2nd Generation): $69 each
AirPod Wireless Charging Case: $79
AirPod Charging Case: $59
Here are Apple’s AirPod Pro replacement prices:
AirPod Pro: $89 each
AirPod Pro Charging Case: $99
AirPod Pro Silicon Ear Tips: $3.95 for a pair
You can order replacement AirPods online using the Apple Support website. To do so, you need to get your AirPods serial number, which you can find on the box, printed on the AirPod case, or on the About page in your iPhone settings.
Select Lost or Missing AirPods to order a replacement from Apple.
What’s Next for Apple’s AirPods?
Ever since their release in 2018, AirPods have proven to be an incredibly popular Apple product. We’ve already seen the release of the AirPods Pro, with active noise cancellation, but hopefully Apple has more AirPod improvements in the pipeline as well.
Among many other Apple developments we’d like to see, we’d love for the next generation of AirPods to give us better options for tracking and locking them when they go missing. Let us know in the comments what future AirPod developments you want!
Dan writes tutorials and troubleshooting guides to help people make the most of their technology. Before becoming a writer, he earned a BSc in Sound Technology, supervised repairs at an Apple Store, and even taught English in China.
Wondering if you can track AirPods through the serial number. I’d bet that when any AirPods are connected to an apple device the serial number is registered. Don’t you have a way to match the new person who is using the AirPods with the original person? I have a suspicion that my son’s roommate sister stole my son’s AirPods. She was staying with them for a few days when his AirPods conveniently disappeared. I’d love a response. In this day and age when everything is tracked, you shouldn’t have any problem figuring this out. A response would be appreciated. Thank you.
Does “find my” track the AirPods only or does it show (on a map) a phone that has connected to them via Bluetooth?
Has this been tested ?
Air pods can randomly connect to other iPhones. Did you know this?
Look forward to hearing from you
I would say maybe something similar to a mini AirTag within the charging case so it will always be available to track and if it’s WITHIN the charging case itself, it means the thieves would need to break the case to get rid of it… And make it so only the AirPods can be charged and used with the case it came with. So if they break the case to get rid of the “AirTag” within the case, the AirPods won’t be able to work, making it useless to steal.
We don’t have data on how many AirPods are stolen each year but most of the time, the AirPods are lost by personal mistakes (misplaced, falling out…). But I can tell that every year, there are at least a few millions of AirPods are being returned at Costco, Walmart, Target, Best Buy, Amazon and many other retailers. Many people don’t even know how to disconnect the AirPods from their Find My before returning, or they forget to do so. If these AirPods are locked, they become obsolete and hundreds of millions of dollars are wasted. I believe that the number of AirPods being stolen are much smaller than the AirPods being returned every year. So trying to lock these AirPods doesn’t make economic sense.
The reason that other devices are locked like iPhone, iPad, Watch, Macbooks…is because it contains personal data and if it’s not locked, your privacy is exposed. AirPods don’t contain any of the data so why you would want the AirPods to be locked up, making it useless? If your son misplaced the AirPods, then it’s like him losing some cash. Someone else found it and may find it useful but locking it doesn’t bring any value to anyone. They can’t return it to you (because there’s no screen to show your information) and they can’t use it, making it a waste.
I’m wondering the same, because someone stole one of mine and it’s case but I keep getting random pings from the stolen one miles away… So I think this may be the case.
I only bought my AirPods Pro just 3 weeks ago and this past Tuesday (November 10,20) at 11:15 am was the last recorded time they were able to be tracked down…. I didn’t realize until 2 days later (Thursday) that one of my students stole them from the charging case on top of my desk (not the first or second time kids have robbed me and I still don’t learn!)
Now, not only I’m mad at myself but I’m even more mad at Apple for making it so easy for thieves to steal them and not be able to track them down or lock them! Maybe they didn’t steal the case because I had my names engraved on the box or maybe they didn’t have enough time to steal the whole thing since I attached them to my key ring!
I feel so violated, so betrayed by that student thief….it’s going to cost me another $200 plus to replace them and as a teacher, I DON’T make too much money like that…..You can do better than that Apple!!!
What’s disturbing about this is that the serial number registers to the newly paired device, and that information isn’t made available. That’s negligent.
You lost the AirPods and blame Apple for not protecting your personal belongings? That doesn’t seem right. Even if Apple locks the AirPods, you still lose the AirPods. It’s on you to keep your personal belongings. Apple locks other devices (iPhone, iPad, Watch, Macbook…) because they contain personal data and it’s to protect your data, not your device.
I have lost one airpod and now I can´t reset the case/remaining airpod/bud. Is it possible? Or do I just need to buy a new pair (slithly more than ordering a replacement, that may or may not work)
Thanks
Klas
It is pretty crazy that they have the tech they do in their other devices ..but to not be able to lock or disable a stolen airpod ..especially w how easy it is to steal or get lost! Now I’m not so sure I want to spend the money on them ..when their are cheaper options out there. Until they figure out better security for them ..jus don’t see how great they really are ..to warrant the price tag!
No, there is no activation lock for AirPods. Consequently, if someone finds or steals your AirPods, then can disconnect them from your Apple ID and use them on their own devices, with their Apple ID
They should work on some way to track Air Pods when their stolen in the case. I bought them for my granddaughters x-mas present. Less than 2 months later they are stolen from her gym locker. I would even feel better if you could just stop them from working.
Helpful article! Keeping AirPods is indeed a symbol of status for many. Thank you for explaining the steps and tricks on how to keep our AirPods safe from thieves and lock our AirPods if it gets stolen. I will be back for more such informative stuff. 🙂
R. Mitchell says
Wondering if you can track AirPods through the serial number. I’d bet that when any AirPods are connected to an apple device the serial number is registered. Don’t you have a way to match the new person who is using the AirPods with the original person? I have a suspicion that my son’s roommate sister stole my son’s AirPods. She was staying with them for a few days when his AirPods conveniently disappeared. I’d love a response. In this day and age when everything is tracked, you shouldn’t have any problem figuring this out. A response would be appreciated. Thank you.
Carol Hills says
Does “find my” track the AirPods only or does it show (on a map) a phone that has connected to them via Bluetooth?
Has this been tested ?
Air pods can randomly connect to other iPhones. Did you know this?
Look forward to hearing from you
Kind regards
Carol
Sammy McHugh says
I would say maybe something similar to a mini AirTag within the charging case so it will always be available to track and if it’s WITHIN the charging case itself, it means the thieves would need to break the case to get rid of it… And make it so only the AirPods can be charged and used with the case it came with. So if they break the case to get rid of the “AirTag” within the case, the AirPods won’t be able to work, making it useless to steal.
BAYANI CARBONELL says
I “activate” the lost mode for my airpods, and using “notify when found”. can i track the location of somebody who will use it?
Janie says
Definitely better tracking, left behind altered and locking essential!
Angela street says
I would love to see them water proof and a way to lock them if lost or stolen and easy way to track them.
Trung says
We don’t have data on how many AirPods are stolen each year but most of the time, the AirPods are lost by personal mistakes (misplaced, falling out…). But I can tell that every year, there are at least a few millions of AirPods are being returned at Costco, Walmart, Target, Best Buy, Amazon and many other retailers. Many people don’t even know how to disconnect the AirPods from their Find My before returning, or they forget to do so. If these AirPods are locked, they become obsolete and hundreds of millions of dollars are wasted. I believe that the number of AirPods being stolen are much smaller than the AirPods being returned every year. So trying to lock these AirPods doesn’t make economic sense.
Alicia Sparpana says
My son misplaced his airpods. Owned them 6 weeks. Only showing last known location. Wish we could lock them so no one else can use them.
Trung says
The reason that other devices are locked like iPhone, iPad, Watch, Macbooks…is because it contains personal data and if it’s not locked, your privacy is exposed. AirPods don’t contain any of the data so why you would want the AirPods to be locked up, making it useless? If your son misplaced the AirPods, then it’s like him losing some cash. Someone else found it and may find it useful but locking it doesn’t bring any value to anyone. They can’t return it to you (because there’s no screen to show your information) and they can’t use it, making it a waste.
Lilah Gosch says
My airpods went missing at school so if somebody connects them to their phone and charges them will it still show up on Find My iPhone?
Thanks, Lilah
Tyree Ballard says
I’m wondering the same, because someone stole one of mine and it’s case but I keep getting random pings from the stolen one miles away… So I think this may be the case.
Trung says
Yes, once your AirPods connect to the Find My network, it’ll be there until you remove it.
Marissa Frazier says
I only bought my AirPods Pro just 3 weeks ago and this past Tuesday (November 10,20) at 11:15 am was the last recorded time they were able to be tracked down…. I didn’t realize until 2 days later (Thursday) that one of my students stole them from the charging case on top of my desk (not the first or second time kids have robbed me and I still don’t learn!)
Now, not only I’m mad at myself but I’m even more mad at Apple for making it so easy for thieves to steal them and not be able to track them down or lock them! Maybe they didn’t steal the case because I had my names engraved on the box or maybe they didn’t have enough time to steal the whole thing since I attached them to my key ring!
I feel so violated, so betrayed by that student thief….it’s going to cost me another $200 plus to replace them and as a teacher, I DON’T make too much money like that…..You can do better than that Apple!!!
Eve says
What’s disturbing about this is that the serial number registers to the newly paired device, and that information isn’t made available. That’s negligent.
Trung says
You lost the AirPods and blame Apple for not protecting your personal belongings? That doesn’t seem right. Even if Apple locks the AirPods, you still lose the AirPods. It’s on you to keep your personal belongings. Apple locks other devices (iPhone, iPad, Watch, Macbook…) because they contain personal data and it’s to protect your data, not your device.
Klas Mobrandt says
I have lost one airpod and now I can´t reset the case/remaining airpod/bud. Is it possible? Or do I just need to buy a new pair (slithly more than ordering a replacement, that may or may not work)
Thanks
Klas
Richard VanHorn says
It is pretty crazy that they have the tech they do in their other devices ..but to not be able to lock or disable a stolen airpod ..especially w how easy it is to steal or get lost! Now I’m not so sure I want to spend the money on them ..when their are cheaper options out there. Until they figure out better security for them ..jus don’t see how great they really are ..to warrant the price tag!
Michaela Schwartz says
I lost My Airpods on Tuesday between My House & Job! I need to use My AirPods for My Music and Helps My Life together!
What should I do?
Kashondra Foster says
At the least I would like to be able to track my AirPods while there in the case.
Naomi Bennett says
Tracking, locking to only users Apple ID account so useless for thieves. Make them traceable when in the case
Coletta jordan says
There should be a way to lock your airpods so no one can use them. Some one stole mine.
Archie Ellis says
Do airpods come locked when new like i-phones. or,is there an activation fee for airpods to become useful?
Thankyou
Elizabeth Jones says
No, there is no activation lock for AirPods. Consequently, if someone finds or steals your AirPods, then can disconnect them from your Apple ID and use them on their own devices, with their Apple ID
Debbie Wavrunek says
They should work on some way to track Air Pods when their stolen in the case. I bought them for my granddaughters x-mas present. Less than 2 months later they are stolen from her gym locker. I would even feel better if you could just stop them from working.
Chris smith says
The fact that someone can steal these and use them so easily is really ridiculous and insulting. There has to be a way to make them useless if stolen.
Jack Cassar says
Helpful article! Keeping AirPods is indeed a symbol of status for many. Thank you for explaining the steps and tricks on how to keep our AirPods safe from thieves and lock our AirPods if it gets stolen. I will be back for more such informative stuff. 🙂