AirPods Repair Guide: Everything You Need to Know

Pro Tip

Key Takeaways:

• Battery degradation is the #1 issue — Most AirPods need battery service after 18-24 months of daily use.
• Apple charges £69 per AirPod for battery service — Third-party repair starts at £35-45.
• 70% of issues are fixable without replacement — Cleaning and resets solve most problems.
• Single AirPod replacement is often the best option when only one unit fails (£79-99 from Apple).
• Repair makes sense for Pro models — The £229 replacement cost justifies £50-60 repairs.

AirPods have become essential for millions of people, but their sealed design means they're not built for user repair. When something goes wrong—and with tiny lithium batteries, something eventually will—knowing your options can save you from unnecessarily buying new ones.

Having repaired thousands of AirPods since the original 2016 launch, we've seen every issue imaginable. This guide covers everything from common fixes you can do yourself to when professional repair or replacement makes more sense.

Did You Know?

Our AirPods Repair Track Record (2025)

• • 478 AirPods serviced - Gen 1, 2, 3, Pro, and Pro 2
• • Battery issues: 52% - most common after 18-24 months
• • Charging problems: 28% - often just cleaning needed
• • Audio issues: 20% - one side quiet or dead
• • Fixed without replacement: 67% of all cases
• • Average saving vs Apple replacement: £85

Data from celltech repair logs, January-December 2025

Quick Diagnosis: What's Wrong With Your AirPods?

Common AirPods Problems

AirPods issues generally fall into a few categories. Understanding what's happening helps determine whether you need repair or just a reset.

Battery and Charging Issues

• Won't charge in case: Often debris in contacts or case port
• One AirPod dies faster: Usually battery degradation in one unit
• Case not charging: Lightning/USB-C port issues or battery failure
• Rapid battery drain: Normal after 2-3 years of use

Audio and Connection Problems

• One side not working: Could be software, debris, or hardware
• Cutting out or disconnecting: Usually Bluetooth interference or firmware issues
• Poor audio quality or crackling: Debris in grille or speaker failure
• Won't connect: Typically fixed with reset

Physical Damage

• Cracked case: Needs replacement, can't be repaired
• Broken hinge: Common on older cases, needs replacement
• Water damage: Sometimes recoverable, depends on exposure
• Lost single AirPod: Can buy replacement from Apple

AirPods Generations Explained

Battery & Charging Problems

Battery degradation is the number one reason AirPods eventually need repair or replacement. Here's what to expect:

How AirPods batteries degrade

AirPods use tiny lithium-ion batteries rated for about 300-500 charge cycles. With daily use, most people hit this limit within 18-24 months. You'll notice:

• Battery percentage drops faster than before
• Total listening time decreases (from 5+ hours to 2-3)
• One AirPod always dies first
• Case doesn't provide as many full charges

Checking battery health

Unfortunately, Apple doesn't provide a battery health indicator for AirPods like they do for iPhones. The only way to check is by measuring actual usage time versus the original specifications.

Audio & Connection Issues

One AirPod not working

Before assuming hardware failure, try:

1. Check audio balance in Settings → Accessibility → Audio/Visual
2. Clean the speaker grille with a dry brush
3. Reset your AirPods (hold button on case for 15 seconds)
4. Forget the device and re-pair

Audio cutting out

Bluetooth interference is usually the cause. Try removing other Bluetooth devices from the area, or test in a different location. WiFi routers operating on 2.4GHz can interfere with Bluetooth signals.

Physical Damage

Water damage

Despite some water resistance ratings, AirPods and water don't mix well. If exposed to liquid:

1. Remove from water immediately
2. Shake out excess liquid
3. Leave to dry for at least 48 hours before charging
4. Do NOT put in rice (doesn't help, can cause damage)
5. Do NOT use a hair dryer (can melt components)

UK Repair Options

Apple Authorised Service

Apple offers battery service and out-of-warranty repairs through Apple Stores and authorised service providers. Pricing is fixed regardless of generation.

• Battery service: £69 per AirPod, £69 for case
• Out-of-warranty repair: £79-£99 per AirPod
• AppleCare+ (if purchased): £25 incident fee

Third-party repair

Independent repair shops (including us) offer battery replacement at lower prices. The challenge with AirPods is their sealed design—opening them causes cosmetic damage to the seams. Repairs are functional but not invisible.

Single AirPod replacement

Apple sells individual AirPods and cases separately. This is often the best option if only one component is damaged:

• Single AirPod: £79-£99 depending on model
• Replacement case: £69-£99 depending on model

Repair Costs by Model (UK 2026)

Repair vs Replace Decision

When repair makes sense

• Only one AirPod has issues (replace just that one)
• Battery is the only problem
• AirPods Pro with good ear tips and case (unless ANC has stopped working)
• AirPods Max (expensive to replace)

When replacement makes sense

• Both AirPods have battery issues (repair cost approaches new price)
• Case also needs replacement
• Model is 3+ years old
• Want features of newer generation

Pro Tip

Trade-in tip: Apple and many retailers offer trade-in credit for old AirPods, even with battery issues. Check current values before deciding to repair—sometimes the trade-in plus a discount makes new AirPods more economical. Consider selling your old device to us for competitive trade-in value.

How to Reset Your AirPods (Fixes 70% of Issues)

Before seeking repair, try a full reset. This clears software glitches and re-establishes the Bluetooth connection. It's the first thing we do when diagnosing AirPods issues.

Pro Tip

Still not working after reset? If the issue persists after a full reset, it's likely a hardware problem. Contact us for a free diagnosis or visit our Birmingham repair centre.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I mix different generation AirPods?

No, AirPods must be paired as matching sets. You can't use a 2nd gen AirPod with a 3rd gen one. However, you can pair standard AirPods with a different generation case (charging only, not the AirPods themselves).

How long should AirPods last?

With typical daily use, expect 2-3 years before battery degradation becomes noticeable. Light users might get 4+ years. Heavy users (3-4 hours daily) might notice decline after 18 months.

Are fake AirPods dangerous?

Counterfeit AirPods can have safety issues with batteries and charging circuits. Stick to authorised retailers for replacements.

Can water-damaged AirPods be fixed?

Sometimes, if you act quickly. Success depends on how much water got in and how long before they dried. Never attempt to charge wet AirPods.