Can You Buy Just One AirPod? Yes — Here's How
Can You Buy Just One AirPod? Yes — Here's Exactly How
Lost one earbud, or one side died? You don't need a new set. Single AirPods are sold individually, pair with the set you already own, and cost a fraction of buying new.
Jump to Section
How Buying a Single AirPod Works
- Identify your exact model. Check the model number in Settings → Bluetooth → ⓘ next to your AirPods, or read the tiny "A" number on the earbud itself. Not sure? Use our model lookup tool.
- Order just the piece you're missing. Left bud, right bud, or case—each is sold on its own. The table below links every model.
- Pair it with your existing set. Put the new bud and your old one in the charging case together, and they sync as a matched pair. Details in the pairing section below.
Find Your Model — Every Piece Sold Individually
Not sure which model you have? On your iPhone: Settings → Bluetooth → tap the ⓘ next to your AirPods. The model number starts with "A". It's also printed inside the charging case lid and on the underside of each earbud.
| Your AirPods | Left # | Right # | Replacement parts |
|---|---|---|---|
| AirPods Pro 3rd Gen | A3064 | A3063 | Shop → |
| AirPods Pro 2nd Gen (USB‑C) | A3048 | A3047 | Shop → |
| AirPods Pro 2nd Gen (Lightning) | A2699 | A2698 | Shop → |
| AirPods Pro 1st Gen | A2084 | A2083 | Shop → |
| AirPods 4 (with ANC) | A3056 | A3055 | Shop → |
| AirPods 4 | A3053 | A3050 | Shop → |
| AirPods 3rd Gen | A2564 | A2565 | Shop → |
| AirPods 2nd Gen | A2031 | A2032 | Shop → |
Genuine Apple parts · same-day shipping before 11 AM PST · 1-year warranty · free US shipping.
What You'll Save vs. the Alternatives
When one AirPod goes missing or dies, you have three real options. Here's how they compare:
| Option | What You Get | The Catch |
|---|---|---|
| Buy a whole new set | Brand new pair + case | You're paying full retail to replace two pieces that still work fine |
| Apple's replacement service | One replacement bud from Apple | A fixed per-earbud service fee, and out of warranty it adds up fast—often approaching half the cost of a new set |
| A genuine single replacement | The exact piece you're missing, original Apple hardware | None—your existing pieces keep working, and it ships same-day with a 1-year warranty |
The math is simple: if two of your three pieces work, replace one piece—not three.
Ready to Replace Just One Side?
Find your model in the table, pick your missing piece, and it ships today if you order before 11 AM PST.
Find My ModelHow a Replacement AirPod Pairs With Your Set
This is the part people worry about most, and it's genuinely easy. AirPods sync as a pair through the charging case:
- Place the replacement bud and your existing bud in the charging case together.
- Close the lid and wait about 30 seconds.
- Open the lid near your iPhone. If they don't connect on their own, hold the setup button on the back of the case until the light flashes white, then reconnect in Settings → Bluetooth.
From then on they behave exactly like a matched pair—stereo audio, automatic switching, all of it. If one side sounds quieter than the other afterward, that's almost always earwax or a balance setting, not the new part: see our guide on why one AirPod sounds louder than the other.
Three Things to Check Before You Order
Match the Exact Generation
AirPods only pair with buds of the same model. An AirPods 3 left bud (A2564) won't pair with an AirPods Pro right bud. Check the A-number on the piece you still have and match its row in the table—our model number guide decodes every number.
Pro 2 Owners: Lightning vs. USB-C
AirPods Pro 2nd Gen exists in two versions with different part numbers—Lightning (A2699/A2698) and USB‑C (A3048/A3047). They look identical. This is the single most common wrong order we see, so check the number, not the look.
Make Sure It's Really Dead First
If your AirPod is in hand but silent, run through the free fixes before spending anything—balance settings, mesh cleaning, and a reset revive most "dead" AirPods. Start with our 8-fix troubleshooting guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I buy a single AirPod without the case?
Yes. Left earbuds, right earbuds, and charging cases are each sold separately. You buy only the piece you're missing—your existing pieces keep working as they are.
Will a replacement AirPod work with my existing one?
Yes, as long as it's the same model. Put the replacement and your existing bud in the charging case together and they sync as a matched pair automatically. Same sound, same controls, same automatic switching.
Are single replacement AirPods genuine Apple products?
Ours are. Every AirPod we sell is a 100% original Apple part sourced from open-box returns from major US retailers, backed by a 1-year warranty—the same protection window Apple gives a new set.
Can I replace just the charging case?
Yes. Cases are the most commonly lost piece, and every generation's case is available on its own. Match the case model number (printed inside the lid) or the generation of your earbuds.
What if I'm not sure which AirPods I have?
Check Settings → Bluetooth → tap the ⓘ next to your AirPods on your iPhone, or read the A-number printed on the earbud or inside the case lid. Our model lookup tool matches any number to its model in seconds.
Replace the Piece, Not the Pair
Genuine Apple AirPods sold individually—left, right, or case—shipped same-day and backed by a 1-year warranty.