How to Pair Replacement AirPods
Before troubleshooting: confirm your model
Check the model numbers printed on your remaining earbud, replacement earbud, and charging case. Left-ear, right-ear, and case numbers are different; they do not need to be identical. All three pieces must belong to a compatible generation and version.
Check Pro 2 Lightning versus USB-C, AirPods 4 with versus without ANC, and the two AirPods 5 versions. A reset or firmware update cannot turn an incompatible replacement into the correct version.
Check your model numbers → · Cannot read the numbers? Send us clear photos →
Select your AirPods model
Pairing steps
Put both earbuds into the charging case — whether you replaced an earbud or the case itself, all 3 pieces need to be together before starting.
On your iPhone, open Settings → Bluetooth. Tap the blue (i) icon next to your AirPods, then tap Forget This Device. Before you forget, note the model number shown — handy if you need to contact us later.
Close the lid and plug the case into a wall outlet. Leave it for at least 30 minutes — this is the most important step, don't skip it.
With your iPhone nearby, open the case lid and press and hold the small button on the back of the case. Hold it until the light flashes amber, then white.
Amber flash = resettingWhite flash = ready to pair
A setup animation will appear on your iPhone screen. Tap Connect and follow the prompts — your AirPods are now paired and synced together.
The amber light keeps coming back
If the amber light keeps blinking and won't go white, it's almost always one of two things:
1. It needs more time
Put both earbuds back in the case, plug into power, and leave it for another 30 minutes with your iPhone in the same room connected to Wi-Fi. Then try the reset again. Your iPhone downloads a firmware sync to the AirPods in the background — this is what often resolves it.
2. There's a model mismatch
The replacement and your existing earbud must belong to the same compatible generation and version. Left and right earbuds have different printed model numbers. Even models that look identical — like AirPods Pro 2nd Gen Lightning vs USB-C, or AirPods 4th Gen ANC vs Non-ANC — will not pair with each other.
To check, look at the small text printed on the stem of each earbud.
The model number is stamped in tiny print on the inner stem of the earbud — the part that points downward when worn. It starts with the letter A (e.g. A2699).
Check both earbuds and compare their model numbers using the link below. If they land on different cards, that's your mismatch.
Check your model numbers →Start an exchange for the correct model →
Pairing steps
Put both earbuds into the charging case — whether you replaced an earbud or the case itself, all 3 pieces need to be together before starting.
On your iPhone, open Settings → Bluetooth. Tap the blue (i) icon next to your AirPods, then tap Forget This Device. Before you forget, note the model number shown — handy if you need to contact us later.
Close the lid and plug the case into a wall outlet. Leave it for at least 30 minutes — this is the most important step, don't skip it.
With your iPhone nearby, open the lid. These models have no button — instead double-tap the front of the case, following the light:
- Double-tap while the status light is on
- Double-tap again when the light flashes white
- Double-tap a 3rd time when the light flashes faster
Amber flash = resettingWhite flash = ready to pair
A setup animation will appear on your iPhone screen. Tap Connect and follow the prompts — your AirPods are now paired and synced together.
The light flashed amber but won't go white
If the amber light keeps blinking and won't go white, it's almost always one of two things:
1. It needs more time
Put both earbuds back in the case, plug into power, and leave it for another 30 minutes with your iPhone in the same room connected to Wi-Fi. Then try the reset again. Your iPhone downloads a firmware sync to the AirPods in the background — this is what often resolves it.
2. There's a model mismatch
The replacement and your existing earbud must belong to the same compatible generation and version. Left and right earbuds have different printed model numbers. Even models that look identical — like AirPods Pro 2nd Gen Lightning vs USB-C, or AirPods 4th Gen ANC vs Non-ANC — will not pair with each other.
To check, look at the small text printed on the stem of each earbud.
The model number is stamped in tiny print on the inner stem of the earbud — the part that points downward when worn. It starts with the letter A (e.g. A2699).
Check both earbuds and compare their model numbers using the link below. If they land on different cards, that's your mismatch.
Check your model numbers →Start an exchange for the correct model →
AirPods 5: Model Check and Pairing Support
Confirm your version before pairing. USB-C and USB-C / Wireless AirPods 5 use different earbuds and cases.
USB-C: Left A3532 · Right A3531 · Case A3530.
USB-C / Wireless: Left A3440 · Right A3439 · Case A3529.
Use only the matching earbuds and case for your version.
Reset AirPods 5 (both versions)
- Put both earbuds in the case, close the lid, and wait 30 seconds.
- On your paired iPhone or iPad, open Settings → Bluetooth and forget the AirPods if they appear.
- Open the case. Double-tap its front while the status light is on.
- Double-tap again when the light flashes white, then a third time when it flashes faster.
- When the light flashes amber and then white, reconnect using the instructions on your device.
Apple's current reset instructions. If the replacement still will not join your set, contact us with the numbers on all three pieces.
If your replacement still will not pair
Correct model, but the earbuds work separately
If each earbud connects on its own but they will not work together, check that both earbuds and the case charge, confirm the compatible version, and complete the instructions for your exact model above. If you have already done this and the problem remains, contact us rather than repeating the same reset.
Firmware update guidance
Allow at least 30 minutes for an AirPods firmware update attempt. Use an updated iPhone, iPad, or Mac with Bluetooth enabled and Wi-Fi connected. Put both earbuds in the case, connect the case to power, and keep the lid closed within Bluetooth range. An update is not guaranteed to finish within a fixed time. If setup still fails after the instructions for your model, contact us with the model numbers on all three pieces.
Apple firmware update instructions →
Linked to another Apple Account or a Find My warning?
Every item is reset and removed from its previous account during our preparation process. If you see an “another Apple Account” warning, contact us with your order number, a screenshot of the exact message, and the model numbers on both earbuds and the charging case (or clear photos). Tell us which piece you purchased from us and whether both earbuds play audio together. We will investigate before recommending further troubleshooting or a replacement. If you have already followed our setup instructions, tell us what you tried so we can review the next step without asking you to repeat it. Do not share your Apple Account password or verification codes.
What to send support
Include your order number, which piece was replaced, the numbers on both earbuds and the case (or clear photos), your phone model, the warning or light pattern, whether each earbud charges, and the steps already attempted.
Still need help?
Our team is ready to help you get paired.