Yes.

You can replace a single AirPod earbud — left or right — without buying a new pair. You only need to replace what's actually broken or missing. This applies to every AirPod model, including all AirPods Pro generations.

Losing or breaking one AirPod is one of the most common earbud problems people face — and one of the most misunderstood. Most people assume they have to shell out for a completely new pair. They don't. Individual replacement earbuds are available for every AirPod model, and pairing a new earbud to your existing case takes just a few minutes.

This guide covers exactly what you can replace, what it costs compared to Apple's prices, and how to pair your replacement once it arrives.

What's in this guide

Which models can be replaced
What does it cost?
Left vs right — does it matter?
How to pair a replacement earbud
What else can be replaced?
Frequently asked questions

Which AirPod Models Can Be Replaced Individually?

All of them. Every AirPod model sold since 2019 has individual left and right earbud replacements available at ReCellExchange. Here's the full list:

Model	Left Earbud #	Right Earbud #	Shop
AirPods Pro 1st Gen	A2084	A2083	Shop →
AirPods Pro 2nd Gen (Lightning)	A2699	A2698	Shop →
AirPods Pro 2nd Gen (USB-C)	A2699	A2698	Shop →
AirPods Pro 3rd Gen	A3049	A3048	Shop →
AirPods (2nd Gen)	A2031	A2032	Shop →
AirPods (3rd Gen)	A2565	A2564	Shop →
AirPods (4th Gen)	—	—	Shop →

💡 Not sure which model you have? Go to Settings → Bluetooth on your iPhone → tap the ⓘ next to your AirPods → scroll to "About." Your model number is listed there. Match it to the table above.

What Does It Cost to Replace One AirPod?

Here's the honest cost comparison between going through Apple and replacing through ReCellExchange:

Apple — Out of Warranty

$89

Per AirPod Pro earbud. Standard AirPods slightly less. No warranty on replacement.

ReCellExchange

Less

100% original Apple part. Same-day shipping. 1-year warranty included.

Best Value

My daughter lost an AirPod and the choices were spend $250 on a new pair or a fraction of that to replace the single lost bud. I couldn't be happier with the decision to buy the single earbud — works great and the shipping was very fast.

★★★★★ Verified ReCellExchange Customer

Does It Matter Whether It's the Left or Right?

Yes — left and right AirPod earbuds have different model numbers and are not interchangeable. Each side has slightly different internal hardware (the left handles certain mic and sensor functions differently to the right on some models).

When ordering, make sure you select the correct side. The model numbers differ — for example, on AirPods Pro 1st Gen, the left is A2084 and the right is A2083. Ordering the wrong side won't damage anything, but it won't pair correctly as the matching earbud for that slot.

⚠️ Common mistake to avoid Double-check left vs right before ordering. It's the single most common ordering mistake — and the easiest to avoid. If you're unsure, ReCellExchange's support team can confirm which you need before you order.

How to Pair a Replacement AirPod to Your Existing Case

Pairing a replacement earbud to your existing case is straightforward. Here's the exact process:

Place the new earbud in the charging case

Put the replacement alongside your existing earbud. Close the lid and wait 30 seconds.

Open the lid near your iPhone

With Bluetooth enabled on your iPhone, open the case lid. Hold it close to your phone.

Press and hold the setup button

Press and hold the small button on the back of the case for about 15 seconds until the status light flashes amber, then white.

Follow the on-screen prompt

Your iPhone should display a pairing animation. Tap Connect and follow the steps to complete setup.

Test both earbuds

Play audio and confirm both sides sound balanced. If one is quieter, check Settings → Accessibility → Audio/Visual → Balance.

💡 Still having trouble pairing? ReCellExchange includes pairing instructions with every order. If you still can't get it working, their support team will walk you through it — and if the part itself is faulty, it's covered by the 1-year warranty.

Ready to replace your missing earbud?

Find your model, order by 11 AM PST, ships same day.

Shop Replacement AirPods →

What Else Can You Replace?

It's not just individual earbuds — here's everything that can be replaced independently:

Single earbud (left or right) — replace just the one that's lost or damaged
Charging case — if your case is lost or broken, the earbuds will pair to a new case after a reset
Ear tips (AirPods Pro) — the silicone tips wear out over time and affect sound quality and ANC performance. Replacing them is the cheapest and easiest upgrade
Complete set — if both earbuds and the case are gone, a complete set is available and still significantly cheaper than buying new from Apple

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you replace just one AirPod Pro? −+

Yes — individual left and right AirPod Pro replacements are available for all four Pro generations at ReCellExchange. You only need to replace the one that's missing or damaged. The replacement earbud will pair to your existing case normally after a reset.

Will a replacement AirPod work with my old case? −+

Yes, as long as you order the correct generation. A 2nd Gen AirPod Pro earbud will pair to a 2nd Gen case. A 1st Gen earbud will pair to a 1st Gen case. Cross-generation mixing (e.g. putting a 2nd Gen earbud in a 1st Gen case) will not work. Always match the generation of your replacement to your existing case.

Is it cheaper to replace one AirPod or buy a new pair? −+

Replacing one AirPod is almost always significantly cheaper than buying a new pair — especially for AirPods Pro. A new pair of AirPods Pro retails for $249. A single replacement earbud from ReCellExchange costs a fraction of that. If your other earbud and case are in good condition, there's no reason to replace them.

How do I know if I need the left or right replacement? −+

The easiest way is to look at your remaining earbud — it should have a small "L" or "R" printed on the stem in tiny text. Alternatively, when you open your AirPods case near your iPhone, the battery status will show which side is missing. If you're still unsure, contact ReCellExchange support and they'll confirm before you order.

Can I replace one AirPod if it's damaged rather than lost? −+

Yes — whether it's lost, run over, water damaged, or simply stopped working, a replacement earbud is the solution. The cause of the damage doesn't affect your ability to replace it. As long as your case is functional and the correct generation, a replacement earbud will pair and work normally.

Does replacing one AirPod affect the warranty on the other? −+

No — replacing one earbud has no effect on the remaining original earbud. Your replacement earbud from ReCellExchange comes with its own 1-year warranty, independent of any existing Apple warranty on your other components.

Don't replace both. Replace the one you need.

100% original AirPod replacement earbuds for every model. Order by 11 AM PST and it ships the same day.

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Can You Replace Just One AirPod? (Yes — Here's Exactly How)

Can You Replace Just One AirPod?