Lost or damaged your AirPods charging case? The good news is you don't need to buy a whole new set — you can replace just the case. But the most important step is making sure you get the right one. AirPods cases are not universal. The wrong model won't charge your earbuds or pair correctly, even if it looks identical.

⚡ Step 1: Find Your Model Number

Before ordering, confirm your model. The fastest way is through your iPhone.

Step 1 Open Settings on your iPhone

Step 2 Tap Bluetooth and make sure your AirPods are connected

Step 3 Tap the ⓘ icon next to your AirPods

Step 4 Scroll to "About" — your model number starts with "A"

You can also check inside the lid of your existing case — Apple prints the model number there in small text. If you don't have the case anymore, check the original box or your iPhone's Settings → General → About with your AirPods connected.

AirPods Case Model Numbers — Full Reference

Use this table to match your AirPods to the correct replacement case before ordering.

AirPods Model	Case Model #	Port Type
AirPods 2nd Gen (standard case)	A1602	Lightning
AirPods 2nd Gen (wireless case)	A1938	Lightning
AirPods 3rd Gen (standard)	A2897	Lightning
AirPods 3rd Gen (MagSafe)	A2566	MagSafe
AirPods Pro 1st Gen	A2190	Lightning
AirPods Pro 2nd Gen — Lightning	A2700	Lightning
AirPods Pro 2nd Gen — USB-C	A2968	USB-C
AirPods Pro 3rd Gen	A3122	USB-C
AirPods 4th Gen	A3050	USB-C

⚠️ Cases are not interchangeable between generations A 2nd Gen case will not work with 3rd Gen earbuds. A Pro case will not work with standard AirPods. Always match the model number exactly before ordering.

Apple vs ReCellExchange — What's the Difference?

You have two main options when replacing your AirPods case: go directly through Apple, or order through ReCellExchange. Here's how they compare.

Option A

Apple Directly

100% genuine Apple parts
Official support process
$79–$99 per case out of warranty
Requires support ticket or store visit
Longer turnaround time

Option B — Recommended

ReCellExchange

100% genuine Apple parts
Significantly lower price
Same-day shipping available
90-day warranty included
Free US shipping on every order

Every case sold by ReCellExchange is sourced directly from major U.S. retailers — not third-party copies or knockoffs. Your earbuds will charge and pair exactly as they did with the original case. The difference is the price and the speed.

How to Pair a Replacement Case with Your Existing AirPods

Once your replacement case arrives, pairing takes under two minutes. Follow these steps exactly.

Place both AirPods in the new case and charge via a wall outlet for at least 1 hour.

Open the lid — the status light should flash amber. If it flashes white immediately, skip to step 4.

Hold the setup button on the back of the case for 15–30 seconds until the light flashes white.

With the case open and AirPods inside, hold it next to your unlocked iPhone and wait for the setup animation.

Tap Connect, then Done. Your AirPods are now paired to the new case.

💡 Still not pairing? Close the lid, wait 30 seconds, then repeat from step 2. If the amber light won't turn white after two attempts, charge the case for another 30 minutes before trying again. Still stuck? Message our support team — we'll walk you through it.

Not sure which case you need?

Our support team can identify your model in minutes.

Contact Support →

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about AirPods case replacements.

Can I use any AirPods case with my earbuds? −+

No. Each AirPods generation uses a specific case model. Using the wrong case will prevent charging and pairing. A 2nd Gen case will not work with 3rd Gen earbuds, and a Pro case won't work with standard AirPods. Always verify your model number before ordering.

Does the replacement case come with earbuds? −+

No — the replacement is the charging case only. Your existing earbuds go inside it. If you also need a replacement earbud, you can order those separately from the relevant collection page.

Will my AirPods lose their settings if I switch cases? −+

No. Your AirPods settings and preferences are tied to your Apple ID, not the physical case. After pairing the new case following the steps above, everything will work exactly as before.

What's the difference between the Lightning and MagSafe 3rd Gen cases? −+

Both cases are compatible with the same AirPods 3rd Gen earbuds (A2564 left, A2565 right). The MagSafe case (A2566) supports wireless charging via MagSafe and Qi chargers. The standard Lightning case (A2897) charges via Lightning cable only. The earbuds themselves are identical — only the charging method differs.

What if I ordered the wrong case? −+

We offer 30-day returns. Message us first before sending anything back — in most cases we can identify the issue quickly and get the right part to you without unnecessary back-and-forth.

Are the cases sold by ReCellExchange genuine Apple? −+

Yes — every case is 100% genuine Apple, sourced directly from major U.S. retailers and open-box returns. All cases are fully tested, sanitized, and inspected before shipping. Every order includes a 90-day warranty and free US shipping.

Get the Right Case. Ship Today.

100% genuine Apple replacement cases for every AirPods model. Order by 11 AM PST and it ships same day.

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What Are Some Options for an AirPods Replacement Case?

AirPods Replacement Case: Every Model Covered