What is the AirPod A2031?

The AirPod A2031 is the left earbud from Apple's 2nd Generation AirPods, released in 2019. If you're seeing "A2031" printed inside your AirPod or on its packaging, you have a 2nd Gen left AirPod with a Lightning charging case. The right earbud from the same set is model A2032.

A2031 Quick Specs

  • Model: A2031 (left earbud)
  • Generation: AirPods 2nd Generation (2019)
  • Chip: Apple H1
  • Charging: Lightning case (not USB-C)
  • Key features: "Hey Siri" hands-free, faster device switching, improved battery life over 1st Gen
  • Companion models: A2032 (right earbud), A1938 (charging case), A1602 (wireless charging case)

Is "AirPod 2031" the Same as "A2031"?

Yes — "AirPod 2031" and "A2031" refer to the exact same product. Apple uses the "A" prefix followed by a number for all their model identifiers. When people search for "AirPod 2031," they mean model number A2031.

How the A2031 Differs from Other AirPods

The A2031 (2nd Gen) sits between the original AirPods and the newer models. Compared to the 1st Generation, it added the H1 chip for faster Bluetooth connectivity, hands-free "Hey Siri," and slightly longer talk time. However, it doesn't have Active Noise Cancellation or Adaptive Transparency — those features came with the AirPods Pro (A2083/A2084) and later models.

If you're not sure which AirPods you have, check our AirPods Model Number Lookup tool — just enter your model number and we'll tell you exactly what generation you have.

Need a Replacement A2031?

If your left AirPod is lost, damaged, or not working, you don't need to buy a whole new set. At ReCellExchange, we sell genuine A2031 replacement earbuds individually — so you can replace just the one you need.

All our 2nd Generation AirPod parts are 100% original Apple components. They come with free shipping, same-day dispatch, and a 1-year warranty.

Shop 2nd Gen AirPod Replacement Parts →

Troubleshooting Your Left AirPod

Before replacing your A2031, try these quick fixes:

  • No sound from left ear: Check Settings > Accessibility > Audio/Visual > Balance and make sure the slider is centered.
  • Won't connect: Place both AirPods in the case, open the lid, and hold the button on the back until the light flashes white. Then re-pair via Settings > Bluetooth.
  • Sounds muffled: Clean the speaker mesh gently with a dry, soft-bristled brush. Earwax buildup is the most common cause.

If none of these work, the earbud likely needs to be replaced.

How to Pair a Replacement A2031

Once you have your new left AirPod, pairing it with your existing right AirPod is simple:

  1. Place both AirPods (old right + new left) in the charging case.
  2. Close the lid and wait 30 seconds.
  3. Open the lid and press the setup button on the back of the case until the status light flashes white.
  4. On your iPhone, go to Settings > Bluetooth and select your AirPods.
  5. Follow the on-screen prompts — done.

For a more detailed walkthrough, see our full AirPods pairing guide.

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