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General
What is Recell Exchange?

Recell Exchange, headquartered in San Diego, CA, was established in 2021 to provide eco-friendly replacement electronics at discounted prices. We specialize in AirPod replacements and also carry Galaxy Buds, Beats, Sony, and Pixel Buds. All items are sourced from authorized US retailers and verified as authentic before shipping.

Are your replacements authentic?

Yes — all products are sourced from verified US retailers and authenticated during our testing process. We only sell genuine Apple, Beats, Samsung, Sony, and Google products. No aftermarket or third-party components.

What condition are your replacements in?

We offer four conditions: Like New, Refurbished Excellent, Refurbished Good, and Refurbished Fair. The product page explains the cosmetic wear for each option. All conditions are tested for functionality before shipping.

Can I replace just one earbud or just the charging case?

Yes — you can purchase individual left earbuds, right earbuds, and charging cases separately. You never need to buy a full set just to replace one piece.

What does the Recell Exchange warranty cover?

The 90-day full warranty covers eligible functionality issues with items purchased from ReCellExchange. Limited coverage for complete device failure continues from day 91 through day 365.

Coverage excludes loss, physical damage, and ordering an incompatible model. Your original pieces purchased elsewhere are not covered. Approved covered-defect claims include a prepaid return label without requiring a protection plan.

Read warranty coverage and claim terms
Orders & Shipping
How long does shipping take?

Standard Shipping ($4.95 under $40; free on US orders $40+): 3–5 business days via standard shipping.

FedEx 2-Day: $9.95, guaranteed 2 business days in transit after shipment. Processing time is separate.

Orders placed before 11 a.m. Pacific, Monday–Friday, are typically processed the same business day. Orders placed after the cutoff or on weekends are typically processed the next business day.

What is the return and refund policy?

Refunds: Returns must be received within 30 days with a receipt, invoice, or order confirmation. A $7 service fee is deducted from refunds (not exchanges).

Exchanges: Incorrect items may be exchanged at no reshipment fee. Any price difference must be paid.

Processing time: Refunds process within 1–3 business days after the return is received.

Non-returnable: Cables, accessories, items used 30+ days, sale items, and gift cards.

What happens if my package is lost or not delivered?

Optional Package Protection is available at checkout and is the only way to receive a replacement for lost, stolen, or undelivered packages.

With Package Protection: A one-time reshipment is issued once tracking shows no movement for 7+ business days, the carrier confirms loss, or tracking shows "Delivered" but you didn't receive it.

Without Package Protection: We cannot provide refunds or replacements. You must contact the carrier directly. Package Protection cannot be added after an order is placed.

Not covered under any circumstance:

  • Incorrect or incomplete address entered at checkout
  • Packages returned to sender due to address errors
  • Carrier delays from weather, customs, or holidays
How does store credit work?

Store credit is issued as a digital gift card code in situations like exchanges or canceled orders. It never expires and can only be applied toward future purchases — it cannot be converted to cash or reversed.

Do you ship internationally?

Yes. Available destinations, delivery options, shipping charges, and any duties or taxes collected by us are shown at checkout. Processing is typically within one business day, Monday–Friday; delivery estimates are separate from processing time.

For an international return or exchange, contact us to confirm the instructions and charges for your order before shipping anything back. Match replacement earbuds to the exact earbud model and version, rather than the country where your phone was purchased.

AirPods
How do I pair a replacement AirPod?

Confirm that both earbuds and the case are the correct model and version. Follow the replacement setup guide for your exact model.

For AirPods 2, AirPods 3, AirPods Pro 1, and AirPods Pro 2, reset uses the case setup button. AirPods 4, both AirPods 5 versions, and AirPods Pro 3 use a timed sequence of three double-taps on the front of the case. These are not interchangeable procedures.

Full AirPods pairing guide
Will my replacement AirPod work with my existing earbud?

It must match the same generation and compatible version, and be the side you need. Left-ear, right-ear, and case model numbers are different; they do not need to be identical.

Check distinctions such as Pro 2 Lightning versus USB-C, AirPods 4 ANC versus Non-ANC, and the two AirPods 5 versions. Use our model checker to map each number to the correct version.

Identify your AirPods model
How do I know which AirPod replacement I need?

On a connected iPhone or iPad, open Settings → Bluetooth and tap the information button beside your AirPods. Check the model information in the About section. Also check the model number printed on your remaining earbud or case.

Use that number to identify your generation and version, then select the missing side or case. A case number identifies the case version; it is not an earbud model number.

Full model identification guide
Why is my replacement AirPod flashing amber and not connecting?

An amber light after reset usually means one of two things:

1. Needs more time. Put both earbuds back in the case, plug into power, and leave for 30 more minutes with your iPhone nearby on Wi-Fi. Your iPhone downloads a firmware sync in the background — this often resolves it. Then repeat the reset.

2. Model mismatch. The replacement and your existing earbud must belong to a compatible generation and version. Left, right, and case model numbers differ; use the model guide to check compatibility.

Check your model numbers Start an exchange
How long does an AirPods firmware update take?

Apple instructs customers to allow at least 30 minutes. Connect your AirPods to 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.

After at least 30 minutes, reopen the lid, reconnect, and check the firmware version. An update is not guaranteed to finish within a fixed time. If it still fails, follow Apple's reset guidance and try again.

Apple firmware update instructions
How do I know if my AirPods are fake?

Signs of replica AirPods include incorrect fonts on packaging, unusual symbols, cheap-feeling plastic, or pricing that seems too good to be true. Serial numbers alone cannot confirm authenticity since replicas often clone them. Send us photos and we'll help verify.

Samsung Galaxy Buds
How do I pair a replacement Samsung Galaxy Bud?

Fully charge both earbuds and the charging case before attempting replacement-part resetting or pairing. Use the Galaxy Wearable app on a compatible Android phone; this replacement-part process cannot be completed on an iPhone.

First match the exact Galaxy Buds model. Coupling a replacement earbud to the other earbud is different from connecting an already-coupled pair to your phone.

Use the model-specific guide below. If the earbuds appear separately, only one connects, or replacement coupling fails, contact us with the model and the piece replaced. Do not apply a generic reset or case-button duration to every model.

Full Samsung Galaxy Buds pairing guide
Will my replacement Galaxy Bud work with my existing earbud?

Yes — as long as both are the exact same model. Galaxy Buds are not cross-compatible between models. For example, Buds2 and Buds2 Pro are different and will not pair with each other. Check the model number on the inside of your charging case lid before ordering.

Are your Samsung Galaxy Buds compatible with iPhone?

Individual replacement parts require the Galaxy Wearable app on a compatible Android phone for resetting and pairing. An iPhone cannot complete this replacement-part setup. This requirement applies to replacement parts, rather than an already-paired complete set.

A complete set can pair to a compatible iPhone over Bluetooth. After replacement parts are reset and paired using Galaxy Wearable on an Android phone, the working set can also connect to an iPhone over Bluetooth. App support and advanced features vary by model. If you only have an iPhone, contact us before ordering an individual replacement.

Check replacement setup requirements
Beats
How do I pair a replacement Beats earbud?

Choose your exact model in the Beats guide. Solo Buds use buttons on both earbuds; Fit Pro, Powerbeats Fit, Studio Buds+, and Powerbeats Pro 2 use model-specific case-button instructions. A single 15-second case-button reset does not apply to every Beats model.

Full Beats pairing guide
Which Beats models do you carry replacements for?

Browse the current Beats collection for available models, sides, cases, colors, and conditions. Match the exact model before ordering; availability varies.

Choose your Beats model
Will my replacement Beats earbud work with my existing one?

Yes — as long as both are the exact same model. Beats Fit Pro, Studio Buds, and Studio Buds+ are not interchangeable. Check the model name printed inside your charging case lid to confirm before ordering.

Can I mix and match Beats colors?

Yes — Beats earbuds are fully functional regardless of color. If you replace one earbud in a different color than your existing one, they will still pair and work together perfectly. The only requirement is that both earbuds are the same model — color has no effect on compatibility.

So if you have a black Beats Fit Pro left earbud and replace the right with a white one, you're good to go.

Sony & Google Pixel Buds
How do I pair a replacement Sony earbud?

Select your exact model in the Sony guide. WF-1000XM5, WF-1000XM4, WF-C500, and LinkBuds S use different initialization controls and light sequences. Initializing usually removes saved pairing settings; reconnect afterward.

If your model is not listed, contact us before using another model's procedure.

Full Sony pairing guide
How do I pair a replacement Google Pixel Bud?

Confirm whether you have Pixel Buds Pro, Pro 2, A-Series, or Pixel Buds 2a. These are different models and their parts must not be mixed.

Use Google's current instructions for your exact model. If your replacement does not join the remaining earbud, contact us with the model and the part replaced before repeatedly resetting.

Full Pixel Buds pairing guide

Troubleshooting & Common Issues

Before starting a return or exchange, try the relevant checks below. If you already completed them, tell us what happened rather than repeating them. These checks do not change your return or warranty eligibility.

My replacement will not pair. What should I try first?
  1. Confirm the model and version of your remaining earbud, replacement, and case using our model guide. Left, right, and case numbers differ; they must belong to a compatible version.
  2. Fully charge both earbuds and the case. Check that both earbuds are seated correctly and showing a charge.
  3. Follow the pairing instructions for your exact brand and model. Controls and light sequences vary; do not use another model’s reset procedure.
  4. For AirPods, update your iPhone or iPad and turn Bluetooth on. If connected but silent, select AirPods as the audio output in Control Center. Follow Apple’s connection checks.
  5. For replacement AirPods setup, put both earbuds in the powered case, close the lid, and wait 20 minutes. Then follow Apple’s replacement setup instructions for your exact model. This setup wait is separate from firmware-update guidance. Rear-button and front-tap models use different sequences.
  6. Test both earbuds together. If you already completed these checks and setup still fails, contact support with the details listed below.
My AirPods say “Mismatched AirPods” or “Different version.”

Start by checking the numbers on all three pieces. Confirm Pro 2 Lightning versus USB-C, AirPods 4 ANC versus non-ANC, or the correct AirPods 5 version. A reset does not make incompatible parts compatible.

If the versions match, follow the charging, firmware, and reset guidance in our AirPods setup guide. An amber light alone does not confirm the cause. If the warning mentions another Apple Account, use the separate answer below.

If the warning remains after those steps, send the exact warning and model numbers to support before arranging an exchange. See Apple’s mismatch guidance for the different causes.

Each earbud connects separately, but they will not work together.

Confirm both earbuds are the correct compatible model and each charges in the case. Then complete the replacement setup for your exact model; connecting each bud to a phone separately does not confirm that they are paired together as a set.

For AirPods, follow the firmware guidance in the AirPods guide before repeating the model-specific setup. For Galaxy replacements, follow the Galaxy guide’s app and device requirements. If you have already done this, contact support rather than repeatedly resetting or waiting overnight.

My replacement says it is linked to another Apple Account.

Every item is reset and removed from its previous account during our preparation process. A reported warning needs investigation; we do not assume which component caused it.

Send your order number, a screenshot of the exact warning, and the model numbers on both earbuds and the case (or clear photos). Tell us which piece you purchased and whether both earbuds play audio together. If you already followed our setup guide, list the steps attempted. We will review before recommending further troubleshooting or a replacement.

Do not share your Apple Account password or verification codes.

Find My says “Setup incomplete” or “No location found.”

This is not automatically the same as an “another Apple Account” warning. First allow a few minutes for setup to finish and check that your iPhone or iPad is updated. Follow Apple’s setup-incomplete checklist, including the account-setup prompts and Find My settings it lists.

Find My features vary by model. If the message specifically mentions another Apple Account, use the answer above. Otherwise, send us the exact message, your model, and whether audio works. Do not turn off your phone’s security settings as a generic troubleshooting step.

My earbud or charging case will not charge or show a light.

Check that the correct cable is firmly connected to the case, power adapter, and a working outlet. Try another compatible cable and adapter. Seat each earbud in its correct slot and check for visible debris; use the manufacturer’s cleaning instructions for your model rather than inserting tools or liquids into charging ports.

For AirPods, charge the earbuds and case for at least 15 minutes and check each earbud’s charge status. Follow Apple’s charging checks. Other brands should follow their model-specific manufacturer guidance.

If one piece still does not charge, contact us with the affected piece, model, and checks attempted. Pairing and firmware troubleshooting should not be the first step for an unresponsive unit.

One earbud is quieter, has no sound, or crackles.

Check whether both earbuds charge, and test another audio track or app. For AirPods, inspect the speaker mesh for debris and follow the manufacturer’s cleaning instructions. On iPhone, check Settings → Accessibility → Audio & Visual and center the Balance slider. Check the fit of removable ear tips where applicable.

Use Apple’s one-earbud audio checks for AirPods, or your manufacturer’s instructions for another brand. If needed, follow the reset guide for your exact model.

If low sound or crackling persists after these checks, contact support. Do not keep increasing the volume to compensate.

Still having trouble?

Contact support with your order number, the part replaced, all model numbers or clear photos, your phone model, the exact warning or light pattern, and the steps already tried. Tell us whether each earbud charges and whether audio works in one or both ears. We will review the issue and help with the appropriate next step. If an eligible return or exchange is needed, use our Returns & Exchanges page for the portal and shipping terms.