Imagine with me for a moment: You’re blocking out all the distractions at work with your AirPods Pro, noise cancellation on.
Every once in a while, though, you hear the annoying buzz of your coworker’s voices coming through. It becomes more common, and soon a crackling sound accompanies their chatter. Your peace, quiet, and productivity? It’s ruined!
Well, there’s a chance you might be able to get your AirPods Pro replaced if you’re encountering problems like this.
If you hear increased static or crackling, or the noise cancellation stops working as expected, specific AirPods Pro are eligible for free replacement due to faulty manufacturing.

Erika Taught Me
- Faulty AirPods Pro manufactured before October 2020 are eligible for replacement through Apple.
- The program is only available for three years after the purchase date of your AirPods.
- You can start the process for your replacement online or in person at the Apple Store.
. . .
Eligibility for the AirPods Pro Service Program
According to the Apple website, certain AirPods Pro manufactured before October 2020 have proven to have several sound issues.
Users experienced static or crackling sounds while they were using their AirPods Pro in loud environments, exercising, or on the phone. In some cases, the noise cancellation stopped working as expected, and users even lost the bass sound or background noise crept in.
Well, you didn’t spend your money on AirPods for them not to block out the sound of the baby crying on your 11-hour flight, right?
Here’s how to know if yours are eligible:
- Normal wear and tear doesn’t count. Your AirPods have to be behaving abnormally from a manufacturing standpoint, not from any damage.
- Your ‘Pods must be manufactured during the right time frame. Affected units were manufactured before October 2020.
- The Service Program is only available for three years after the purchase date of your AirPods. After three years, you’ll have to pay for repairs as normal.
How To Get Your AirPods Pro Replacement
To get the ball rolling on replacing your dud AirPods Pro, you’ll need to do one of two things:
- You can make an appointment at your nearest Apple Store, where a certified tech will evaluate your AirPods for eligibility.
- You can go online, where Apple Support can tell you whether or not your AirPods Pro are eligible for the program.
In both cases, you’ll need to supply Apple with the serial number to determine if your AirPods Pro were manufactured during the specific time frame.
You can find the serial number for your buds in the case on the underside of the lid. Write it down or have it handy.
Try my script
When you get with tech support, either online or at the store, try this script:
“Hi! My AirPod Pros aren’t working as expected and I’m told that there’s an AirPods Pro Service Program. Do you mind checking to see if I qualify for that replacement program?”
They should ask for the serial number, and if you’re chatting on the Apple website, you can continue the process online, which eventually involves sending your AirPods Pro in by mail for diagnostics.
Or, if you’re at the physical Apple Store, they can run the quick diagnostic test on your AirPods Pro right then and there.
In both cases, the faulty pod that fails the diagnostic test (left, right, or both) will be replaced for free.
Cases were not affected by the faulty manufacturing, so just be aware that you won’t get a new case, too.
And no — you don’t need your original receipt!
FAQs
Are other AirPod models covered under this program?
Nope, only AirPods Pro. This program is a result of faulty manufacturing before October 2020 and only applies to those AirPods Pro.
Do I need AppleCare+ to qualify?
No! As long as you provide a serial number that’s eligible for free replacements, you’ll be good to go without AppleCare+.
Does this work outside the U.S.?
Yes, this is a worldwide service program provided by Apple.
TL;DR: How to Replace Your AirPods Pro
If you’re experiencing sound issues with your AirPods Pro, it’s possible you’re entitled to Apple’s service program and could get free replacements.
It’s easy to see if you and your ‘Pods qualify, so if you’re suspicious that your pair might be in that faulty batch, it’s worth checking out!
I Read the Fine Print!
Want to learn more ways to save money through the fine print? Follow me on TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube! That's where I share all my best tips!

Learn With Erika
- Free Travel Secrets Workshop
- Learn how to use the fine print to book your next vacation practically for free with Erika's step-by-step system
- Free 5 Day Investing Challenge
- Learn how to get started as a beginner investor and make your first $10,000
- Free 5 Day Savings Challenge
- Discover how you can save $1,000 without penny pinching or making major life sacrifices
- Join Erika Kullberg Insiders
- Ask investing questions, share successes and participate in monthly challenges and expert workshops
. . .

Erika Kullberg is a lawyer and the most-followed personal finance expert in the world. She discovered her passion for personal finance after realizing she was drowning in over $200,000 of student debt and needed to take action. She paid off her student loans in under two years and started creating videos on social media to help others learn about personal finance. She's also the host of the #1 rated podcast, Erika Taught Me, where every week she invites a new guest to share their best personal finance, life, wellness, and/or business advice.