Quick heads-up before you get your hopes up: this was a specific service program for AirPods Pro made before October 2020, and Apple covered each affected pair for three years after its first retail sale. That means the window has basically closed at this point — and Apple no longer lists this program on its current service programs page. If you've got an older pair acting up, it's still worth a two-minute check with Apple Support by serial number, but don't be surprised if the free-replacement window has passed. For anything Apple is actively fixing right now, that service programs page is the place to look.
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.
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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 program covers each affected pair for three years after its first retail sale — Apple's exact wording — so the clock is tied to when the unit was first sold, not necessarily when you bought it secondhand.
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 — because Apple checks eligibility by serial number, you generally won'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?
Nope. This is a program for a manufacturing defect, so it's separate from AppleCare+ — as long as your serial number is eligible, you'll get the free replacement whether or not you ever bought 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!
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