AppleCare+ for AirPods extends Apple’s one-year warranty to two years and adds accidental damage cover. This guide explains what it costs, what it covers and leaves out, how to add it, and when it pays for itself.
What AppleCare+ for AirPods Covers
Every pair of AirPods ships with a one-year limited warranty and 90 days of free phone support. AppleCare+ stretches both to two years from the date you bought the AirPods.
It adds these protections:
- Accidental damage. Drops, cracks and liquid damage are repaired for a $29 service fee per incident in the US.
- Battery service. Apple replaces the earbuds or case if the battery holds less than 80% of its original capacity.
- Defects. Manufacturing faults in the earbuds and charging case are covered for the full term.
- Priority support. You get faster access to Apple experts by chat or phone.
Loss and theft are not covered. If you lose an earbud, you pay Apple’s standard replacement fee, plan or no plan.
How Much It Costs
In the US, Apple has listed AppleCare+ at $29 for standard AirPods and AirPods Pro and $59 for AirPods Max. You pay once for the full two years. Prices change with new models and vary by country, so confirm the figure on Apple’s site before you check out.
Apple also sells AppleCare One in the US. It costs $19.99 a month, covers up to three devices, and adds theft and loss protection. It only makes financial sense if you already plan to insure an iPhone or iPad.
What You Need Before You Buy
- AirPods bought within the last 60 days
- Your proof of purchase if you bought from a third-party retailer
- Your AirPods serial number
- An iPhone or iPad paired with the AirPods
How to Add AppleCare+ After Purchase
- Pair your AirPods with your iPhone and put them in your ears or open the case nearby.
- Open Settings, then tap General and AppleCare & Warranty.
- Select your AirPods from the device list.
- Tap the AppleCare+ offer if it appears, then follow the payment prompts.
- If no offer appears, enter your serial number on Apple’s Check Coverage page to confirm eligibility.
You can also buy AppleCare+ in person at an Apple Store or through the Apple Support app.
Expected result: Your AirPods show “AppleCare+” with an end date in the AppleCare & Warranty screen. Apple also emails you a confirmation and agreement number.
Buying tip
Find your serial number under Settings > Bluetooth by tapping the info icon next to your AirPods. It is also printed under the case lid.
Common Mistakes and Troubleshooting
- Missing the 60-day window. After 60 days, Apple will not sell you a plan. Set a reminder on purchase day.
- Expecting loss cover. AppleCare+ will not replace a lost earbud for the service fee.
- “Invalid connection” on the coverage checker. Turn off your VPN or ad blocker and reload the page. Try another browser if it still fails.
- No offer in Settings. Update iOS, then check that the AirPods are signed in to your Apple Account.
Watch out
Gift recipients often miss the deadline. The 60 days run from the original purchase date, not from when you open the box.
Is AppleCare+ for AirPods Worth It?
Buy it for AirPods Pro and AirPods Max. One accidental damage claim costs $58 in total, plan plus fee, which is less than an out-of-warranty earbud or case replacement. The battery cover also matters, because AirPods batteries degrade noticeably within two years of daily use.
Skip it for basic AirPods if your main worry is losing them. In that case, a loss and theft plan or careful habits will do more for you.
FAQ
Does AppleCare+ cover a lost AirPod?
No. Apple charges its regular replacement fee for lost earbuds or cases.
Can I add AppleCare+ to AirPods bought on Amazon?
Yes. You can add it within 60 days of purchase, and Apple may ask for your receipt.
Does AppleCare+ transfer if I sell my AirPods?
Yes. The coverage is tied to the serial number, so it moves to the new owner with the AirPods.