TLDR: Yes it's quite possible a used AirPod (only risk is incompatibility) can be paired to your current AirPod by following these directions (quoted below).


Apple's If your AirPods are lost article is a good starting point (originally linked by IconDaemon).

Before seeking a replacement, make sure you've attempted to find the missing AirPod using Find My iPhone.

If you need to replace it, Apple recommends you "get the serial number and then contact Apple Support for a replacement" - presumably to make sure their versions are compatible.

Regarding setup, you can check out Set up your replacement AirPods or charging case:

  1. Put both AirPods in your charging case.
  2. Open the lid and check the status light. It should flash amber.
  3. Press and hold the setup button on the back of the case for 5 seconds. The status light should flash white. If it still flashes amber, connect the case to power, close the lid, and wait 10 minutes.
  4. On your iPhone, go to the Home screen.
  5. Open the case—with your AirPods inside—and hold it next to your iPhone. A setup animation appears on your iPhone.
  6. Tap Connect, then tap Done.

If you're interested in buying a replacement directly from Apple, you can find more information under AirPods Repair (note that this is US specific, you can find the locale specific page here), where they list a replacement of a lost AirPod as costing 6.95 shipping fee.


I personally would not want to use somebody's used AirPod, but if necessary I would clean out the earwax and wipe it down with a tissue soaked in hand sanitizer.

Answer from JBallin on Stack Exchange
🌐
Apple
support.apple.com › airpods › repair
AirPods Replacement, Repair, and Service - Apple Support
Make an appointment at an Apple Authorized Service Provider or Apple Store ... Did you lose an AirPod or your Charging Case? You can buy a replacement for a left or right AirPod or the Charging Case.
🌐
Walmart
walmart.com › electronics
Apple Airpod Replacement
$10.00/inRestored Right Replacement AirPod - 2nd Generation (Refurbished) 963.8 out of 5 Stars. 96 reviews · Restored Right AirPod Pro Replacement - 1st Generation (Refurbished · Add · Sponsored · $4999current price $49.99 · $16.66/inRestored Right AirPod Pro Replacement - 1st Generation (Refurbished ·
Discussions

Lost one side of AirPods, buy another side to complete the pair - Ask Different
Not to be nit-picking - but wouldn't ... for the right ear? ... TLDR: Yes it's quite possible a used AirPod (only risk is incompatibility) can be paired to your current AirPod by following these directions (quoted below). Apple's If your AirPods are lost article is a good starting point (originally linked by IconDaemon). Before seeking a replacement, make sure ... More on apple.stackexchange.com
🌐 apple.stackexchange.com
I lost my right Airpod. Can I replace it only or do I have to buy a whole new Airpod set? null
I lost my right Airpod. Can I replace it only or do I have to buy a whole new Airpod set? – Learn about Apple - AirPods Pro (1st generation) with Magsafe Charging Case - White with 3 Answers – Best Buy More on bestbuy.com
🌐 bestbuy.com
3
March 12, 2022
Process to get replacement right airpod
You could walk in, but it’s not something that goes through sales, it goes through Genius Bar so walk in wait could be lengthy depending on how busy they are. I’d make an appointment if you plan going in store. More on reddit.com
🌐 r/applehelp
3
1
March 23, 2024
I lost my left airpod pro. To replace at apple it would be $89 but that’s outrageous. Can I find it cheaper or should I buy a whole new AirPods Pro? What is my best option?
I wouldn’t get one from anywhere because you don’t know if it’ll be genuine. I personally don’t think £89 is that bad to pay unless you can afford to get a brand new pair. If your right one and your case are still fine i would just bite the bullet and pay apple. More on reddit.com
🌐 r/airpods
259
126
January 22, 2022
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Apple Community
discussions.apple.com › thread › 255052480
How to replace only one lost AirPod? - Apple Community
Did you lose an AirPod or your Charging Case? You can buy a replacement for a left or right AirPod or the Charging Case. Your replacement will be new. Have a look at this link to learn about how to start the process and get an estimate of the cost for replacement: AirPods Repair & Service - ...
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Target
target.com › s › right+airpod+pro+replacement
"right airpod pro replacement" : Target
Shop Target for right airpod pro replacement you will love at great low prices. Choose from Same Day Delivery, Drive Up or Order Pickup plus free shipping on orders $35+.
Top answer
1 of 3
5

TLDR: Yes it's quite possible a used AirPod (only risk is incompatibility) can be paired to your current AirPod by following these directions (quoted below).


Apple's If your AirPods are lost article is a good starting point (originally linked by IconDaemon).

Before seeking a replacement, make sure you've attempted to find the missing AirPod using Find My iPhone.

If you need to replace it, Apple recommends you "get the serial number and then contact Apple Support for a replacement" - presumably to make sure their versions are compatible.

Regarding setup, you can check out Set up your replacement AirPods or charging case:

  1. Put both AirPods in your charging case.
  2. Open the lid and check the status light. It should flash amber.
  3. Press and hold the setup button on the back of the case for 5 seconds. The status light should flash white. If it still flashes amber, connect the case to power, close the lid, and wait 10 minutes.
  4. On your iPhone, go to the Home screen.
  5. Open the case—with your AirPods inside—and hold it next to your iPhone. A setup animation appears on your iPhone.
  6. Tap Connect, then tap Done.

If you're interested in buying a replacement directly from Apple, you can find more information under AirPods Repair (note that this is US specific, you can find the locale specific page here), where they list a replacement of a lost AirPod as costing 6.95 shipping fee.


I personally would not want to use somebody's used AirPod, but if necessary I would clean out the earwax and wipe it down with a tissue soaked in hand sanitizer.

2 of 3
3

I have had a long journey with an apple replacement airpod not wanting to pair with the other. I got the following response, after calling them, which to my surprise actually worked:

  1. Make sure the AirPods are unpaired by going to Settings Bluetooth AirPods Tap the (i) Forget this Device on the companion iOS device (this step is important).
  2. Connect a lightning cable to the customer’s Charging Case and connect to a power source.
  3. Place both AirPods in the case and put them within 4 inches of their iOS device (be sure they are not on/using the phone during this part).
  4. Close the lid and wait 35 minutes. It is very important to wait the full 35 minutes with the lid closed. If this process is interrupted at all, it has to start over completely.
  5. After the full uninterrupted 35 minutes, open the Charging Case lid.
  6. Press and hold the “setup” button on the back of the AirPods charging case until the status light flashes white. This may take up to a full minute.
  7. The AirPods should now be ready to be setup through the standard setup process

I am wondering if this process also works if two diffrent AirPods with diffrent serial numbers which in this case would fix the many "can i buy a used one to replace my lose one ?".

Find elsewhere
🌐
Apple
support.apple.com › airpods
AirPods Support - Official Apple Support
If you can’t find your missing AirPod or the charging case using Find My, you can purchase a replacement. ... Learn how to find the serial number of your AirPods, if you need it to check coverage or start a repair. ... Find out how to identify the generation of your AirPods and the model of your charging case. ... If you’re experiencing issues with sound, your AirPods might need cleaning. ... Learn what to do if your left or right AirPod doesn’t play audio. ... Before you can use the Hearing Aid feature on your AirPods Pro 2, you need to take the Hearing Test.
🌐
Quora
quora.com › Can-you-replace-one-AirPod-with-another-How
Can you replace one AirPod with another? How? - Quora
Answer (1 of 2): yes. while your unsuspecting coworker is at lunch or in a meeting swap your, presumably borked, EarPods. be sure to unpair what you are swapping. which will be strange for a moment as your coworker will have to pair pair the EarPods again.
🌐
Reddit
reddit.com › r/applehelp › process to get replacement right airpod
r/applehelp on Reddit: Process to get replacement right airpod
March 23, 2024 -

I spoke to an Apple guy over the phone and he put me on hold to speak to a lady who accessed my phone to read the serial number of my AirPods just so I could find out the price of a replacement and the link they sent me to pay doesn’t work so I am gonna have to call them again

I lost my right AirPod

I can’t just walk into a store and buy one

And it costs over 100 bucks

I can’t pay for it, the link doesn’t work

I spent a good while looking for it outside using the FindMy app

🌐
TheRightOne
therightone.com › collections › airpods-replacements
Authentic Apple AirPod Replacement Parts – TheRightOne
Authentic Apple AirPod replacement parts. Whether you've lost the left AirPod, Right AirPod, or charging case, we have 100% original Apple replacements.
🌐
Apple Support
support.apple.com › en-us › 102520
Set up your replacement AirPods or charging case - Apple Support
October 24, 2025 - When the status light flashes amber then flashes white, proceed to the next step. If the status light still doesn't flash white, learn what to do. With the status light flashing white, close the lid of your charging case. Before tapping Connect on the setup animation that appears on screen, go to Settings > Bluetooth, then do the following: If your AirPods ...
🌐
Reddit
reddit.com › r/airpods › i lost my left airpod pro. to replace at apple it would be $89 but that’s outrageous. can i find it cheaper or should i buy a whole new airpods pro? what is my best option?
r/airpods on Reddit: I lost my left airpod pro. To replace at apple it would be $89 but that’s outrageous. Can I find it cheaper or should I buy a whole new AirPods Pro? What is my best option?
January 22, 2022 - I also missed my right side one airpods pro 1st gen 😭 If anyone has a spare I’d appreciate it. 89£ I think it’s too much ... I ended up buying a new pair :( I still have case and left side of the previous . I believe they are 1st gen airpods pro :) . I bought the latest airpods pro no Continue this thread Continue this thread Continue this thread ... Thanks. I can afford it the problem is what’s more worth to do. ... I got a replacement for $50 on https://replaceairpod.com.
🌐
TheInstantPods
theinstantpods.com › collections › right-airpod-replacement
Right AirPod Replacement: Genuine Apple Parts, Perfect Sound
*For AirPods Pro 2nd Generation Lightning... ... Lost or broken an AirPod? Don't ditch your daily companion! We offer left/right AirPod replacements for all generations, refurbished to like-new condition.
🌐
Forbes
forbes.com › forbes homepage › forbes vetted › tech & electronics
Need To Replace Your AirPods? Here’s What To Consider
October 21, 2024 - Under devices, select your AirPods. Any model older than AirPods Pro (2nd Generation) will require you to choose your left or right pod. You can also select the charging case on 2nd Generation and newer models.
🌐
Amazon
amazon.com › right-airpod-replacement › s
Amazon.com: Right Airpod Replacement
A2647 Replacement Battery for AirPods 3rd Generation Right Wireless Headset Battery,Rechargeable 0 Cycle Battery Compatible with AirPods 3rd Generation (Right Side) · CP1154 Battery Replacement Part for Apple Airpods Pro Earphones Right,Rechargeable 0 Cycle Battery Compatible with Apple ...