How to Find My AirPods Case?

So, were you hitting the gym or taking a stroll in the park when you realized your AirPods case is gone? The damage has been done and retrieval isn’t easy! Losing your AirPods case is disheartening, even more so with the AirPods in them. 

Per an article by CBS News, replacement AirPods and their cases accounted for 5% to 7% of Apple AirPods’ sales in 2019. According to the same article, New York City subway authorities recovered over 100 AirPods and charging cases during the same year. 

These numbers indicate how frequently AirPods users are losing their AirPods cases and buying new ones. So, don’t worry if you’ve lost your AirPods case or suspect it has been stolen. You don’t need to buy a replacement AirPods case instantly. First, you should try to find your lost or stolen AirPods case by using the methods discussed in this post.

Can You Track a Lost AirPods Case?

You can track your AirPods case using the “Find My” app if it contains at least one of the AirPods and is charged. 

However, per a recent update on Apple’s official website, if you have Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation) and they get separated from their case, you can still track the lost AirPods case using the Find My app.

Why You Cannot Track Lost AirPods Case Without AirPods Inside

Here’s why you cannot track lost AirPods case without your AirPods inside (except in the case of Apple AirPods Pro (2nd generation)):

• Apple’s AirPods have advanced functionality and internal components that allow pairing with the “Find My” app. The same is not the case with the AirPods case. It does not have advanced functionality or internal components that can help you find it in the absence of the AirPods.
• The AirPods case does not have its own Bluetooth connectivity. Therefore, you may not be able to track its location using third-party device-tracking apps. 

How to Track a Lost AirPods Case With AirPods Inside?

There are five ways to track a lost AirPods case with AirPods inside. These include:

1. Locating your AirPods case on the map using Find My app
2. Playing a sound on your AirPods using Find My app
3. Locating your AirPods case on the map using iCloud
4. Getting separation alerts
5. Marking your AirPods as “lost” using the Lost Mode

Let’s look at all the methods in detail.

1. How to Locate Your AirPods Case WIth AirPods Inside on the Map Using Find My App?

The only way to find your AirPods case with AirPods inside is to track them on the map using the Find My app. Therefore, ensure you set up this app with your iOS device as soon as you get AirPods. 

Follow these steps to find your AirPods case and AirPods using the Find My app:

1. Ensure your iOS or iPadOS is updated to the latest version. 
2. Open the Find My app on your Apple device.
3. Open the “Devices” tab.
4. Select your AirPods to locate them on the map. 
5. If your AirPods case is open, and the AirPods are online, you’ll see their current location with the help of GPS (Global Positioning System).
6. If your AirPods case is closed, and the AirPods are offline, you’ll see their last location and can navigate to it using directions. 

Enable Find My Network

We also recommend switching on the “Find My network” functionality on your AirPods to track them and their case even when they are not connected to cellular network or Wi-Fi. 

Follow these steps to switch on Find My network functionality on your AirPods Pro and AirPods Max:

• Open “Settings, followed by “Bluetooth.”
• Click the “i” next to your AirPods’ name.
• Toggle on “Find My network.”

You can make the most of the Find My network functionality on Apple AirPods (3rd generation), Apple AirPods Pro (1st generation), Apple AirPods Pro (2nd generation), and AirPods Max to find them even if they are offline. This functionality stores the last known location of your AirPods for up to 7 days.  

2. How to Locate Your AirPods Case With AirPods Inside by Playing a Sound?

If your AirPods are inside are connected to Bluetooth and near your Apple device, you can play a sound to find them. If you use the Apple AirPods (2nd generation), you can even play sound to find your AirPods case. 

Follow these steps to find your AirPods by playing sound:

1. Open Find My App on your Apple device.
2. Open the “Devices” tab.
3. Select your AirPods.
4. Click “Play Sound” to play a gradually increasing sound on your AirPods. 

3. How to Locate a Lost AirPods Case on the Map Using iCloud?

If you have lost your AirPods and their case, and are unable to locate them using your iPhone or iPad (or perhaps, you’ve lost your iPhone or iPad as well), we recommend using iCloud on the web to find your lost AirPods. However, ensure Find My is set up on them and they are online. 

Follow these steps to find your AirPods case and AirPods on the map using iCloud:

1. Open iCloud.com/find and sign in using Apple ID.
2. Click “All Devices.”
3. Select the device you want to locate.
4. If Find My Device is able to locate your AirPods and their case, you’ll see them on a map.
5. If Find My Device is unable to locate your AirPods and their case, you’ll see “Offline” below their name.

If you have switched on Find My Network on your AirPods, you can find them even if they have been offline for up to 7 days. 

4. How to Locate Your AirPods Case WIth AirPods Inside With the Help of Separation Alert?

If you are using iPhone 12 or higher, you can set up and use separation alerts to track your AirPods (3rd generation), AirPods Pro and AirPods Pro (2nd generation) if you lose them.

Follow these steps to set up separation alerts on your iPhone 12 or higher:

1. Open the Find My app on your iPhone.
2. Click “Device,” and choose your AirPods from the list.
3. Toggle on “Notify When Found” under Notifications.

5. How to Locate Your AirPods Case With AirPods Inside by Marking Them as Lost Using Lost Mode?

Lastly, you can mark your AirPods as “lost,” and use the Lost Mode to share a message and your contact details in case an iPhone user finds your AirPods. 

Follow these steps to use the Lost Mode to track your AirPods case and AirPods:

1. Open the Find My app on your iPhone.
2. Click “Device,” and choose your AirPods from the list.
3. Scroll down and click “Mark as Lost.”
4. Enter your contact details and follow the instructions on the screen.
5. Click “Activate.”

How to Track a Lost AirPods Case Without AirPods Inside?

Unfortunately, you cannot use the Find My app to track your lost AirPods case without AirPods inside, except Apple AirPods Pro (2nd generation). In all other versions of AirPods, you need at least one AirPod inside the case to locate it. However, you can use tracking devices, such as Apple’s AirTag to find an empty AirPods case.

1. How to Track Lost AirPods Case Without AirPods Pro (2nd Generation) Inside?

As mentioned above, you can only track your lost AirPods case without AirPods inside in the case of AirPods Pro (2nd generation) by:

1. Locating your AirPods case on the map using Find My app
2. Playing a sound on your AirPods using Find My app
3. Locating your AirPods case on the map using iCloud

Follow the same steps mentioned in the previous section to get started.

 2. How to Track Lost AirPods Case Without AirPods Inside Using AirTag?

Apple AirTag is a small, coin-shaped tracking device by Apple. It used Bluetooth to communicate with other Apple devices. 

There are four ways to track lost AirPods cases using AirTag. These include:

1. Using Precision Finding in Find My app
2. Locating your AirPods case with AirTag on the map using Find My app
3. Playing a sound in your AirTag using Find My app
4. Getting directions to your AirTag’s location using Find My app

Let’s look at each method in detail.

1. How to Track Lost AirPods Case With AirTag Using Precision Finding?

Precision finding is an advanced technology that comes with the Apple AirTag and can track its location more accurately with spatial awareness. 

However, precision finding is only available on devices that come with the Ultra Wideband chip, such as iPhone 11, iPhone 12, iPhone 13 and iPhone 14. Also, ensure Ultra Wideband is available in your country. 

Follow these steps to track the AirTag attached to your AirPods case using Precision Finding:

1. Ensure your AirTag is paired with the Find My app and within the Bluetooth range. 
2. Open the Find My app and click the “Items” tab.
3. Select your AirTag and click “Find Nearby.” If you’re unable to use the Find Nearby feature, check your iPhone’s setting and ensure Location Services in on.
4. Your iPhone will display the direction and distance to your AirTag.
5. Follow the instructions on your iPhone’s screen to locate your AirTag. 
6. Tap the “Done” button when you’ve completed the task.

2. How to Track Lost AirPods Case With AirTag on the Map?

Follow these steps to locate your lost AirPods case on the map with AirTag:

1. Ensure your AirTag is paired with the Find My app.
2. Open the Find My app and click “Items.”
3. Select the AirTag you want to locate.
4. If your AirTag is within your device’s range or detected by the Find My network, you’ll see it on the map with an updated location and timestamp.
5. If your AirTag is not within your device’s range, you’ll see its last location and time. 

3. How to Track Lost AirPods Case With AirTag by Playing a Sound?

Follow these steps to track your lost AirPods case attached to your AirTag by playing a sound:

1. Open the Find My App on your Apple device, then open “Item.”
2. Choose your AirTag.
3. Click “Play Sound” to play a gradually increasing sound on your AirTag.
4. Remember, your AirTag will only play a sound if it’s within the Bluetooth range. 

4. How to Track Lost AirPods Case With AirTag Using Direction?

If your iPhone or country does not support the Ultra Wideband, or your AirTag is not within your device’s range, you can use the “Directions” feature in the Find My app to track the AirTag.

Here’s how you can do it:

1. Open the Find My App on your Apple device, then open “Item.”
2. Choose your AirTag.
3. Click “Directions” to get directions to your AirTag.

How to Track a Lost AirPods Case Using Serial Number?

If you are unable to find your lost AirPods case using any of the methods discussed above, you can use your AirPods’ serial number to contact Apple Support and request for a replacement (you have to pay a fee for the replacement case as Applecare+ does not cover lost or stolen AirPods and AirPods cases). 

Remember, your AirPods and their charging case share the same serial number.

Here are four ways to find your AirPods’ serial number:

1. Checking the original packaging
2. Using iOS or iPadOS settings
3. Using MacOS settings
4. Finding where it is printed on your device

1. How to Find the Serial Number of Your AirPods Case and AirPods Using Apple’s Original Packaging?

If you have your AirPods’ original packaging by Apple, you can find the serial number next to the barcode.

Alternatively, you can check the AirPods’ original invoice to find the serial number. 

2. How to Find the Serial Number of Your AirPods Case and AirPods Using iOS/iPadOS Settings?

Follow these steps to find your AirPods’ serial number using “Settings” on your iPhone or iPad:

1. Ensure your AirPods are connected to your Apple device, and you are wearing them in your ears.
2. Open “Settings,” followed by “Bluetooth.”
3. Click the “i” in front of your AirPods’ name to find the serial number.

3. How to Find the Serial Number of Your AirPods case and AirPods Using MacOS Settings?

Follow these steps to find your AirPods’ serial number using “Settings” on your iPhone or iPad:

1. Ensure your AirPods are connected to your Mac, and you are wearing them in your ears.
2. Open “Apple Menu,” followed by “System Settings.”
3. Choose your AirPods to find the serial number.

4. How to Find the Printed Serial Number of Your AirPods case and AirPods?

In the case of AirPods (2nd and 3rd generation) and AirPods Pro (1st and 2nd generation), you’ll find different serial numbers on both AirPods. However, while contacting Apple Support, ensure you’re only using the serial number printed on the underside of the lid of your AirPods’ charging case. 

How to Replace Your Lost or Stolen AirPods Case?

If you’ve tried everything in your control to find your lost AirPods case but still cannot find them, you can:

1. Contact Apple Support to get a replacement case for your AirPods
2. Buy a third-party replacement case for your AirPods

1. How to Contact Apple Support to Get a Replacement AirPods Case?

Follow these steps to contact Apple Support for a replacement AirPods case:

1. Open the Apple Support contact page for AirPods.
2. Sign in using your Apple ID and password.
3. Select “Replace Lost AirPods Case.”
4. Click “Continue.”
5. Use “Chat” or “Call” to contact customer support. 

Note: Applecare+ for Headphones does not cover lost or stolen AirPods and AirPods charging cases. 

2. How to Buy a Third-Party Replacement Case for Your AirPods?

These days, you can easily find third-party replacement cases for your AirPods on the market. The best replacement cases for AirPods Pro and AirPods should:

• Be durable
• Take about three to four hours to get fully charged
• Take about 20-25 minutes to completely charge your AirPods 
• Provide about four hours of listening and three hours of talk time
• Hold a full charge for up to 24 hours

Are There Any Other Apps to Track a Lost or Stolen AirPods Case?

Even though the primary app to track a lost or stolen AirPods case is the Find My App on iPhone and iPad, many AirPods users also use Wunderfind, a third-party app to track a lost or stolen AirPods case with AirPods inside. 

Tips to Prevent Loss or Theft of Your AirPods Case

Here are some quick tips to prevent loss or theft of your AirPods case and AirPods:

1. Secure your AirPods case using a keychain or lanyard to secure your AirPods case and make it harder for someone to steal them.
2. Use a protective cover with a built-in carabiner or clip to secure your AirPods case to your clothes or bag. 
3. Form a habit of keeping your AirPods in the case when they are not in use. 
4. Attach a tracking device such as the Apple AirTag or Tile, to track your AirPods case.
5. Customize your AirPods case with your name and a unique design. 

Final Words

As you can see in the guide above, it’s easy to lose your AirPods case but extremely challenging (and nearly impossible if it is empty) to find it. Therefore, it’s best to keep it safe, secure and handy.

If you have any further questions on the lost AirPods case or AirPods in general, feel free to drop them in the comment section below.