How to find AirPods if they are lost, in a case or empty

What is important to know

All AirPods models have features to detect and find in case of loss. Using geolocation and an internet connection from your device to which the headphones are connected, it is easy to track them on a map. You can also play an audio signal on the accessory for audible detection.

New models can be displayed on the map even when your gadget is not connected to the Internet or is far away. This is possible due to the "Locator Network" function, thanks to which AirPods communicate with the Apple devices of other people in the vicinity. This technology is supported only by AirPods 3rd generation, AirPods Pro and AirPods Max.

You can use Find My on iOS and Mac, Find My Devices on Apple Watch, and Find My iPhone on the web to find your headphones. iCloud in any browser. They, in fact, have the same capabilities: you can view the location of the accessory, turn on the sound signal, get directions to the last fixed place.

However, do not forget: there are no GPS modules inside the charging case or inside the headphones themselves. Search is possible only when connected to your or one of the other Apple devices. And for this, AirPods must be outside the case, or it must at least be open.

If the headphones are in a case with the lid closed, then all you will see is the last place and time where their signal was recorded. Can't track a lost case or one of dropped headphones provided that the second one is still connected. Indeed, in this case, the geoposition will be tracked by the survivor.

How to find AirPods if they are lost and turned on

How to find AirPods on the map

All AirPods models support location tracking. If the headphones are connected to any device, you will see their current location. In the case when they are discharged or are in the case - the last place of activity.

1. Open the Find My app, go to the Devices tab and tap on your AirPods.
2. After updating the data, you will see their current or last recorded position on the map.
3. If the AirPods are in different locations, only one will be shown on the screen. Find and place it in the case, after which the location of the second earphone will appear on the map.

How to find AirPods by beep

When the lost headphones are definitely somewhere nearby, but you just don’t see them, sound detection will help. This feature is supported by all AirPods models, but will only work if the iPhone sees the headphones and can connect to them.

1. In the Find My app, open the Devices tab and select your AirPods.
2. Tap Play Sound. The volume of the signal increases gradually, but it is still quite sharp. Therefore, when looking for one earphone, it is better to remove the second from the ear or turn off the sound with the corresponding button.

How to find AirPods by Bluetooth signal at close range

If you have 3rd generation AirPods, AirPods Pro, and AirPods Max, you can use the fine search feature. In this case, the Find My app on iPhone will analyze signal strength Bluetooth and give visual clues to where to look for the headphones, in the spirit of "hot-cold".

Please note: for this, the Latitude Network function must first be enabled (Settings → Apple ID → Latitude → Find My iPhone → Latitude Network). If you have taken care of this in advance, follow a simple algorithm.

1. Open the Find My app on the iOS device that the headphones are linked to.
2. Select your AirPods from the Devices tab and tap the Find Nearby button.
3. Follow the prompts on the screen that will point you in the right direction.

How to Find AirPods with an Android Smartphone

AirPods can be used not only with iPhone, but also with Android devices. In this case, they will work like regular Bluetooth headphones, and all exclusive functions, including search on the map, will not be available. The only way to find lost AirPods through Android is to play a clearly distinguishable sound and focus on it.

Of course, this is only possible if the smartphone is able to detect the headphones and connect to them. That is, you must be within a radius of 10-15 meters. So, this method is only suitable when the AirPods are gone in the apartment.

To find your headphones by sound, open Bluetooth settings, connect to your AirPods, and then turn on some suitable sound to search for, such as from the video above. Don't forget to turn up the volume otherwise you will most likely not hear anything.

How to find AirPods if they are empty or in a case

Unfortunately, if the headphones are dead or just inside the case, finding them will be problematic. In both cases, only their last location is available to which you can route. True, if someone finds them and connects to their iPhone, you will receive a notification.

1. To view the location of your AirPods, open the Find My app and on the Devices tab, tap on the earbuds.
2. You will see the address and approximate location on the map. To get directions, press the button of the same name.

What to do if you can't find AirPods

If you have 3rd generation AirPods, AirPods Pro, or AirPods Max and can't find them, try turning on Lost Device Mode.

In this case, if someone finds them and tries to connect to a smartphone, you will receive a notification with geolocation, and the person will see your contact information and be able to contact you to return accessory. In addition, in Lost Mode, AirPods are blocked and cannot be used without your consent.

1. Launch the Find My app and select your AirPods from the Devices tab.
2. Under "Mark as lost" tap "Activate".
3. Follow the on-screen instructions to list your phone and leave a message asking you to return your headphones.

If your search is unsuccessful, you can always buy the left or right earpiece separately, as well as the case. All components are interchangeable, the main thing is to use accessories of the same model and generation. When purchasing missing 3rd generation AirPods and AirPods Pro parts from hand, be aware that they may be tied to the previous owner's Apple ID, and they must first delete them from the locator network.

If you have 1st generation AirPods and not the newest iPhone, then as insurance and to increase the chances of a return You can rename the headphones by entering your phone number in the device name (Settings → Bluetooth → ℹ️ AirPods).

How not to lose AirPods

Thanks to a special function, you can set up automatic reminders of headphones forgotten in an unfamiliar place if you move away from them at a certain distance (about 100 m). This will only work with AirPods 3rd Gen, AirPods Pro and AirPods Max if you have an iPhone 12 or newer model.

1. To receive notifications, open Find My on iPhone and select your headphones from the list of devices.
2. In the "Notifications" section, tap "Notify me when forgotten."
3. Here, if desired, exceptions can be added for certain places.