7 Ways to Find lost Airpods when Battery is Dead & Off (All models)

If you’ve ever wondered how to find lost AirPods that are offline and dead, you’re not alone.

Many people misplace their beloved earbuds, and it can be quite a challenge to locate them, especially when they’re out of battery power.

In this post, we’ll explore various methods to track down your AirPods with or without the case (even if its battery is off & dead), including any AirPod model, the second, third gen, and AirPods Pro/Max.

Did you only lose one AirPod? See how to Find one lost AirPod if thats the case.

We’ll dive into tips for finding dead or offline AirPods, preventing loss, dealing with lost or stolen AirPods, and additional information on locating your missing earbuds.

Don’t panic – I was able to find my AirPods 4 days after I lost it by continually checking the ‘Find My’ app

By the end of this post, you’ll have a wealth of knowledge on how to find lost AirPods that are offline and dead, ensuring you’re well-equipped to reunite with your precious audio companions.

Key takeaways

Whether you have standard AirPods, or the Pro/Max model, here are some key things to know for lost AirPods when the battery is dead & turned off:

• If you’ve lost your AirPods and the case, and both devices are dead, use the Find My app (search for it on your iPhone or Apple device) to locate them based on their last known location. If the devices are out of range or need charging, their location might be displayed as “No location found” or “Offline.”
  • If you’ve lost the case with AirPods in it, the Find My app can help locate the case and the AirPods based on their last known location.
  • There are several additional methods to finding your AirPods that don’t include “Find my app” that we’ll also discuss in this post
• If you’ve lost your AirPods but not the case, you can still use the Find My app or another app called Wunderfund to locate the individual AirPods as long as they are within Bluetooth range.
• AirPods insurance or warranty typically does not cover lost devices, but there might be fees for replacement or repair services. AppleCare+ for Headphones covers battery service but not lost or stolen AirPods.
• To find a single lost AirPod, use the Find My app or iCloud.com to locate the missing earbud and play a sound to help locate it.
• Attaching an AirTag to your AirPods can help track them more easily. If Apple incorporates the U1 chip found in AirTags into the AirPods or their charging case, finding lost AirPods would become significantly easier.
• To determine if your AirPods are dead, check the charge indicator light inside the case. Green indicates fully charged, while orange indicates less than one full charge remaining.

Related: How to Cancel AppleCare+ (Get a Refund)

7 Ways to Find Dead or Offline AirPods

We’ll discuss all the different ways you can find, track and locate your dead or off-line Apple AirPods

If you have lost only one AirPod, check out the steps to locate a single lost AirPod

We’re going to talk about all the methods we’ve found that will help you find and figure out where your Apple AirPods are, even if they’re not working or not connected to anything. Let’s dive in.

Related: How to Cancel Applecare and get a refund

1. Using the Find My App to Locate AirPods

Apple’s Find My app can help you locate your AirPods, even if they’re dead. While it won’t show the current location of the dead AirPods, it will display their last known location when they were connected to your device. This can be a great starting point in your search.

To use the Find My app, open it on your iPhone or iPad and tap on the Devices tab. From there, select your AirPods and view their last known location on the map. Keep in mind that the location shown may not be entirely accurate, so it’s essential to thoroughly search the surrounding area.

Also see: 7 Best Mousepads for Apple’s Magic Mouse

2. Using Bluetooth Range to Find Lost AirPods

When your AirPods are within the 150-foot Bluetooth range, you can use the alternative to the Find My app, called Wunderfund which uses a radar, making it easier to locate them. However, if the AirPods are dead, this method may not work.

Nonetheless, it’s worth trying when you’re close to the last known location of your AirPods, as they might still have some battery life left. To play the sound, open the Find My app, select your AirPods, and tap the “Play Sound” option.

3. Retracing Steps to Find Lost AirPods

Another effective method to find your dead or offline AirPods is retracing your steps. Think about the last time you used them, where you were, and what you were doing.

I found my AirPods by calling the gym and seeing if anyone left any there – It immediately solved my worrying about the entire situation and helped me move to the next step.

I also lost my AirPods in a Uber… skip over to how I was able to recover the AirPods 3 days later using the Find My app.

It’s possible that you left them in a specific location, such as a gym locker, a friend’s house, or even at your workplace.

By visiting these locations and asking people around if they have seen your AirPods, you increase the chances of finding them. You can check any bags, pockets, or other personal belongings where you could’ve stored them without knowing it.

Related: How Long does the battery in a MacBook Pro Last?

4. Identifying Dead AirPods Through the last place you charged them

If you think your AirPods might be dead, try to remember the last time you charged them.

Considering the battery life of second-generation AirPods (24 hours) and third-generation AirPods (30 hours), this information can help you estimate the areas where your AirPods might have run out of battery.

Make a list of the places you visited during that time frame and start your search there. Also – don’t forget to ask people you were with if they noticed your AirPods or have seen them since.

5. Using the “Offline” or “No Location Found” to find the airpods

If your AirPods are offline, it means they are out of range of your device or their battery is dead. When the Find My app displays “No Location Found,” it means that the app couldn’t determine the location of your AirPods.

This is almost always  due to them being dead or too far away from your device.

In such cases, the app will only display their last known location, which may not be entirely accurate. However, it still provides a valuable clue in your search for your lost AirPods.

Related: How to Fix iPhone Battery Draining Overnight

6. How to Find AirPods When Offline with Serial Number

If your AirPods are offline and you’re unable to locate them using the Find My app, your serial number can still come in handy when trying to recover your lost AirPods.

You can find your AirPods’ serial number on the original box, the receipt, or in your Apple account under your list of registered devices. Providing this information to Support or local authorities can help them identify and return your AirPods if they are found.

Additionally, if someone attempts to pair your lost AirPods with their device, having the serial number can help you track down the new user and potentially recover your AirPods.

Related: Ways to use VLC media player with Apple TV

Tips to Prevent Losing AirPods

Tips for Keeping AirPods Secure

To avoid misplacing your AirPods, consider investing in accessories designed to keep them secure. For example, silicone straps can connect your AirPods together, reducing the risk of losing one or both.

There are also AirPods cases with built-in carabiners, allowing you to attach them to your bag, belt, or keychain. Furthermore, adhesive skins can add a layer of grip to your AirPods, making them less likely to fall out of your ears.

How to Avoid Misplacing AirPods

Establishing routines and designated storage locations can help prevent losing your AirPods. For instance, always store your AirPods in their case when not in use and place the case in a specific spot, such as a designated pocket in your bag or a specific location at home.

By consistently following these routines, you minimize the chances of misplacing your AirPods and ensure they are always in a secure location when not in use.

See: How Long Does a MacBook Air Last (The Truth)

Dealing with Lost or Stolen AirPods

Can Someone Use Stolen AirPods?

Unfortunately, stolen AirPods can still be used by others, as they can be paired with a new device by resetting them. However, this doesn’t mean you should give up on finding your lost AirPods.

Reporting the theft to local authorities and providing your AirPods’ serial number to Apple can increase the chances of recovery. If someone tries to pair your AirPods with a new device, Apple can potentially track the new user and assist in recovering your lost AirPods.

How to Secure AirPods and Prevent Theft

To reduce the risk of theft, always keep your AirPods in a secure location, such as in their case and in a designated spot in your bag or at home. Avoid leaving them unattended in public places or visible in your car.

You can also invest in AirPods cases with added security features, such as lockable compartments or cases that resemble everyday objects, making them less appealing to potential thieves.

Is There Insurance for Lost AirPods or a Warranty?

Some insurance companies offer coverage for lost or stolen electronic devices, which may include AirPods. Check with your insurance provider to see if your policy covers such losses.

Additionally, while Apple’s standard warranty does not cover lost or stolen AirPods, AppleCare+ for Headphones does offer coverage for lost or stolen AirPods with a deductible fee. If you have this coverage, contact Apple Support to initiate a claim and replacement process.

Quick Glance at my experience finding my lost & dead Airpod Pro

I faced the daunting task of tracking down my lost AirPods. I had accidentally left them in an Uber and only realized it when I got back home. Using the Find My app, I marked my AirPods Pro as lost and left my number, hoping someone would call.

For two days, the app showed two random locations, but then it displayed a single location updated three times within a few hours. I was almost certain that whoever had found my AirPods lived at that spot. However, soon after, my AirPods went offline, and the app showed the same location without any updates for the next few days.

What I did to recover the Airpods 

Determined to recover my precious wireless earbuds, I decided to visit the last known location with my friends (we do not reccomnend you do this, in fact its an unsafe idea). It was far from my home, so we left early in the day. As we approached the spot, we saw a person wearing a single AirPod, right where the app had indicated.

We carefully approached the stranger, trying not to raise any suspicion. I attempted to connect to my AirPods through Bluetooth, but it displayed “Cannot connect to this device.

Try pairing again.” Unsure if these were indeed my lost AirPods, we decided to ask the person if we could use his AirPods to help find mine, claiming that’s how I could track them.

The stranger confessed that he had received the AirPods from someone who found them in a Uber. I told him that I had lost mine in a taxi too. I asked if I could check the serial number to verify if they were my AirPods. Although he hesitated, he eventually handed over the AirPods Pro case. but in the end.. the serial number matched.

The stranger asked for my number “just to be sure” they weren’t mine (obviously mine), but I showed him my invoice on my iPhone as proof. Realizing he was caught, he gave up, and we left with my recovered AirPods.

Interestingly, when I connected to the AirPods, they didn’t recognize my device at first. It seemed like he attempted reset my AirPods Pro, wiping them clean to use them himself.

Thanks to the Find My app and a bit of luck, I was reunited with my lost AirPods. The experience taught me the importance of keeping track of my belongings and the power of technology in recovering lost items.

FAQ: Finding Lost AirPods

Will AirPods Show the Last Location?

As previously mentioned, the Find My app will display the last known location of your AirPods when they were connected to your device. While this information may not be entirely accurate, it can provide a valuable starting point in your search.

Additionally, you can use the Find My app to get directions to the last known location, making it easier to retrace your steps and potentially locate your lost AirPods.

When is the “Find My” App Best to Use?

The Find My app works best when your AirPods are charged and connected to your device. It uses GPS and Bluetooth to provide an approximate location, making it easier to locate yourAirPods.

However, when your AirPods are dead or offline, the app can still be helpful by providing the last known location or connection location.

How to Find AirPods Case Without AirPods Inside

If you lose the AirPods case without the AirPods inside, the Find My app can still help you locate it. The app will display the last known location of the case, allowing you to retrace your steps and search for the missing case.

Can Dead AirPods in Bluetooth Range Be Found?

If your AirPods are dead but still within Bluetooth range, the Find My app can provide valuable information about their last location.

By using this information and carefully searching the area, you can increase your chances of finding your lost AirPods.

What to Do if AirPods Are Lost and Offline

If your AirPods are lost and offline, your best chance of finding them is to use the Find My app to check their most recent location. Be prepared to search extensively in the area, as the location information provided by the app might not be exact.

How to Find One Lost AirPod

If you lose just one AirPod, you can still use the Find My app to locate it. If the lost AirPod has some battery charge left and is within Bluetooth range, you can play a sound on it using the app.

If the AirPod is dead or offline, you can rely on the app’s last known location to guide your search.

How to Find AirPods When Both Case and AirPods Are Dead

If both your AirPods and their case are dead, finding them can be quite challenging.

In this scenario, the Find My app will only display the last known location, which may not be the current location of your lost items. Retracing your steps and carefully searching in the areas you visited can increase your chances of finding your AirPods and their case.

Related: iPad not holding a charge? Here’s how to fix it

Conclusion

Finding lost AirPods that are offline and dead can be a daunting task, but with the help of the Find My app and some perseverance, it’s possible to locate them. Be sure to use the app to check the last known location of your AirPods and thoroughly search the area.

Also, consider attaching an AirTag to your AirPods case to make it easier to find both the case and the AirPods inside in the future. Keep your AirPods secure, and always be mindful of their whereabouts to avoid the frustration of losing them in the first place.