Over the last few years, the AirPods lineup has grown to feature its three distinct and popular models: the AirPods, the AirPods Pro, and the AirPods Max. If you’ve owned them for a while and use them daily, you may struggle to get anything near the stated battery life without recharging them more often than you used to. If you’ve had your AirPods for years, their batteries might be on the brink of death. So, what do you do with your old AirPods? Keep reading to know some answers.
Table of contents
1. Recycle
Apple AirPods can be recycled through the Apple Store and other places that recycle electronic waste for free. The sad news is that recycling them is a bit complicated, and the high-quality build of these earpieces will make the decomposing process take years.
You can let Apple take care of this with their Trade In program—even Apple labels the AirPods boxes with a do not landfill icon.
The reason behind this is that the wired headphones are shredded and melted down for copper, but the lithium-ion batteries stay attached to the AirPods, posing a serious fire risk when shredded. Breakdown videos show that manual removal of the batteries is cost-prohibitive for recyclers.
Therefore, it looks like the one and only solution to guarantee your AirPods will be adequately recycled is to contact Apple. The process is simple and part of their current trade-back program.
⏩ Recycle your AirPods with Apple Trade In
2. Replace the battery
Apple offers an official battery service for worn-out AirPods. If they are still under warranty and develop a battery problem, the company should replace them free of charge.
In the US, Apple offers a limited one-year warranty. In other jurisdictions like the EU and Australia, this warranty is extended to two years by law.
| AirPods | Covered by AppleCare+ | Battery service fee |
| AirPods Max | $0 | $79 |
| AirPods / AirPods Pro | $0 | $49 each |
| Charging Case, Wireless Charging Case (all) | $0 | $49 |
If you purchased AppleCare+, then coverage is extended to two years, including battery replacement if your AirPods hold 80% or less of their original battery capacity.
If you have AppleCare+, it’s worth requesting battery service before coverage ends, whether or not you have noticed any problems.
⏩ Replace your AirPods’ battery with Apple’s official service
3. Sell
If your AirPods are still functional, selling them on a secondhand marketplace can be a great way to earn some cash while passing them along to someone else who can use them. Here are some of the best platforms to consider, along with tips for each:
Decluttr
Decluttr offers a fast and straightforward way to sell your AirPods with a guaranteed price quote. Simply enter your device details on their website to receive an instant offer. Decluttr provides a free shipping label, and once they receive and inspect your AirPods, they pay you directly, usually within a few days. While prices may be slightly lower than direct peer-to-peer sales, Decluttr’s simplicity and speed make it an excellent option for hassle-free selling.
👉 Thanks to our exclusive partnership with Decluttr, RefurbMe readers can enjoy an additional benefit. By using the code REFURBME, you’ll receive 10% extra on trade-ins, with a cap of $30 per category.
eBay
eBay offers a large audience, making it ideal for selling AirPods to buyers locally or internationally. Create a detailed listing with quality photos and use “Buy It Now” or auction options. eBay charges a final value fee but offers discounted shipping labels and directly deposits payments to your bank.
Facebook Marketplace
Facebook Marketplace connects you with local buyers for quick, fee-free exchanges. Write a clear description and use Facebook Messenger for questions. Cash is best for local transactions, and meeting in public ensures a safe exchange.
Craigslist
Craigslist is a straightforward platform for local, cash-based sales. Listings are free, and a well-described post with clear images can attract buyers. Stick to cash payments, and meet in a public place for safety.
Swappa
Swappa is a tech-focused platform where buyers specifically look for devices like AirPods. Listings require verification photos, and the platform has low fees included in the listing price. Payments are processed through PayPal, adding protection, and tracked shipping is required.
4. Repurpose
If you prefer to keep your old AirPods but want more use, consider repurposing them for specific needs or situations. Here are a few creative ways to reuse your old AirPods:
Convert to a dedicated device pairing
Use your old AirPods with one particular device you use frequently, such as a tablet, gaming console, or work computer. A dedicated pair means you won’t need to constantly switch connections between devices, making it easy to grab and go for specific activities.
Backup pair for workouts or outdoor activities
If you’ve upgraded to new AirPods, repurpose the old ones as a backup pair for workouts, outdoor activities, or any situation where they might get dirty or wet. This way, you can keep your primary pair pristine while using the backup for active, on-the-go listening.
Turn them into white noise sleep buds
Old AirPods can be transformed into sleep or relaxation buds by playing white noise, rain sounds, or nature audio. This setup is perfect if you need help falling asleep or focusing without background distractions. Using your older pair for this purpose ensures that your newer AirPods stay ready for daily use.
👉 Learn more: How Long Do AirPods Last? (Battery & Lifespan)
5. Donate
If your old AirPods are still functional, donating them is a great way to give them a second life while helping someone in need.
Many charitable organizations, schools, or community centers may accept gently used tech items, including headphones, for distribution to individuals who can benefit from them.
Donated AirPods could be used in educational programs, for students needing audio devices, or to support tech initiatives for low-income families.
Before donating, make sure of the following:
- The AirPods are in good condition and thoroughly cleaned.
- Remove them from your iCloud account and reset them to factory settings to protect your privacy.
- Look into local charities or online platforms that accept tech donations, such as Goodwill, the Salvation Army, or nonprofit organizations specializing in digital access.
Some charities also offer receipts for donated items, which may be tax-deductible, adding another benefit to passing on your old tech.
Final thoughts
If your AirPods are nearing the end of their life, don’t despair! You have several options. You can recycle them responsibly through Apple’s Trade In program, replace the batteries to extend their use or sell them on various online marketplaces. If you prefer to keep them, repurpose them for specific tasks like workouts or sleep sounds. Finally, consider donating them to a worthy cause. No matter which option you choose, you can ensure your old AirPods find a new purpose while minimizing e-waste.
We encourage our readers to try refurbished products to save time and money. A refurbished product is 100% functional, costs less, and saves up a lot of e-waste. Sometimes, it’s the best option if you are looking for new AirPods or trying to repair your old ones.
We have a selection of refurbished AirPods from different certified merchants, all with a warranty. You can check them all in real time here. 👇
2016 release
2019 release
2021 release
👉 Related: Beats Studio 3 vs. AirPods Max: A Guide to the Best Headphones
Happy shopping! 🛍️
