Misplacing your AirPods is frustrating enough, but it’s even more vexing when they’re dead or offline. With their sleek, compact design, AirPods are all too easy to lose track of.
However, by understanding how to interpret their status and employing a blend of high-tech and traditional search methods, you can often still track them down.
Understanding “Offline” and “No Location Found”
If your AirPods are dead or outside of Bluetooth range, the Find My app will show their status as either “Offline” or “No Location Found.” This means you won’t be able to play a sound to pinpoint them.
However, you can typically still see their last known location before they went offline, which provides a starting point for your search.
Keep in mind that the “last known location” doesn’t update once the AirPods go offline. So if they continued traveling after dying, that won’t be reflected. The Find My app also can’t specify whether your AirPods are in the case or not.
If you’re having trouble with the Find My sound pending indefinitely, see this guide for troubleshooting tips.
First Steps to Take
As soon as you realize your AirPods are missing, take these initial actions:
- Mark them as lost in the Find My app. This will notify you if they come back online. It also enables a “notify when found” feature that alerts you if another Apple device detects them.
- Mentally retrace your steps. When and where did you last use or see your AirPods? This helps narrow down possible locations.
- Check obvious spots. Give a quick look in coat pockets, bags, between couch cushions, and on your desk or nightstand.
Making the Most of Find My
The Find My app is your most powerful tool for locating missing AirPods, dead or alive. Here’s how to leverage it:
- Open the Find My app and go to the Devices tab. Tap on your AirPods.
- Note the status indicator and “last seen” location.
- If they’re within Bluetooth range and have battery, tap “Play Sound.”
- If no location is found, use the last seen spot as a clue. If Find My can’t detect your AirPods at all, you may be experiencing a connection failure.
The sound playing feature works even if your AirPods are inside the closed charging case. However, once the batteries are depleted, they won’t be able to emit a noise anymore.
At that point, you can typically only go off the last known location. Finding just the case by itself is trickier since it lacks speakers.
Finding Dead AirPods Within Range
If your AirPods recently died but you believe they’re still within Bluetooth range, the Find My app can zero in on their location fairly accurately.
Move around the suspected area with your phone out, watching for the location circle to tighten around their spot. The signal may take a minute to refresh. If no one else picked them up, there’s a good chance you’ll find them.
Tracking Outside of Bluetooth Range
It gets trickier when your AirPods are dead outside of Bluetooth range. Find My will only display their last known location, which may not be precise. This is where it helps to recall when you last had them and systematically check any rooms or vehicles you occupied.
Third-Party Tracking Apps
Some third-party apps can scan for Bluetooth devices and may be able to pick up a fading signal from dying AirPods. Wunderfind, Bluetooth Finder, and Bluetooth Scanner are popular options. These work best when you have a general idea of where you left your AirPods.
Old Fashioned Searching
When technology fails, turn to classic search methods:
- Carefully scan any areas you frequented while last using the AirPods
- Check the folds of blankets and under furniture cushions
- Look inside bags, purses, pockets and gym clothes
- Revisit your car, under seats and in door side pockets
- Ask friends, family or roommates if they’ve seen them
Preventing Future AirPod Mishaps
Once you’ve experienced the panic of lost AirPods, you’ll want to avoid repeating it. Some helpful tips:
- Give your AirPods a designated storage spot and always put them there
- Attach a colorful skin or keychain to the case to make them more visible
- Enable separation alerts in the Find My app to be notified if you leave them behind
- Check the battery widget to make sure they’re charged before heading out
- If your AirPods keep cutting out or the mic stops working, get them serviced to avoid loss from malfunction
When Your AirPods are Truly Lost
If you’ve exhausted all options for locating your dead AirPods, you may need to accept that they’re gone and look into replacement:
- For just one AirPod or the case, you can order a single replacement from Apple
- The “Find My” app has a “Replace” option that links to Apple’s support page
- AppleCare+ covers lost AirPods, but the standard warranty does not
- You can buy an extra case to keep your AirPods protected and easier to spot
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I find my AirPods case if it’s lost?
The Find My app can only locate your case if it’s within Bluetooth range and has charge. If it dies, you’ll need to rely on the last known location. Attaching a Tile tracker to the case makes it easier to find.
Will my AirPods’ last location update while in the case?
No, the last known location won’t update while your AirPods are in the case, even if the case has battery. They must be removed from the case to update.
What should I do if I lost only one AirPod?
Use the Find My app to see the last location of the missing AirPod, then play a sound if possible. You can purchase just a single replacement AirPod from Apple if needed.
Can someone else connect to my AirPods if they’re lost?
If you mark your AirPods as lost in the Find My app, a message will appear on an iPhone that attempts to pair with them. No one can connect to them unless you remove them from your Apple ID.
Can I use my AirPods on a plane?
Most airlines allow the use of Bluetooth headphones like AirPods in flight.
How do I answer calls with AirPods Pro?
To answer calls, press the force sensor on the stem of either AirPod.
Why do AirPods hurt my ears?
If your AirPods don’t fit quite right, they can cause soreness. Consider using memory foam tips or other comfort hacks.
The Bottom Line on Finding Dead AirPods
Dead AirPods are challenging to locate, but it’s possible with persistence. The Find My app, Bluetooth scanners, and methodical physical searches are your best tools.
Enabling lost mode and separation alerts also improves your odds of recovering them. Going forward, adopting a strict storage routine is the top way to keep tabs on these easy-to-misplace earbuds.
