No need to freak out.
I totally get it. Losing something like your AirPods can be really annoying.
AirPods aren’t exactly cheap and most of us use them daily.
Let me be straightforward here. Finding your lost AirPods, especially when they’re dead, can be challenging. But don’t give up just yet.
In this post, I’ll take you through some steps you can follow to track down your missing AirPods. Plus, I’ll share four handy tips so you can avoid misplacing them in the future.
The Clever Fix
To find your dead AirPods, your best bet is to use the Find My app. Open the Find My app, go to the Devices tab, tap your AirPods, then check if the app indicates a last known location.
How to find your AirPods when they’re dead
Apple’s Find My app is your go-to choice when it comes to hunting down lost AirPods.
Keep in mind, though, the Find My app works best if your AirPods are charged, out of their case, and hooked up to your phone.
If your AirPods are out of juice, the Find My app might just provide you with the last known location.
1. Use the Find My app
No matter if your AirPods are dead, you should still kick off your search with the Find My app.
- Open the Find My app.
- Go to the Devices tab.
- Tap your AirPods from the list.
- Check the last known location.
The location you see is the last place your AirPods were connected. If no one’s picked them up, odds are they’re still where they were before they ran out of power.
The app holds onto your AirPods’ last location for up to 7 days after they were last connected.
If you lost your AirPods a while ago, you might see “No location found” or “Offline.”
In that case, sadly, you’ll need to go old-school and hunt for your dead AirPods without the app’s help.
2. Check all your pockets
I’ve misplaced my AirPods more times than I’d like to admit. And I’m not the only one among my friends, either!
The biggest takeaway from those experiences? Always check my pockets.
I usually search everywhere else first, forgetting to check my own pockets.
When I’m not using my AirPods, I often pop them in my pockets. (I’m sure there are others out there who do the same!)
So, before I start looking anywhere else, I now check the pockets of any clothing I’ve worn in the last three days. More often than not, I find my AirPods hiding there.
3. Search the most cluttered areas
Couldn’t find your dead AirPods in your pockets? Time to scan your surroundings.
Most folks tend to inspect the cleanest spots first. But really, that might be a pointless exercise. If your AirPods were in a clean and empty space, you’d have noticed them straight away.
So, start your search in the messiest areas first. And hey, while you’re at it, you can do a bit of tidying up too!
Remember, stay cool and approach your search with a positive mindset.
If you’re scrambling around in a panic and making a mess of things, it’ll only make your search for the missing AirPods longer.
4. Reconstruct your steps
First, take a deep breath. Clear your thoughts. Try to recall when you last saw your AirPods.
Don’t dwell too much on your usual daily activities. If you’d followed your routine, most likely your AirPods wouldn’t be missing.
Instead, tap into the feelings and thoughts you had the last time you saw your AirPods. The idea here is to mentally take yourself back to the moment you last had them.
Hopefully, this method will trigger some essential memories, and you will remember where you last left your AirPods.
5. Mark your device as lost
If you’re still coming up empty-handed, you can mark your AirPods as lost in the Find My app.
The Find My app features a Lost Mode. Activating this means your AirPods will be locked and unable to pair with another device.
You can type in a custom message and your contact details for anyone who might find them. This information will then pop up on their devices.
You might also get a notification and an estimated location if that happens.
To enable Lost Mode:
- Open the Find My app.
- Select the Devices tab.
- Tap on your AirPods.
- Scroll down to Mark as Lost and tap Activate.
- Tap Continue, then follow the instructions on your device.
What if I still can’t recover my dead AirPods?
Contact Apple Support
If you still can’t find your dead AirPods, contact Apple Support.
Apple won’t replace your AirPods for free. You’ll need to shell out for both the left and right AirPod (assuming you still have the case).
For AirPods Pro, you’re looking at $89 each, while the 2nd or 3rd Generation AirPods will set you back $69 each
How to avoid losing AirPods
1. Use the Notify When Left Behind feature
Enable the Find My app’s Notify When Left Behind feature.
- Open the Find My app.
- Tap Devices.
- Select your AirPods.
- Under Notifications, switch the Notify When Left Behind toggle on.
Once this is set, you’ll get an alert anytime your AirPods aren’t nearby. You can use this notification to open the Find My app and start searching for your AirPods.
You can even customize the feature if you don’t want to receive notifications for certain spots. For instance, you might not want to be alerted when you leave your AirPods at home.
- Go to the Find My app.
- On Devices, select your AirPods.
- Tap Notify When Left Behind.
- Add the location on Notify Me, Except At.
2. Assign designated areas for essential items
Is your living space a bit disorganized? Establishing specific spots for your valuables can be a game changer.
For example, I have a designated area in my room where I leave my AirPods, keys, and wallet. You could set up similar spots throughout your house.
Consider using a decorative tray or box. It should match the room’s decor but also catch your eye.
3. Encode so you can retrieve
There’s a saying related to memory: “You can only recall what you remember.”
Often, we misplace things because we’re on autopilot. We usually lose something because we’re not thinking about what we’re doing. We go mindlessly about our day-to-day activities. Or sometimes, we’re distracted.
To prevent losing your AirPods, practice being more aware during your daily activities.
When you set down your AirPods, consciously make a mental note.
“I’m leaving my AirPods on this table.” Repeating it to yourself will help you recall the information later.
4. Use AirTags for your AirPods case
In 2021, Apple launched AirTags.
The AirTag is a standalone tracker that you can attach to keys, bags, and other items like a keychain. It sends out a Bluetooth signal and leverages Apple’s network of devices to relay its whereabouts.
For a bonus layer of security, think about purchasing an AirTag along with an AirPods case that can accommodate it.
Conclusion
Stay composed. Hunting down your drained AirPods might not be a walk in the park, but it’s definitely not mission impossible.
When trying to locate dead AirPods, the Find My app should be your starting point. However, the app might only feed you the last known location.
If it doesn’t provide a last location, you’ll need to go old school and search without the app’s assistance. Inspect the pockets of any clothing you’ve worn recently. Begin your search in the messiest areas of your house. And mentally walk through your recent steps.
If you’re still coming up empty, list your AirPods as lost in the Find My app. If you’re starting to think they’re gone for good, you might want to consider replacing them with new ones.