AirPods were stolen: What to do? The guide [2024 Update]

Your AirPods or AirPods Pro were stolen? This is annoying. But don't worry. In this article we will briefly and concisely explain what you can do now. In the best case scenario, you'll have your AirPods in your hands again soon after reading this post. 

My AirPods were stolen: What to do? 

Here we will describe all the effective options you have if your AirPods have been stolen. We recommend that you go through these options step by step. Let's get started straight away: 

1. This is how you can locate and find stolen AirPods

The AirPods can be tracked through Apple 's Location Services if they are linked to the owner's iCloud account and Find My iPhone is enabled. 

Here are the steps to locate the AirPods: 

1. Use the Find My? app: Open the Find My? app on a Apple device that is connected to the same iCloud account as the AirPods . 

2. Select AirPods: Select the AirPods from the list of devices in the Find My? app. Start tracking: Click Play Sound to play a sound on the AirPods to help you locate them. This works as long as the AirPods are within range of the connected device. 

3. Location on the map: If the AirPods are out of range, the Find My app displays their last known location on a map. This can help determine their rough location. 

It is important to note that the location feature is only successful when the AirPods are turned on and connected to a device that is connected to the internet. If AirPods are offline or turned off, the location feature may not work. In this case, you will only see the location where you were last online. 

You can find out more about locating AirPods and the “Where is” app here. 

2. Lock stolen AirPods: This is how it works

If tracking didn't work, the next thing you should do is lock your AirPods. And how does it work? 

Several options:

1. Using the Find My app, you can lock your AirPods so that the thief cannot do anything with them.
   
   
2. Inform Apple Support about the theft. They can give you further instructions and put the AirPods serial number on a possible blacklist.

3. What happens if AirPods are reported lost? 

Reporting AirPods as lost in the Find My? app means you are putting the AirPods in Lost Mode. 

This typically involves locking the AirPods to prevent others from using them. 

In addition, you can often also leave a message that appears on the display of the connected device. 

This message may contain contact information so that anyone who finds the AirPods can contact the rightful owner. Because your AirPods may not have been stolen, but simply found by someone else. 

4.Can the police find stolen AirPods or AirPods Pro? 

Does it make sense to notify the police by filing a police report with the local authorities? 

Yes, that can definitely make sense. Provide as many details as possible to increase the chances of recovery. 

5. Apple Contact support:

After reporting the theft of the AirPods to local authorities, it is also advisable to contact Apple support. You can inform them about the theft and ask for assistance. 

Apple Support can provide you with instructions on how to lock the AirPods in the Find My app and may also add the AirPods' serial number to a possible blacklist to further restrict their use .

It is important to act as quickly as possible to take advantage of the security features and increase the chances of recovery. Apple Support can also provide further guidance and advice to help you cope with the loss and ensure the security of personal information.

6. Does the Apple insurance help with stolen AirPods? 

Apple offers a so-called "AppleCare+ with Theft Protection" which acts as insurance for certain Apple products, including AirPods. Here are some things you should know about it:

1. AppleCare+:

AppleCare+ is an extended warranty and service program from Apple that provides additional protection for certain Apple products, including AirPods.

2. Anti-theft protection:

The "AppleCare+ with theft protection" is specifically designed to cover the theft of AirPods. If your AirPods are stolen, you can contact Apple to get a replacement.

3. Requirements and costs:

However, theft protection is not automatically included in every AppleCare+ plan. There may be additional costs and specific conditions. Check the exact details when completing AppleCare+. Of course, this no longer helps after the AirPods have been stolen. The insurance must have already been taken out beforehand.

4. Location Services:

It is important to note that Apple location services (Find My) may play a role. In some cases, theft protection can only be used if you have previously reported the theft to Location Services.

5. Report theft:

In the event of theft, it is important to report the incident to local police as soon as possible and use Apple location services.

What can I do if just a single AirPod or AirPod Pro was stolen? 

If you have only lost a single AirPod and were unable to get it back, you can also purchase individual AirPods in our online shop. 

Unfortunately, the manufacturer does not offer separate replacement parts, such as just a right or left AirPod. 

However, in our online shop you have the option of purchasing individual original AirPods.This is far more cost-effective compared to purchasing a full set of AirPods.

To ensure that you can continue to enjoy music or participate in video conferences in the usual quality, we advise against using inferior replacement parts. 

We source complete original sets from Apple and disassemble them to offer the individual components. Of course, you also receive the full manufacturer's warranty. 

Purchasing individual spare parts also promotes sustainability. Replacing only the part that is lost or broken saves resources and avoids waste. All other parts of your set that are still intact do not need to be thrown away, but can continue to be used.

Frequently asked questions

Can you locate the AirPods when they are off? 

When the AirPods are off or out of range, a "No location found" or "Offline" message appears. In such cases, it is usually possible to determine your last known location and get directions there. However, it is important to note that when AirPods are offline, playing sounds or using the Find Nearby feature is not available. Once the AirPods are back online, a notification will appear on the iPhone or the corresponding Apple device that controls them.

How can I find the owner of AirPods? 

The ability to find the owner of AirPods depends on various factors. Here are some steps you can take:

1. Check nearby Bluetooth devices:

If the AirPods are near another Bluetooth-enabled device (like an iPhone), you might want to check to see if they are listed there. Tap your device's Bluetooth settings and check for available devices.

2. Lost and Found Services:

Some countries or regions offer lost and found services where you can report or find lost items. You could find out whether there are such services in your region and whether the AirPods have been reported.

3. Apple Contact support:

If all else fails, you could contact Apple support. They may be able to help you identify the owner, especially if the AirPods are registered.

4. Social media or local ads:

You could check local social media or ad portals to see if anyone has reported lost AirPods. Sometimes such finds are shared online.

Can you use stolen AirPods? 

Technically, stolen AirPods could be used by someone else, provided the thief can pair them with another device. AirPods use Bluetooth to wirelessly connect to other devices. If the AirPods have not been locked by the original owner or removed from their iCloud account, they could be connected to another device.

However, Apple has implemented security mechanisms to make it more difficult for stolen or lost AirPods:

1.iCloud lock:

If the original owner has Find My iPhone turned on and the AirPods are linked to their iCloud account, the AirPods may not be able to be used with another iCloud account.

2. Location Services:

The original owner can attempt to locate and lock the AirPods using Location Services in the Find My? app, which would restrict their use.

3. Blocked by Apple Support:

The rightful owner can also contact Apple Support to have the AirPods locked and possibly take further steps.

Can you deactivate stolen AirPods? 

Yes, the rightful owner can deactivate stolen AirPods. Here are some ways this can happen:

1. iCloud lock:

If the original owner has Find My iPhone turned on and the AirPods are linked to their iCloud account, they can be locked through the iCloud website or the Find My? app. This prevents the AirPods from being connected to another device.

2. Apple Contact support:

The rightful owner can contact Apple Support and report the stolen AirPods. Apple can then take steps to limit the use of the stolen AirPods.

3. Location Services:

Location services can be activated via the Find My app to track the location of stolen AirPods. This not only allows you to locate the AirPods, but can also be used to lock them.

How do I recognize stolen AirPods? 

It can be difficult to tell at first glance whether AirPods have been stolen because they are not necessarily externally marked as such. However, there are some signs that could indicate that the AirPods may not have been purchased legitimately:

3. Suspicious sale:

If someone is selling AirPods at a noticeably low price, this could be an indication that they have been stolen. Be careful if the price seems too good to be true.

4. Missing original packaging or accessories:

Legitimate sellers would usually sell the original packaging and accessories (charging cable, charging case) with the AirPods. If the original packaging is missing, this could indicate stolen goods.

5. Missing connectivity to iCloud:

If the seller has not unpaired the AirPods from their iCloud account, this could indicate that they may have been stolen. Check before purchasing to ensure the AirPods have been reset properly.

6. Unusual transaction locations:

Be careful if the location or circumstances of the sale are unusual. If the sale occurs in a public place, it could be less suspicious than a meeting in a secluded location.

7. Serial number verification:

You can check the AirPods serial number to see if they have been reported stolen.This information can be requested from local authorities or Apple support.

It is important to emphasize that these signs do not necessarily guarantee that the AirPods have been stolen.