Were your AirPods or AirPods Pro stolen? That’s annoying. But don’t worry. In this article, we’ll briefly and clearly explain what you can do now. In the best case, after reading this article, you’ll soon have your AirPods back in your hands.
My AirPods were stolen: What should I do?
Here we’ll now describe all the effective options you have if your AirPods have been stolen. Our recommendation: go through these options step by step. Let’s get started right away:
1. Here’s how you can locate and find stolen AirPods
AirPods can be tracked using Apple’s location services if they are linked to the owner’s iCloud account and the “Find My iPhone” feature is enabled.
Here are the steps to locate the AirPods:
- Use the “Find My” app: Open the “Find My” app on an Apple device that is connected to the same iCloud account as the AirPods.
- Select AirPods: Select the AirPods from the list of devices in the “Find My” app. Start locating: Click “Play Sound” to play a sound on the AirPods to help you find them. This works as long as the AirPods are within range of the connected device.
- Location on the map: If the AirPods are out of range, the “Find My” app will show their last known location on a map. This can help determine their approximate position.
It’s important to note that the location feature will only work successfully if the AirPods are turned on and connected to a device that is connected to the internet. If the AirPods are offline or have been turned off, the location feature may not be usable. In this case, you will only be shown the location where they were last online.
You can find more about locating AirPods and the “Find My” app here.
2. Lock stolen AirPods: Here’s how
If locating them didn’t work, you should next have your AirPods locked. And how does that work?
Several options:
-
Through the “Find My” app, you can have your AirPods locked so the thief can’t do anything with them.
- Inform Apple Support about the theft. They can give you further instructions and place the AirPods’ serial number on a possible blocklist.
3. What happens when AirPods are reported as lost?
Reporting AirPods as lost in the "Find My" app means that you put the AirPods into Lost Mode.
This usually includes locking the AirPods to prevent others from using them.
In addition, however, you can often also leave a message that appears on the display of the connected device.
This message could contain contact details so that someone who finds the AirPods can contact the rightful owner. Because your AirPods may not have been stolen at all, but simply found by another person.
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 בהחלט be useful. Provide as many details as possible to increase the chances of recovery.
Preventive protection is worthwhile
5. Contact Apple Support
After you have reported the theft of the AirPods to the local authorities, it is also advisable to contact Apple Support. You can inform them about the theft and ask for assistance.
Apple Support can give you instructions on how to lock the AirPods in the "Find My" app and may also be able to add the AirPods’ serial number to a possible blocklist to further restrict their use.
It is important to act as quickly as possible to use the security features and increase the chances of recovery. Apple Support can also provide further guidance and advice to help deal with the loss and ensure the security of personal data.
6. Does Apple insurance help if AirPods are stolen?
Apple offers what is known as "AppleCare+ with Theft and Loss," which serves as insurance for certain Apple products, including AirPods. Here are some points you should know about it:
1. AppleCare+:
AppleCare+ is an extended warranty and service program from Apple that offers additional protection for certain Apple products, including AirPods.
2. Theft protection:
"AppleCare+ with Theft and Loss" is specifically designed to cover the theft of AirPods. If your AirPods are stolen, you can contact Apple to receive 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 you sign up for AppleCare+. Of course, this is no longer useful once the AirPods have been stolen. The insurance must already have been taken out beforehand.
4. Location services:
It is important to note that Apple's location services (Find My) can play a role. In some cases, theft protection can only be claimed if you have previously reported the theft to the location services.
5. Reporting the theft:
In the event of theft, it is important to report the incident to the local police as quickly as possible and use Apple's location services.
What can I do if only a single AirPod or AirPod Pro was stolen?
If you have only lost a single AirPod and have not been able to recover it, you can also purchase individual AirPods in our online store.
Unfortunately, the manufacturer does not offer separate replacement parts, such as just a right or left AirPod.
In our online store, however, you have the option of purchasing individual original AirPods. This is much more cost-effective compared to buying a complete AirPods set.
To ensure that you can continue to enjoy music in your usual quality or take part in video conferences, we advise against using low-quality replacement parts.
We source complete original sets from Apple and disassemble them in order to offer the individual components. This naturally also gives you the full manufacturer warranty.
Buying individual replacement parts also promotes sustainability. By replacing only the part that has been lost or is defective, resources are conserved and waste is avoided. All other parts of your set that are still intact do not need to be disposed of, but can continue to be used.