3 Simple Ways to Locate Your Lost Dead AirPods

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A user-friendly guide to track down your AirPods when they're out of battery

Co-authored by Rain Kengly Reviewed by Stan Kats

Last Updated: September 5, 2024 Fact Checked

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Finding Last Known Location

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Activating Lost Mode

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Retracing Your Steps

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Q&A

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Did you lose your AirPods, AirPods Pro, or AirPods Max? If you want to find your dead AirPods, this can be more difficult than finding a single AirPod or its case alone. Because the AirPods are out of battery, it won't be able to transmit the signal needed to display its location. However, you can still use the Find My app to find its last known location and place it in Lost Mode in case it's found by someone else. This wikiHow will show you how to locate your dead AirPods using the Find My app on your iPhone, iPad, or computer.

Locating Offline or Dead Airpod

You can use Find My on your iPhone, iPad, or computer to see the last location of your AirPods before they died.
To activate Lost Mode, open Find My and tap "Devices". Tap your AirPods, swipe up, then tap "Activate".^{[1]
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If you don't see a last known location, you'll need to retrace your steps.

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Finding Last Known Location

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1
Open Find My on your device. This can be done on your iPhone or iPad via the Find My app, or on your computer at icloud.com.^{[2]
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- If your AirPods are out of battery or out of range, you'll be able to see their last known location. In some cases, you'll see No location found or Offline.
- Be sure to update your iOS.^{[3]
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This will show you a list of all devices connected to your iCloud.

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Tap your AirPods. You'll see a map with its last known location.
- If your AirPods have some charge, you'll see its current location.
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Tap Directions. The Maps app will open with directions to your AirPods.
- While this may not be the place your AirPods are currently, this could give you a good idea on where to begin your search.
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Find your lost AirPods. If you lose your AirPods in a store or company building, always check with the customer service desk for the lost and found.
- Once you have your AirPods back in your possession, be careful and avoid losing your AirPods.

Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Activating Lost Mode

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1
Open Find My on your device. This can be done on your iPhone or iPad via the Find My app, or on your computer at icloud.com.^{[4]
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- This method will only work for AirPods (3rd generation), AirPods Pro (1st and 2nd generation), and AirPods Max.
- If an iPhone user finds your AirPods with Lost Mode activated, they will receive a message on their iPhone.
This will show you a list of all devices connected to your iCloud.^{[5]
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It will have the name you've assigned to it.
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Swipe up to view more details. This will bring up your AirPods' options.
- You will see options to manage Directions and Notifications, and Mark As Lost.
A page will pop up with Lost Mode details.^{[6]
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This will be at the bottom of the screen.
This is how you can be contacted if someone finds your AirPods.
Make sure your details are correct.
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Tap Activate. This is at the top-right corner.^{[7]
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- Your AirPods will be set to Lost Mode. If an iPhone user finds your AirPods, they will receive a notice on their iPhone with your phone number.

Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Retracing Your Steps

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Think about the places you last used your AirPods. To find things you lost, you'll need to think back on every place you might have used them.
- This could be a store, a classroom at school, a room in your house, or another place.
Expand your search by enlisting the help of friends or family, especially if you have multiple places to check.
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Search common lost object areas. If you suspect your AirPods may still be in your house, check underneath couch cushions, under your bed, or behind other furniture. If you think they may be in your car, search underneath the floormats, trunk, and in the space between the center console and seats.
- If you still can't find your AirPods, you may need to purchase a new pair.
  - Consider attaching an Apple AirTag to the new AirPods in case it is lost, misplaced, or stolen.

Community Q&A

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Question

What if an AirPod drops in the snow?

Community Answer

Dry the case with the power off. Do not charge it until it's completely dry.

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Question

I sleep wearing my AirPods and I woke up and couldn’t find them. They’re dead so I can’t connect and play any sound. I’m also not connected to find my thing. What do I do?

Maddie

Community Answer

They couldn't have gotten far from your bed. Remove and shake out all blankets and pillowcases. If they don't fall out, look around, under, and behind your bed. Be very thorough and you should find them.

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Question

I have an Android phone so I don't have a Find My app. What do I do?

Community Answer

Use a hand-held vacuum cleaner and run it all over the floor and furniture.

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