Losing an expensive pair of AirPods—whether they have slipped between the couch cushions or been left behind at a coffee shop—is a highly stressful experience. Fortunately, Apple integrates AirPods deeply into their Find My network, allowing you to track them using the Bluetooth signals of hundreds of millions of other Apple devices around the world.
The method you use to find your AirPods depends entirely on which model you own and whether they are currently online. Base model AirPods rely on simple location memory, while the newer AirPods Pro include advanced tracking chips built directly into the charging case.
How to Locate Your AirPods on a Map
If you have lost your AirPods somewhere outside of your house, the first step is to check their last known geographic location.
- Open the Find My app on your iPhone or iPad.
- Tap the Devices tab at the bottom of the screen.
- Scroll through your list of Apple devices and tap on your AirPods.
- A map will appear displaying their location.
If the AirPods are currently connected to an Apple device, or if they are near another iPhone on the Find My network, you will see their live location. If they are completely dead or offline, the map will display “Last Known Location” with a timestamp of when they were last connected to the internet. You can tap the Directions button to get GPS navigation back to that spot.
How to Find AirPods Hidden in Your House
If the map shows that the AirPods are inside your house, but you cannot find them, you can force them to play a loud chirping sound.
- Open the Find My app and tap your AirPods under the Devices tab.
- Tap the Play Sound button.
- If the AirPods are out of the case (or if you own the AirPods Pro 2, which have speakers built into the case itself), they will begin playing a gradually increasing chime.
- If you only lost one earbud, you can tap Left or Right on your iPhone screen to mute one side, making it easier to track down the missing bud.
- Once you find them, tap Stop on your phone.
Important Limitation: If you own standard AirPods (1st, 2nd, or 3rd generation) or the original AirPods Pro, the charging case does not have a speaker. If the earbuds are inside the closed case, they cannot play a sound. You must rely purely on the map or Precision Finding.
How to Use Precision Finding (AirPods Pro Only)
If you own the 2nd Generation AirPods Pro, Apple has included a U1 Ultra Wideband chip inside the charging case. This allows your iPhone to track them like an AirTag, guiding you to their exact location using on-screen arrows.
- Open the Find My app and select your AirPods Pro.
- Tap the green Find button (this button will only appear if you are within Bluetooth range of the case).
- Move your iPhone around the room slowly.
- The screen will turn green and display a large arrow pointing exactly where the AirPods are located, along with the precise distance (e.g., “1.2 metres away”).
What to Do If They Are Permanently Lost
If you cannot locate the AirPods and suspect they have been stolen, you should immediately enable Lost Mode. In the Find My app, select your AirPods, swipe up on the menu, and tap Activate under “Mark as Lost”.
This locks the AirPods to your Apple ID so no one else can pair them to a new device. It also allows you to leave a custom message with your phone number, which will automatically display on the screen of anyone who tries to connect to them.
