How to Find Lost AirPods That Are Offline And Dead| Guide
When AirPods have dead batteries, locating them through the Find My app becomes challenging due to the lack of a signal. However, the app can still show the last known location and activate Lost Mode if found by someone else. The Find My network, involving millions of Apple devices, assists in tracking offline AirPods by securely sharing their location with iCloud.
Key Takeaways
Before we delve into the various methods of finding your lost AirPods, especially when they are offline and dead, let’s take a quick look at some key takeaways:
Using the Find My App:
If you’ve misplaced both your AirPods and the case, and they’re both dead, use the Find My app to locate them based on their last known location. If they’re out of range or need charging, the location might be displayed as “No location found” or “Offline.”
Alternative Methods:
Apart from the Find My app, we’ll also explore alternative methods for locating your AirPods when they are offline and dead.
Locating a Single Lost AirPod:
If you’ve lost just one AirPod, we have steps to help you locate it.
Now, let’s dive into the methods to find your lost AirPods when their battery is dead and they’re offline. Also, read about Why Is One AirPod Louder Than the Other
Using the Find My App to Locate AirPods
Apple’s Find My app can be a lifesaver when you’ve lost your AirPods, even if they’re dead. While it won’t show the current location of the dead AirPods, it will display their last known location when they were connected to your device. This can be a great starting point in your search.
To use the Find My app, open it on your iPhone or iPad, and tap on the Devices tab. From there, select your AirPods and view their last known location on the map. Keep in mind that the location shown may not be entirely accurate, so it’s essential to thoroughly search the surrounding area. Discover about How to Disable Airpod Tracking
Using Bluetooth Range to Find Lost AirPods
When your AirPods are within the 150-foot Bluetooth range, you can use an alternative to the Find My app called Wunderfund. It uses a radar, making it easier to locate your AirPods. However, if the AirPods are dead, this method may not work. Nonetheless, it’s worth trying when you’re close to the last known location of your AirPods, as they might still have some battery life left. To play the sound, open the Find My app, select your AirPods, and tap the “Play Sound” option.
Retracing Steps to Find Lost AirPods
Another effective method to find your dead or offline AirPods is retracing your steps. Think about the last time you used them, where you were, and what you were doing. By visiting these locations and asking people around if they have seen your AirPods, you increase the chances of finding them. You can check any bags, pockets, or other personal belongings where you could’ve stored them without knowing it.
Identifying Dead AirPods Through the Last Place You Charged Them
If you think your AirPods might be dead, try to remember the last time you charged them. Considering the battery life of second-generation AirPods (24 hours) and third-generation AirPods (30 hours), this information can help you estimate the areas where your AirPods might have run out of battery. Make a list of the places you visited during that time frame and start your search there. Also, don’t forget to ask people you were with if they noticed your AirPods or have seen them since.
Using the “Offline” or “No Location Found” to Find the AirPods
If your AirPods are offline, it means they are out of range of your device or their battery is dead. When the Find My app displays “No Location Found,” it means that the app couldn’t determine the location of your AirPods. In such cases, the app will only display their last known location, which may not be entirely accurate. However, it still provides a valuable clue in your search for your lost AirPods.
How to Find AirPods When Offline with Serial Number
If your AirPods are offline and you’re unable to locate them using the Find My app, your serial number can still come in handy when trying to recover your lost AirPods. You can find your AirPods’ serial number on the original box, the receipt, or in your Apple account under your list of registered devices. Providing this information to Support or local authorities can help them identify and return your AirPods if they are found. Additionally, if someone attempts to pair your lost AirPods with their device, having the serial number can help you track down the new user and potentially recover your AirPods.
Tips to Prevent Losing AirPods
To avoid misplacing your AirPods in the first place, consider these tips:
Secure Accessories:
Invest in accessories designed to keep your AirPods secure, such as silicone straps, cases with built-in carabiners, and adhesive skins.
Establish Routines:
Create routines for storing your AirPods. Always store them in their case when not in use and place the case in a specific spot, such as a designated pocket in your bag or a specific location at home.
Dealing with Lost or Stolen AirPods
While stolen AirPods can still be used by others, don’t give up on finding your lost AirPods. Reporting the theft to local authorities and providing your AirPods’ serial number to Apple can increase the chances of recovery. To reduce the risk of theft, always keep your AirPods in a secure location, such as in their case and in a designated spot in your bag or at home. Avoid leaving them unattended in public places or visible in your car.
Some insurance companies offer coverage for lost or stolen electronic devices, which may include AirPods. Check with your insurance provider to see if your policy covers such losses. Additionally, while Apple’s standard warranty does not cover lost or stolen AirPods, AppleCare+ for Headphones does offer coverage for lost or stolen AirPods with a deductible fee.
My Experience Finding My Lost & Dead AirPod Pro
I faced the daunting task of tracking down my lost AirPods. I had accidentally left them in an Uber and only realized it when I got back home. Using the Find My app, I marked my AirPods Pro as lost and left my number, hoping someone would call.
For two days, the app showed two random locations, but then it displayed a single location updated three times within a few hours. I was almost certain that whoever had found my AirPods lived at that spot. However, soon after, my AirPods went offline, and the app showed the same location without any updates for the next few days.
Determined to recover my precious wireless earbuds, I decided to visit the last known location with my friends (we do not recommend you do this it’s an unsafe idea). It was far from my home, so we left early in the day. As we approached the spot, we saw a person wearing a single AirPod, right where the app had indicated.
We carefully approached the stranger, trying not to raise any suspicion. I attempted to connect to my AirPods through Bluetooth, but it displayed “Cannot connect to this device. Try pairing again.” Unsure if these were indeed my lost AirPods, we decided to ask the person if we could use his AirPods to help find mine, claiming that’s how I could track them.
The stranger confessed that he had received the AirPods from someone who found them in a Uber. I told him that I had lost mine in a taxi too. I asked if I could check the serial number to verify if they were my AirPods. Although he hesitated, he eventually handed over the AirPods Pro case. but in the end.. the serial number matched.
The stranger asked for my number “just to be sure” they weren’t mine (obviously mine), but I showed him my invoice on my iPhone as proof. Realizing he was caught, he gave up, and we left with my recovered AirPods.
Thanks to the Find My app and a bit of luck, I was reunited with my lost AirPods. The experience taught me the importance of keeping track of my belongings and the power of technology in recovering lost items.
Conclusion
Finding lost AirPods that are offline and dead can be a daunting task, but with the help of the Find My app and some perseverance, it’s possible to locate them. Be sure to use the app to check the last known location of your AirPods and thoroughly search the area. Additionally, consider attaching an AirTag to your AirPods case to make it easier to find both the case and the AirPods inside in the future. Keep your AirPods secure, and always be mindful of their whereabouts to avoid the frustration of losing them in the first place.
FAQs
Q1. Will AirPods Show the Last Location?
As previously mentioned, the Find My app will display the last known location of your AirPods when they are connected to your device. While this information may not be entirely accurate, it can provide a valuable starting point in your search. Additionally, you can use the Find My app to get directions to the last known location, making it easier to retrace your steps and potentially locate your lost AirPods.
Q2. When is the “Find My” App Best to Use?
The Find My app works best when your AirPods are charged and connected to your device. It uses GPS and Bluetooth to provide an approximate location, making it easier to locate your AirPods. However, when your AirPods are dead or offline, the app can still be helpful by providing the last known location or connection location.
Q3. How to Find AirPods Case Without AirPods Inside?
If you lose the AirPods case without the AirPods inside, the Find My app can still help you locate it. The app will display the last known location of the case, allowing you to retrace your steps and search for the missing case.
Q4. Can Dead AirPods in Bluetooth Range Be Found?
If your AirPods are dead but still within Bluetooth range, the Find My app can provide valuable information about their last location. By using this information and carefully searching the area, you can increase your chances of finding your lost AirPods.
Q5. What to Do if AirPods Are Lost and Offline?
If your AirPods are lost and offline, your best chance of finding them is to use the Find My app to check their most recent location. Be prepared to search extensively in the area, as the location information provided by the app might not be exact.