Use Find My to locate your AirPods case
Your AirPods case can be tracked through Apple's Find My app if your AirPods are inside it and the case has a battery charge. Open Find My on any Apple device signed into your iCloud account, tap the Items tab, and look for your AirPods in the list. If they appear, tap them to see their last known location on a map. The case itself does not have its own tracker — only the individual Airpods inside transmit location data.
If your AirPods are dead or removed from the case, Find My will show you the last place they were detected before the battery ran out. This location can still be useful: it narrows your search to a specific room or building rather than leaving you searching everywhere.
For this to work, you need to have set up Find My before losing your case. If you never turned it on, you cannot retroactively track the case now. The feature is built into iOS, iPadOS, and macOS and requires no separate setup beyond signing into iCloud.
Key Takeaways
- Find My shows your AirPods' last known location only if they are powered on or were powered on recently enough to send a signal.
- The case itself has no tracker — only the AirPods inside transmit location data to Find My.
- If your AirPods are completely dead, Find My displays the last location where they were detected before the battery died.
- You must have enabled Find My before losing your case; you cannot turn it on retroactively to find lost AirPods.
- If Find My shows no location, check whether your AirPods are signed into the correct iCloud account and whether Bluetooth is enabled on your device.
What to do if Find My shows no location
If Find My does not show your AirPods at all, they may not be connected to your iCloud account, or they may be too far away to send a signal. First, check that you are signed into the same iCloud account on the device you are using to search. Open Settings, tap your name, and confirm the account matches the one your AirPods were set up with.
Next, make sure Bluetooth is turned on. Find My relies on Bluetooth to detect nearby AirPods, even if they are not connected to your phone. Go to Settings > Bluetooth and toggle it on. If your AirPods are in the same room, they should appear within a few seconds.
If Bluetooth is on and your AirPods still do not show up, they may be out of range or the battery may be completely depleted. In this case, retrace your steps to places you visited recently and search manually, starting with the most likely locations: your car, your desk, your bed, or places where you last remember using them.
Play a sound to locate your AirPods nearby
If Find My shows your AirPods on the map but you cannot spot them, use the Play Sound feature to hear where they are. In the Find My app, tap your AirPods, then tap Play Sound. Your AirPods will emit a loud beeping noise for about two minutes, making them easier to locate if they are in the same building or room.
This feature works even if your AirPods are not connected to your phone. The sound will play as long as the AirPods have any battery remaining. If the beeping stops before you find them, the battery has run out and you will need to search visually or wait until they are charged again.
Search your home and recent locations manually
Start by checking the places where you most often use your AirPods: your bedroom, your car, your desk, your couch, and your bathroom. Look inside bags, pockets, and under cushions. Check the charging cable and power adapter — the case may have been left near where you charge your devices.
If you do not find them at home, think about where you went the day you last remember using them. Call or visit those locations and ask if anyone turned in a small white case. Coffee shops, gyms, offices, and public transportation are common places where AirPods cases are left behind.
If you used your AirPods at work or school, ask colleagues or classmates whether they have seen them. Post in a shared chat or bulletin board. Many cases are found and kept by people who do not know how to return them, so a direct ask can work.
Contact Apple if your case is lost and cannot be replaced
If you cannot find your case after searching and Find My shows no location, you have two options: buy a replacement case or contact Apple Support to discuss your situation.
A replacement case costs less than a full pair of AirPods. For most models, Apple sells cases separately through their website and retail stores. You can also find third-party cases from other manufacturers that work with your AirPods.
If your AirPods are still inside the lost case, you can continue using them by charging them with a different case if you have one, or by purchasing a replacement. Apple Support can walk you through your options and may be able to help if your AirPods are still under warranty.
Prevent future loss by enabling Find My before you need it
To avoid this situation in the future, make sure Find My is turned on for all your Apple devices. On your iPhone or iPad, go to Settings > [Your Name] > Find My and toggle on Find My iPhone (or Find My iPad). On a Mac, go to System Settings > [Your Name] > iCloud and check the Find My Mac box.
You can also enable notifications when a device is left behind. In Find My, tap the Items tab, select your AirPods, and turn on Notify When Left Behind. Your phone will alert you if you move away from your AirPods, giving you a chance to go back and retrieve them before you get far away.
Consider using a separate Bluetooth tracker like an AirTag if you want additional tracking options. An AirTag can be placed in your AirPods case and will show up in Find My with its own location, independent of whether the AirPods inside have battery.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I find my AirPods case if the AirPods inside are dead?
Find My will show the last location where your AirPods were detected before the battery died. This location may be several hours or days old depending on when they last powered on. If you need real-time tracking, consider adding an AirTag to your case.
What if my AirPods case is in another country?
Find My works globally as long as your AirPods have a Bluetooth connection or cellular connection through a nearby device. If someone else has your case and their phone is nearby, Find My may detect it. You can also see the last known location before the AirPods went offline.
Does the AirPods case have its own battery tracker?
No. The case itself does not transmit location data. Only the individual AirPods inside send signals to Find My. If the AirPods are removed from the case, you cannot track the case alone.
Can I use Find My if I never set it up before losing my AirPods?
No. Find My must be enabled before you lose your AirPods. If you never turned it on, there is no historical data to retrieve. You will need to search manually or use other methods like retracing your steps or contacting places you visited.
Will Find My work if my AirPods are turned off?
No. Find My requires your AirPods to be powered on to transmit their location. If they are off or the battery is completely dead, Find My will only show the last location where they were detected while powered on.