Apple’s AirPods Pro are amazing but they aren’t flawless. The company notes that some of the AirPods Pro manufactured before October 2020 may experience sound issues. Hence, they have rolled out a replacement program commonly known as “AirPods Pro Recall.” Find out how to check if you are eligible for the free replacement.
AirPods Pro received a pretty great response when they launched due to active noise cancelation and custom fit abilities. They offered a premium experience for a higher price tag than the standard AirPods.
Despite launching in 2019, AirPods Pro is still considered better than the recently launched 3rd Gen AirPods. However, some of the older makes have started causing issues but there’s no need to worry as Apple has got the loyal users covered.
What is the AirPods Pro Recall Program?
The AirPods Pro Recall Program is a service process by Apple to fix or replace the problematic AirPods Pro manufactured before October 2020. Apple has noted that a small percentage of AirPods Pro units produced back then may experience sound issues.
Hence, the company is offering a free replacement to the affected users across all regions including the US, the UK, Canada, Australia, etc. The recall program is active for “3 years after the first retail sale of the unit.”
Previously, the company only covered the affected AirPods Pro unit for 2 years after the first sale. The extended one year makes the program active until October 2022.
If you are experiencing performance or sound-related issues with your AirPods Pro, you can use this program. Remember that only the AirPods Pro buds are covered under this and not the charging case. Other models of AirPods are also excluded from the scheme.
How to check if your AirPods Pro is eligible for the recall program?
There isn’t a standard procedure like serial number checker or AirPods Pro assessment for this program. You need to figure it out on your own based on the issues you’re experiencing and then connect with an Apple representative.
You need to determine if your AirPods Pro is experiencing these issues:
- Crackling or static sounds that increase in loud environments, while talking on the phone, or while exercising.
- Active Noise Cancelation not working as one expects. This includes loss of bass sound or an increase in the background sounds like street, vehicles, or airplane noise.
Once you’ve realized that your AirPods Pro is eligible for the recall program, you can connect with Apple Support on-call or online (800.APL.CARE in the US).
You can also set up an appointment at a local Apple Store, or visit an Apple Authorized Service Provider. Apple’s technician will service the affected AirPods Pro (left, right, or both) for free. You won’t have to pay the service fee.
How to find the serial number for the AirPods Pro recall program?
Even when the process doesn’t require a serial number check for recall, Apple’s representative may ask you for details about your AirPods Pro to register the complaint. This becomes easier when you have an iPhone or iPad to pair your AirPods Pro with.
Just pair the earbuds with your iPhone and follow these steps:
- Go to the Settings app.
- Scroll down and tap on “Bluetooth.”
- Next, go to “My Devices” and locate your AirPods Pro.
- Tap on the info icon present on the right.
This way you’ll be able to view the model number, serial number, and version code for your unit.
If you don’t have access to an iPhone/ iPad, you can find the serial number physically. It’s present on the underside of the lid of your charging case. You can capture a picture of it and zoom in to view it clearly.
Does Apple replace AirPods Pro under the recall service program?
Yes, Apple offers replacement if they find your AirPods Pro malfunctioning under the recall program. You’ll have to submit your old unit and then you’ll receive a fresh one from the company.
However, your AirPods Pro unit must be determined eligible for the program for the replacement. Only the units manufactured prior to October 2020 are eligible for this.
Another notable fact to remember is that replacement doesn’t extend the warranty of your AirPods Pro. Your warranty will still remain the same.
How to Fix AirPods Pro when you are not eligible?
There’s no need to be sad if your AirPods Pro unit is termed ineligible for the recall program. You can fix sound-related issues on your own using some simple workarounds.
The first thing you should check is to see if the case and buds both have enough battery. After that, check that the Bluetooth connection is working and fine and you’re within a short-range.
After checking these, you can try cleaning the earbuds’ speaker and outer portions with an alcohol-based solution. You can also use an air spray clean your earbuds. Finally, you can reset the AirPods Pro to ensure they start performing like a new pair.
These are some of the most suitable workarounds that are known to work when older AirPods’ performance starts to decline. You can also give them a shot and see if they work. You can also seek help from Apple Support or an Authorized Service Centre.
If you have any other suggestions for AirPods Pro users, feel free to share them in the comments.
