Can I Locate My Stolen AirPods?

The theft of new, unactivated AirPods can be infuriating, especially when you can't locate them or assign them to your account and turn on Find My. Is there any way to find them?

Is There any Way?

Unfortunately, the answer is no. While finding missing Apple devices can be distressing, there is currently no method to locate stolen AirPods that haven't been properly set up and connected through Find My. You cannot assign or turn on Find My for AirPods that aren't paired to your Apple account and activated. Once stolen, they're considered lost and unrecoverable through this feature.

Personal Experience and Reimbursements

I have experienced a similar issue in the past. When an Apple item was delivered by FedEx but not found by me, FedEx did nothing to reimburse me for the missing item. This underscores the importance of proactive measures to protect your devices from unauthorized use.

How Can I Find My Lost or Stolen AirPods?

Here are some steps you can take to locate your missing AirPods:

Pair Your AirPods to Your iPhone or iPad

To use the Find My feature, you must first pair your AirPods to an Apple device (iPhone or iPad). Follow these steps:

Ensure both your AirPods and Apple device are running the latest software. Open the Settings app on your Apple device. Go to Bluetooth and turn on Bluetooth if it's off. Tap on Your Name near the top right corner. Tap Find My. Enter the name of your AirPods in the top search bar. Tap on the AirPods to open the settings. Switch on the Find My option.

Use the Find My Feature

If the above method works, your AirPods should now show up on the Find My app. If not, try these additional steps:

Open the Find My app on your Apple device. Sign in with your iCloud account. Tap on the Recent Items tab. Tap on your AirPods to open the settings. Select Actions. Press Play Sound. Both earbuds will start making a triplicate chirp - quietly at first, then increasing in volume.

This method is particularly helpful if the missing AirPods are lost in your home or close to you. If you cannot locate them, unfortunately, there's nothing more you can do from the Find My app.

What Should I Do If My AirPods Are Stolen?

Unfortunately, if your AirPods are stolen, there are limited options available. Here are some actions to take:

Report the loss/stolen item to your local police department. Provide a description of the item, including the model and serial number (if available). Contact Apple Support for assistance. They may be able to provide advice or guide you through the process of filing a report with the authorities. Use the Find My app to deactivate any remaining features on the AirPods, as this can help deter further unauthorized use. Consider purchasing insurance for your devices to recoup any financial losses in the future.

Remember, prevention is key. Keep your AirPods secure and consider using a charging case that has built-in Find My functionality if you haven't already.