How can I trace my lost AirPods?

Answered by Jason Smith

I’d be happy to help you trace your lost AirPods! Losing them can be frustrating, but with the Find My app, you have a good chance of locating them. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to use the Find My app to find your AirPods:

1. Open the Find My app: If you haven’t already, make sure you have the Find My app installed on your iPhone or iPad. This app comes pre-installed on most Apple devices, but if you don’t have it, you can download it from the App Store.

2. Select the Devices tab: Once you have the Find My app open, you’ll see different tabs at the bottom of the screen. Tap on the “Devices” tab to see a list of all your Apple devices linked to your Apple ID.

3. Choose your AirPods: Scroll through the list of devices until you find your AirPods. They should be listed under the “Headphones” category. Tap on your AirPods to select them.

4. Check the location: After selecting your AirPods, you’ll see a map with their last known location. This location is updated when your AirPods are connected to your iPhone or iPad. If your AirPods are currently connected to your device, you’ll see their real-time location. If your AirPods are not connected, the app will display their last known location.

5. Play a sound: If your AirPods are nearby but you can’t locate them visually, you can use the “Play Sound” feature. This will play a loud sound on your AirPods, helping you find them even if they’re under a couch cushion or in another room. Tap on the “Play Sound” option in the app, and your AirPods will emit a distinct sound that gradually gets louder, making them easier to locate.

6. Follow the sound: Listen carefully as you move around your location. The sound will help guide you to your AirPods. It’s worth noting that the sound can be quite loud, so be mindful of the volume to avoid damaging your hearing.

7. Use the proximity view: If you’re having trouble pinpointing the exact location of your AirPods, you can use the proximity view in the Find My app. This will show you a visual representation of how close you are to your AirPods, helping you narrow down the search area.

8. Mark your AirPods as lost: If you’re unable to locate your AirPods using the above steps, you may want to mark them as lost in the Find My app. This will enable the “Notify When Found” feature, which will send you a notification if someone else’s device comes near your lost AirPods. Additionally, marking them as lost will also disable them, ensuring that no one else can use them.

Remember, the Find My app relies on your AirPods being connected to your iPhone or iPad to provide accurate location information. If your AirPods are out of range or the battery is dead, you may not be able to locate them using the app. In such cases, it’s a good idea to retrace your steps and check common places where you may have left them.

I hope this guide helps you trace your lost AirPods successfully! Good luck in finding them!