Can stolen Airpods be used? Everything you need to know

As soon as Apple launched AirPods they became extremely popular as they allowed users to listen to audio wirelessly. AirPods measure from 2.39 inches by 1.78 inches and prices ranging from $249 to $159. But due to their small size, it is easy for them to get lost or stolen and it is also expensive to replace them. Many AirPods owners even wonder why a thief would even try to steal their Airpods. This is where the question comes in Can stolen AirPods be used?

Yes, the stolen AirPods can be used easily as long as the AirPods are out of range of your iPhone. The range which is required for your iPhone and AirPods to connect is 30-100 feet. Once the AirPods go beyond that the stolen AirPods can be paired with a new device easily.

In 2019, CBS News said that replacing stolen or lost AirPods accounted for about 5-7% of AirPods sales every year. After seeing that shocking stat we have compiled a few ways to prevent your AirPods. From being stolen or even finding them again if you have lost them.

Also Read: Is AirPods Pro waterproof? Everything you need to know

How does Someone Use Stolen AirPods?

Business Insider gave a stat that Apple sold about 60 million AirPods in 2019 alone. But one thing is clear that AirPods are in high demand whether they are legal or not. And due to their high demand and small size, they are easy targets for thieves.

If someone steals your AirPods with the case while they are in charging case the AirPods could easily be paired with another phone. All the thief has to do is move out of range of your iPhone so that the AirPods won’t connect automatically to the owner’s iPhone.

AirPods Range

As far as the Apple Community AirPods are Bluetooth device are class 1 device while an iPhone X is a Bluetooth class 5 device. So, this says that AirPods will be reliably connected up to 33 feet or just a little further away than that.

Finding Your Stolen AirPods with Find My iPhone

Every Apple device has a feature to find their lost device called “Find My iPhone”. This app can also help you find AirPods as long as they are turned on and paired with your device. So, if you haven’t set up Find my iPhone on your local device like iPad, iPhone or any other Apple device do it as soon as possible.

So, when you pair your AirPods with your device they will be automatically be added to your list of devices. As long as the AirPods are outside the charging case paired with your device and in range. You will be able to see where they are in “Find My iPhone” app. Also, if the the buds are out of reach, out of battery or in its charging case then the app will shows the last known location of the AirPods on a map. In case your AirPods are switched on and paired with your device when they are stolen. Then it will eventually lose connectivity with your device after they are out of range. The app will only be able to show the last location where they went out of range. So, when they get out of range, you will be unable to track them outside of range.

Unlike the other Apple devices, you cannot lock AirPods through the “Find My iPhone” app. Bceuase of this, people can steal them easily in comparison to other Apple products.

Track your AirPods

As we know that AirPods cannot connect to your iPhone when they are in their case. So, in order to track your AirPods while they are in case you have to use a third-party personal tracker. Many Bluetooth trackers have the ability to work up to a range of 200 ft that is not much further than the range between your AirPods and iPhone. On the other hand, GPS trackers have a longer range but you have to recharge the tracker every few days.

Using a file tracker

The best tracker for AirPods is the Tile Inc. Mate. This app will similarly pair with your smartphone like ow your AirPods can be found through the “Find my iPhone” App. It will be way better if you can buy a carrying case, like this sleek rugged one by Spigen, fully with a handy carabiner.

What to do if your AirPods are stolen?

After realizing that someone has stolen your AirPods, you should file a police report. There is a possibility that you will never recover your AirPods but you can help the Poilce in catching the thieves. Apple does not cover the cost of replacing your AirPods in its limited warranty if you lose them. The warranty will cover all the manufacturing defects only up to one year after the purchase. For instance, connection issues, breaking for no reason, or wearing out easily. If you lose one bud then Apple will allow you to purchase just one as a replacement.

Don’t let anyone steal your AirPods

If you don’t want anyone else to use your AirPods then don’t let anyone steal them. We recommend you to develop good habits so that you don’t lose the buds or when they are in their charging case. In order to keep your AirPods safe, you have to follow the tips given below:

• Firstly, when you are not using them, you should keep your AirPods in charging case. So, you will be able to track them at all times.
• You should put your charging cse in the same place at home so that you now where to find them.
• When you are going out then keep the buds in the charging case. Then place the case in a safe place like a concealed packet or your purse or the front packet of your pants.
• You should consider using a hook, carabiner, or latch for attaching your case to your purse strap or belt loop.
• Lastly, it is better if you don’t flaunt expensive items like AirPods. If no one will know then you will not lose it.

Conclusion

If you lose your AirPods then someone will easily be able to use them by carrying them out of the range of your iPhone. We hope that you got all the required information from the blog. We recommend you to develop good habits that will reduce the risk of losing your AirPods. Thank you fo