Hands-On: Apple AirPods Pro Replacements from the Free Repair Program [PICS]

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Apple launched a free repair program for its AirPods Pro on Friday, citing a couple sounds issues for units made prior to October 2020. In other words, all AirPods Pro since inception.

We’ve been dealing with some issues with our AirPods Pro as described by Apple, and some more. Frequently, only one AirPod Pro earbud would connect, while the other wouldn’t, to go with Active Noise Cancellation issues.

So we spoke with Apple Support via online chat on Friday and they agreed to send out replacement AirPods Pros. These arrived on Monday afternoon via FedEx to our surprise (Apple also asked for a credit card for the express repair).

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Inside the box, you’ll find a replacement AirPod Pro, plus 3 ear tips as well (the other 2 are underneath the pull out tab). Yes, Apple will only send one replacement AirPod Pro in one box each.

How to pair these new AirPods Pros to your iPhone?

All you need to do is pop them into your charging case and plug in the latter. Next, hold down the button on the back of the charging case until the LED turns white, and pair the new AirPods Pro to your iPhone.

Apple says, “If the status light still flashes amber, connect the case to power, close the lid, and wait 20 minutes. Then open the lid and press and hold the setup button again for a few seconds until the status light flashes white.”

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Next, just place your old AirPods Pro back into the box and contact FedEx to schedule a pick up. Apple did not supply tape in the box as noted in its instructions (no big deal). You don’t need to return your old ear tips.

So far, these replacement AirPods Pro earbuds seem to have fixed the ANC issues we had before, but it’s really too early to tell.

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At the price of $329 for AirPods Pro, these should be perfect out of the box. If you have any doubt about issues with your AirPods Pro that resemble the issues Apple outlined, contact Apple Support via the iOS app or online chat, and get a replacement pair.

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