Introduction
Losing our favorite gadgets can be frustrating and stressful, and AirPods are no exception. They are small, valuable, and easy to lose due to their size. The good news is that there are ways to find them, as well as proactive steps you can take to prevent losing them altogether. In this article, we will explore helpful tactics to find your lost AirPods and avoid losing them in the future.
Top 5 Tips to Finding Your Lost AirPods
Here are the top things you can do in order to track down your AirPods when they’re lost:
Tip #1: Retrace your steps
When you lose something, the first thing to do is to mentally retrace your steps. Think about where you were when you last used your AirPods and start there. Check all the places you have been and see if you can spot them. This method is particularly useful for those who tend to use their AirPods in familiar environments, as they are more likely to remember where they last used them.
Tip #2: Use the Find My app
The Find My app is a built-in feature from Apple that allows you to locate all your Apple devices, including your AirPods. To use it, make sure your AirPods are connected to your iPhone or iPad and navigate to the Find My app. From there, you can see the location of your AirPods on a map. You can also look for a sound, which will help you find them even if you’re not within visual range.
Tip #3: Make use of a Bluetooth scanner
Bluetooth scanners are an excellent way to locate your lost AirPods. They operate by scanning for the Bluetooth signal that your AirPods emit and then displaying the signal strength to indicate how close or far you are from them. These apps and devices are available for both Android and iOS devices and provide an easy way to locate your misplaced AirPods with high precision.
Tip #4: Ask friends or family for help
Do you have a forgetful friend or family member that you’ve lent your AirPods to? If you do, it’s worth asking if they have seen them lately. They may have picked them up by mistake, or they might vaguely remember your AirPods in a certain location that you can check on.
Tip #5: Use audible alerts or signs to track them down
If you still can’t find your AirPods after trying the above methods, try using an audible alert or sign to locate them. Simply turn up the volume on the sound you normally listen to and walk around your house. The increased volume may be enough to help you detect the sound of your AirPods. If this doesn’t work, you can also try looking for subtle signs that might indicate where your AirPods are hiding, such as noticing an empty AirPod case in a room.
The Dos and Don’ts of Keeping Your AirPods Safe
Here are some simple steps that can help prevent you from losing your AirPods in the first place:
Do use a protective case
Protective cases help prevent your AirPods from damage, and make them easier to find than if they were loose in a purse or pocket. With a protective case, you can prevent your AirPods from slipping out of your pocket or slipping between couch cushions. You can purchase AirPods cases in many colors and designs, giving you more options to match your personal style.
Do keep them with you at all times
A simple yet effective way to prevent losing your AirPods is to keep them on your person at all times. When the AirPods are not in use, put them back in their case and keep the case with you in a bag or pocket. This way, you will always know where they are and will not lose them due to carelessness.
Don’t leave them in easily misplaced places
Avoid leaving your AirPods in places that you or others may naturally overlook, like on a restaurant table or in a dressing room. By leaving your AirPods in such areas, you might forget about them or someone else may walk away with them. Instead, keep them in a designated spot that you always use and can remember.
Don’t expose them to extreme temperatures or moisture
AirPods are sensitive to temperatures and moisture. Avoid leaving them in a vehicle during the hottest days of the year or the coldest nights of winter. Additionally, avoid exposing them to liquids such as drops of sweat or rain, or submerging them in water. These can cause irreversible damages to your expensive earbuds.
AirPods vs. The World: Which Tracking Solution is Best?
When it comes to tracking solutions for lost AirPods, there are three main options:
The Find My app
The Find My app, as mentioned earlier, is a built-in app on your Apple device. Although it is not as accurate as other options, it is a free and easy solution if you already have an Apple device. It provides a map with an approximate location, as well as the sound sign to assist in the search.
Bluetooth scanners
Bluetooth scanners are third-party apps or devices that can scan the Bluetooth signal emitted by your AirPods. They are accurate and provide real-time feedback. However, they are more expensive than some other options and may require installation and configuration of external equipment.
Third-party tracking devices
Third-party tracking devices are sometimes employed to recover lost AirPods. These are small, Bluetooth-enabled tags that are stuck onto and carried around with your AirPods. In case of loss, users receive alerts on their phones showing the AirPods’ location. These devices are not too expensive, but they tend to have poorer battery life than other options due to their small battery size.
Maximizing Battery Life: How to Keep Your AirPods Charged and Ready to Go
Keeping your AirPods charged is essential to prevent misplacing them due to running low on battery. Here are some tips to make the most of your battery life:
Turn off unnecessary features
The active noise cancelling function reduces battery life significantly, so if you don’t need it, turn it off. Additionally, when you’re not using your AirPods, make sure they are turned off to reduce battery drain.
Use a low-power mode
AirPods have a low-power mode that is automatically activated to conserve battery life when placed in their case. However, you can also manually trigger this mode to extend their battery life even further.
The Art of Letting Go: When It’s Time to Give Up on a Lost Pair of AirPods
Occasionally, we may need to accept that our lost AirPods are not coming back. In such a situation, we can commemorate them in unique ways:
Turn them into planters
With a little creativity, the AirPod’s charging case can be transformed into a beautiful planter. You can drill a hole and plant succulents that will grow well in a shallow container. This way, your AirPods will still have a purpose even if they can’t be listened to anymore.
Use them as a phone stand
Another way to repurpose AirPods that have lost their touch is to transform them into a phone stand. Use the case to balance the phone and elevate the screen for a better viewing and typing angle. It’s a way to recycle your old AirPods and save a few bucks on buying one.
Conclusion
Losing AirPods is a frustrating experience, but it happens more often than we realize. By following the tips and tricks outlined in this article, you can track down your lost AirPods and prevent losing them in the future. From using the Find My app or Bluetooth scanners to creating planters out of old charging cases, there are many ways to approach the issue of losing AirPods and ways to mitigate it. By avoiding carelessness, taking certain precautions, and employing technology, you can ensure that your AirPods remain in your possession.
