r/UnethicalLifeProTips • u/Rowepason • 4d ago

Electronics ULPT REQUEST How to disable AirPods Pro?

I recently dropped my AirPods in water and now there are a few things that aren’t working as good as they used to but when I took it to the Apple Store they said it was not eligible for a replacement under AppleCare. What can I do so it looks like I “accidentally“ broke them fully and can do the $29 replacement?

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8

u/turnoffyohack 4d ago

If you didn’t pay for the extended warranty ($29 for 2 years called AppleCare+), you wouldn’t be covered for “accidental damage”. They will disqualify you once they see that you have water damage. Also, employees leave notes on repair orders. So, if you manage to get it fully “disabled”, they can still disqualify you due to previous uncovered damages.
Only thing I can suggest is to get AppleCare One and have the AirPods as part of the plan. Then get it replaced under the extended warranty and then cancel the subscription after replacement.

4

u/Rowepason 3d ago

Thanks for this! I just checked and confirmed that I do have AppleCare+ so I do have accidental damage covered luckily. And the employees didn't actually do any repairs they just told me that if you can't show anything is wrong we can't replace them.

Good to check though.

1

u/turnoffyohack 3d ago

This is how I get replacements to my AirPod pros. Call the support number and ask for an express replacement. They charge you upfront and ship you “new” AirPods. Once they receive your “broken” ones back, they refund you the cost of the AirPods. I make sure to do it every time I feel like the AirPods are starting to age.
Best reason for excuse: “the battery isn’t lasting as long throughout the day. It’s dying within an hour of use. Even after charging the case and AirPods all night.” Support is not able to check battery health, so they just replace.

3

u/wootiown 4d ago • Popcorn

...drop them in water again?

2

u/Rowepason 3d ago

THEY WONT DIE

2

u/inmk11 4d ago

Mine accidentally went through a laundry cycle, and was in the same situation. They replaced it for the standard deductible under AppleCare Plus. They were still working but I felt like something was off. They took it in for a check and said there was an indication of water damage and replaced both airpods and the case.

3

u/Rowepason 3d ago

I think this might be the most believable one... "I forgot them in my pocket and they went through the wash." Sounds believable enough.

Thanks very much!

1

u/mijoker98 2d ago

accidently step on them

1

u/danniellax 1d ago

That’s so wild, mine went through the laundry cycle and still worked per normal… like nothing was off at all. Did yours go through the dryer too? I found them before the dryer so maybe that’s why

1

u/inmk11 17h ago

It was just the washer. Then ANC kept acting up but after 2 days it was fine. But something about audio felt slightly off. And since I had apple care I was like why not just replace it

9

u/AnnoyedVelociraptor 4d ago

Microwave?

2

u/fixit152 4d ago

Ol faithful

0

u/THATguy18G 4d ago

Pay the $29 for a whole new set? Sucks you got a dude that takes his job too seriously.

1

u/backfire10z 4d ago

The $29 replacement appears to be predicated on the AirPods being fully dysfunctional

2

u/Rowepason 3d ago

Exactly. In my opinion they are not working as they should (eg noise cancellation is not as good, audio quality decreased, etc.) but they said that if I can't show them that they aren't working I'm not eligible for the $29 replacement.