You’ve finally decided it’s time to let go of the old AirPods that’s been sitting on your nightstand for months. Or maybe you’re selling your current pair to help pay for an upgrade.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through how to prepare your AirPods for sale and where to sell them for the most cash with the least hassle.
How to prep your AirPods for sale
Ten minutes of prep can noticeably raise what buyers will pay. Here’s the order to do it in.
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Remove them from Find My
Skip this and your location keeps popping up in the new owner’s account, which gets awkward fast. Open the Find My app, tap Devices, select your AirPods, then tap Remove This Device and confirm. Depending on your iOS version, the prompt may read “Remove Item” instead.
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Unpair them from Bluetooth
Go to Settings, tap Bluetooth, and tap the More Info (i) button next to your AirPods. Then tap Forget This Device and confirm.
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Factory reset them
The steps depend on your model. For every case-based model, put the AirPods in the case, close the lid, and wait 30 seconds first.
- AirPods 1, 2, 3, and AirPods Pro 1, 2: Open the lid, then press and hold the button on the back of the case for about 15 seconds.
- AirPods 4, 5, and AirPods Pro 3: Open the lid, then double-tap the front of the case three times, following the status light.
- AirPods Max: Press and hold the Digital Crown and the listening mode button together for about 15 seconds.
You’ll know it worked when the status light flashes amber, then white.
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Clean them up
Buyers can spot grime in photos from a mile away, so a quick clean goes a long way.
Wipe the surfaces with a soft, dry, lint-free cloth. Brush the speaker and microphone meshes gently with a dry, soft-bristled toothbrush, and don’t press hard.
For stubborn grime, lightly dampen a cotton swab with 70% isopropyl alcohol and wipe the plastic exterior, keeping moisture away from the mesh. If you have AirPods Pro, pop off the silicone tips, rinse them under water (no soap), and let them dry completely before putting them back.
For the case, wipe the outside with a microfiber cloth slightly dampened with 70% isopropyl alcohol. Clear the charging port and tight corners with a dry cotton swab or a clean toothpick. Keep liquid out of the inside, and let everything dry fully before the AirPods go back in.
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Bonus: Charge them and take proof
Charge them so the buyer doesn’t receive them dead. Then take clear photos of the AirPods in the case and out of it, so buyers can see they’re clean and genuine.
You can add a snapshot of the serial number too (it’s in Settings, on the case, or on the box) so buyers can run it through Apple’s coverage checker. It’s the fastest way to look like a legit seller.
With that done, all that’s left is finding a buyer worth selling to.
Where to sell your AirPods for the most cash?
The Whiz Cells is the best place to sell your AirPods for the most cash if you want a great deal without wasting your time or taking on risk with strangers.
In a 2026 buyback comparison study, The Whiz Cells paid +34% more on average than ItsWorthMore and BuyBackWorld, and offered the highest quote on five of six AirPods models.
The Whiz Cells is a direct AirPods buyback platform that has paid out over $49 million for phones, tablets, audio devices, and smartwatches since 2012, with free shipping on every order.
Instead of writing a listing, taking photos, and waiting weeks for a stranger on Swappa or Facebook Marketplace to make an offer, The Whiz Cells gives you an instant quote and issues payment within 24 hours of receiving your AirPods, often the same day. All from the comfort of your house.
How to sell your old AirPods: Step-by-Step
- Go to The Whiz Cells
- Navigate to Sell Your Audio, and click on Apple.
- Choose the Apple AirPods model you’ll like to sell.
- Confirm the device condition and whether or not the device is paid off.
- Lock in your quote, get an offer, and click checkout.
- Follow the on-screen instructions to ship your AirPods for free.
- Get paid within 24 hours of your AirPods arriving.
Conclusion
Prepping your AirPods takes about ten minutes, and selling them to The Whiz Cells takes even less. Head over to The Whiz Cells today, get your quote, and turn those AirPods into cash.
FAQs on preparing AirPods for sale
Where can I sell my AirPods for the most cash?
The Whiz Cells is the best place to sell your AirPods for cash. In a 2026 buyback comparison study, it paid +34% more on average than ItsWorthMore and BuyBackWorld. It also ships free and issues payment within 24 hours of receiving your AirPods, often the same day.
How do I clean my AirPods without damaging them?
Use a soft, dry, lint-free cloth for the surfaces and a dry, soft-bristled toothbrush for the meshes. For stubborn grime, lightly dampen a cotton swab with 70% isopropyl alcohol and wipe the plastic, keeping liquid away from the mesh openings. Let everything dry fully before it goes back in the case.
Do I need to factory reset my AirPods before selling?
Yes. Unpair them from your phone first, then reset them so they’re ready to pair with someone new. The reset steps depend on your model, so follow the ones listed above.
Can I sell my AirPods without the charging case?
You can, but expect a lower quote. Buyback offers assume the original charging case is included, so selling without it will cut into your payout.
