When you upgrade to a new pair, your old wireless earbuds don't have to end up in a landfill. The responsible way to handle old wireless earbuds starts with one critical step: unpairing them from your devices, which is the only disposal step documented in official sources.
What to do with old wireless earbuds: Start by unpairing them
Before donating, repurposing, recycling, or selling your old wireless earbuds, you must disconnect them from your phone. This removes the accessory from your device's list of available Bluetooth connections and, for AirPods, also removes them from other devices signed in to the same Apple Account. On an iPhone, go to Settings, tap Bluetooth, tap the info button next to the accessory, tap Forget This Device, then confirm by tapping Forget Device. If the Bluetooth device list does not appear, Bluetooth must be turned on.
Options for your old wireless earbuds
Once unpaired, you have four disposal options: donate, repurpose, recycle, or sell. Only the unpairing and repair steps are verified.
Donate them to a local school or community center
Donating your old wireless earbuds to a school or community center can give them a second life in classrooms or programs.
Repurpose them for non-audio uses
You might consider using your old wireless earbuds for purposes other than listening to music or taking calls.
Recycle them through proper electronic waste disposal channels
Recycling your old wireless earbuds through e-waste channels keeps harmful components out of landfills.
Sell or trade them through online marketplaces or second-hand stores
If your old wireless earbuds still work, you can sell or trade them for some extra cash.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I remove old earbuds from an iPhone?
This removes the accessory from your list of available Bluetooth devices.
Do AirPods get removed from every Apple device automatically?
Yes. When you unpair AirPods from one Apple device, they are automatically unpaired from other devices signed in to the same Apple Account.
What about Android?
Can I still use my old earbuds for troubleshooting wireless earbuds issues?
Yes, keeping an old pair can be useful for troubleshooting wireless earbuds problems, such as testing whether an issue is with your current earbuds or your device's Bluetooth connection.
