Frequently Asked Questions

Recell Exchange, headquartered in San Diego, CA, was established in 2021 to provide eco-friendly replacement electronics at discounted prices. We specialize in AirPod replacements and also carry Galaxy Buds, Beats, Sony, and Pixel Buds. All items are sourced from authorized US retailers and verified as authentic before shipping.

Yes — all products are sourced from verified US retailers and authenticated during our testing process. We only sell genuine Apple, Beats, Samsung, Sony, and Google products. No aftermarket or third-party components.

We sell replacements in five conditions, listed from best to most affordable:

Like New — Open-box. No scratches or visible wear, clean charging contacts. Functions exactly as new.

Excellent — Minimal cosmetic wear only, barely noticeable in normal use. Fully functional.

Good — Light cosmetic wear from previous use. Fully tested and functional.

Fair — Noticeable cosmetic wear but fully functional. Best value option.

Every unit regardless of condition is tested for audio quality, Bluetooth connectivity, and charging before it ships.

Yes — you can purchase individual left earbuds, right earbuds, and charging cases separately. You never need to buy a full set just to replace one piece.

90-Day Full Warranty — Covers all functionality issues including sound quality, connectivity, and power. If anything goes wrong within 90 days we'll replace it, no questions asked.

1-Year Limited Warranty — Covers complete device failure only. If your replacement stops working entirely within a year, we'll replace it.

Neither warranty covers lost items, physical damage, or compatibility issues caused by ordering the wrong generation — for example, pairing a Pro 2nd Gen earbud with a Pro 1st Gen.

Standard Shipping (Free): 3–5 business days via USPS.

FedEx 2-Day: 2 business days. Orders must be placed before 2pm PST.

FedEx Standard Overnight: Next business day. Orders must be placed before 2pm PST.

Refunds: Returns must be received within 30 days with a receipt, invoice, or order confirmation. A $7 service fee is deducted from refunds (not exchanges).

Exchanges: Incorrect items may be exchanged at no reshipment fee. Any price difference must be paid.

Processing time: Refunds process within 1–3 business days after the return is received.

Non-returnable: Cables, accessories, items used 30+ days, sale items, and gift cards.

Optional Package Protection is available at checkout and is the only way to receive a replacement for lost, stolen, or undelivered packages.

With Package Protection: A one-time reshipment is issued once tracking shows no movement for 7+ business days, the carrier confirms loss, or tracking shows "Delivered" but you didn't receive it.

Without Package Protection: We cannot provide refunds or replacements. You must contact the carrier directly. Package Protection cannot be added after an order is placed.

Not covered under any circumstance:

• Incorrect or incomplete address entered at checkout
• Packages returned to sender due to address errors
• Carrier delays from weather, customs, or holidays

Store credit is issued as a digital gift card code in situations like exchanges or canceled orders. It never expires and can only be applied toward future purchases — it cannot be converted to cash or reversed.

Yes — international economy and expedited shipping via FedEx with prepaid duties. International orders ship same business day when placed before 12pm PST.

International returns: Incorrect items may be exchanged; the customer covers return shipping costs.

Note: Our Samsung Galaxy Buds replacements are compatible with North American devices only and will not work with international Samsung models.

Forget your AirPods from Bluetooth settings, then charge all 3 pieces for 30 minutes. For models with a setup button, hold the button on the back of the case for 15 seconds until the light flashes amber then white. For AirPods Pro 3rd Gen and AirPods 4th Gen, double-tap the front of the case 3 times following the light prompts. A setup animation will appear on your iPhone — tap Connect.

Yes — as long as both earbuds are the exact same model. AirPods are not cross-compatible between generations. Common mismatches to avoid:

• AirPods Pro 1st Gen ≠ Pro 2nd Gen
• AirPods 2nd Gen ≠ 3rd Gen
• AirPods 4th Gen ANC ≠ 4th Gen Non-ANC
• AirPods Pro 3rd Gen only pairs with Pro 3rd Gen

Check the A-number printed on the stem of each earbud to confirm they match before ordering.

On your iPhone, go to Settings → Bluetooth, tap the (i) next to your AirPods, then tap About. Find the model number starting with A (e.g. A2699) and match it to our product listing.

An amber light after reset usually means one of two things:

1. Needs more time. Put both earbuds back in the case, plug into power, and leave for 30 more minutes with your iPhone nearby on Wi-Fi. Your iPhone downloads a firmware sync in the background — this often resolves it. Then repeat the reset.

2. Model mismatch. The replacement and your existing earbud must be the exact same model. Check the A-number on the stem of each earbud and compare.

AirPods firmware updates can take 1 to 8 hours. For best results leave both earbuds in the case connected to power, keep your iPhone in the same room on Wi-Fi and power, and leave everything overnight. Your iPhone manages the update in the background — no manual steps needed.

Signs of replica AirPods include incorrect fonts on packaging, unusual symbols, cheap-feeling plastic, or pricing that seems too good to be true. Serial numbers alone cannot confirm authenticity since replicas often clone them. Send us photos and we'll help verify.

Unpair from Settings → Connections → Bluetooth, charge all 3 pieces for 30 minutes, then with the lid open and both earbuds in the case, press down on each earbud touchpad until the LED flashes green quickly. Tap Connect on your phone, then update the firmware in the Galaxy Wearable app.

For Buds3, Buds3 Pro, and Buds4 Pro: hold the Connect button on the bottom of the case for 7 seconds instead of using the touchpads.

Yes — as long as both are the exact same model. Galaxy Buds are not cross-compatible between models. For example, Buds2 and Buds2 Pro are different and will not pair with each other. Check the model number on the inside of your charging case lid before ordering.

Our Galaxy Buds replacements are compatible with North American Samsung Android devices only. They are not compatible with iPhone or international Samsung models.

Forget your Beats from Bluetooth settings, charge all 3 pieces for 30 minutes, then open the lid and hold the system button inside the case for 15 seconds until the LED flashes red and white, then white. On iPhone a setup animation will appear — tap Connect. On Android, select your Beats from Bluetooth settings.

We carry replacement earbuds and charging cases for Beats Fit Pro, Studio Buds+, Studio Buds, Powerbeats Pro 2, Powerbeats Pro, and Beats Solo Buds.

Yes — as long as both are the exact same model. Beats Fit Pro, Studio Buds, and Studio Buds+ are not interchangeable. Check the model name printed inside your charging case lid to confirm before ordering.

Yes — Beats earbuds are fully functional regardless of color. If you replace one earbud in a different color than your existing one, they will still pair and work together perfectly. The only requirement is that both earbuds are the same model — color has no effect on compatibility.

So if you have a black Beats Fit Pro left earbud and replace the right with a white one, you're good to go.

Remove your Sony earbuds from Bluetooth settings, charge for 30 minutes, then reset using the Sony Headphones Connect app or the button on the case. Steps vary by model.

Remove your Pixel Buds from Bluetooth settings, charge for 30 minutes, then hold the button on the back of the charging case to reset and re-enter pairing mode.