7 Best Tips to Never Lose Your Earbuds Again

The average person loses their earbuds 1-2 times per year. With premium earbuds costing $200-$300, that's an expensive habit. Here are seven proven strategies to stop the cycle.

1. Designate One Home Spot

Choose one specific location where your earbuds always live when not in use — a charging pad on your nightstand, a specific pocket in your bag, or a small tray on your desk. Building a single "home" for your earbuds eliminates 90% of the "where did I put them?" moments.

2. Always Use the Case

Never set loose earbuds on a table, counter, or couch arm. They roll, slide, and get buried. The case is larger, has a flat bottom, and is much easier to find. Make it a rule: earbuds go in the case the moment they come out of your ears.

3. Enable Background Bluetooth Tracking

EarBuddy can run in the background and automatically drop a map pin when your earbuds disconnect from your phone. This means if you leave them at the gym, you'll have the exact location logged without doing anything. Enable "Always" location access for the best results.

4. Search Immediately

The moment you notice your earbuds are missing, scan with EarBuddy right away. Every hour that passes drains battery. Earbuds with a live BLE signal are easy to find. Dead earbuds are nearly impossible. Don't wait until tomorrow.

5. Attach a Tile or SmartTag to Your Case

For extra insurance, attach a small Bluetooth tracker to your charging case using a keychain accessory. Even if the case battery dies, the tracker has its own battery that lasts months. EarBuddy can detect both the case and the attached tracker.

6. Use a Bright-Colored Case

White and black cases blend in with furniture. A neon, red, or brightly patterned case catches your eye. It sounds simple, but visual contrast is the fastest find method for nearby items.

7. Set a Disconnection Alert

Some earbuds (like AirPods) can notify you when they're left behind via Find My's "Notify When Left Behind" feature. If your earbuds support this, enable it. For earbuds that don't have this feature natively, EarBuddy's background tracking serves the same purpose.