How to Engrave AirPods Cases for Free (Text, Memoji and Emojis)

AirPods only come in white, so they can blend in with everyone else’s. Engraving helps fix that. You can add text, an emoji, or even a Memoji to the case when buying from Apple, and it’s free with a new purchase. It makes your AirPods easy to identify in shared spaces and adds a personal touch you can spot at a glance.

In this guide, you’ll learn how Apple’s engraving works, how to personalize your case at checkout, what limitations to expect, and what to do if you already own AirPods.

What Apple’s AirPods Engraving Offers

Apple offers free laser engraving on the AirPods charging cases when you buy directly from Apple. The engraving is subtle, permanent, and appears on the front of the charging case. It is done before the product ships, so it arrives ready to use.

You can engrave:

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• Short text, such as a name or initials.
• Selected emoji optimized for laser engraving.
• A personalized Memoji created on your iPhone.

Rest assured, the engraving does not affect durability, charging, or warranty coverage as it is an official Apple offering.

Which AirPods Models Support Engraving

Apple supports engraving only on AirPods purchased directly from Apple through the Apple Store app, Apple’s website, or an official Apple Store. Engraving is not available when you buy AirPods from third-party retailers, even if the product is brand-new and sealed.

Since Apple officially sells only the latest AirPods models at any given time, engraving support is limited to the models currently listed in Apple’s store. Older or discontinued AirPods models are not eligible for engraving, even if they are still available from other sellers.

At present, engraving is available on AirPods 4, AirPods 4 (ANC), and AirPods Pro (3rd generation).

How to Engrave Text or Emoji on an AirPods Case

The free engraving option appears during checkout while purchasing AirPods from Apple.

1. Open the Apple Store app or visit Apple’s website.
2. Select AirPods.
3. Tap or click the Buy button on the banner for the AirPods model you want to buy.
   
4. Tap or click Add Engraving under “Personalise them for free.”
5. Enter your text or choose from the available emoji set. You can also use a combination of text, emoji, numbers, and special characters.
6. Once done, tap or click Save.
7. Make sure to preview your engraving before completing the purchase.
   

How to Engrave a Custom Memoji on an AirPods Case

While you can add text or emoji during checkout on Apple’s website, the option to engrave your customized Memoji appears when purchasing AirPods in the official Apple Store app, and only in selected countries.

1. Open the Apple Store app.
2. Scroll through the product categories under the Products section, then select AirPods.
3. Tap the Buy button under the AirPods you want to engrave your Memoji on.
4. On the buying page, scroll down and tap the Add Engraving button under “Personalize them for free.”
   
5. Now, tap the text bar and switch to Memoji.
6. If prompted, tap Allow Access. You’ll see the Update Access button if you previously denied Memoji access to the app.
7. Toggle on Memoji Access under Information Access and tap Done.
   
8. Next, select the Memoji you want engraved on your AirPods case, then tap Save.
9. Preview the engraving and complete your purchase.
   

Engraving Limitations You Should Know

Apple has intentionally kept the engraving system a bit restrictive to maintain quality. Here’s everything you can and cannot do:

• Uploading custom images or logos is not allowed.
• Only Apple-approved emojis are available.
• Memoji engraving requires the Apple Store app.
• Engraving cannot be added after purchase.
• Engraved AirPods cannot be returned except for defects.
• Memoji engraving is only available in selected countries.

Can You Engrave an AirPods Case After Buying It?

Unfortunately, no. Apple does not offer post-purchase engraving. If you already own AirPods, you have a few alternatives. Even if your AirPods case is replaced under warranty, the replacement case will not include your engraving.

You can opt for third-party laser engraving, but this is not recommended, as it may affect your warranty status. Instead, consider skins, decals, or printed cases that display text or Memoji-style artwork without altering the original case.

Tips for Choosing the Best Engraving Design

While engraving is a personal choice, here are a few tips you can follow to get the best out of it:

• Keep text short and centered.
• Use one emoji instead of multiple.
• Choose high-contrast Memoji designs.
• Avoid long names or phrases.
• Think about resale value before personalizing.

Is AirPods Engraving Worth It?

If you are buying your AirPods directly from Apple, there is no reason not to opt for engraving, since it’s literally free. Besides being free, AirPods engraving, particularly Memoji engraving, makes them stand out and helps with identification in shared environments.

Summing Up…

AirPods charging case engraving adds a touch of your personality to your AirPods. A simple engraving makes your AirPods easier to identify, less likely to be mixed up in shared spaces, and more personal to you. Since Apple offers engraving for free when you buy directly from the Apple Store, it is a feature worth using unless a substantially better deal elsewhere outweighs the benefit.

Have you engraved your AirPods case, or are you planning to? Share what you chose and why in the comments below.

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