Can You Sell AirPods on Amazon? Approval Requirements Explained

Can You Sell AirPods on Amazon?

Yes, but only if Amazon approves you, and for new AirPods that approval is very hard to get. Apple is a restricted brand on Amazon. Since early 2019, under Amazon’s agreement with Apple, new Apple products (AirPods included) are sold on Amazon by Apple and Apple Authorized Resellers, while refurbished Apple devices go through approved sellers in the Amazon Renewed program. Counterfeits were a big reason for this: in a 2016 lawsuit, Apple said that close to 90% of the Apple-branded chargers and cables it test-purchased on Amazon were fake.

So if you plan to buy AirPods at retail or online and resell them on Amazon, expect to see “approval required” or “You need approval to list in this brand” when you try to add an offer. If you try to get around the restriction, Amazon can block your listings and put your seller account at risk. This guide covers what Amazon checks, the realistic routes for sellers, and some alternatives when approval isn’t possible.

Selling a Single Pair of Used AirPods?

If you only want to sell your own pair, an Amazon seller account isn’t the right tool. You can’t list used AirPods as a regular third-party seller, and the brand restriction still applies. eBay, local marketplaces and electronics trade-in services are usually quicker and simpler. The rest of this guide is for Amazon sellers who want to sell AirPods as a business.

Requirements to Sell AirPods on Amazon

Amazon decides who gets approved, and the exact requirements appear on the approval request page for your account in Seller Central. In practice, these are the things you need in place before you apply for Apple:

Amazon Professional Seller Account

Your account must be upgraded to the Professional Selling Plan. If you’re on an Individual Seller account, you won’t be eligible to sell restricted products like Apple items.

Valid Invoices

You need invoices from Apple or from an Apple-authorized distributor for your AirPods stock. Retail receipts and grey-market wholesaler invoices are normally rejected for Apple. Amazon’s general approval guidance asks for invoices that:

• Are recent, usually issued within the last 180 days.
• Show a combined purchase of at least 10 units, although some brands ask for more.
• Match the name and address on your seller account.
• Clearly display the supplier’s name, address, and contact information.
• Include the quantity of AirPods per purchase.

Our guide on how to submit invoices for Amazon ungating explains what makes an invoice acceptable.

Apple Authorized Reseller Status

This is the requirement most sellers can’t meet. For new Apple products, Amazon usually expects you to be part of Apple’s authorized channel, not just to have bought legitimate stock. If you aren’t an Apple Authorized Reseller, your request can be denied even when your invoices are real.

Business Documentation

Amazon may also ask for other documents, such as a business license or resale certificate. A registered business and an EIN make your application more credible. Clean account health, with no recent authenticity or IP complaints, also matters.

Compliance with Amazon’s Policies

Make sure your products fully comply with Amazon’s authenticity and safety requirements. Apple products must be brand new, untampered, and sourced only from trusted suppliers.

High-Quality Packaging and Labeling

This is critical. AirPods must come in original Apple packaging, sealed with proper labels and barcodes intact. Secure, professional packaging not only protects the products from damage but also reassures customers that they’re receiving a genuine, brand-new item.

Step by Step Guide to Selling AirPods on Amazon

If you’re serious about selling Apple products on Amazon, these are the steps to follow. Without approval, you won’t be able to list AirPods or any other Apple items.

• Get Ungated in the Apple Category

To begin, log in to your Seller Central account and try to add a new product under the Apple brand. You’ll immediately see a prompt that says approval is required. Follow it to submit a request for approval. You can also go to Catalog > Add Products, search for the AirPods ASIN and click “Show limitations”.

As part of this process, you’ll need to upload the required documents, such as invoices and business information. Be sure your invoices are clear, scanned copies from Apple or an authorized distributor, and that they meet Amazon’s criteria. After you submit, wait for Amazon’s decision. It can take anywhere from a few days to several weeks, and for Apple many requests are declined.

For detailed tips, check out our full guide on how to get ungated on Amazon. OABeans leads-list members also get free access to our Amazon ungating course, which walks through applications step by step. Amazon still makes the final decision, so no one can guarantee approval.

• Source AirPods from Reliable Suppliers

During the time you wait to get approved by Amazon, it’s important to focus on sourcing your AirPods inventory from legitimate suppliers. The safest way is to buy directly from Apple or from authorized distributors. You can also source inventory from renowned electronics wholesalers that are recognized for carrying authentic Apple products. However, you must avoid the “grey market”, even if the prices seem lower and tempting. This can create serious problems later when Amazon reviews your invoices and supply chain documents.

• List Your AirPods on Amazon

After completing the first two steps, it’s time to list your AirPods on Amazon. Since AirPods are already popular products, Amazon almost always has existing ASINs for them. In many cases, you can simply add your offer under the existing listing without creating a brand-new one.

However, if you decide to create a new listing, here are a few tips:

• Use a clear product title that specifies the model. Include detailed product descriptions and highlight important features like battery life, Apple warranty, and noise cancellation.

• Upload professional photos that show the AirPods, original packaging with the Apple logo and accessories.
• Apple sells several AirPods models. The current range includes AirPods 5 (launched in September 2026), AirPods Pro 3 and AirPods Max, and older models such as AirPods 4 and AirPods Pro 2 are still widely listed. Make sure your offer matches the exact model, generation and case type you’re selling.
• Always list AirPods in the right category so customers can find them easily. The best match is Electronics > Headphones.

On a shared listing, the price and fulfillment of your offer matter more than the content. See our guide on how to win the Amazon Buy Box.

• Fulfillment Options

One of the key decisions that affects your success is selecting the right fulfillment method for your AirPods. On Amazon, you have two main options:

In the FBA model, you send your inventory to Amazon’s warehouses, and they handle storage, packaging, shipping, customer service, and even returns. For a popular product like AirPods, FBA can be a great option because it gives you access to Prime shipping and builds buyer trust. 

In the FBM model, you manage the inventory and shipping yourself. While this gives you more control over stock and avoids FBA fees, you won’t get the same visibility as Prime-eligible listings. FBM can work if you already have a strong logistics setup or want to maximize your margins.

For a detailed comparison of the two models, check out our guide on Amazon FBA vs. Amazon FBM.

Pricing and Promotion

Apple products are highly competitive on Amazon, so having a smart pricing and promotion strategy is essential. Here’s what to consider:

• Monitor competitor prices using repricing tools and make sure your listing remains attractive. Be cautious about pricing higher than Apple or Amazon itself, as buyers often prefer purchasing directly from them unless you offer something unique.
• To stand out, consider bundling accessories or offering faster shipping options. Small extras can make a big difference in customer decisions.
• Use Amazon PPC campaigns to boost your visibility in search results. You can also leverage Amazon coupons or limited-time discounts to drive more clicks and conversions.

Challenges in Selling AirPods on Amazon

There’s no doubt that selling high demand products like AirPods can be profitable, but it also comes with several challenges. One of the biggest is competing with Amazon itself, which sells Apple products directly, and with large authorized resellers. Most buyers prefer these sources, which makes it hard for smaller sellers to win the Buy Box.

Apple products are very competitive, which means profit margins are narrow. Once you pay Amazon fees, shipping and advertising, there may be very little profit left.

Another risk is counterfeit or authenticity complaints from competitors or buyers. These claims can lead to listing removal or even account suspension. To protect your business, keep invoices, authorization documents and proof of authenticity ready to submit. 

And finally, getting approved for Apple is the hardest part. Amazon expects authorized-channel invoices, business documents and strict packaging standards, and most online arbitrage and retail arbitrage sellers won’t qualify.

Sellers who do get approved, usually authorized resellers or approved Renewed sellers, can do well because demand is steady. For most arbitrage sellers, though, it makes more sense to spend time and capital on brands they can actually sell.

Alternative Opportunities for Apple & Digital Products

If you think you can’t get approval to sell AirPods, don’t worry, there are many other opportunities. For example you can focus on Apple compatible accessories that don’t require brand approval, such as cases, chargers, or protective gear. These items are in high demand and usually have fewer restrictions, but avoid anything using Apple trademarks without authorization. For more details, check out our full guide on how to sell Apple products on Amazon.

If you’d rather skip restricted brands entirely, OABeans members get daily, pre-checked online arbitrage leads from brands and categories most sellers can list.

The next great option is exploring digital products. You could sell eBooks, online courses or software applications based on your skills and expertise. If you like to learn more about these options, check our detailed guide on how to sell digital products on Amazon.

Conclusion

Apple products like AirPods are among the most popular items sellers want to list on Amazon. Selling them is possible, but it requires strict compliance with Amazon’s rules, patience, and the right game plan. Whether you sell in the US, Canada or elsewhere, check the approval requirements and costs before you buy any stock. Ask yourself: Can I actually get approved for Apple? Can I buy inventory from authorized sources at a price that leaves a profit?

FAQ

Do I need Amazon’s approval to sell AirPods or other Apple products?

Yes. Apple is a restricted brand, and new Apple products are generally limited to Apple and Apple Authorized Resellers. Without approval, you won’t be able to list them.

Can I sell used or refurbished AirPods on Amazon?

Only through Amazon Renewed, and only if you’re an approved Renewed seller who meets Amazon’s refurbishment, warranty and performance standards. Apple-brand Renewed listings have extra brand restrictions. Learn more in our Amazon Renewed guide and our guide to selling used electronics on Amazon.

Is selling AirPods on Amazon profitable?

It can be for approved sellers, because demand is high. But margins are thin, since Amazon sells AirPods directly and often discounts them during events like Prime Day and Black Friday. Your profit depends on your buy cost, fees and how often you win the Buy Box.

Can I sell AirPods through Amazon FBA?

Yes, once you’re approved. FBA is usually the better choice for electronics like AirPods because it gives you Prime eligibility, Amazon-handled returns and more buyer trust.

What happens if I try to sell AirPods without approval?

If you attempt to sell without approval, your listing will be blocked, and your Amazon account could be suspended.