Fairbuds - Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) – Support

The Fairbuds XL are over-ear headphones. The Fairbuds (without XL) are earbuds - a much smaller audio product. So far, the Fairbuds XL and the Fairbuds are the only two sizes available. Due to the shape and size of the Fairbuds XL over-ear headphones, the sound quality and the quality of the noise canceling are better than they are in the Fairbuds. Reasons for this are bigger sound drivers, bigger sound chambers and also more microphones that drive the active noise canceling performance.

However, the choice between the two will also be a choice of budget, comfort and style. Some people prefer the less visible earbuds over big headphones. Others might find the over-the-ear fit more comfortable when using the device for a longer period of time. And many people will like to have both to serve their needs in different situations. With the Fairbuds, there is a repairable Fairphone product for all different needs and preferences.

What are the differences between the Fairbuds and the True Wireless Stereo (TWS) earbuds that came out in 2021?

The most striking difference is that the Fairbuds are a lot more repairable than their predecessors. In the TWS earbuds, we offered customers the option to replace but not repair. You could replace the earbuds or the charging case individually but not repair the earbuds.

The Fairbuds are truly user-repairable and come in a unique Fairphone design because we developed them in-house. They also incorporate even more fair and recycled materials and, just like for our smartphones, we pay a living wage bonus to factory workers producing them, to help bridge the gap between the local minimum wage and a true living wage.

Finally, they also represent a significant technological improvement, which for the user means an improved audio experience in all use cases. They come with better quality ANC and ENC, support Bluetooth 5.3 and are equipped with six microphones instead of the previous four.

Do the Fairbuds have a built-in microphone?

Yes, the Fairbuds come with a total of six microphones (three per side). This guarantees high-quality ANC and ENC.

Can I connect my Fairbuds to an audio jack or audio cable?

No, that is not possible. If you would prefer a wired connection, please take a look at our Fairbuds XL over-ear headphones. They can be connected to an audio source via a USB-C to audio jack cable (available in our online shop).

How far from my audio device can I be before the Fairbuds stop working?

This is highly dependent on the environment. Lots of things can obstruct the Bluetooth signal and effectively reduce the earbuds' range. However, in a controlled testing environment, we achieved a 10-meter range (line in sight, meaning no obstructions).

Will the Fairbuds turn off by themselves when inactive?

Yes, once the earbuds detect that they are not inside your ears or the case, they will power off after 10 minutes.

How long does it take to fully charge the Fairbuds?

~2 hours (case + earbuds)
~1.5h playback time when charging the buds for 10 mins inside the case

How can the Fairbuds be charged?

The Fairbuds can be charged by placing them in the charging case and connecting it to a power source using a standard USB-C cable.

What is the battery life of the Fairbuds?

Battery: 45 mAh (earbuds), 500 mAh (case)
Battery duration: 26h

What are the spare parts of the Fairbuds?

The spare parts of the Fairbuds are LIR1054 battery, silicone ring (battery tray cover), silicone eartip, inner case (button, status LED, USB-C), charge case battery (500mAh), outer shell (magnets, hinge, protection).

What is the weight of the Fairbuds?

The weight of the Fairbuds are 78gr total, ~5gr per earbud

Do the Fairbuds work with Smart Assistant?

Yes! The Fairbuds work with Google Assistant and Apple Siri.

Can I use my Fairbuds in the rain?

The Fairbuds are IP54 rated, which means that the earbuds are rainproof (water splashing against the enclosure from any direction will not have any harmful effect).

Can I use my Fairbuds in the shower or when swimming?

No, the Fairbuds have IP54 certification, meaning they are sweat and weather resistant, but not completely waterproof.

Do the Fairbuds support Active Noise Canceling (ANC)?

Yes. You can switch it on and off as needed.

Are there different Noise Canceling modes with the Fairbuds (e.g. to still hear traffic noises around you when using the Fairbuds outdoors)?

Yes. The Fairbuds support an ANC and an ambient noise mode. You can also turn the noise canceling off completely.

Using the Fairbuds

How do I use the Fairbuds?

Go to our specialised support article on this! How to use your Fairbuds

Warranty

Which warranty do you offer on the Fairbuds?

There is a standard 2-year warranty on the earbuds, plus a one-year extended warranty if users purchased in Europe and register their Fairbuds online on our website. That said, due to the modular design and the repairability, we expect the Fairbuds to last a lot longer than three years.

Are the Fairbuds water-resistant or waterproof?

The Fairbuds have IP54 certification, meaning they are sweat and weather-resistant, but not completely waterproof.

Why do we offer extended warranty for Fairbuds but not for Fairbuds XL?

The additional one year extended warranty program for Fairbuds was specifically designed alongside the launch of the this product. While the Fairbuds XL (2023) version remains a highly durable and repairable device, the 3-year coverage is a specific feature of the new product lineup, reflecting our growing commitment to long-term hardware support.

Repairs

Which parts of the Fairbuds can be repaired or exchanged by the user?

These replacement modules for the earbuds are offered via the Fairphone online shop in Europe:

The silicone ring protects the battery from water ingress, in case you were wondering!

Longevity

How long does Fairphone guarantee to have parts available for Fairbuds?

We aim to support Fairbud customers with spare parts until the end of 2030.

Can I send my broken Fairbuds to you so that Fairphone takes care of the recycling?

At the moment, our return and recycle program only applies to smartphones and Fairphone modules.

Fairbuds App

Go to our dedicated support article! Fairbuds App - Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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