Fairbuds XL - Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
This article contains some key information about the Fairbuds XL (2025) and Fairbuds XL (2023), and provides answers to frequently asked questions. Most of the components of the devices are the same.
The new Fairbuds XL (2025) bring upgraded sound abilities, together with updated and more comfortable materials and even better sustainability - while keeping the same price point and availability commercially!
What is the difference between Fairbuds XL (2025) and Fairbuds XL (2023)?
Can I upgrade my Fairbuds XL (2023) with spare parts of Fairbuds XL (2025)?
What exactly has been improved in the audio quality of Fairbuds XL (2025)?
Will production of the previous Fairbuds XL cease now the new ones are out?
What makes the Fairbuds XL (2025) more climate conscious than the Fairbuds XL (2023)?
What warranty do you offer on the Fairbuds XL (2025)?
What warranty do you offer on the Fairbuds XL (2023)?
Which repairs or damages are covered by the warranty?
Why did we not offer extended warranty for the Fairbuds XL (2023)?
Which parts of the Fairbuds XL (2025) can be repaired or exchanged by the user?
Which parts of the Fairbuds XL (2023) can be repaired or exchanged by the user?
Do I need a Fairphone to use Fairbuds XL?
What is the battery capacity of the Fairbuds XL?
What are the spare parts of the Fairbuds XL?
What is the weight of the Fairbuds XL?
How portable are the Fairbuds XL?
Do the Fairbuds XL have dual port connectivity?
Do the Fairbuds XL work with Smart Assistant?
Can I use the Fairbuds XL with an audio cable?
Can I use the Fairbuds XL without using Bluetooth?
Can I use the Fairbuds XL without a battery?
I want to use the Fairbuds XL for gaming. Are they suitable for that?
Can I send my broken Fairbuds XL to you so that Fairphone takes care of the recycling?
Upgrading the Fairbuds XL
What is the difference between Fairbuds XL (2025) and Fairbuds XL (2023)?
The primary difference is that the new Fairbuds XL offer significantly richer sound through new 40mm dynamic drivers and refined audio tuning, along with improved comfort from new breathable fabric materials. They maintain the core modular, repairable design, increase the use of fair and recycled materials (up to ~50% by weight), and unlike the original model, the new Fairbuds XL will switch off automatically if inactive for more than 30 minutes (if Active Noise Cancelling (ANC) is not enabled).
Can I upgrade my Fairbuds XL (2023) with spare parts of Fairbuds XL (2025)?
Yes! We’ve designed the next evolution of the new Fairbuds XL (2025) in a way that allows for reverse compatibility with the previous Fairbuds XL.
Existing Fairbuds XL users can upgrade the sound of their current device by purchasing and installing the new speakers, demonstrating Fairphone’s commitment to longevity.
Important: The serial number for your device is located inside the original left speaker. Please make a note of this number before replacing them, as it is required for potential warranty claims.
What exactly has been improved in the audio quality of Fairbuds XL (2025)?
The new 40 millimeter dynamic drivers and refined tuning in the Fairbuds XL (2025) deliver a more natural and balanced sound. Highs are clearer, mids are smoother, and lows are more controlled. The new tuning was specifically calibrated for the upgraded drivers and offers a noticeable improvement in everyday listening.
Will production of the previous Fairbuds XL cease now the new ones are out?
Yes - however, all of the parts from the new model will work with the current model. So you can keep enjoying what you already have for years to come.
What makes the Fairbuds XL (2025) more climate conscious than the Fairbuds XL (2023)?
The Fairbuds XL (2025) are assembled using 100% renewable energy and are 100% e-waste neutral, meaning that for every unit sold, an equivalent weight of electronic waste is collected and recycled. This builds on the improvements introduced in the original model. In addition, as mentioned above - they contain approximately 50% fair and recycled materials.
Using the Fairbuds XL
How do I use the Fairbuds XL?
Go to our dedicated support article on this! How to use your Fairbuds XL
How do I replace spare parts on the Fairbuds XL?
Go to our dedicated support article on this! Fairbuds XL Spare Parts Replacement Guide
Warranty
What warranty do you offer on the Fairbuds XL (2025)?
Warranty Period: 3-year extended warranty (standard 2 years + 1 year extension).
Action Required: You must sign up on our Warranty page to activate the additional year.
Coverage: Covers all structural parts.
Exclusions: Textile headband cover, ear cushions, and battery.
Because of the modular design, these headphones are built to be easily repaired far beyond the three-year mark.
What warranty do you offer on the Fairbuds XL (2023)?
Warranty Period: Standard 2-year warranty.
Action Required: No registration is necessary. Your warranty is automatically active from the date of purchase.
Important: Please note that the "Extended Warranty" sign-up form is only for the 2025 model. Registration attempts for the 2023 model will not be successful.
Coverage: Covers all structural parts.
Exclusions: Vegan-leather headband cover, ear cushions, and battery.
Because of the modular design, these headphones are built to be easily repaired far beyond the two-year mark.
Which repairs or damages are covered by the warranty?
- All manufacturing issues are covered.
- User-induced damages are not covered, but we are happy to help out and offer spare parts that are easily available.
- The warranty covers all structural parts, but excludes the vegan leather headband/ear cushions and the battery.
Why did we not offer extended warranty for the Fairbuds XL (2023)?
The extended warranty program for Fairbuds XL was specifically designed alongside the launch of the Fairbuds XL (2025). While the 2023 version remains a highly durable and repairable device, the new 3-year coverage is a specific feature of the 2025 product lineup, reflecting our growing commitment to long-term hardware support.
Repairs
Which parts of the Fairbuds XL (2025) can be repaired or exchanged by the user?
Replacement modules for the Fairbuds XL (2025) are offered via the Fairphone webshop in Europe:
- Headphones Battery
- Speaker to Speaker Cable (Horizon Black or Forest Green)
- Speaker Covers (Horizon Black or Forest Green)
- Headband (Horizon Black or Forest Green)
- Headband Cover (Horizon Black or Forest Green)
- Ear Cushion (Horizon Black in Textile, Forest Green in Textile and Forest Green in PU Leather)
- Headband Base (Horizon Black or Forest Green)
- Left Speaker (Horizon Black or Forest Green)
- Right Speaker (Horizon Black or Forest Green)
In addition, other parts are repairable, for instance the PCB and the USB-C module. As this is an expert operation, for now we have not made them available in our shop.
Which parts of the Fairbuds XL (2023) can be repaired or exchanged by the user?
Replacement modules for the Fairbuds XL (2023) are offered via the Fairphone webshop in Europe:
- Headphones Battery
- Speaker to Speaker Cable (Black or Copper)
- Speaker Covers (Green or Black)
- Headband (Green or Black)
- Headband Cover (Green or Black)
- Ear Cushion (Green PU Leather or Black PU Leather)
- Headband Base (Green or Black)
- Left Speaker (Green or Black)
- Right Speaker (Green or Black)
In addition, other parts are repairable, for instance the PCB and the USB-C module. As this is an expert operation, for now we have not made them available in our shop.
General
Do I need a Fairphone to use Fairbuds XL?
No - Fairbuds XL are compatible with any phone, computer or other device that supports a bluetooth connection! Also you can listen to any device with a mini-jack output when using a standard USB-C cable.
What is the battery capacity of the Fairbuds XL?
Fairbuds XL:
Battery capacity: 750 mAh
Battery duration on playback: 26 hours (ANC On) and 30 hours (ANC Off)
What are the spare parts of the Fairbuds XL?
The nine spare parts of the Fairbuds XL are battery, speaker-to-speaker cable, speaker cover, headband, headband base, headband cover, ear cushion, left speaker and right speaker.
What is the weight of the Fairbuds XL?
The weight of the Fairbuds XL (2023) is 315g.
The weight of the Fairbuds XL (2025) is 330g.
How portable are the Fairbuds XL?
Very portable as the Fairbuds XL are foldable!
Do the Fairbuds XL have dual port connectivity?
Yes! You can connect up to 2 devices simultaneously via Bluetooth.
Do the Fairbuds XL work with Smart Assistant?
Yes! The Fairbuds XL work with Google Assistant and Apple Siri.
Can I use my Fairbuds XL in the rain?
The Fairbuds XL 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 XL in the shower or when swimming?
No, the Fairbuds have IP54 certification, meaning they are sweat and weather resistant, but not completely waterproof.
Can I use the Fairbuds XL with an audio cable?
Yes, you can! If you don't have a compatible cable or a USB-C to audio jack transformer, you can buy them in our webshop.
Can I use the Fairbuds XL without using Bluetooth?
Yes, you can! If you don't have a compatible cable or a USB-C to audio jack transformer, you can buy them in our webshop.
Can I use the Fairbuds XL without a battery?
You can use them with a cable when they run out of battery or if you remove the battery. Additionally, the microphone will still work when connected via an audio jack cable, even without battery power. Please note that the Active Noise Cancelling (ANC) functionality is active and will not work without a battery, as it requires the headphones to be turned on.
How do I connect the Fairbuds XL to my audio device?
The main mode of connecting to audio devices such as phones or computers is Bluetooth. It can be paired easily via the bluetooth option menu. You can also connect the headphones via a USB-C to USB-C cable or a USB-C to audio jack transformer (both not included in the packaging).
How far from my audio device can I be before the Fairbuds XL stop working?
The headphones support a bluetooth range of up to ten meters.
Are there different Noise Canceling modes with the Fairbuds XL (e.g. to still hear traffic noises around you when using the headphones outdoors)?
Yes! The headphones have an ambient mode that allows you to enjoy your music while also staying aware of what is happening around you.
What is the battery life of the Fairbuds XL with and without Active Noise Cancellation?
With ANC on, the battery life is at least 26 hours. With ANC off it is 30h (both measured at 80% volume).
Can I use the ANC function if the Fairbuds XL are connected by audio cable instead of Bluetooth?
Yes, noise canceling works with all audio sources. Note that ANC only works when the headphones are turned on, so you need to have some battery charge left.
How can the Fairbuds XL be charged? Do they support wireless charging?
The headphones can be charged with a standard USB-C cable. They do not support wireless charging.
Are the Fairbuds XL water-resistant or waterproof?
The headphones are IP54-certified, meaning they are dust- and water-resistant. They can be worn in the rain but not for an extended period of time. The headphones cannot be worn in the shower or in the swimming pool.
I want to use the Fairbuds XL for gaming. Are they suitable for that?
The headphones are not specifically designed for gaming, but with bluetooth 5.1 and the APTX codec, they offer a good enough experience for gaming with low latency.
Are the Fairbuds XL suitable for a DJ / musician / professional worker with sound or music?
Our headphones offer great sound, but it is possible that true audiophiles or professionals require even higher standards. We leave it for everybody to judge for themselves whether they deem the sound good enough for their needs.
Longevity
Can I send my broken Fairbuds XL 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.
You can still recycle locally. Check with your local municipality, government, or electronics store if you don't know where.
Fairbuds App
Go to our dedicated support article! Fairbuds App - Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)