When you mark AirPods as lost, there are several things that happen. Firstly, the AirPods will emit a sound to help you locate them. Secondly, you will receive notifications about their last known location and updates on their location if they move. Lastly, you have the option to put the AirPods in Lost Mode, which allows you to remotely lock them and display a custom message on the connected device. Overall, marking AirPods as lost activates a set of features that can assist in finding or securing the AirPods.
One of the main features that occurs when you mark AirPods as lost is that they emit a sound. This sound can help you locate them if they are nearby and within range of your connected device. The sound can be activated through the Find My app or website, and it will play continuously until you turn it off or find the AirPods. This feature is especially useful if you misplaced your AirPods in your home or office and need assistance in finding them.
Another important feature that comes into play when you mark AirPods as lost is the ability to receive notifications about their last known location. This can be helpful if you left your AirPods somewhere or if they were stolen. The notifications provide you with information about where the AirPods were last connected to your device. This gives you a starting point to begin searching for them or to report the location to the authorities. Additionally, if the AirPods are moved, you will receive live location updates to aid in their recovery.

In addition to the sound and location notifications, marking AirPods as lost also allows you to activate Lost Mode. Lost Mode is a feature that provides an extra layer of security for your AirPods. When in Lost Mode, the AirPods are remotely locked, rendering them useless to anyone who may have found or stolen them. Lost Mode also enables you to display a custom message on the connected device, such as a phone number or email address, so that if someone does find your AirPods, they can contact you to arrange their return. This feature adds a level of protection and increases the chances of recovering your lost AirPods.
In conclusion, when you mark AirPods as lost, a series of actions occur to help you find or secure them. You can activate a sound to assist in locating them, receive notifications about their last known location and live updates if they move, and activate Lost Mode for added security. These features work together to increase the chances of recovering your lost AirPods or ensuring that they are rendered useless to anyone who may have found them. Marking AirPods as lost provides peace of mind and a set of tools to aid in their retrieval.