Can You Buy Missing Pieces from LEGO Sets?

A Complete Guide to Replacing, Purchasing, and Finding the Bricks You Need

---

Introduction: The Frustration of a Missing Brick

You’re nearly done building your LEGO set, totally in the zone—and then it happens:
A piece is missing.

Whether it never made it into the box or vanished somewhere under the couch, a single absent brick can derail an entire build. But don’t worry—there are solutions.

Can you buy or replace missing LEGO pieces? Absolutely.
And depending on your situation, there are multiple smart ways to get the parts you need.

From free replacements through LEGO to third-party marketplaces with millions of individual bricks, here’s how to track down that missing piece and get back to building.

1. Getting Free Replacements from LEGO

🧰 LEGO Customer Service: Missing or Broken Parts

If you’ve just opened a brand-new LEGO set and discovered a part is missing or damaged, LEGO offers a free replacement service.

• Go to the LEGO Customer Service website

• Enter your set number and describe the missing part

• LEGO will ship the replacement part at no cost

✅ This service is:

• Quick and easy to use

• Ideal for new sets

• Limited to pieces missing or broken at time of purchase

⚠️ LEGO does not provide free replacements for parts that were lost after opening or from older sets.

2. Buying Individual LEGO Pieces from LEGO

🛒 LEGO Pick a Brick (Online & In-Store)

Need a few bricks to complete a project or rebuild an old set? LEGO’s Pick a Brick service lets you purchase individual parts directly.

• Available on LEGO’s official website or in certified LEGO stores

• Browse by:

  • Color

  • Shape

  • Part ID or element number

• Offers everything from basic bricks to minifigure accessories

💡 This is perfect for:

• Custom builds

• Replacing non-critical missing pieces

• Completing partially built sets

📝 Note:

• Prices vary per piece

• Some orders may require a minimum purchase or have handling fees

• Not all parts (especially rare or retired ones) are available

3. Using Third-Party Marketplaces

When LEGO itself doesn’t have what you need, the global LEGO fan community steps in.

🌐 BrickLink & Brick Owl

These are two of the largest online LEGO marketplaces, trusted by collectors, MOC (My Own Creation) builders, and restoration hobbyists alike.

• Shop millions of LEGO parts from sellers around the world

• Create a Wanted List to streamline your search and reduce shipping costs

• Buy parts in new or used condition

🧩 Especially useful for:

• Rare or discontinued pieces

• Older sets no longer supported by LEGO

• Perfect color matches for your builds

📦 Prices and shipping vary depending on:

• Seller location

• Piece rarity

• Order size

It’s like the eBay of LEGO—vast, flexible, and community-driven.

🧱 ToyPro & Choose-a-Brick

Prefer something a little simpler?

ToyPro and Choose-a-Brick are specialty LEGO retailers with large inventories of brand-new parts and a more curated experience.

• Search by category, part number, or color

• Designed for ease of use—perfect for casual or first-time buyers

• Reliable source for modern and slightly older pieces

These platforms may not have the full depth of BrickLink, but they offer streamlined service and quick shipping, making them a solid option for non-collectors and parents looking for specific parts.

4. Tips for Buying Missing LEGO Pieces

Getting that one missing brick doesn’t have to be complicated—but a few smart moves can save you time, money, and frustration:

✅ Double-Check Before You Order

Sometimes the missing part isn’t actually missing.

• Look inside unopened bags, beneath flaps, or stuck to tape

• LEGO packaging can hide small parts more easily than you'd expect

📋 Use Wanted Lists to Save on Shipping

If you’re ordering from marketplaces like BrickLink or Brick Owl:

• Create a Wanted List with all your missing parts

• Use auto-matching tools to find sellers who have multiple pieces you need

• Fewer sellers = lower combined shipping costs

📦 Factor in Shipping and Fees

A single $0.10 piece can end up costing $5 after shipping and handling.

• Try to group orders or add backup pieces to justify the cost

• Some services offer free shipping thresholds—take advantage when possible

📜 Understand Replacement Policies

• LEGO’s free replacement service only applies to new sets with missing or broken pieces

• They don’t cover pieces that were lost after opening or are from older sets

• For those, third-party options are your go-to solution

5. Summary Table: Where to Buy Missing LEGO Pieces