Wondering if your AirPods case is actually charging? There are a few easy ways to check to ensure your AirPods wireless charging case is getting juice.
With AirPods being one of the most popular true wireless earbud options on the market, keeping them powered on and ready to go is a top priority. Nothing’s worse than popping open your AirPods case expecting listening time only to find the case battery depleted.
Luckily, it’s simple to monitor your AirPods case battery level and charging status. Whether you need to check if your AirPods are charging wirelessly, via Lightning cable, or on a MagSafe charger, this guide has you covered.
How to Check Charging Status Light on AirPods Case
The easiest way to monitor if your AirPods case battery is charging is by glancing at the charging status LED light located on the front of the case.
What the Status Light Colors Mean
The LED light will display different colors and blinking patterns to indicate the current charging status:
- Green: The case battery is fully charged. Light remains solid green when placed on a charger.
- Amber: The case battery is charging. Light remains solid amber while connected to power source.
- Flashing amber: The case battery charge is low. Below one full charge remaining.
- No light: The case is completely out of battery and requires charging immediately. Or it’s possible your case battery health has degraded over time no longer able to hold sufficient charge.
So if you see that solid amber glow whenever your AirPods case is on a wireless charger, charging mat, or plugged into a Lightning cable, you can confirm it’s getting juice.
Over time, as the lithium-ion battery capacity degrades, you may notice the case no longer reaching a full green light indicating 100% charge. This is normal wear and tear. Apple rates the AirPods case for up to 18 hours listening time when new and up to 24 hours additional reserve charging capacity.
How to Check AirPods Case Charging on iPhone
You can also verify AirPods case charging status directly on your iPhone. The procedure is the same whether you have basic AirPods or higher-end models like AirPods Pro, AirPods Max, and so on.
1. ViewExact Percentage of Case Battery Level
To see what percentage your AirPods case battery is charged to, follow these steps:
- Ensure Bluetooth is enabled on your iPhone.
- Open the AirPods case with your AirPods earbuds inside near your iPhone.
- A setup animation will appear on your iPhone showing your AirPods pairing and displaying the exact battery percentage of both the left/right earbuds and the charging case battery.
Alternatively, you can check case battery status via the Batteries widget or in Settings:
- Go to your home screen and scroll left to open the Today View widgets.
- Find the Batteries widget. This will show battery status of connected devices including AirPods case percentage.
- Or open Settings > Bluetooth > tap the ‘i’ icon next to your AirPods. You will see battery levels for both earbuds and the charging case.
As long as AirPods are actively paired with your iPhone, you’ll be able to view current case battery percentage through these means.
2. VerifyCharging Icon Displayed
Another way to confirm your AirPods case is charging on iPhone is to verify a charging icon is displayed.
When your AirPods case is connected to a Lightning cable or placed on a wireless charging pad, you should see the charging icon beside the case battery icon:
- Lightning bolt icon = AirPods case is wired charging
- Circular wireless icon = AirPods case is wirelessly charging
So if you open your AirPods case next to your iPhone and see either wired or wireless charging icon, you know power is being delivered to the case battery.
How to Check If Case Charging on Mac
You can also check if your AirPods case is charging when paired to your Mac computer, either wirelessly or when connected via Lightning to USB-C cable.
The process is very similar to iPhone:
- Enable Bluetooth and pair your AirPods to your Mac if not already connected.
- Click the Bluetooth icon in your Menu bar.
- Select your AirPods.
- You will now see the exact case and earbuds battery percentage levels.
- When charging, a Lightning or circular wireless icon will display next to the case battery meter confirming charging status.
So on both mobile and desktop, verifying your AirPods case is actually charging is straightforward. At a glance, you can check that amber LED light or charging icon to give peace of mind juice is flowing into that case battery.
Why is My AirPods Case Not Charging?
If you’ve checked for that amber charging light or charging icon and aren’t seeing expected battery level increase, your AirPods case may not actually be charging.
Here are the most common reasons an AirPods wireless charging case may fail to charge and how to fix each issue:
Reasons 1: Dirty AirPods Case Charging Contacts
Over months and years of use, oils from your skin and pocket lint can accumulate on the charging contacts located on the bottom inside your AirPods case.
If these contacts become fouled with debris, it can prevent proper electrical connectivity between your AirPods case and Lightning cable or wireless chargers.
- To clean AirPods case contacts: Use a soft bristle toothbrush or rubbing alcohol on a cotton swab to gently remove any dirt or debris from the charging contacts. Ensure contacts are completely clean for ideal charging connection.
Reasons 2: Faulty or Broken Charging Cable
If you’re AirPods case won’t charge, first rule out any issues with the Lightning cable itself.
- Carefully inspect entire charging cable for bent pins or any damage preventing electricity transfer including frayed wire mesh and damaged connector housing.
- Try connecting known good cable. If AirPods case then charges, replace faulty Lightning cable.
While you likely have various Lightning cables handy for charging iPhones, iPads and other devices, best practice is dedicating an Apple MFi certified lightning cable exclusively for your AirPods case. This avoids wear and tear debris contamination over repeated insertions.
Reasons 3: Debris Stuck in Lightning Port
Just as gunk on the charging contacts can prevent solid connection, debris packed into the case Lightning port can also block charging capabilities.
- Use a toothpick, fine tip tweezers, or SIM card removal tool to gently dislodge and clear out any compacted dirt or pocket lint stuck in Lightning port cavity.
Be extremely careful not to damage any of the delicate pins inside the Lightning port housing which could render charging capabilities inoperable.
Compressed air can also be used to safely blast out any stubborn debris clogging the Lightning charging inlet. Just be sure to first power off and disconnect case from any charger before applying compressed air.
Reasons 4: Not Placed Correctly on Charging Pad
If charging your AirPods case wirelessly, ensure you have proper alignment on the Qi wireless charging pad.
While many wireless chargers have slightly raised guides or magnets to correctly position devices, it’s easy for AirPods cases to be shifted just enough to break charging connection.
- Check that amber LED is solid whenever case is seated on wireless charging stand.
- Try repositioning case if not charging until finding sweet spot.
- When aligned optimally, you’ll hear audible chime on iPhone confirming wireless charging lock.
This brings up an important note regarding Qi wireless charging standards. Fast charging up to 15W requires precise coil alignment between charging pad and smartphone or earbuds cases. Small deviations in placement dramatically reduce power transfer levels.
So don’t be shy about adjusting AirPods case position until you see that solid amber LED verifying maximum wireless charging alignment.
Best Way to Check AirPods Case Battery
As you can see, keeping tabs on your AirPods case battery status is straightforward whether iPhone, Mac, visually or through software.
But what’s objectively the best, most accurate means to monitor charging status and current battery level?
Way 1. Software Battery Readings Most Precise
While the LED light provides quick visual charging confirmation, for exact check on battery percentage at any given moment, the software readings are most precise.
Viewing the exact case battery numerals through iPhone Batteries widget, Notification Center, or Mac Menu bar will be the truest measurement.
The threshold circuitry sending detailed voltage outputs to iPhone or Mac software is most advanced for accurate battery monitoring. Compared to simple amber/green LED relying on estimated cutoff points that may not correspond perfectly to reported software charge percentage.
So for example, if AirPods show 72% battery level on iPhone but LED light still shows amber, trust the software reporting for reliably calibrated battery capacity readings.
Way 2. Best Practice: Check Both Ways
To cover all bases, best practice is verifying AirPods case charging status through both software battery level and LED light indicators in tandem.
Quickly glancing for that amber glow when plopping down on a wireless charger provides confidence juice is transferring. But routinely checking exact case battery numerals through Apple software ensures you have full insight on available talk/listening runtime.
This combined approach gives you assurance your AirPods battery will have adequate capacity for both immediate and future usage sessions.
Extend AirPods Battery Life Between Charges
To reduce overall charging frequency, maximizing battery efficiency is also worthwhile to cover longer AirPods runtime between top ups.
1. Toggle Off Unneeded Sensors
Recent AirPods models have motion accelerometers and proximity sensors allowing convenient ear detection and pause/play integration.
However these sensors are constantly active draining case battery even when earbuds resting in the case.
You can disable unused sensors to reduce parasitic drain:
- AirPods Pro: Turn off ear detection
- AirPods 3rd Gen: Disable automatic ear detection
- AirPods Max: Turn off smart case mode
While minor omissions, every bit of battery savings adds up.
2. Update to Latest Firmware
Be sure to maintain latest Apple firmware on both AirPods earbuds and charging case:
- Connect AirPods case to iPhone via Bluetooth.
- Connect iPhone to WiFi.
- Open case next to iPhone.
- Initiates automatic AirPods firmware check and download if updates available.
Latest Apple firmware revisions often optimize power consumption efficiencies benefiting battery life. So always prompt firmware updates ensuring best battery performance.
3. Turn Off Spatial Audio & headphone Accommodations
Both Spatial Audio immersive listening modes and custom headphone sound accommodations require additional battery overhead. Constant spatial processing and audio signal adjustments draw more power.
When ultimate AirPods runtime is priority:
- Turn off Spatial Audio in Accessibility settings
- Disable any custom Headphone Accommodations
You’ll still enjoy core Apple sound quality without these extras providing longer runtime by reducing battery tax.
Know Exactly When to Charge AirPods Case
Hopefully now you have full confidence knowing how to reliably check if your AirPods wireless charging case battery is actually charging and maintaining optimal capacity.
While AirPods case battery life degrades over years of use just like any rechargeable, best practice charging and storage habits can help extend usefulness keeping your earbuds powered up anywhere life takes you.
So be sure to clean those case contacts, keep firmware updated, monitor charging status lights and software battery levels, and tweak settings for max runtime. Follow these AirPods charging essentials and you’ll avoid ever having to ask “Why won’t my AirPods charge?” again!
How to Charge AirPods Without Case
Here are the main ways to charge your AirPods without using the case:
Way 1: Use a Wireless Charging Pad
If you have AirPods 2nd generation or later, you can directly charge the earbuds on a Qi-certified wireless charging pad. Simply place each AirPod on the charging pad and they will begin charging.
When aligned properly on the wireless charger, your AirPods will display a wireless charging icon on connected Apple devices indicating charging status. The earbud status light may also turn amber when charging wirelessly.
Way 2: Plug into a Lightning Cable
For models that support wired charging, you can use a Lightning to USB cable to directly charge your AirPods.
Remove the ear tips and look inside each AirPod stem to locate the concealed Lightning port. Carefully insert a Lightning cable into each port to deliver power directly.
A solid amber status light indicates wired charging mode is active. Take care not to damage the connectors when inserting and removing Lightning cables.
Way 3: Use Magnetic Pin Chargers
Separate magnetic charging pins adapters are also available from third parties allowing you to plug in and charge each AirPod individually.
These accessories insert into the earbud Lightning port and remain in place. You then magnetically attach a USB charging cable to begin delivering power without having to constantly plug and unplug delicate Lightning connectors.
Way 4: Buy a Replacement Case
Keep in mind that direct AirPod charging times will generally be slower compared to using the dedicated wireless charging case. Internal earbud batteries are much smaller than the case battery.
So while feasibly charging AirPods independently is possible for some models, you’ll experience fastest charging by getting a replacement case if yours has been lost or damaged. Genuine Apple cases provide optimal recharging rates keeping your earbuds powered up and ready to go anytime.
How to Charge AirPods Case
There are two ways to charge your AirPods case:
1. Wired charging
To charge your AirPods case with a wired cable, follow these steps:
- Plug the Lightning cable (or USB-C cable for AirPods Pro (2nd generation) with a MagSafe Charging Case) that came with your AirPods into the Lightning port (or USB-C port) on your AirPods case.
- Plug the other end of the Lightning cable (or USB-C cable) into a USB port on your computer or a USB power adapter.
- The status indicator light on your AirPods case will turn amber to indicate that the case is charging.
- The status indicator light will turn green when your AirPods case is fully charged.
2. Wireless charging
If you have a MagSafe Charging Case or a Qi-certified wireless charger, you can charge your AirPods case wirelessly. To do this, simply place your AirPods case on the wireless charger with the status indicator light facing up. The status indicator light will turn amber to indicate that the case is charging. The status indicator light will turn green when your AirPods case is fully charged.
Here are some additional tips for charging your AirPods case:
- Use a certified Lightning cable (or USB-C cable for AirPods Pro (2nd generation) with a MagSafe Charging Case) to charge your AirPods case.
- Do not charge your AirPods case in extreme temperatures.
- Do not overcharge your AirPods case.
- If you are having trouble charging your AirPods case, contact Apple Support.
How Long do AirPods Case Take to Charge
The time it takes to fully charge your AirPods case battery depends on a few factors, but here are the approximate charging times:
Wired Lightning Cable Charging:
- 0 to 100% charge:
- 30 minutes for AirPods 1st and 2nd gen
- 1 hour for AirPods Pro and AirPods 3rd gen
- 1.5 hours for AirPods Max
Wireless Charging:
- 0 to 100% charge:
- 2-3 hours for AirPods Pro/2nd gen
- 3-4 hours AirPods 3rd gen
- Around 5 hours for AirPods Max
Here is a table of the estimated charging times for AirPods cases:
| AirPods Model | Wired Charging | Wireless Charging |
|---|---|---|
| AirPods Pro (1st and 2nd Generation) | 1 hour | 1.5 hours |
| AirPods (3rd Generation) | 1 hour | 1.5 hours |
| AirPods (2nd Generation) | 1 hour | 1 hour |
| AirPods (1st Generation) | 1 hour | 1 hour |
So wired Lightning cable charging is fastest, delivering a full 0-100% charge of most AirPods cases in 60 minutes or less.
Qi wireless is more convenient but charges at slower rates – generally 2-3x slower than wired Lightning cables for full 0-100% case recharge.
Apple’s MagSafe can wirelessly charge closer to wired speeds when precisely aligned on the charging sweet spot. But still lags slightly behind direct Lightning cable speeds.
No matter how you charge, always use Apple MFi-certified cables and chargers for fastest, safest charging. Avoid unsupported accessories risking damage or slower charge times.
And remember to routinely charge the case, not just AirPods earbuds. The case battery provides vital extra runtime to keep AirPods powered up longer when on the go.
How Long to Charge AirPods Case First Time
It takes about an hour to fully charge an AirPods case for the first time, regardless of the charging method (wired or wireless). This is because the battery in the AirPods case is initially discharged from the factory, and it needs to be fully charged before it can provide power to the AirPods.
Once the AirPods case is fully charged for the first time, subsequent charging times will be shorter, typically around 30 minutes. This is because the battery in the AirPods case is not completely discharged between uses, so it does not need to be fully charged each time.
Here is a table summarizing the charging times for AirPods cases:
| Charging Method | First Time Charge | Subsequent Charges |
|---|---|---|
| Wired | 1 hour | 30 minutes |
| Wireless | 1 hour | 30 minutes |
If you are charging your new AirPods case for the first time, you can expect the following initial full charge times:
AirPods 1st & 2nd Generation Cases:
- 2 Hours from 0% to 100% on first charge
AirPods Pro & 3rd Gen Cases:
- 1.5 hours 0 to 100% first charge
AirPods Max Case:
- Around 3 hours for initial case charge
So most AirPods cases will fully charge from completely depleted to 100% in under 3 hours when charging for the very first time.
The longer 3 hour 0-100% time for new AirPods Max cases is due to the higher capacity battery found in the larger over-ear headphone case.
After this initial first-time charging cycle, subsequent regular charging sessions will be quicker – usually between 30 minutes to 1.5 hours max for a depleted case to reach 100%.
Remember to use the Apple Lightning cable provided in box for fastest charging performance when powering up any new AirPods for the very first time.
And be sure to regularly charge both the earbuds AND wireless case to keep your AirPods powered up and ready to grab whenever needed. The case provides vital additional charging cycles between main power outlet or computer USB top-ups.
How to Charge AirPods Pro Case
There are two ways to charge your AirPods Pro case: with a wired cable or wirelessly.
Wired charging:
- Plug the Lightning cable that came with your AirPods Pro into the Lightning port on your AirPods Pro case.
- Plug the other end of the Lightning cable into a USB port on your computer or a USB power adapter.
- The status indicator light on your AirPods Pro case will turn amber to indicate that the case is charging.
- When the status indicator light turns green, your AirPods Pro case is fully charged.
Wireless charging:
- Place your AirPods Pro case on a Qi-certified wireless charger with the status indicator light facing up.
- The status indicator light on your AirPods Pro case will turn amber to indicate that the case is charging.
- When the status indicator light turns green, your AirPods Pro case is fully charged.
Here are some additional tips for charging your AirPods Pro case:
- Use a certified Lightning cable to charge your AirPods Pro case.
- Place your AirPods Pro case on a wireless charger that is compatible with your AirPods Pro model.
- Do not charge your AirPods Pro case in extreme temperatures.
- Do not overcharge your AirPods Pro case.
- If you are having trouble charging your AirPods Pro case, contact Apple Support.
Here’s a table summarizing the charging times for AirPods Pro cases:
| Charging Method | Charging Time |
|---|---|
| Wired | About 1 hour |
| Wireless | About 1.5 hours |
How to Charge AirPods Pro Without Case
You can charge your AirPods Pro earbuds without using the wireless charging case in a few different ways:
1. Qi Wireless Charging Pad
The AirPods Pro have built-in wireless charging coils allowing you to place each earbud directly on a Qi-certified charging pad. Align the internal charging coils on the bottom flat part of each AirPod to start wireless charging.
2. Wired Lightning Cable
Carefully lift off the black ear tips to reveal the Lightning port inset inside each AirPod Pro stem. You can plug a Lightning cable directly into each stem port to wirelessly charge each earbud. Take care not to damage the port when connecting/disconnecting cables.
3. Magnetic Pin Chargers
Special Lightning adapter accessories are available that insert into AirPods Pro stems and remain in place magnetically. You then attach a charging cable magnetically each time without having to plug/unplug the port itself.
Keep in mind direct charging times will be slower than using the wireless case which has a much larger internal battery. But in a pinch, you can still top up AirPods Pro directly without the case handy.
Be careful not to damage the delicate internals when charging earbuds independently. Replacement cases can be purchased if needing to replace a damaged one that will not charge AirPods properly.
How to Connect AirPods Without Charging Case
If you need to connect your AirPods to your Apple devices without access to the charging case, follow these steps:
On iPhone
- Go to the Settings app and select Bluetooth.
- With your AirPods nearby, hold down the small setup button on the back of each AirPod for a few seconds until the light flashes white. This puts them into pairing mode.
- On your phone, you should see your AirPods pop up ready to pair under “Other Devices.” Tap to connect.
- Your AirPods will now be connected and able to stream audio from your iPhone.
On Mac
- Click the Bluetooth icon in your Mac’s Menu Bar and select “Open Bluetooth Preferences…”
- Put your AirPods into pairing mode by pressing and holding the small rear buttons until the lights flash white.
- In Bluetooth preferences, a dialog should pop up detecting the AirPods ready to pair. Complete the pairing connection process.
- Now with successful Bluetooth pairing, you can use your AirPods to listen to audio from your Mac.
Remember this connects them but doesn’t allow charging without the case. Use these manual connections in a pinch but try to acquire a replacement charging case as soon as possible for adequate charging and the simplest connectivity.
How to Use AirPods Without Charging Case
While it is not recommended to use AirPods without their charging case, it is technically possible under certain circumstances. However, there are some limitations and potential risks involved in doing so.
Connecting AirPods without the Case
If you need to connect your AirPods to a device without the charging case, follow these steps:
- Power on your AirPods: Place the AirPods in your ears and listen for the startup sound.
- Put your AirPods into pairing mode: Hold down the setup button on the back of both AirPods for about 5 seconds until the status light flashes white.
- Open the Bluetooth settings on your device: Locate the Bluetooth settings on your device, which typically can be found in the Settings app.
- Select your AirPods: Your AirPods should appear in the list of available Bluetooth devices. Tap on your AirPods to connect them to your device.
Limitations of Using AirPods without the Case
While you can connect and use your AirPods without the charging case, there are some limitations to consider:
- Reduced Battery Life: Without the charging case to provide power, the battery life of your AirPods will be significantly reduced. You may only get a few hours of usage before needing to recharge.
- Connection Issues: Connecting AirPods without the case can sometimes lead to connection drops or instability. This is because the case acts as a relay for the Bluetooth signal, and without it, the connection may be less reliable.
- Potential Damage: Repeatedly using AirPods without the case may increase the risk of damage to the AirPods themselves. The case provides protection from dust, debris, and moisture, and without it, the AirPods are more exposed to these elements.
Recommendations for Using AirPods without the Case
If you must use your AirPods without the charging case, it is important to follow these recommendations:
- Limit Usage: Use your AirPods without the case only when absolutely necessary. Avoid prolonged use without the case to minimize the risk of battery depletion and connection issues.
- Handle with Care: Be extra careful when handling your AirPods without the case. Avoid dropping them or exposing them to dust, debris, or moisture.
- Charge Regularly: Make sure to charge your AirPods regularly to avoid running out of battery while you’re away from the charging case.
- Consider Replacement Case: If you frequently need to use your AirPods without the case, consider purchasing a replacement case to ensure optimal performance and battery life.
How to Find AirPod Charging Case
Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to find your lost AirPods charging case:
- Use the Find My app: The Find My app is the most effective way to locate your lost AirPods charging case. This app can track the location of your AirPods case as long as it is within Bluetooth range of your connected iOS device.
- Check the last known location: Try to recall the last place you remember seeing or using your AirPods charging case. This could be your home, office, car, gym, or any other location you recently visited.
- Retrace your steps: Rethink your recent activities and retrace your steps to see if you can spot your AirPods charging case. Check under furniture, in bags, pockets, and any other places you might have placed it.
- Ask for help: Enlist the help of friends, family, or colleagues to assist you in your search. Ask them to keep an eye out for your AirPods charging case in their surroundings or in common areas.
- Use a Tile tracker (if applicable): If you have attached a Tile tracker to your AirPods charging case, you can use the Tile app to locate it. The Tile app will show you the last known location of your AirPods charging case on a map, and it can also make it play a sound to help you find it.
- Contact Apple Support: If you’ve tried all of the above methods and still can’t find your AirPods charging case, contact Apple Support. They may be able to provide additional assistance or offer a replacement case.
Here are some additional tips for preventing your AirPods charging case from getting lost:
- Keep track of your case: Make a habit of always keeping your AirPods charging case in a specific place, such as a designated pouch or bag.
- Attach a carabiner: Use a carabiner to clip your AirPods charging case to your bag or backpack, making it less likely to get lost or misplaced.
- Use a Tile tracker: Consider attaching a Tile tracker to your AirPods charging case for added security and tracking capabilities.
By following these tips and using the Find My app, you can increase your chances of finding your lost AirPods charging case and keep your AirPods always ready to go.
How to Clean AirPods Case Charging Port
Keeping your AirPods charging case clean is essential for ensuring optimal performance and preventing damage. Over time, dirt, debris, and lint can accumulate in the charging port, causing connection issues and even preventing the AirPods from charging properly.
Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to clean the AirPods charging port:
- Gather the necessary tools:
- A soft-bristled brush or cotton swab
- Isopropyl alcohol (70% or higher concentration)
- A clean, lint-free cloth
- Power off your AirPods and remove them from the case.
- Gently brush the charging port with a soft-bristled brush or cotton swab to remove any loose dirt or debris. Avoid using anything sharp or abrasive, as this could damage the delicate pins in the charging port.
- Dip a cotton swab in isopropyl alcohol and gently wipe the charging port to remove any stubborn dirt or grime. Be careful not to drip any alcohol into the charging port.
- Allow the charging port to air dry completely before placing the AirPods back in the case.
- Use a clean, lint-free cloth to wipe down the exterior of the charging case.
Here are the best ways to clean your AirPods case charging port if it’s not charging properly:
- Blow out any debris using compressed air. Turn the case upside down and spray compressed air into the Lightning port. The blasts of air will dislodge any packed-in dirt or lint.
- Use a toothpick to gently poke and scrape away stubborn gunk. Straighten out a paperclip if you don’t have a toothpick. Just be very gentle not to damage the port.
- Use a cotton swab dipped in isopropyl alcohol to wipe away grime around the port opening and contact pins inside. Let it fully dry before attempting to charge again.
- For tougher buildup, use a non-abrasive jewelry polishing cloth designed specifically for cleaning electronics ports and contacts. The soft material will buff contacts clean.
- Check that the AirPods case Lightning port is fully dry before attempting to plug in a charging cable. If cleaning with liquids, give it a minimum 30 mins to air dry.
Be extremely careful not to damage the delicate charging contacts inside the Lightning port when cleaning. Avoid scraping tools that could bend connector pins. With a few simple cleaning methods, you can get your AirPods case charging port sparkling clean!
How to Fix AirPods Case Not Charging
Troubleshooting an AirPods charging case can be frustrating, but with a few simple steps, you can usually get them back up and running. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to fix an AirPods case that isn’t charging:
- Check the charging cable and power source: Ensure you’re using a certified Lightning cable or USB-C cable (for AirPods Pro with a MagSafe Charging Case) and that it’s firmly connected to both the AirPods case and the power source. Try using a different cable or power source to eliminate any issues with the cable or outlet.
- Clean the charging port: Dirt or debris can accumulate in the charging port, preventing proper connection. Use a soft-bristled brush or a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol to gently clean the port.
- Check for debris in the AirPods themselves: If the AirPods themselves have dirt or debris, this can also prevent them from charging properly. Clean the AirPods gently with a soft cloth or cotton swab.
- Reset the AirPods: Resetting the AirPods can sometimes resolve charging issues. Refer to the user manual for your specific AirPods model for instructions on resetting.
- Update the AirPods firmware: If your AirPods firmware is outdated, it could be causing charging problems. Check for firmware updates in the Settings app on your connected iOS device.
- Try a different charging method: If you’re using a wired charging method, try using a wireless charger or vice versa. Sometimes, a different charging method can resolve the issue.
- Contact Apple Support: If you’ve tried all of the troubleshooting steps and your AirPods case is still not charging, contact Apple Support for further assistance.
Here are some additional tips to prevent AirPods case charging issues:
- Keep your AirPods case clean and free from debris.
- Avoid using extreme temperatures when charging your AirPods case.
- Don’t overcharge your AirPods case.
- Store your AirPods case in a safe place when not in use.
By following these tips and troubleshooting steps, you can keep your AirPods case charging properly and your AirPods always ready to go.
Conclusion
Determining whether your AirPods case is charging is straightforward. Simply inspect the status indicator light located inside the case, between the AirPods slots. If the light is amber (orange), the AirPods are actively charging. When the light turns green, it indicates that the AirPods are fully charged.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Here are some frequently asked questions about how to know if your AirPods case is charging:
How can I tell if my AirPods case is charging?
The easiest way is to look for the status light on the front of the case. A solid green light means it’s fully charged. An amber light means it’s charging. No light at all means the battery is completely depleted or your case needs servicing.
Why is my AirPods case not showing it’s charging?
If there’s no status light when connected to power, first make sure your Lightning cable is not damaged and is securely plugged in. Debris buildup can also prevent proper contact, so try cleaning the case charging contacts with alcohol and cotton swabs.
How can I see the exact battery percentage of my AirPods case?
Open the AirPods case next to your paired iPhone or connect case to your Mac. This will display the exact battery percentage for both earbuds and charging case. You can also add the Batteries widget to your iPhone home screen for this info.
How do I know if my AirPods case is wirelessly charging?
When aligned properly on a Qi wireless charger, you should see the amber status light glow solid. A wireless charging animation will also display on your iPhone. If not charging, reposition the case until the amber light appears to align charging coils.
Why does my AirPods case show it’s charging, but percentage is not going up?
If the status light indicates charging, but battery level doesn’t increase, the issue is likely debris buildup on charging contacts or a faulty Lightning cable. Clean contacts thoroughly and substitute a brand new Lightning cable to test.
How can I make my AirPods case charge faster?
Be sure to use an Apple MFi-certified Lightning cable and higher wattage wall adapter for fastest charging up to 30 minutes. Wireless options like MagSafe can charge quickly as well when precisely aligned on the charging spot. Lower wattage adapters and cables will result in slower charge times.
How do I charge my AirPods case?
There are two ways to charge your AirPods case:
- Wired charging: Connect the Lightning cable that came with your AirPods to the Lightning port on your AirPods case. Plug the other end of the Lightning cable into a USB port on your computer or a USB power adapter.
- Wireless charging: If you have a MagSafe Charging Case or a Qi-certified wireless charger, you can charge your AirPods case wirelessly. Simply place your AirPods case on the wireless charger with the status indicator light facing up.
How long does it take to charge my AirPods case?
It takes about an hour to fully charge an AirPods case using wired or wireless charging.
What does the status indicator light on my AirPods case mean?
- Solid white: The AirPods are fully charged.
- Flashing white: The AirPods are in pairing mode.
- Amber: The AirPods are charging.
- Green: The AirPods are fully charged.
Why isn’t my AirPods case charging?
There are a few reasons why your AirPods case might not be charging:
- The charging cable is not connected properly.
- The power source is not working.
- The charging port on the AirPods case is dirty or clogged.
- The AirPods case is damaged.
How can I clean the charging port on my AirPods case?
Here is a step-by-step guide on how to clean the charging port on your AirPods case:
- Gather the necessary tools: A soft-bristled brush or cotton swab, isopropyl alcohol (70% or higher concentration), and a clean, lint-free cloth.
- Power off your AirPods and remove them from the case.
- Gently brush the charging port with a soft-bristled brush or cotton swab to remove any loose dirt or debris.
- Dip a cotton swab in isopropyl alcohol and gently wipe the charging port to remove any stubborn dirt or grime.
- Allow the charging port to air dry completely before placing the AirPods back in the case.
What should I do if my AirPods case is damaged?
If your AirPods case is damaged, you can contact Apple Support for assistance. They may be able to repair or replace your AirPods case.