As one of the leading true wireless earbuds on the market, AirPod is known to be a favourite whether for leisure or sports enthusiast. However, as time passes, they can throw up certain issues, such as one of the AirPods not charging.
Now, imagine when you are prepared to settle in to enjoy your favourite movie and suddenly one side of your AirPod goes silent! Oh, no! Not only are your plans for the day will be jeopardise for the day, but you’re also probably now getting ready to contact Apple or return the AirPods at one of the their physical Apple Stores. A frustrating (and possibly, expensive) recourse in either case.
Luckily, you can still resolve this issue at the comforts of your home, using our easy-to-follow guide below. Read on to find out how!
What to do if your AirPod case not charging?
Step 1: Make sure your AirPods are well connected to the case
Here’s the first step on how to trouble shoot if your AirPods won’t charge. What is the best way to tell if the charging case is holding both AirPods well when you pop them into the case for charging? If the AirPods are connected correctly to the charging case, you will feel a magnetic snap. Check if there is dirt or grime inside the charging case that is blocking your AirPods from sitting correctly in the case. If the top of your AirPods case won’t close or if your AirPods are not properly connected, then probably it’s time to clean the AirPods and charging case to resolve charging issues.
Step 2: Charge and check the battery of the AirPods
Follow the steps below if both your AirPods and the charging case appear to be connected well:
1. Insert both AirPods into the charging case before closing the lid.
2. Open the lid and hold your AirPods case close to your iPhone.
3. The charging status will appear on your iPhone screen.
4. Make sure your AirPods case has more than 10% charge otherwise the case will not have enough power to charge your AirPods and needs to be plugged in.
5. Ensure that there is lightning bolt on the battery beneath the AirPods. It’s an indication that both AirPods and case are charging. If not, you may need to clean your AirPods and case.
- Look out for the Bluetooth icon on your Mac’s menu bar
To open Bluetooth on a Mac, tap the Bluetooth icon in the menu bar. Then, hover the pointer over your AirPods or AirPods Pro in the devices menu. There, you can see how much charge is left and right earbuds, as well as the charging case.
- Charge AirPods case overnight
AirPods use Apple lithium-ion batteries as their powerhouse. All lithium-ion batteries have a common issue which is when the battery is fully drained-out, it can take time to recharge itself again.
One way to terminate this “AirPod case not charging” issue is by charging your AirPods case. Keep your AirPods case charged overnight, and your AirPod case will likely to start working again.
Many AirPod users have verified that this trick was a blessing and has solved their charging issue permanently.
AirPods also have overcharge protection, so you don’t have to worry about keeping your AirPods charged overnight.
Step 3: Try charging with AirPods inside
The next step you can try in order to solve your “AirPod case not charging” problem is by charging your AirPods.
1. Please wait between five and ten minutes.
To confirm the case is charging, check the status light. It may however take awhile to glow. The cause to this may due to your AirPods case is fully drained or has been left unused for several days.
2. Make sure to restart your AirPods
Put your AirPods into charging case, before closing the lid. Now, wait for at least 10 seconds before taking them out. Once you have done this, put your case to charge.
Step 4: Charge the AirPod’s charging case with reliable power
Here’s another step you can take to tackle your “AirPod case not charging” issue. As a general rule of thumb, you should be able to plug your AirPods case into almost anywhere to charge it. Some of the examples are your computer’s USB port, a wall outlet, and so on. However, if it’s not charging properly, try plugging the AirPods into a USB port or wall outlet that you know is working properly; ideally, the one you just tested with another different device. When in doubt, try connecting it to a few different power sources or using different charging cables.
Step 5: Switch your wireless charging pads or cables if necessary
Try switching to a different wireless charging pad if you use a wireless charging case. You can solve the “AirPod case not charging” problem by using a charging cable for a better outcome. If the cable works, either the case’s wireless charging system or the charging pad is causing the problem.
- Try another charger
Changing your USB wall adapter first is a good idea if you’re using a USB charger to recharge your AirPods case. If your “AirPod case not charging” problem still exist, try it on your have a Mac or PC. Test it with at least 2 different ports to see if the charger is the problem or not. If the cable and charger work fine with other devices such as iPhones or USB devices, it is most likely the case problem.
- Try using another your USB cable
When an AirPods case is not charging ,we may think a device is damaged but it could be caused by a faulty USB cable. Try plugging it into your computer or attaching the wall charger with another USB-to-lightning cable, unless you have a wireless case.
After all, we use USB cables all the time, and they tend to break or lose strength after a while. Sometimes the pins in the lightning connector get rusty or dusty or both, so make sure you clean it if possible, but testing it with a second cable is the best way to discard this accessory and move to the next step.
- Don’t Use an Extension
Lastly, when your AirPods case is not charging, it’s preferably that you use direct source of charging rather than connecting it to an extension. This is because, you might not be sure which plug on the extension is faulty and hence, you may be spending more unnecessary time trying to fix your AirPods problem.
Step 6: Clean your case’s Lighting port
Most “AirPods won’t charge” problems are caused by dirty charging contacts, such as debris in the charging case, on the AirPod stem, or sometimes both. This prevents the electrical charge from passing through sufficiently, but not to worry. You can clean things up, fixing your “AirPods won’t charge” issue by using the method outlined below.
What You’ll Need
Periodontal brush, straw cleaner, or Q-tip
Lint-free or mirofiber cloth
70% isopropyl alcohol (optional)
- Internal Cleaning
Here’s the solution to fixing your “AirPods won’t charge” issue. AirPod case are commonly transported in our jeans or backpacks, and they can gather dust, lint and other small particles in the AirPods case charging port from the bottom of our pockets. You should always try to clean the lightning charging port first, regardless whether you use a wireless or wired case.
The solution? Focus on removing debris from the port with a non-metal apparatus while gently cleaning the charging case. Please don’t use any liquid or cleaning substances to clean it. If you see something inside, try blowing it away. Another method is to try cleaning it with a soft-bristled brush such as a periodontal brush, to ensure that none of the pins is being blocked by dust or dirt. This should resolve your “AirPods won’t charge” issue.
If you encounter any stubborn grime, take a Q-tip and moisten it with water, or spray it with some isopropyl alcohol (Please DO NOT spray alcohol or water directly on the case) and work the Q-tip over the dirty area. Your “AirPod case not charging” problem will be settled shortly.
The silver contacts at the tip of the AirPod should be cleaned with the dry, lint-free fabric.
Avoid using anything wet or metal directly on the AirPod case because this can cause a short circuit, resulting in its damage.
Clean it every week to ensure proper contact between your AirPod and its charging case.
After that, try connecting your charging cable and restart again. See if this resolves your “AirPod case not charging” issue.
- External cleaning
You may use slightly moist lint-free fabric to clean the external casing. Cleaning it once a week should do the job if you use your AirPod on daily basis.
Step 7: Pair your AirPods after unpairing them
If your “AirPod case not charging” issue still persists, you should try pairing back your AirPods after unpairing them. Here’s how:
How to unpair AirPods
AirPods are linked to your iCloud account, hence, if you unpair them from one device, for example your iPhone, they will also unpair from your other devices using the same Apple ID. Here are the steps to unpair AirPods from your iOS or iPadOS:
From iPhone or iPad
1) Open Settings and tap Bluetooth.
2) Tap the info button (i) next to your AirPods name.
3) Scroll down to the bottom and tap Forget This Device.
4) Tap Forget Device to confirm and unpair your AirPods from your iPhone, iPad, and other Apple devices.
How to pair AirPods
Once you pair the AirPods with one device, they’ll automatically connect and work on all your other Apple devices that are logged into the same Apple ID (There will be no need to pair individually on each device). Follow these steps to pair your AirPods with your iOS or iPadOS.
To iPhone or iPad
1) Place the AirPods in their case and open the lid.
2) Unlock your iPhone and make sure Bluetooth is enabled.
3) Within a few seconds, you should see a prompt that pop on the screen. Tap Connect.
4) Press and hold the button that’s on the back of your AirPods. In a few seconds, your iPhone will connect to the AirPods, and you’ll see the setup screen. Press Continue.
5) Finally, exit the prompt. You have successfully paired your AirPods with your iPhone, iPad, and other Apple devices.
Now take the AirPods out of the case and put them in your ears. It should automatically connect, and you’ll hear a sound confirming the connection. If not, open Control Center, tap the AirPlay icon, and choose your AirPods. You can also connect them from the Settings app > Bluetooth > AirPods name. Has this solve your “AirPod case not charging” issue? If it hasn’t, read on.
Step 8: How to reset your AirPods case
You may need to reset your AirPods case if your “AirPod case not charging” issue has not been resolved. There is a reset button on Apple AirPods, AirPods 2, AirPods 3, and AirPods Pro that will return them to factory setting. This can come in handy if you’re handing down the wireless earphones to somebody else or you’re having any sort of problem with them.
To fix your “AirPod case not charging” issue, here’s a walkthrough on how to reset AirPods and AirPods Pro:
- Put your AirPods in their case and close the lid.
- Wait 30 seconds, then open the lid.
- On your iOS device, go to Settings, tap on Bluetooth and followed by the circled “i” icon next to your AirPods.
- Tap Forget This Device, and tap again to confirm.
- The case’s lid should be opened. Press and hold the button on the back of the AirPods case. Wait for about 15 seconds until you see the status light flashing amber. AirPods cases with wired charging will have the status light inside the case between the AirPods.On the other hand, if you have AirPods Pro or your AirPods case charges wirelessly, the status light is on the front of the case.
- While you reconnect your AirPods, keep the case lid open and place them near your iPhone. Follow the steps on your device’s screen to reconnect your AirPods.
Step 9: Install the latest firmware for your AirPods
If your “AirPod case not charging” issue is still present, you should consider updating your AirPod’s firmware. Generally, updating your AirPods is only advisable if the device hasn’t been connected to your iPhone or iPad for some time. Users usually don’t have to install AirPods firmware, it is usually done automatically.
Apple occasionally releases firmware updates for its AirPods and AirPods Pro wireless earphones that can include performance improvements, feature tweaks, and bug fixes.
If you’re having a particular issue with your AirPods or AirPods Pro such as “AirPod case not charging” issue, or if it has been a few months since you have used your AirPods and you just want to make sure they’re up to date with the latest software, then follow the steps below:
How to Update Your AirPods or AirPods Pro
- Insert your AirPods in their case if they aren’t already.
- Connect the AirPods charging case to a power source using the included Lightning to USB cable, or alternatively if you have a Wireless Charging Case or AirPods Pro, place it on a Qi-compatible wireless charging mat.
- Move the iPhone or iPad that the AirPods have been paired with near to the charging case. Ensure that the iOS device has an internet connection.
And that’s all there is to it. After a short while, any available software updates should be automatically downloaded and installed. If you’re having trouble updating your AirPods, make sure the charging case is fully charged. You can also try resetting the AirPods.
Check Your AirPods’ Firmware Version
To check the version of the firmware that you have installed to make sure it’s up to date, follow these steps:
- Launch the Settings app on your iOS device.
- Tap General.
- Tap About.
- Tap AirPods.
- Check the numbers shown beside Firmware Version.
Firmware updates for the AirPods don’t come out very often, so don’t be surprised if the version stays the same for a while. So, is your “AirPod case not charging” issue resolved yet? If not, you might have escalate to Apple’s Customer Service for further assistance to fix your “AirPods wont charge” problem
Step 10: Contact Apple Support
Take AirPods to an Apple Store
If you have tried almost everything yet your AirPods or your AirPod case still refused to charge, you will then have the option to replace either of the AirPods or the charging case depending on the suggestion of the Apple team. You may take your AirPod which are still under warranty to the Apple Store to get them fixed.
Step 11: Replace the AirPods case if it is still not charging
Exhausted all your options? If Apple team can’t fix it, you can always get a replacement if you are under warranty. If not, then it might be time to buy a new AirPods charging case. If your AirPods charging cases can’t be repaired, but your earbuds still work, you may need to buy a new case.If they have past their warranty period, another option that you may try is PodSwap, a service that caters especially to replace dead AirPods.
FAQs
1. What do I do if one of my AirPods isn’t charging?
There is a possibility that something is interfering with the connection of your AirPod if it doesn’t charge on one side. Try to clean gently the end of the AirPod that isn’t charging, and then clean the case. You might want to pay extra attention to the bottom in the case where the silver surface of your AirPod should make contact. Another option is that you can also try resetting the AirPod case.
Here’s how to do so: Hold down the small button on the back of the box. You’ll need to wait for about 15 seconds, until the LED light changes from white to Amber.
Also, be sure that you are using Apple-brand chargers when you charge your AirPods case and earbuds.
2. What is the reason that my AirPods case is not charging with Light whenever I plug them in?
First and foremost, the first- and second-generation AirPods do not have a setup light on the front; it is embedded inside the case between the AirPods. For the other models, if you don’t see the light, that indicates that the case’s battery level is completely drained and they needs a quick recharge.
Another reason that could lead to no light at its charging indicator could be due to physical damage to your case’s charging port.
Here are some other possible reasons why your AirPods case is not charging with light:
Software issue
Unfortunately, not all Apple updates are perfect and some software may cause glitches that can stop the AirPods case from recharging. If you haven’t used your AirPods for a good amount of time, this can lead to an outdated firmware, which can also can lead to several troubles while charging. Check out our guides to updating your AirPods or AirPods Pro to solve your problem.
Damaged cables or adapter
Could it be due to damaged cable or a USB power adapter that is not functioning properly? If so, try charging with different cable or use a reliable charging source. Otherwise, your AirPods case won’t be able to recharge itself.
Dust and debris
If you are using wired charging option, dust or debris in your AirPods case port can enter the charging port and hence, restrict the ability to recharge itself. You should also check the interior of the charging case where the charging surface meets with the AirPods. Time for some spring cleaning if that’s the case.
If your Airpod is Wet, do this first
- Step 1: Wipe the surface with a microfiber cloth The first thing to do is stay calm and use a microfibre or lint-free cloth to slowly dry all the affected areas of the AirPods case. Use only this type of material and avoid any abrasive type of material or cloth to dry off the case to prevent scratches on an AirPods case. When the external of the case has been dried, flip the case up side down and let it dry completely before using. In the event that the AirPods cases are accidentally dropped in dirty water, they can be cleaned using isopropyl alcohol and a damp cloth.
- Step 2: Patience Is Key Be patient. Allow your AirPods case to dry out for 24 hours and do not try to speed up the process with a hairdryer or heat. At this point, it is important not to attempt disassembling your AirPods case. Just wait for it to dry. Disassembling it can risk that water spreads.You can end up doing it wrong and wonder how to fix a loose AirPods case.
- Step 3: Try Gel Packs Use silica gel packs if the above method does not work. Silica gel packs, sometimes referred to as desiccant packs, are small packets that can be found often in shoes and electronic devices. They are usually marked with the warning “do not eat” on the package. These silica gel packs have little beads inside that can extract the moisture. Do not place the AirPods in rice as rice will not absorb moisture from them. You will also have the risk of having small pieces of rice getting stuck in sockets and other openings.
- Step 4: Check Your Warranty Here’s what you need to do if the AirPod case does not work after a couple of days and the tips and tricks you tried do not work. All Apple products all come with a warranty, so check yours. Check out Apple Care+ to extend the warranty on your AirPods. It’s probably time to replace the AirPods case if all the above did not work.
