13 solutions to fix an AirPods case not charging

The AirPods case is the only way to charge AirPods 1st, 2nd, 3rd generation, and AirPods Pro. If your AirPods charging case itself is having battery issues and isn’t charging, here are some solutions to fix it.

This tutorial applies to both wireless charging and non-wireless charging AirPods cases.

AirPods Case and Lightning cable to charge

Wait for 5-10 minutes

It may take a while for the status light to glow and confirm that the case is charging. This is especially true if your AirPods case is fully discharged or was left unused for several days.

Related: How to see battery percentage of AirPods and its case on any device

Restart your AirPods

Put your AirPods in the charging case and close the lid. Now, wait for at least 10 seconds before taking them out. Once you have done this, put your case to charge.

Check the wired connection

Make sure the Lightning end of the wire is connected properly to your AirPods charging case and the other end to the charging adapter. Try it a few times if required.

Place it properly on the wireless charger

If you have a wireless AirPods charging case, place it on a Qi-certified wireless charger with the tiny status light on the case facing up. Reposition the case on the charging pad if required.

A rendering showing an isometric view of Mophie's 3-in-1 travel charger with AirPods, iPhone and Apple Watch resting on its charging pads, set against a light orange gradient background

Use a different Lightning cable

If the AirPods case fails to charge with your Lightning cable, borrow one from a family member or friend and try using that. Also, charge your iPhone using that Lightning cable and check if it’s working or not.

Use another power adapter

Sometimes, the fault can be with the Apple or non-Apple power adapter. Use a different one or plug the AirPods charging case into a computer. Keep the machine’s lid open and awake if it’s a MacBook or notebook PC.

Note Devices may not charge with poor power banks or direct charging sockets like that on an airplane.

Make sure the power source is working

Check the main power outlet to ensure it’s working. Plug a different device in that socket to check everything is in order here.

Clean the Lightning port

Use a soft brush, dry toothbrush, or non-metal pick to clean the Lightning port on your AirPods case. If you’re using wireless charging, wipe the case with a dry cloth.

Remove the AirPods cover

Some thick and unusual AirPods cases can block wireless charging. Plus, they can cause problems in properly inserting the Lightning cable into the case. Remove the AirPods case and then try charging it wirelessly or with a cable.

AirPods in a black case

Update the AirPods

Your AirPods receive firmware updates to fix such issues. Your iPhone updates your AirPods automatically without you doing anything. But since you’re facing charging issues, make sure you follow this guide to learn more about updating AirPods.

Related: Second-generation AirPods can now get manual firmware updates from Apple Stores

Unpair and pair your AirPods again

Before moving to the final solution, unpair and re-pair the AirPods. Some people have found success with this solution.

Reset AirPods to factory settings

Finally, if nothing else helps, follow these steps to return your AirPods to factory settings. If the charging problem isn’t caused due to hardware issues, this should most certainly solve the problem.

1) Put the AirPods in their charging case and keep the lid open.

2) Press and hold the setup button at the back of the case for about 15 seconds, and you will see the white status light flash amber (orange) and then white. You can stop pressing the setup button now.

AirPods setup button on the back of the charging case

You have successfully reset the AirPods to factory settings. Bring it near your iPhone with Bluetooth enabled and connect it again.

Take AirPods to an Apple Store

If your AirPods or its charging case wasn’t charging due to glitches or bugs, the above solutions should have resolved it. However, only Apple Store or an authorized service center can fix the problem, if:

  • You dropped your charging case that caused hardware issues
  • AirPods case is old with a degraded battery
  • It’s a defective unit with a battery that can’t hold a charge
  • Case has suffered an unnoticeable damage in the Lightning port or its internals

Take your AirPods case to the nearest Apple Store and get it inspected.

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