When AirPods won’t stay charged, check the case, clean the contacts, reset, and update before booking service.
Few things kill the vibe like earbuds that drop from 80% to empty mid-song. The good news: most battery drop issues trace to simple fixes you can do at home right away. This guide walks through quick checks, deeper resets, charging habits that help, and when to contact Apple for battery service. The steps work for AirPods, AirPods Pro, and AirPods Max with notes where models differ.
AirPods Won’t Stay Charged: Fast Checks
Start with the basics. These tiny systems rely on good contact between the buds and the case, a clean port, and a reliable cable or charger. Run through the list below before you move to resets or service.
| Symptom | Likely Cause | What To Try |
|---|---|---|
| One bud drains fast | Poor contact in case or debris on charging ring | Clean the bud tips and case wells; seat firmly till the status light blinks |
| Both buds drop fast | Case low, worn cable, weak charger, background features | Charge the case to full; swap the cable and power source; toggle features during tests |
| Case shows charge, buds still die | Contacts misaligned or case pins dirty | Reinsert till you hear the chime; brush the wells with a dry soft brush |
| Case won’t charge | Lint in the port or a bad adapter | Inspect the USB-C/Lightning port; try a known-good charger or Qi/MagSafe pad |
| Random disconnects | Old firmware or buggy pairing | Keep the case near an iPhone on Wi-Fi for updates; reset and re-pair |
Confirm What’s Draining The Battery
First, verify how the charge drops. Note the level at start, play a podcast at normal volume for 15 minutes, then check again. If one side falls far faster, you likely have a contact or sensor issue on that side. If both sides fall fast, look to the case, the cable, or settings.
Check Contact And Seating
Pop each bud in and out of the case. You should see the status light pulse and the charge overlay on your iPhone. No pulse means no contact. Remove earwax or pocket lint with a dry soft brush. Avoid liquids near the speaker mesh or case wells.
Test With A Known-Good Charger
Use a certified cable and a wall adapter you trust. If you have a Qi or MagSafe pad, try that path too. Give the case ten minutes, then check the indicator again. If the case climbs, the buds will follow.
Reset And Re-Pair To Clear Glitches
Software hiccups can make AirPods drain or report levels wrong. A full reset often clears it. Put the buds in the case and close the lid for 30 seconds. On your iPhone, open Settings > Bluetooth, tap the info icon next to your AirPods, and tap Forget This Device. Open the case near your phone, hold the button till the light flashes white, then re-pair. Apple documents the full reset flow for current models on its support site.
Charge Settings That Affect Run Time
Some features trade battery for convenience. During troubleshooting, switch them off to measure a clean baseline, then add them back.
Features To Toggle During Tests
- Active Noise Cancellation and Transparency
- Spatial Audio with head tracking
- Automatic Switching across devices
- Hey Siri hotword
- Find My precision finding on case models that support it
Turn features back on one at a time. If run time tanks after a toggle, you found a contributor.
Calibrate The Case And Buds
Charge the case to 100%. Use the buds until they shut down, then place them in the case and let them sit on the charger for at least two hours. This simple cycle helps the system learn charge levels again and can smooth out erratic readings.
When AirPods Won’t Charge At All
If the case stays at zero, the issue is usually the cable, adapter, pad, or port. Try a different cable. Try a different power brick. Switch to a Qi or MagSafe pad if your case supports it. Inspect the port with a light and tease out lint with a dry wooden toothpick. If the case still refuses to take power, it is time to contact Apple.
Apple’s Official Steps And Service Paths
Apple lists a clear checklist for AirPods that won’t charge, plus paths for battery service when cells wear down. During your first pass, match their basics: seat the buds, check the connections, and reset. If behavior persists after those steps, book service. You can also read Apple’s page titled If your AirPods won’t charge for the current step order and visuals.
Keep Battery Health In Shape
Small habits add up. Lithium-ion cells dislike heat and full charge storage. The tips below help slow wear and reduce sudden drops.
Daily Habits That Help
- Give the case a stable place to charge away from direct sun
- Skip cheap adapters; stick with trusted brands
- Wipe the case wells and the metal rings on the buds weekly
- Avoid leaving the case at 0% for long stretches
- Update iOS and keep the case near your phone once a week to allow firmware updates
Heat, Cold, And Storage
Use and charge electronics in a comfortable room range. Extreme heat ages cells fast. Avoid dashboards and windowsills. For Apple’s temperature guidance, see the page on maximizing performance. If you plan to store the set for a while, leave the case around half charged and keep it in a cool, dry place.
Model Differences You Should Know
Newer cases accept USB-C and MagSafe and manage heat better than older Lightning-only cases. Some features differ by model, like Adaptive Audio or Precision Finding. That means your run time will vary by generation. During tests, turn off extras to get a clean read on the base drain.
Charging Paths And What To Expect
Not all power sources push the same results. Rotate through these to isolate weak links.
| Power Source | What You’ll See | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| USB-C wall adapter | Fast, steady case charge | Try 20W or higher for best results |
| Computer USB-C port | Moderate charge | Some ports limit current |
| Qi/MagSafe pad | Steady, slower charge | Center the case; watch for misalignment |
Signs It’s Time For Battery Service
Batteries wear with use. If your buds once ran for hours and now quit after a short commute, and none of the steps above change that, reach out to Apple. You can start a repair request online and ask about battery service fees. If you carry AppleCare for Headphones and a cell falls under the coverage threshold, battery service may be covered. Apple or an Authorized Service Provider will test the unit and confirm next steps.
Step-By-Step Troubleshooting Plan
Phase 1: Quick Wins
- Clean the charging rings and wells
- Seat the buds, wait for the light, check the overlay
- Swap cable, adapter, and outlet
- Charge the case for ten minutes, then re-check
Phase 2: Software Resets
- Close the lid for 30 seconds
- Forget the device in Bluetooth settings
- Open the case and hold the setup button until white
- Re-pair and test for 15 minutes of audio
Phase 3: Stabilize Your Routine
- Charge at a desk, away from heat
- Let Optimized Battery Charging do its thing on supported models
- Top up mid-day instead of running to empty
When To Contact Apple
If resets, cleanups, cable swaps, and routine tweaks still leave you with short run time or a case that won’t take a charge, set up service. Backups of your paired devices are not needed for AirPods service, though you will re-pair after repair or replacement. Bring the case and both buds. Include your proof of coverage if you have AppleCare.
Copy-And-Keep Checklist
- Clean contacts and case wells
- Swap cable, adapter, and outlet
- Test with and without features like ANC
- Reset, re-pair, and retest
- Charge in a cool spot
- If still flaky, book Apple service