AirPods can serve as an escape to the outside world.
When you plug them into your ears.
And your jam comes on. Volumes turned up.
Nothing else matters.
Hence, it’s upsetting when you couldn’t even charge the case.
Good thing there are ways to fix it.
Continue reading to find out:
- How much it’ll cost you to replace a defective charging case.
- 9 easy fixes you can do when your AirPods case refuses to charge.
- Why a dirty Lightning port might prevent charging and how to clean it.
- Tips to take care of your charging case’s batteries to prevent malfunction.
- And this is just the beginning…
Why is my AirPod case not charging?
Your AirPod case isn’t charging because of an improper or faulty connection. Your case’s charging cable may not have been plugged in securely. Or it may be defective. Dirt build-up may also prevent your case from charging properly. It’s also likely that the case’s batteries are no longer working.
AirPod case not charging: 9 fixes
#1: Make sure the connections are secure
Do you know the very first thing you need to check if your AirPods case isn’t charging?
The plugs.
Were you able to attach the Lightning plug securely into your AirPods’ charging case?
Is the USB plug firmly connected to the power source?
It may sound obvious. But it’s a mistake plenty of people do.
Maybe because we’re so used to charging our AirPods. That we forget to pay attention sometimes if the connections are secure.
So check both ends of the USB-C to Lightning cable. See if the fit is tight.
You may even try to remove them. And then reconnect.
Sometimes, doing something as simple as that resolves this issue.
#2: Try charging the case without the AirPods inside
This is another method that’s been known to work. At least based on forum posts of various AirPods users.
Try to charge the case without the AirPods themselves.
Here’s how you should try to do it:
- Open the charger’s lid and take out the Airpods.
- Connect the Lightning cable to your charging case.
- Plug the charging case into a power source.
Check if your case is now charging.
Many have attested to this method’s effectiveness.
It’s hard to pinpoint exactly why this method works.
But sometimes, the charging case simply glitches when you’re charging it. While it’s also charging the AirPods.
#3: Check if there’s a problem with the charging port
Normally we connect the USB end of the Lightning cable to laptops or desktops to charge.
But our computer’s USB ports are also prone to glitches. And it’s quite possible the port you used to plug in your case is defective.
The good thing about modern laptops and desktops?
They have multiple USB ports.
So if you believe one port is faulty? Just switch to another.
Try to verify if the USB port is really broken by plugging in other devices. Such as a flash drive.
You may also try to gently blow into the port. Perhaps some dust accumulations are causing it to malfunction.
And this may also help. Try restarting your laptop if you think one or several of its USB ports are having issues.
#4: Check if the Lightning cable is defective
So you’ve secured the charging case’s connection. You’re also sure it’s not a USB port problem. Yet your AirPods’ case still isn’t charging.
What now?
Well, it’s very likely that your USB-C to Lightning cable is causing the issue.
But don’t throw out your Lightning cable just yet. We can’t conclude yet that it’s broken.
First, check if it’ll work on other devices.
Portability is one of the many great things about Apple devices.
Your AirPods’ USB-C to Lightning cable is also compatible with iPhones and iPads. Try using it with either of those devices to check if it’s still working.
Another thing you can do is to try to clean the plugs. Both the Lightning and USB ends.
For the Lightning plug. You may use a lint-free cleaning cloth or a clean tissue.
Just gently wipe away the dirt and debris that may have accumulated.
And as for the USB plug? Softly blow on the inside. You may also give it a little tap to remove dirt.
Of course, you may also simply replace your Lightning cable.
Ideally, you should purchase an original replacement from Apple. But even generic ones should work fine.
#5: Dry out the charging case
Apple’s website confirms. AirPods and charging cases are water and sweat-resistant.
But they’re not waterproof and sweatproof.
“Wait, what’s the difference?”
If a device is waterproof and sweatproof. It means you can basically drown it in water. It would still work perfectly fine.
Water and sweat resistance means a device can withstand liquid. It won’t malfunction right away. But only up to a certain degree.
This is true with your AirPods case. And over time, its water and sweat resistance will diminish.
So if it’s not charging? Check if there’s liquid present. And then dry it out.
Your sweat may have accidentally dropped on the case after a workout.
Or it may have been splashed with your drink.
It’s ideal to use a lint-free cloth to clean. Mainly because it doesn’t leave a residue.
But if you don’t have one, any clean piece of cloth will do.
Further reading: (3 Fixes) What To Do If AirPods Get Wet
#6: Clean the charging case
This is another simple but effective way of fixing your charging case.
Just clean it.
AirPods charging cases are prone to dust and debris build-up. Mainly because we tend to move them around from one location to another.
Pockets. Bags. Drawers or lockers.
We also usually take our AirPods case with us in public places.
So it’s inevitable that it becomes really dirty over time. And that’s especially true with the charging case’s Lightning port.
And a debris-filled Lightning port will, more often than not, prevent a case from charging.
So take time to clean your charging case periodically.
Here’s a simple step to clean the Lightning port. You’ll need a plastic cotton swab for this one.
- Cut the cotton swab in half at an angle. The goal is to make the tip sharp.
- Using the tip, scrape away the dirt on the Lightning port.
Make sure that you do it gently, though. You wouldn’t want to damage the port.
You may also clean the insides of the case. Particularly the slots for the AirPods.
For the slots, use a lint-free cloth or a tissue. Roll it so that it fits the slots. And gently move the cloth or tissue around.
You may also check out this video for other ways to clean your AirPods and their case:
#7: Reset your AirPods
Right now, you may be struggling to charge your AirPods’ case.
But assuming the charging case and the AirDrops themselves still have enough battery.
You can try to perform a reset. This is another Apple-recommended troubleshooting step for AirPods cases that won’t charge.
Here’s how you can do it:
- Put your AirPods back in the charging case then shut the lid.
- Wait for about half a minute before opening the lid again.
- On the device paired with your AirPods, go to Settings.
- Look for Bluetooth and tap it.
- When you see your AirPods, press the More Info Button.
- Tap Forget this Device 2 times.
- Open the lid of the charging case.
- Press and hold the back button of the charging case. Do this for about 15 seconds. You should see an amber light flashing. Wait for the light to turn to white.
- Once the light flashes white, it means your AirPods are ready to reconnect. Place it close to your device. Follow the prompt that you’ll see on your device to reconnect.
#8: Completely drain the case’s battery before charging
Ideally, for any electronic device with rechargeable batteries…
You shouldn’t wait until it’s the batteries are completely drained before charging. That’s bad practice.
However, there’s been some reports from various AirPods users.
When their AirPods’ case didn’t charge?
They completely drained the batteries. Down to zero.
And then they tried to charge the case. And it worked.
This is likely similar to the usual power cycle we do with other devices. Where we switch it off and then turn it back on.
So while this isn’t a commonly used troubleshooting step, it wouldn’t hurt to give it a shot one time.
Try to totally drain your charging case’s batteries first. And then try to charge it.
It may very well do the trick for you.
#9: Leave the AirPods case charging overnight
This is another unusual solution that has worked for some.
When you’ve checked the connections. You know the Lightning cable isn’t the problem. And you’ve cleaned the case.
And it’s still not charging?
Just leave it plugged into the power source overnight.
You can sleep well knowing that Apple devices have safeguards.
Even if the AirPods case eventually begins charging at any point while you’re sleeping. It has a built-in mechanism where it won’t overcharge.
Bonus: Visit an Apple Service Center for a replacement
After you’ve done everything.
And the case of your AirPods still won’t charge.
Then the device itself is likely defective. The batteries, in particular, are likely no longer functional.
So it’s best to take your charging case to your nearby Apple Service Center.
“So will Apple replace my charging case’s batteries?”
Well, not quite.
You see, AirPods and their charging cases are designed differently.
They’re built in a way that it’s almost impossible to remove the batteries. At least not without destroying the actual device.
So, no. It’s not a simple case of removing your case’s batteries. Then replacing with new ones.
What Apple offers is essentially a swap. They’ll replace your defective case with a refurbished one.
“And how much would that cost me?”
That depends.
Did you happen to purchase AppleCare+ for Headphones along with your AirPods?
If you did, a charging case replacement would cost you $29.
If you didn’t, you’ll have to shell out $59.
A bit pricey, I know.
But if using AirPods helps you get through your daily activities?
Getting a replacement charger is well worth it.
People also ask:
Why is my AirPods case not charging to 100?
Your AirPods case is not charging to 100 because of battery deterioration. This is a result of the usual wear and tear. Since the case’s batteries aren’t replaceable, your best option is to purchase a replacement case.
Apple products use lithium-ion batteries.
These are the types of batteries that are ideal for multiple recharge. But they’re also prone to deteriorate. Especially when used and recharged often.
Eventually, their capacity to hold charge shrinks. Where they’ll no longer be able to hold a 100 percent charge.
If you have an iPhone or other Apple devices, you’ll also be able to notice this same behavior with their batteries.
Caring for your AirPods’ batteries
We’d all like to prolong the lifespan of our AirPods and their charging case.
They’re not exactly cheap. So we want to hold on to them as long as possible.
One of the best ways to do that is to take care of their batteries.
And here are a couple of tips you can do to accomplish that.
Tip #1: Don’t wait until your charging case’s batteries are zero before charging
The reason for that?
It’s a strain for the batteries to have to go from 0 to 100, and back, all the time.
Ideally, you shouldn’t wait until your case’s battery level is below 20 percent before charging.
And you also don’t really need to aim for a full 100 percent charge for your AirPods case.
Somewhere around high 80 to low 90 percent should be enough. You should be able to charge your AirPods 3 to 4 times with that.
Tip #2: Don’t play with your AirPods charging case’s lid
Sometimes we couldn’t help it.
It’s kind of fun to fidget with the charging case’s lid. Where you open and close it repeatedly.
But it’s definitely not good for the case’s batteries.
You see, opening the case’s lid immediately activates its Bluetooth function. Which requires battery usage.
So doing it rapidly. Multiple times. Will wear out the batteries.
You might also want to check out: How Many Years Do AirPods Last? 5 Vital Tips