Why Does My AirPod Battery Drain When Not In Use?

“What? My AirPods died already? But I haven’t used this in a week!”

No more pesky wires – your AirPods are quite reliable, to say the least.

They are designed to automatically charge. With its case holding a lot of their power.

But what if you only sometimes use them. And their battery runs out too quickly?

This is no mystery. It’s a problem many users face.

Don’t worry. You can fix this in seconds!

So why does your AirPods battery drain even when not in use?

Why does my AirPod battery drain when not in use?

Your AirPod battery drains when not in use because it isn’t placed in its case. Also, your phone’s or computer’s Bluetooth is still turned on even after use. Or the charging case has a low battery. And your AirPods are deteriorating due to age or exposure to heat.

AirPods battery drain when not in use: 5 reasons

#1: Your AirPods are out of its case

The AirPods case is your AirPods’ humble abode. It’s where they relax and refresh. Before you start using them again.

However, you may miss taking your AirPods back home. Because you were too tired dancing to your favorite album on repeat.

If you’re in the habit of not returning your AirPods to where they belong…

They don’t have the chance to recharge their batteries. So their power continues draining.

Also, they go in a low-power state. But their sensors remain active.

This means that it continues to search for your device. And your ears. Even when your phone’s Bluetooth is off.

Reading recommendation: Do Wireless Headphones Last Longer Than Wired? 5 Scenarios

#2: Your device’s Bluetooth is turned on

Your AirPods communicate with your phone or computer through Bluetooth.

Take the AirPods out of their case – then, they automatically search for a nearby connection.

No matter if your device is far away. It pairs with it in a flash.

And even if you’re on the move, your favorite podcast doesn’t end!

Bluetooth can work effectively from 33 ft (10 m) to as far as 328 ft (100m).

Of course, this all depends on your device. And any obstacles that may disrupt the connection.

Though Bluetooth transmission consumes less energy than Wi-Fi. It can still drain your AirPods battery.

When Bluetooth is on, the AirPods have to keep the connection steady. And to be ready when you press play again.

The Bluetooth connection won’t stop unless you manually deactivate it.

#3: The AirPods case has low battery

Your AirPods case is actually the magician behind all the awesomeness in using AirPods.

Without it, your AirPods would have to be plugged in a socket every day!

The case not only charges your AirPods at rest. But it also keeps it safe. From dropping and getting scratched and damaged.

It has an internal battery. And it needs your attention. Because it does run out eventually after every charge.

There are 3 types of AirPods cases, which are:

Regular Charging Case.
Wireless Charging Case.
MagSafe Charging Case.

All 3 types charge and function the same way.

Your AirPods case will tell you if it needs charging. Just look at its status light. It’s usually found in front or inside the case.

#4: Your AirPods and the case are getting old

Technology moves so fast that new models are rolled out in a blink.

This means that your devices also get outdated in time.

The hardware eventually declines. The same thing happens to your AirPods.

The battery ages after every use and charge. This is also the part of the device that deteriorates the fastest.

It can’t be avoided. But taking good care of your AirPods and case can extend its two-year lifespan.

Check out: 11 Reasons Why Your AirPods Are So Quiet + Fixes

#5: Your AirPods are exposed to heat

Yes, it’s not just you who doesn’t like the hot weather. Your AirPods hate it too!

Your AirPods operate on lithium-ion batteries. This type of battery gets damaged when exposed to heat.

Although you may notice that devices sometimes heat up when charging.

Above regular room temperatures can affect your AirPods performance. This can be caused by leaving your AirPods in your car. Or exposing it to the sun.

AirPods battery drain when not in use: 5 tips

#1: Put the AirPods in its case after using

The AirPods case is pretty handy, so make good use of it!

When you’re done using your AirPods, place them inside the case.

Putting them back in the case allows your AirPods to charge automatically.

This drastically increases your listening time to 24-30 hours. Or 20 hours of talking time.

In a single charge, your AirPods can play music for 5-6 hours. And accommodate calls for up to 4 hours.

See how it significantly gives you more time to enjoy your AirPods?

“When should I charge my AirPods?”

Warning: Avoid draining your AirPods to 0% as this can damage the battery.

It’s recommended to charge your AirPods in its case at 10-20% battery level.

The 2 ways to know your AirPods battery level are:

On your iPhone or iPad.
Hearing a sound notification.

On your device, you’ll get 3 notifications when your AirPods battery is running out. It pings at 20%, 10%, and 5% remaining.

Also, you’ll hear a sound in your AirPods. This tone comes up when the battery is at 10%. And a second time before it shuts down.

“Can I turn off my AirPods when it’s not in the case?”

There’s no external off switch for your AirPods. That’s why it keeps running when kept out of its case.

Its Bluetooth connection and other processes stop when put inside.

#2: Turn off your device’s Bluetooth

Though Bluetooth connections use more power when you’re listening to something.

Just having your AirPods still connected can consume energy.

Done using your AirPods? Switch off Bluetooth on your iPhone or iPad.

“How do I turn off Bluetooth on my Apple devices?”

There are three ways to do turn off Bluetooth:

Asking Siri.
Using Settings.
Through the Control Center.

To ask Siri to turn off Bluetooth:

Say “Hey Siri”.
Wait for Siri to confirm.
Follow up by saying, “Turn off Bluetooth”.

To turn off Bluetooth using Settings:

Open Settings.
Choose Bluetooth.
Toggle the switch to turn it off.

To turn off Bluetooth through the Control Center:

Open the Control Center. For some models, you need to swipe up. For others, swipe down.
Tap the Bluetooth icon.

#3: Charge your AirPods case

Connect your AirPods case to a charger or a Qi-certified charging mat. Especially when the status light shows a weak battery.

Your AirPods come with a Lightning cable for charging.

An amber status light means your AirPods case has one charge left.

When charging, the status light shines for 8 seconds. A green light means fully charged.

You can check the battery level of your AirPods case using your Apple device.

To see the battery level:

Open the lid of the AirPods case.
Put it close to your Apple device.
Wait for a few seconds.
The battery level will appear.

#4: Switch off Automatic Ear Detection

Your AirPods have efficient sensors. These allow your AirPods to start Automatic Ear Detection.

Automatic Ear Detection senses when you take off the AirPods from your ears. Then, it automatically switches playing to your device’s speakers.

However, this feature does consume a lot of energy. Even if your AirPods are stationary.

To disable Automatic Ear Detection:

Open Settings on your device.
Press Bluetooth.
Choose your AirPods.
Toggle Automatic Ear Detection to Off.

These would surely save some extra power!

#5: Disable the Double-tap command

Another awesome thing those sensors could do?

Your AirPods have the Double-tap command. This means tapping on them twice can pause or skip songs. Or you can even adjust its functions too. Based on your preferences.

But this feature can also drain your AirPods battery. Even when you’re not using them. Since your AirPods will always be ready to get your request.

To disable the Double-tap command:

Open Settings on your device.
Press Bluetooth.
Look for your AirPods in the list. Tap the info button.
Under Double-Tap, choose Left.
Tap Off. Then, select the back arrow at the top.
Choose Right.
Tap Off.

Bonus: Reset your AirPods

Resetting your AirPods should already be your last option. It may fix a few bugs. Improving your AirPods performance.

This process deletes all its connection info from your device.

Step 1: Put the AirPods in the case. Close the lid.

Step 2: Wait for 30 seconds. Open the lid.

Step 3: On your device, go to Settings, then Bluetooth. Tap the info button next to your Airpods.

Step 4: Choose Forget this Device. Click Confirm.

Step 5: Open the case’s lid. Look for the button on the back of the case. Hold it until the status light becomes amber to white.

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