“Argh! My right AirPod isn’t charging in the case. What should I do?”
That can happen for various reasons.
But fortunately, fixing it requires little to no effort at all…
That even a non-techie person can easily and confidently do it.
Wanna learn how to resolve it? Well, then…
Continue reading to know:
- 11 ways to fix a right AirPod that isn’t charging.
- How to reset an Apple AirPods to fix charging issues.
- Common reasons why your right AirPod won’t charge.
- What tools you can use to clean the AirPods’ charging contacts.
- And a lot more…
Why is my right AirPod not charging?
Your right AirPod isn’t charging because its charging contacts can’t connect and communicate properly. It can also happen if the Charging Case has a critically low battery. Or if you’re using a non-Apple charging cable. Pairing issues due to software glitches and hardware errors are likely as well.
Right AirPod not charging: 11 fixes
#1: Reinsert the AirPods
If the right AirPod isn’t charging in the case…
The first and easiest troubleshooting method you can do is to reinsert your AirPod.
The reason:
Your AirPods recharge in the case using charging contacts.
These are the small 4 silver metallic parts on your device. And you can find one each on the:
- Bottom-tip of the left AirPod.
- Bottom-tip of the right AirPod.
- Left AirPod charging case slot.
- Right AirPod charging case slot.
If your right AirPod charging contact can’t properly “touch” the contact on the charging case…
It’ll not recharge and store battery power.
So, try to reinsert it again.
Just pull out the right AirPod from the case. Then, put it back in.
“How would I know if my right AirPod is already charging?”
You can check its battery level on your connected iPhone or Mac device.
#2: Gently press the AirPod into the case
Suppose simply reinserting the right AirPod didn’t work…
Try redoing it. But this time, gently press the AirPod into the case.
Warning: Make sure to push the AirPod very gently. As doing it hard can dent and damage the charging contacts. And so cause the AirPod not to work anymore.
Doing so can help the charging contact on the right AirPod to “reach” the contact on the Charging Case.
Plus, it’s a great way to fix the problem in case there’s a minimal hardware issue with your device.
If it still doesn’t work…
Try to wiggle the AirPod a little while it’s in the charging slot. Do this until you see any signs of the device charging.
#3: Remove the AirPods’ rubber tip
Does your pair of AirPods have rubber tips?
If yes, consider removing them for a while.
Why?
Sometimes, the rubber tip on your AirPod can cause it to get stuck. Causing your AirPod not to be fully inserted into its charging slot.
When that happens, your right AirPod may either:
- Not charge at all.
- Receive limited or less charge.
That being said, try removing it every time you’d charge your AirPods on the Charging Case.
Suppose the ear tip has damage, such as torn or bent rubber…
Make sure to replace it. As that can also be causing your AirPod not to charge.
#4: Fully charge the Charging Case
You may also try recharging your Charging Case.
As sometimes, your AirPod won’t be able to receive a charge from it if the case has a critically low battery level.
Note: 10% is considered a “critically low battery level” for AirPods Charging Case.
Depending on your AirPods model, there are 2 ways to charge your device:
- Putting it on a wireless charging pad.
- Plugging it into a power source using a charging cable.
“How would I know if my AirPods Charging Case is fully charged?”
It’s fully charged once the LED indicator light has turned from amber to green.
You may also look into your connected iPhone’s Batteries widget.
Suppose you have a MagSafe Charging Case or Wireless Charging Case. The indicator light is at the front of the case, right under the lid.
But if you have a Regular Charging Case, the indicator light is inside the case. In between the AirPods’ charging slots.
You may also wonder: Why does my AirPod battery drain when not in use?
#5: Use Apple-brand charging cable and pad
If you’re using a wired connection to recharge your AirPods Charging case…
Make sure to use an Apple-certified Lightning cable.
Or, if you’re using a wireless charging pad…
Get an Apple-certified MagSafe Charger or MagSafe Duo Charger.
The reason:
Apple products have special technologies that work only with other Apple products.
That’s why sometimes your Apple devices don’t work when used with third-party accessories.
#6: Replace the charging cable or pad
Over time, your charging cable or pad can wear out due to old age or excessive use.
And so, fail to recharge your AirPods and AirPods Charging Case.
When that happens, replace your Lightning cable and MagSafe Charger.
Here’s how to know if your charging device is worn out or damaged:
- If it fails to charge other Apple devices.
- If it has rust, exposed wiring, or dent marks.
#7: Clean the charging contacts
How long have you been using your AirPods? And when was the last time you cleaned it?
If your right AirPod isn’t charging…
Check whether there is grime or gunk on the charging contacts. As they can cause the charging contacts not to communicate properly.
And if it does, clean the charging contacts of your AirPods and Charging Case.
Here are the things you should prepare:
Warning: Don’t use water or harsh cleaning materials when cleaning the AirPods.
Although alcohol is listed above, it’d only be used to clean the charging contacts.
Now, for the actual process…
Step 1: Remove the AirPods from the Charging Case.
Step 2: Use the microfiber cloth to wipe clean the charging contacts on the AirPods.
You should only use a microfiber cloth or other similar materials to clean them. As to avoid creating scratches on the contacts.
Step 3: Grab one cotton bud. And pour a little amount of Isopropyl alcohol on it.
Step 4: Use it to clean the inside of the AirPods’ charging slots. And the charging contacts of the Charging Case.
Step 5: Let it air dry for a few minutes. Or grab another cotton bud to dry the charging slots and contacts.
#8: Drain the batteries of both AirPods
If cleaning the charging contacts didn’t resolve anything…
Drain the batteries of both the left and right AirPods.
Why?
Draining the batteries and recharging both AirPods from 0% may help them to charge evenly.
Follow these instructions:
Step 1: Use both your Airpods until the right pair has drained its battery.
Connect your AirPods to your Apple device and play any song playlist you like.
Step 2: Once the right AirPod has drained its battery, leave it outside the Charging Case.
Step 3: Continue playing music on your left AirPod until its battery has drained.
Step 4: Check your iPhone’s Batteries widget to see the battery level of the AirPods.
Step 5: Once they’re both at 0%, put them back into the Charging Case. Make sure that the Charging Case has enough charge.
Step 6: Let the AirPods recharge.
Step 7: Then, monitor their battery levels on your iPhone device.
Check out: 5 Reasons Why Your AirPods Are Dying So Fast + Fixes
#9: Charge the device overnight
Suppose the right AirPod isn’t charging. Or its battery level is stuck at a certain percentage…
Continue charging your AirPods inside the Charging Case overnight.
Note: For best results, charge both your devices simultaneously.
To do that:
Step 1: Place the AirPods inside the Charging Case.
Make sure that they’re charging. The Charging Case LED indicator light glows in amber.
Step 2: Charge your Charging Case. Either using a Lightning cable or Magafe Charger.
Since you’re charging it overnight…
I suggest that you recharge it using a Lightning cable. That way, you can ensure interrupted charging since it’s plugged into a power source.
“Should I remove it from charge once the indicator light turns green?”
No. Since this method aims to somehow “force charge” your right AirPod.
Just let your devices charge overnight. And see if it improves anything.
#10: Reset the AirPods
Still didn’t work?
This time, try to re-pair your AirPods with your connected device. And then reset it after.
Doing this may help refresh your AirPods system. And resolve any connectivity issues.
Warning: A reset disconnects your AirPods from your connected devices. So, make sure to do this as your last troubleshooting option.
Step-by-step guide on how to reset Apple AirPods
Step 1: Place your AirPods in the Charging Case.
Step 2: Close the Charging Case lid.
Step 3: Wait for about 30 seconds. Doing this ensures that your AirPods are connected to your Charging Case.
Step 4: Grab your connected Apple device (e.g., iPhone, iPad, etc.).
Step 5: Access its Bluetooth settings. Just go to Settings, then select “Bluetooth.”
Step 6: Search for your AirPods on the Bluetooth device list.
Step 7: Once you’ve found it, tap the “i” icon next to it.
Step 7: On the pop-up page, click “Forget This Device.” Then, click it again to confirm.
Step 8: Open the lid of the Charging Case.
Step 9: Press and hold the SETUP button of the Charging Case for 15 seconds. It’s the only button at the back of the device.
Doing this should turn the LED indicator light from amber to white. This indicates that the AirPods are in “pairing mode” and searching for a device.
Step 10: Move your AirPods Charging Case next to your connected device.
Step 11: Wait for your Apple device to detect your AirPods.
Step 12: On your Apple device screen, press “Connect.”
This will turn the LED indicator light to blink for a few seconds. Then, turn solid white to indicate that your devices are now connected.
Step 13: Follow the on-screen prompts.
Step 14: Then, press “Done” to confirm your action.
You can also watch this video to learn how to connect your AirPods to your iOS or Android smartphone:
#11: Contact Apple support for replacement
If all things fail, contact Apple support for assistance or product replacement.
Supposedly, fixing the right AirPod that isn’t charging should be easy.
But if you’ve tried everything already, and nothing has worked…
Your AirPods may have hardware issues.
That’s why you must contact Apple support to get proper and professional help.
Before calling, make sure to prepare your:
- Warranty information.
- AirPods serial number.
- AirPods model number.