Having issues getting your AirPods to charge? Don’t worry – this is a common problem that can often be easily resolved with a few troubleshooting steps. Here are some things to try if your AirPods won’t charge:
Clean the Charging Contacts
Dirt and debris on the charging contacts can prevent your AirPods from making a proper connection to charge. Use a cotton swab or soft-bristled toothbrush to gently clean the contacts on the bottom of the AirPods and inside the charging case. Remove any lint or gunk that has built up. This simple cleaning can get rid of anything blocking the electrical connection and allow your AirPods to charge again.
Reset Your AirPods
Resetting your AirPods essentially forgets any previous Bluetooth connections and can clear up underlying software issues preventing charging. To reset:
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Open the lid of the AirPods case and press and hold the setup button on the back until the light starts flashing white.
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Wait for the light to flash amber, indicating the AirPods have been reset.
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Re-pair the AirPods with your device and see if charging works properly again.
Resetting gives the AirPods a fresh start and often resolves quirky software problems.
Try a Different Charging Cable
The issue may not be with your AirPods at all – it could be the Lightning cable you’re using. Try charging your AirPods with a different Lightning cable to rule out a bad cable. Make sure to use an official Apple Lightning cable for the best compatibility.
Also inspect your cable for any frays, bends, or damage that could prevent it from charging effectively. A damaged third-party cable could be the culprit behind your charging woes.
Update Your iPhone Software
Outdated iPhone software can sometimes cause connection issues with AirPods and other Bluetooth devices. Updating your iPhone to the latest iOS version ensures compatibility with your AirPods and might fix charging problems.
To update, go to Settings > General > Software Update on your iPhone and install the latest iOS update. This will provide your iPhone with any bug fixes or improvements needed for properly charging AirPods.
Try a Different Charger
It’s not just your cable – the charger itself could also be malfunctioning and unable to provide sufficient power to your AirPods case. Use a different wall charger or computer USB port and see if that helps charge your AirPods as expected.
I recommend testing with the charger that came with your iPhone for optimal performance. Third-party chargers sometimes don’t provide enough power for AirPods.
Check for Case Damage
Take a close look at your AirPods case for any signs of damage – cracks, dents, or holes can prevent proper charging. For example, if the metal contacts inside the case are bent, they might not make good contact with the AirPods.
Severe case damage may require replacement of the case – you can contact Apple Support to determine if a repair or replacement is necessary.
Update AirPods Firmware
Apple periodically releases firmware updates for AirPods that fix bugs and improve performance. Make sure your AirPods are updated to the latest firmware version so any charging bugs can be addressed:
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With your paired iPhone nearby, open the AirPods case next to your phone and connect the AirPods.
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The firmware will automatically update if a new version is available. You’ll see the light on your AirPods case flash during the update process.
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Check Settings > General > About > AirPods on your iPhone to confirm the firmware version after updating.
Keeping your AirPods firmware up-to-date ensures the best charging experience and compatibility.
Contact Apple Support
If you’ve tried all troubleshooting steps and your AirPods still won’t charge, your last resort may be contacting Apple Support. They can run diagnostics, test different solutions, and determine if your AirPods require service or replacement under warranty.
I recommend having your AirPods info and proof of purchase on hand before contacting support. With their help, you can hopefully get your charging issues resolved once and for all.
The key is to not panic and systematically try different solutions. In most cases, AirPods charging problems can be fixed with simple cleaning, resetting, using new cables, or updating software and firmware. But if all else fails, Apple Support can provide assistance to get your AirPods back up and running. With a little diligent troubleshooting, your wireless listening experience will be restored in no time.
