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AirPod case not charging: 5 pro-tips to solve the problem

By Steven, on July 21, 2023, updated on July 22, 2023 - 4 min read

Ever put your AirPods back in their case only to find that it’s not charging? Worry no more!

In this article, Debugbar will walk you through several pro tips and tricks to fix your charging issue and make sure you always stay connected.

#1: Quick connection fix: remove and reinsert your AirPods

The good old ‘turn it off and on again‘ trick—sometimes, that’s all it takes!

To ensure a proper connection:

  1. Take both AirPods out of the case
  2. Put them back in
  3. Close the lid, and open it again

Listen for a magnetic snap when placing the AirPods into the case to ensure they’re seated correctly.

To confirm if your AirPods are charging, use another device like your iPhone or iPad to check the battery level or ask Siri if you’re using an Apple device.

Owners of Android devices (like Samsung Galaxy) can opt for a third-party application like AirBattery to find out the charge level of their AirPods.

If this step doesn’t work, don’t give up yet—try it once or twice more before moving on to other troubleshooting methods. Don’t be afraid to transition to our next tip if this one doesn’t do the trick!

airpods case

#2: Restore clean contacts: properly clean your AirPods and charging case

Sometimes, dirt and grime can interfere with your AirPods and case’s charging ability. To clean your AirPods safely and effectively, follow these steps:

  1. Remove the AirPods from their case.
  2. Check for any debris inside or outside the case, as well as on the AirPods themselves. Dirt or foreign objects can disrupt proper charging connections.
  3. Use a clean, dry cloth to gently wipe the charging connectors on the bottom of the case and the silver contact points on the AirPods’ stems.
  4. For stubborn dirt, use alcohol and a cotton swab to clean the contacts, being sure to let them dry before trying to charge again.
  5. When both wireless and wired cases have lightning charging ports, ensure they’re free of dust and debris by using a clean toothbrush or soft-bristled brush to remove dirt.
  6. Double-check that the AirPods case is properly aligned to ensure secure contact between your AirPods and the case.

Once everything is clean, reinsert your AirPods into the case and try charging them again.

#3: Software savvy: reset and update your AirPods firmware

Occasionally, software issues may prevent your AirPods case from charging.

To rule out these concerns, it is essential to reset your AirPods, update the firmware, and check for any performance bugs.

First, reset your AirPods by following these steps:

  1. Remove the AirPods from the Bluetooth settings on your device.
  2. Place the AirPods in their case and close the lid.
  3. After 30 seconds, open the case lid.
  4. Press and hold the button on the back of the case until the LED starts flashing white.
  5. Pair your AirPods with your device (iPhone, iPad, etc.) again.

Next, check if you have the latest firmware version for your AirPods:

  1. Put your AirPods in the case.
  2. Connect the charging case to an electrical outlet using a Lightning cable (USB).
  3. Make sure your iPhone or iPad has an internet connection and place it close to the charging case.
  4. After approximately 15 minutes, any available firmware updates should be automatically installed.

Now that you’ve updated your AirPods firmware, reinsert them into their case and see if they start charging normally. If not, there might be a problem with the AirPods case itself.

airpodscase 1

#4: Power source probing: test different charging cables, mats, and outlets

Faulty charging equipment or power sources can be a common issue when your AirPods case isn’t charging. To identify and solve these problems, consider trying the following tips:

  1. Swap out the charging USB cable with another Lightning cable that you know is working. 
  2. Similarly, if you’re using a wireless charging pad, test another one (if available) to ensure the problem isn’t with the pad itself.
  3. Check whether the wall outlet or power strip you’re using is functioning correctly by plugging your charger into a different one.
  4. Inspect your charging equipment for signs of damage or wear, as frayed cables or cracked connections may affect charging capabilities.

By testing different charging components and power sources, you will be better able to pinpoint any issues and either replace faulty equipment or continue troubleshooting if necessary.

#5: Let the experts handle it: seek professional help from Apple Store

If you’ve tried all the above methods and your AirPods case still refuses to charge, it might be time to take a trip to the Apple Store.

Here are some points to consider when seeking professional assistance:

  1. Apple technicians can diagnose and fix common charging problems, or even replace your case if necessary.
  2. Check if your AirPods are still under warranty, as you may receive a new replacement or have them repaired free of cost.
  3. If repairing is not possible, consider sending your earphones for repair as an economical alternative to buying new ones.
  4. In addition to in-store visits, contact Apple Customer Support for further guidance and troubleshooting options.

While visiting the Apple Store, don’t forget to ask for tips on how to keep your AirPods functioning correctly in the future.

General advice may include keeping your AirPods and case clean, avoiding bending or squeezing them too much, storing them with care, and ensuring no foreign objects make their way into the charging lightning port.

AirPods charging woes, be gone! Recapping the essentials

In summary, here’s a recap of our top tips for fixing an uncooperative AirPod case:

  • Remove and reinsert your AirPods in the case.
  • Clean both the AirPods and charging case.
  • Reset and update your AirPods firmware.
  • Try different charging cables, mats, and power outlets.
  • Visit an Apple Store for professional assistance.

No more charging woes! With these pro tips at hand, you will never have to worry about an unresponsive AirPods case again.

So go ahead, give these solutions a try, and stay connected with your favorite tunes and calls round-the-clock!

Steven