AirPods Case Not Charging? 7 Quick Fixes That Actually Work

Many AirPods users face the frustrating issue of their case not charging or one AirPod refusing to power up. Luckily, most of the time the problem is minor—caused by dirty contacts, a faulty cable, or a software glitch. Let’s go through the most effective fixes.

1. Make Sure They’re Properly Placed

It may sound obvious, but first check that both AirPods are actually in the case. You should feel a magnetic click when they connect. If the lid doesn’t close or an AirPod sits loosely, remove and reinsert it.

2. Clean the Contacts

Dust, lint, or pocket dirt often blocks charging. Use a soft dry cloth or a slightly damp cotton swab to clean:

• The silver tips of the AirPods
• The charging pins inside the case
• The Lightning/USB-C port at the bottom of the case

Avoid liquids or sharp objects, as they can damage the connectors.

3. Check Your Charger and Cable

A huge number of charging issues come from faulty accessories:

• Try a different Lightning/USB-C cable
• Use a certified Apple power adapter
• If charging wirelessly, test a wired connection to rule out base misalignment

Tip: Plug the cable firmly in, wait a few seconds, and check if the status light comes on.

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4. Verify Charging Status on iPhone

With your AirPods case connected to power, open the lid near your iPhone. A pop-up should show the battery percentage of both AirPods and the case. Look for the lightning bolt symbol next to the case’s battery. If it’s missing, charging isn’t happening.

5. Update and Reset Your AirPods

Outdated firmware can sometimes cause charging glitches. Keep your AirPods updated automatically when paired with an iPhone.

If that doesn’t help, try a reset:

• Hold the setup button on the back of the case for ~15 seconds
• Wait for the LED to flash amber, then white
• Reconnect them to your iPhone

6. When One AirPod Won’t Charge

If only one AirPod isn’t charging:

• Clean both the AirPod tip and the case slot carefully
• Switch the earbuds between slots to test if the problem follows the earbud or stays with the case

7. When Nothing Works

If your AirPods or case still won’t charge:

• Test with another cable, adapter, and wall outlet to rule out power issues
• If under warranty, contact Apple Support for a free replacement
• If out of warranty, Apple or third-party repair shops can replace the case or battery for a fee

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Quick Check:

• Green light = fully charged
• Amber light = charging in progress
• No light = not charging

Final Thoughts

Most AirPods charging problems come from dirty connectors or faulty charging cables, both of which are easy fixes. If you’ve cleaned everything, updated firmware, and tested multiple chargers but the case still won’t charge, it’s likely a hardware fault—and contacting Apple is the best next step.