An AirPods case not charging could very well mean the end of the world – or at least a terrible day – for some folks. If your AirPods case is not charging, it takes away the spice of having AirPods in the first place. Either the AirPods won’t charge either, or they will, but you won’t be able to recharge them with the case easily, and that sucks.
This article is the best start for those who want to know the best fixes for AirPods and AirPods cases. It contains excellent fixes to try, causes for the issue, how to fix some other common problems and how to check battery life or charging status. Sit tight!
How Do I Know If My AirPods Are Charging?
If your AirPods are in the case and it displays a red or amber light, it means the AirPods are charging in the case. The light will go OFF after a few seconds – to check that the AirPods are still charging, you can open the case of the lid. If it displays red or amber, it’s still charging the AirPods. If it indicates green instead, it means the AirPods are fully charged. For AirPods Pro, you can check the status light by tapping on the case.
Alternatively, you can put the case close to your phone and open the lid. The battery levels for both the case and AirPods will pop up on your screen. If you see the lightning icon next to the battery icon, it means it’s charging. You can also add the battery widget to your home screen or ask Siri about the battery levels of the AirPods.
Why Is My Airpods Case Not Charging?
If your AirPods case is not charging, it could be because of some dirt or debris stuck in the charging port. For example, when you carry your AirPods case in your pocket or bottom of your bag, dirt, lint, or debris can get stuck in the charging port, blocking the cable from making a proper connection.
Here are some other causes of the AirPods case not charging issue:
Power Source or Cable
The power source or cable you use when charging your AirPods case could cause the issue. If the power source is not getting enough power, it cannot supply enough power to initiate a charge – or at least a proper one. Also, if the cable used is faulty or counterfeit, it could stop charging without warning.
Battery
If you’ve used the AirPods for very long, the case battery might’ve worn out, gotten damaged, or faulty. Years of use could also tell on the AirPods regarding battery life, sound quality, and appearance.
Software or Firmware Bug
Another reason for this issue is bugs. There might be bugs in the software or firmware of the case. It could also just be a missing update. This issue can be fixed with a reset on the case and AirPods or a firmware update.
AirPods Case Not Charging? – Working Fixes for AirPods and AirPods Pro
To fix AirPods case not charging, you can try to clean it. First, clean the case with a clean, soft, lint-free cloth. Next, use a cotton swab to gently clean the inside of the case where the AirPods sit. You can dampen the cloth or swab in alcohol, hearing aid solution, or water. Ensure to use as little liquid as possible. Then use an anti-static brush or new toothbrush to clear out whatever might be stuck in the charging port.
Alternatively, you can choose the grosser but more practical option – you can suck out the dirt from the charging port. Before doing this, remember to put a thin, clean cloth over the port to protect your mouth from what might be sucked out.
Fix 2: Switch Cables or Power Source
If the issue is caused by the cable or power source used, you can confirm or fix it using another cable. Preferably an original and certified one. You can also change the power source, switch to charging the case with a wireless pad or switch to a wall socket instead of an extension/USB port. You can test the cables, power source, and wireless pad with other devices to ensure the problem isn’t coming from the case itself.
If these don’t work, you can flip over the end of the cable and try again. When using a wireless pad, ensure the case is placed correctly with the status light pointing up.
Fix 3: Connection
If you are charging the case with a lightning cable, it is essential to note that the cable needs to be correctly connected for the case to charge. First-time users might be unaware that the cable needs a slight push and a click to ensure a proper connection. You should also check the power adapter or USB end to ensure it is correctly plugged into a source.
Fix 4: Reset
Resetting the AirPods case might fix the issue by returning it to its default state, thereby removing anything that might be tampering with it. To reset your AirPods and the case:
- Put the AirPods in the case, close the lid
- Wait 30 seconds and open the lid again
- Go to Settings >> Bluetooth
- Tap the i next to the name of your AirPods, then tap Forget This Device>Forget device
- Confirm that the AirPods is no longer on the list
- Then, with the lid still open, press and hold the Setup Button at the back of the case until the light on the front blinks amber and then white – this should be about 15 seconds
- Once done, try charging the case again
Fix 5: Battery
After years of use, the battery of the AirPods case could be worn out, faulty, or damaged. This can easily be fixed by getting a battery replacement from a certified Apple service center.
Fix 6: AirPods
It might sound funny, but the AirPods themselves could be the thing stopping the case from charging. You can try taking out the AirPods and charging the case alone. This would direct the power at the case alone, and it might fix the issue.

Fix 7: Update Firmware
The firmware or software of your AirPods could have bugs or be outdated. Hence, updating it might solve the problem. To update your AirPods:
- Put both AirPods in the case and connect it to the charger
- Bring the device connected to the AirPods next to the case – this should start up the update automatically
- To confirm or check the update status, go to Settings>General>About>AirPods
- Here, you can check the firmware and update the AirPods
Fix 8: Remove Cover
The protective cover used for the case might disturb the connection between the charging port and the cable or affect power transmission when using a wireless charger. You can try removing the cover before charging the case.
AirPods Pro Case Not Charging and No Light? Contact Apple support
If your AirPods pro case is not charging or displaying any status light, we recommend trying out the suggested fixes. If none works, you should contact Apple support or visit a nearby apple store to get it fixed or get a replacement case.
AirPods Case Not Charging To 100%? Top Tips to Fix
To fix an AirPods case not charging to 100, you can try putting the AirPods in the case while it charges or plug it directly into a wall socket rather than an extension. If you use a third-party cable or adapter, try switching to an Apple cable and adapter. It can also be the particular cable or adapter you’re using – Apple or not – you can try using other ones. The issue could be from a short circuit in the adapter stopping it from charging the case to 100.
Fix 2: Update
Alternatively, you can try updating the firmware. To do this:
- Put both AirPods in the case and connect them to the charger
- Bring the device connected to the AirPods next to the case – this should start up the update automatically
- To confirm or check the update status, go to Settings >> General >> About >> AirPods
- Here, you can check the firmware and update the AirPods
Fix 3: Reset
Another fix you can try is performing a reset. You can do this without the AirPods in, but if it does not work, try putting the AirPods in and resetting again. To reset:
- Press and hold the Setup Button at the back of the case for about 15 seconds
- Release the button when the status light blinks amber and then white
- Once done, try charging the case again
If none of these fixes work, here are a few other things to try:
- Replace the battery
- Contact Apple support for a replacement or fix
- If the case is plugged into a wall socket, plug it into a computer instead, and vice versa
- Unplug, wait a few seconds and plug again. Repeat this a few times
Airpods Not Holding Charge? Tips For Fixing
If your AirPods are not holding a charge, you can try performing a reset, cleaning the AirPods and case, trying out another cable or adaptor, or charging the AirPods and case. If none of these work, you can try other fixes mentioned above, and if they don’t work, you might need to visit the nearest apple store for a fix or replacement.
Airpods Case Not Charging But Shows Orange Light? What It Means
If your AirPods case is not charging but is flashing orange or amber light, there is a problem. You can try doing a reset to get it back to normal.
To reset your AirPods:
- Put the AirPods in the case, close the lid
- Wait 30 seconds and open the lid again
- Go to Settings >> Bluetooth
- Tap the i next to the name of your AirPods, then tap Forget This Device>Forget device
- Confirm that the AirPods is no longer on the list
- Then, with the lid still open, press and hold the Setup Button at the back of the case until the light on the front blinks amber and then white – this should be about 15 seconds
- Once done, try charging the case again
You can also try updating the AirPods, cleaning or recharging the AirPods and case. If the orange light is not blinking, your AirPods case should be charging. You can try out the fixes mentioned above to fix this issue.
Are My AirPods Pro Charging If the Light Isn’t ON?
Yes, your AirPods Pro could still charge if the light isn’t ON. To confirm, you can open the lid or simply tap the case to see what light is displayed. If it’s red or amber, then the case is still charging. If it’s green, then it’s fully charged.
When you plug in your AirPods case, it displays a red or amber light to show that it’s charging. However, the light will go OFF after a few seconds, which does not suggest that it has stopped charging. Note that this only applies when the AirPods are not in the case. If they are, then the status light displayed would indicate the charging status of the AirPods, not the case.
Alternatively, to check if your AirPods case is charging, put the case next to the device it is connected to and open the lid. You should see a pop-up on the device screen. If there is a lightning icon next to the battery icon under the AirPods case, it is charging.
Why Is My AirPod Case Not Lighting Up When Charging?
If your AirPods case is not displaying a status light when charging, open the lid or tap the case to indicate the status light. If it’s red or amber, then the case is still charging. If it’s green, then it’s fully charged.
It is important to note that when you plug in your AirPods case, it displays a red or amber light to show that it’s charging. However, the light will go off after a few seconds, which does not suggest that it stopped charging. Note that this only applies when the AirPods are not in the case. If they are, then the status light displayed would indicate the charging status of the AirPods, not the case.
Alternatively, to check if your AirPods case is charging, put the case next to the device it is connected to and open the lid. You should see a pop-up on the device screen. If there is a lightning icon next to the battery icon under the AirPods case, it is charging.
How Do I Charge My AirPods Pro Without A Case?
Sadly, you cannot charge your AirPods or AirPods Pro without the case. There are some myths about charging AirPods with a pin charger or an app – these are not only false, but they are also dangerous. The only suggested way to charge your AirPods pro when you lose the case is by using someone’s case or getting a replacement case from Apple. You can also opt for the wireless charging case for your AirPods Pro.
Another option is getting an AirPods charging case from other brands. Although, it might not be a practical solution because some of them will not work for your AirPods, and some will. There’s no way to tell until your try them out. To ensure you don’t lose your AirPods case, you can get an AirTag for it. The AirTag will help to find it, even when it’s dead.
How Do I Reset My AirPods Pro Case?
To reset your AirPods Pro case:
- Put the AirPods in the case, close the lid
- Wait 30 seconds and open the lid again
- Go to Settings >> Bluetooth
- Tap the i next to the name of your AirPods, then tap Forget This Device>Forget device
- Confirm that the AirPods is no longer on the list
- Then, with the lid still open, press and hold the Setup Button at the back of the case until the light on the front blinks amber and then white – this should be about 15 seconds.
Read also: Are AirPods Pro Worth It In 2022?
AirPods Case Not Charging? Budget AirPod Replacements
With your AirPods case not charging and you having tried out all the suggested fixes above to no avail, here are some budget AirPod replacements you can check out:
LG TONE FREE FP5
Key Features/Pros:
- Noise and echo cancellation
- Five-minute fast charge and 22 hours total battery life
- Call clarity and whisper mode
- IPX4 splash-proof
- In-ear
- Ergonomic design
- Meridian sound technology
- Android and IOS
- 3D sound
- Touch control
- Voice assistant
- It comes with an app
- Quick and easy pairing
Cons:
- Wired charging
- It works better with Android rather than iOS
SOUNDCORE BY ANKER LIFE
Key Features:
- It comes in black, coral red, navy blue, oat white, and sky blue
- Noise cancellation
- It comes with an app
- Deep bass
- In-ear
- Transport, gaming, sleeping, outdoor and indoor modes
- Touch controls
- Six mics for call clarity
Cons:
- It does not automatically pause when one ear is taken out
- Touch controls are unreliable
- Poor-fitting
- Connectivity issues
- Not very loud
- Unimpressive ANC and transparent modes
TRIBIT BLUETOOTH EARBUDS
Key Features:
- Semi-in ear
- Noise cancellation
- Call clarity
- 32 hours total battery life
- Bluetooth 5.2
- Touch buttons
Cons:
- Noise cancellation is not very good
- Poor-fitting
- The earbud on the right goes in the left ear and vice versa
Conclusion
What to do with your AirPods case not charging? Not to worry, let this article be your superhero for the day. You can try any of the fixes mentioned until you find the special one that works for you. If you, unfortunately, can’t find a fix in this article, we have also listed some of the best budget AirPods replacements you can cop.
- How Long Do AirPods Take to Charge from Dead?
- How Long To Charge Your AirPods Case For The First Time?
- How Do AirPods Charge So Fast?
- Why Is My Phone Charging Backwards?
- Powerbeats Pro Not Charging? Best Fixes to Try
A tech writer with a passion for demystifying complex technology for the masses. With a background in computer science and a knack for clear and concise communication, I have made a name for myself in the tech industry as a go-to source for understandable and engaging explanations of the latest developments.
Last update on 2023-06-03 We are an Amazon.com, Amazon.co.uk, and Amazon.in affiliate and earn from qualifying purchases through our links at no extra cost to you.