With how increasingly awesome AirPods are, it is no surprise that many people have them on almost the whole day, every day – listening to music, taking calls – so many convenient uses of the AirPods. They’re great until they die, and you just have to let them charge. While you’re forced to wait, the question ‘how long do AirPods take to charge from dead?’ could cross your mind.
The answer depends on the particular model of the AirPods, as you will see in the article. You can also find out how long the batteries last, how to know if they’re charging, and how to preserve battery life if you keep reading. We strongly suggest you do, aren’t you curious?
How Long Do AirPods Take to Charge from Dead?
AirPods typically take less than an hour to charge from dead. However, you can opt for the quick charge option. This can give you 50% battery and half the total listening time with just a 15-minute charge. When deciding how long AirPods take to charge from dead, it is essential to note that the charge time also depends on the particular model of the AirPods.
For 1st generation AirPods, the charge time is about 25-30 minutes to get a full battery and about 5 hours of listening or 2 hours of talking. With the 15-minute quick charge in the wireless carrying case, you should get 50% battery and 3 hours of listening time. The charging case on a full battery offers over 24 hours of listening time.
2nd generation AirPods are similar to the 1st. They take about 25-30 minutes for a full charge and 5 hours of listening time, as well as a 15-minute quick charge and 3 hours of listening time. You could also get about an hour of listening time with just a 5-minute charge by these numbers. The charging case on a full battery also offers over 24 hours of listening time. The only distinction between the 1st and 2nd generations is that the 2nd provides 3 hours of talk time on a full charge.
Another distinction is that the 2nd generation AirPods case can charge wirelessly and with the standard lightning cable. So all you need is a QI-compatible wireless charging mat. Place the case on the mat with the status light facing up and the lid closed.
The AirPods Pro also has some similarities with the 1st and 2nd gens. They can provide an hour of listening with a 5-minute charge. The charging case also offers more than 24 hours of listening time. However, the AirPods Pro only provides about 4.5 hours of listening time or 3.5 hours of talk time on a full charge, and this full charge takes about 20-25 minutes.
The 3rd and newest generation of AirPods is undoubtedly the best for battery life. The AirPods provide 6 hours of listening time on a full charge and an hour of listening time after a 5-minute quick charge. The full charge of these AirPods takes 30 minutes because they have larger batteries compared to the previously mentioned models. In addition, the charging case offers up to 30 hours of listening time.

How Long Do AirPods Take to Die?
AirPods typically take about 4-6 hours to die from a full charge. If you’re wondering how long AirPods take to charge from dead, you might also ask how long they take to die. The time frame varies depending on the model of the AirPods.
1st and 2nd generation AirPods take about 5 hours of listening time to die from a full charge, 3 hours of listening time to die from a 15-minute quick charge, and an hour of listening time to die from a 5-minute quick charge.
The 2nd generation AirPods also take about 3 hours of talk time to die from a full charge. The AirPods Pro takes 4.5 hours of listening time to die from a full charge, and the 3rd generation AirPods take about 6 hours of listening time to die from a full charge.
The overall battery life span of any AirPods model is typically two years. After years of daily use, you will notice battery issues.
How to Know If 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. However, 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.
How Do I Know If My Dead 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. However, the light will go OFF after a few seconds – to check that the AirPods are still charging, you can open the lid of the case. 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.
Do AirPods Charge Faster When the Case Is Plugged In?
No, AirPods don’t charge faster when the case is plugged in. A full charge would take approximately the same time whether the case is plugged in or not. The case typically waits until the AirPods are at 20% before it starts charging while charging them as well. Note that the first 50% when charging any device is faster than the second 50%.
Here are some tips for preserving your AirPods battery:
- Use one ear at a time. This gives you 10 hours of listening time on a single charge rather than five.
- Always leave the AirPods in the case when they’re not in use
- Only open the case lid when you need to
- Protect your AirPods from direct sunlight and extreme temperature
- Turn off ANC and other smart features when not needed
- Keep the AirPods dry and clean
- Repair with Apple care only
- Use lower volumes as often as possible
Can You Still Use Your Airpods If the Case Dies?
You can use your AirPods when the case dies if the AirPods are charged and already connected or if there is another way to charge them. If your AirPods are charged when the case dies, you can still use them while charging the case because the case does not affect the functionality of the AirPods themselves. If they are dead along with the case, you will need to charge them both. If the AirPods are not dead but are not paired with your device, you will need the case to pair them. You can use another case to charge your AirPods or pair them to your device.
What Happens If You Charge Your AirPods Too Long?
AirPods cannot overcharge when they’re left in the case. When they reach a full charge, the charging stops. So leaving them in the case is the best way to store them, retain battery life when not in use, avoid losing them, and help them preserve battery health.
However, leaving your AirPods in the case and leaving the case connected to power for too long could shorten the battery lifespan. Therefore, it is vital to disconnect the case from power when it is done charging. You can check the battery level on your phone or check the status light on the case to know if it’s done charging.
Read also: How Long To Charge Your AirPods Case For The First Time?
How Long Will My AirPods Stay Charged?
If you’re wondering how long AirPods take to charge from dead, you might also ask how long they stay charged. AirPods typically remain charged for about 4-6 hours after a full charge. The time frame varies depending on the model of the AirPods though.
1st and 2nd generation AirPods stay charged for about 5 hours of listening time after a full charge, 3 hours of listening time after a 15-minute quick charge, and an hour of listening time after a 5-minute quick charge.
The 2nd generation AirPods also stay charged for about 3 hours of talk time after a full charge. The AirPods pro takes 4.5 hours of listening time after a full charge, and the 3rd generation AirPods take about 6 hours of listening time after a full charge.
The overall battery life span of any AirPods model is typically two years. After years of daily use, you will notice battery issues.
Conclusion
Recently, AirPods have become so popular, which does not come as a surprise. Apple has made them increasingly convenient. Even charging them is convenient and stress-free. This article gives you much-needed information about charging and battery life. Now you know how long AirPods take to charge from dead, how long they take to die, and how to preserve battery life.
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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.