One AirPod Not Charging? (Here’s How You Fix It)

• Understand how to diagnose charging issues with your AirPods
• Find solutions to common charging issues
• Learn how to reset and update your AirPods
• Also, check out our post on buying a single AirPod

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Apple AirPods are some of the most popular earphones on the market today. They are super convenient to use and wear, so it’s no surprise to see so many people using them.

The downside? They need to charge – an inevitable disadvantage to any wireless earphones.

Occasionally, you might find that one of your AirPods isn’t charging, which can be frustrating. Stay calm, as it’s unlikely to be a major fault, and you don’t need to ring Apple customer service just yet.

In fact, there are several easy ways to remedy the situation which we’ll look at in this article.

How To Fix AirPods That Aren’t Charging

1. Check The Charging Case

You may assume that your headphones charge directly from a power source, but they recharge via the AirPod charging case directly. It’s easy to forget to keep the case charged especially if you use the AirPods frequently.

It may be that the case itself needs a recharge before it gets your AirPods charging. Ideally, ensure there is at least a 10% charge in the case itself otherwise, this could affect the AirPods.

If you need to check the battery life, put the case (with the AirPods inside) close to your phone. You’ll then see the battery status indicator displayed on the screen.

2. Remove And Reinsert Your AirPods

Very similar to the ‘turn it off and on again’ technique, simply removing the headphones from the AirPods case and reinserting them may help the contact points to reconnect properly, letting it charge as normal.

3. Perform A Reset

This sounds complicated, and you may automatically assume if you are having AirPod charging issues that it’s a mechanical fault — but performing a reset might solve the problem if there is a software issue.

Performing a reset will set the AirPods back to their default factory settings, and it’s worth trying if one AirPod is not charging. To do this, follow these instructions:

1. Open your phone’s Bluetooth settings and select ‘Forget This Device’ to unpair your AirPods                                                 
   
2. Reset your AirPods by holding the pairing button on the case until the AirPods case status light appears amber
3. Re-pair your AirPods by holding them close to your phone in the AirPods case with the lid open

Doing so could eliminate the charging issues you may be having, letting you use your AirPods like normal again.

4. Clean Your AirPods

A dirty AirPod could be the reason you are having problems charging. A build-up of dirt and grime might cause the metal contact ring of the AirPod to become blocked when trying to touch the case’s charging port.

A quick clean could resolve this, but we would hasten to add that you need to ensure you are extremely careful when doing so!

We suggest getting a cotton swab or Q-tip and using 70% isopropyl alcohol. Gently dip the swap in the solution and clean around the AirPods charging case connections and the metal contact ring.

Aside from the contact points, you can also use this method to clean the earphones themselves, which can end up with a nasty build-up of dirt and earwax.

Learn how to maximize your AirPods’ battery life with these tips.

5. Use An Official Apple Charging Cable

We all know there are plenty of leads that essentially do the same thing as an Apple charging cable, but sometimes, it’s better to spend a little extra and get the real deal. It can be tempting to shave a little off the price with a cheaper alternative, but this might be causing the charging fault.

If you’re finding you’re having issues with your AirPods charging fully, it could be down to this. An official Apple charging cable can be found online or in-store really easily.

6. Charge Your AirPods Fully

It might take a while longer than just giving them a quick boost, but keeping your AirPods fully charged can help in the long run. If you’re only charging them in small amounts, you can reduce the charging capacity of the AirPods during their lifespan.

While this isn’t necessarily a solution to an AirPod that’s not charging, it’s a good habit and preventative measure from the get-go that could avoid problems further down the line.

7. Update Your AirPods’ Firmware

One downside of modern technology is updating apps, gadgets, and gear constantly! However, not updating the firmware of your AirPod might be the reason for a faulty charge.

To check for a firmware update, follow these steps:

1. Go to ‘Settings’ on your device
2. Tap ‘Bluetooth’
3. Click on the ‘Info’ icon next to your AirPods
4. Scroll down to ‘Version’ and see if your AirPods need updating

If These Don’t Work…

We hope this is something you don’t need to do, but if you’ve tried everything and nothing is working, then it might be time for a new AirPod.

It may just be that one AirPod is faulty, so check to see if you have any warranty valid on the AirPods, and if not it might be time to visit the Apple repair store.

It’s worth consulting an Apple genius before parting with any cash, however, as it may be a fix they can do for you in-store.

Another option would be to look into using an AirPod trade-in service. There are services such as the Swap Club that will allow you to trade in your dying AirPod (or an AirPod with other issues such as frequent disconnection from your device) for a same-generation model with restored battery life.

For more information on how to do this, head over to Swap Club’s website!

FAQs

What Do the Lights On My AirPods Mean?

The lights on your AirPods are a good way to understand their status:

• Green means the AirPods or charging case are fully, or near fully, charged
• Amber tells you that the battery is running out, and it’s nearly time to recharge
• White (on wireless charging AirPods) suggests that the AirPods are ready to pair

AirPods flashing orange? Find out what it means and what to do next. 

Can I Replace A Single AirPod?

Yes, although, unfortunately, a lost AirPod isn’t covered by AppleCare+ so keep that in mind if it’s just a case of replacing just one.

You can purchase a single AirPod from Apple directly, however, there are other options for refurbished models on eBay. But if you want to be sure, go straight to Apple.

Interested in AppleCare+? Find out if it’s worth having it for AirPods. 

Why Is One AirPod Louder Than the Other?

There could be a number of reasons for this. First, check that it’s not just your ears by trying other headphones/earbuds to listen for the same problem. Then try cleaning your AirPods using the instructions above, or if this doesn’t work, try checking the audio balance on your phone (which decides the levels in each ear).

You can usually find this under Settings, then ‘Accessibility’ followed by ‘Audio/Visual.’

If this doesn’t solve the issue, try resetting your AirPods using the steps above. If all else fails, head to the Apple store to consult a Genius.

AirPods sound muffled? Here’s how to fix them.

Will My AirPods Work With Non-Apple Devices?

You can use your AirPods with non-Apple devices as long as they have a Bluetooth function.

You won’t be able to use certain features like Siri, but you can still listen to music and talk. You can connect your AirPods using the Bluetooth function like you would with an Apple product.

Learn how to pair your AirPods to a non-Apple device here.

Can Ear Wax Damage My AirPods?

Unfortunately, regardless of your level of personal hygiene, you’ll probably end up with earwax on your AirPods.

The likelihood of this causing severe damage is slim. However, we’d recommend cleaning them regularly to avoid any risk of this happening. It’s not a glamorous job, but it’s better than replacing your AirPods.

There are also suggestions that Apple can determine if ear wax is the issue when you return faulty AirPods, so this is another excuse to give your ears a regular clean!

Need to charge your AirPods without using a case? Here’s how.