How to Fix AirPods Case When It's Not Charging + No Light

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Get an AirPod case to charge properly again

Co-authored by Rain Kengly Reviewed by Stan Kats

Last Updated: February 24, 2025 Fact Checked

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• Troubleshooting AirPods Case
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• Why is my AirPod case not charging?

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Are you trying to charge your AirPods or AirPods Pro case? If the case isn't charging and the indicator light is off, it could be an issue with your charging connection. In some cases, you may need to clean the charging port. Here's what to do when your AirPods case is not charging and has no light.

Fixing AirPods Case That Won't Charge

If the AirPods case is not charging and has no indicator light, leave it alone to charge for at least 15 minutes. Check for faulty cables, loose connections, and dirt inside the charging port. Reset your AirPods case by holding the setup button on the back.

Steps

Section 1 of 2:

Troubleshooting AirPods Case

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1. 
   1
   Leave your AirPods and case to charge. Place your AirPods or AirPods Pro in its charging case and close the lid. Connect the charging cable that came with your device. Wait at least 15 minutes before attempting to check the light.

   • If the indicator light is still off, or if it's not charging, proceed to the next step.
2. 
   2
   Check your cables. A loose charging cable can prevent it from charging properly. Make sure both the cable and power adapter are firmly plugged in and connected.

   • If you're using a wireless charging method, use a wired connection instead.
   • Be sure to use Apple-certified charging cables; some third-party cables may be incompatible with your device.
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3. 
   3
   Try a different charging cable or charging pad. Cables can break over time, especially when frequently coiled, bent, or tugged on. If you charge wirelessly, there could be a problem with your charging pad. Try swapping out the charging cable or charging pad to rule out issues.

   • There could also be an issue with the power outlet, especially if there's no light on your charging case. Take your charger into another room and try a different outlet to rule out power problems.
4. 
   4
   Check the charge status. If your AirPods are connected to your iPhone or iPad, you can check its charge by opening the case next to it. A pop-up menu will open on your screen with the charge percentage.

   • Alternatively, open Settings and tap your AirPods to find your charge.
5. 
   5
   Reset your AirPods. Before resetting your AirPods, make sure to disconnect them from any device. You can do this quickly by turning off Bluetooth on your iPhone, iPad, or Mac. To reset your AirPods and case, do the following:

   • Put both AirPods in the charging case and close the lid.
   • Wait 30 seconds.
   • AirPods 1, 2, 3, and Pro: Press and hold the setup button on the back of the case for 15 seconds or until the light flashes amber, then white.
   • AirPods 4: Double-tap the front of the case while the light is on. Double-tap again while the light flashes white. Double-tap again when the light flashes faster. The light will flash amber, then white.
6. 
   6
   Clean the case. It's possible for dirt and debris to get lodged in the charging port over time. Inspect the port, and if needed, use a dry, soft-bristled brush to clean it. You can also clean the outside of the case using a soft and dry microfiber cloth.
7. 
   7
   Update your AirPods. Typically, AirPods update when they're charging in their case and close to your iPhone or iPad. Make sure your device is nearby and connected to Wi-Fi and Bluetooth.
8. 
   8
   Contact Apple for support. You can schedule an appointment for a repair in person at an Apple-authorized service provider or Apple Store. You can also send your AirPods case in for repairs through the mail.

   • Visit https://support.apple.com/airpods/repair to get started.
9. 
   9
   Purchase a replacement case. To purchase a replacement or get an estimate, visit the Apple Repair website. However, you may want to purchase a new pair entirely.
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Section 2 of 2:

Why is my AirPod case not charging?

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1. 
   The case may be out of battery, or there's a faulty connection. If your AirPods and case are completely dead, they won't immediately show signs of charging when first plugged in. It can take up to 15 minutes for the light indicator to turn back on. Dirt and debris can also prevent your case from charging properly.

   • Similar to other tech devices, AirPods can degrade over time. If you use your AirPods frequently, their lifespan may be much shorter, and you may need to look into a full replacement sooner.

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