AirPods Case Not Charging With the Light On? The Troubleshooting Guide That Works
You open your AirPods case. No familiar green light. No amber pulse. Just a dark, silent void where there should be power. If you’re like most people, you’ve already tried the usual steps. You’ve searched, pressed the reset button, checked the cable. Maybe you’ve even cleaned the port. And you’re still here, when the simple fixes don’t work.
I get it. From working with these devices, I’ve learned the first fixes are often just the starting point. The real solution usually depends on the specific clues your case is giving you. Is the light completely off? Is it flashing a strange pattern? Does one AirPod charge but not the other?
Think of this guide as a different approach, we’ll work through the problem like you would with any other piece of tech: by starting with what you can actually observe and following a logical process.
Why Won't My AirPods Case Charge?
When your AirPods case stops charging out of the blue, it’s confusing. It worked yesterday, so what changed? Here’s a straightforward way to think about it: getting your AirPods to charge is like completing a circuit. The power needs to flow through several checkpoints without any breaks. Let’s trace that path together, from the wall socket to your earbuds. We’ll start with the simplest, most common issues and move inward.
First, Check the Basics (Outlet, Cable, Port)
Most charging problems are solved right here.
Try a different outlet and cable. Before you dig into settings or assume the worst, plug your case into another wall socket using a different Lightning or USB-C cable. If you have an Apple-branded or MFi-certified cable, use that. This single step rules out a huge number of external issues.
Look inside the charging port. Shine your phone’s flashlight into the small port on the bottom of the case. Do you see a dark plug of lint packed in there? This is incredibly common and physically blocks the connection.
To clean it safely: Use a wooden toothpick. Gently scrape around the edges to loosen and lift the lint out. Avoid metal tools or compressed air, which can damage the delicate contacts.
If you’ve confirmed your power, cable, and port are clean, the issue is with the case or the earbuds themselves.
Case Internals:. If it feels noticeably warm when plugged in but the light doesn’t come on or the charge doesn’t increase, that’s a specific clue. It often points to an issue with the internal battery or circuitry, not just dirt.
AirPod Contacts. If your case seems to have power but one airpod is not charging, the problem is usually right at the end of the chain. Look at the small metal circles on the stem of each AirPod and the tiny pins inside the case. A bit of grime here is enough to break the connection. A dry cotton swip can clean both.
How Long Should AirPods Take to Charge?
For a fully drained setup, expect about an hour and a half to charge the AirPods inside their case, and about an hour for the case itself with a proper wall adapter. If you’re using wireless charging, plan for two hours or more. A key thing to remember is that for Apple’s faster charging claims to work, you’ll need a modern 20W USB-C adapter; an old 5W plug just won’t cut it.
AirPods Case Light On But Not Charging? How to Fix a Dead Charging Case
Your case shows a light, maybe it’s solid amber, or perhaps it’s flashing. But your AirPods still won’t charge, or only one does. This is a different kind of problem. Now, power is getting to the case. The issue is with its internal logic, the software that manages charging, or the final physical handshake with the AirPods themselves. We need to check the case’s “brain” and then its “hands.”
First, Let’s Try a Reset and Software Check
You’ve probably already tried the basic reset. If the problem is persisting, it’s time for a more thorough approach that also checks for software issues.
Do a full reset cycle:
Put both AirPods in the case and close the lid for 30 seconds.
On your iPhone, go to Settings > Bluetooth, tap the next to your AirPods, and select “Forget This Device.” Confirm.
Open the case lid, press and hold the setup button on the back for about 15 seconds, until the status light flashes amber and then white.
Re-pair them to your phone as if they were new.
Check the firmware version:
After re-pairing, go back to Settings > Bluetooth > [Your AirPods] > and scroll down to “Version.” Note the number.
Outdated firmware can have bugs that mess with battery management. It updates automatically, but sometimes it gets stuck. If your version is more than a year old, it could be a clue.
If you’re still having issues and your firmware seems old, there’s one more trick: try to force an update via a Mac. If you have one on the same Apple ID, just place the open case near the Mac for a few hours while connected to power and Wi-Fi. The update system between macOS and AirPods is sometimes more reliable. I’ve seen this clear up stubborn charging glitches that a simple iPhone reset couldn’t fix.
How to Check and Clean AirPods Charging Contacts
If the software seems fine, the last checkpoint is the physical connection inside the case. This is the most common cause for one AirPod not charging.
Take both AirPods out.
Shine a bright flashlight (your phone’s flash is perfect) into the bottom of each slot inside the case.
Look for the two small, shiny, bronze-colored pins at the very bottom. They should be level, clean, and protruding slightly.
Here’s what you should see, and what might be wrong
Are the pins bent or pushed down? This can happen if the case is dropped with the AirPods inside. A bent pin won’t make contact.
Do they look greenish or black? That’s corrosion, usually from moisture or liquid exposure.
Is there debris on them? Sometimes lint finds its way here.
If you see bent pins or corrosion, a reliable DIY fix is very difficult. You might temporarily adjust a bent pin with a plastic tool, but corrosion indicates internal damage that usually requires professional repair or a case replacement.
AirPods Case Won't Hold Charge? Repair, Replace, or Upgrade Options
You’ve checked the power, cleaned the ports, tried the resets, and looked at the internal pins. If your case still won’t charge properly, especially if you found bent pins, corrosion, or it’s completely dead after the deep discharge, you’re at a decision point. This isn’t about more troubleshooting; it’s about choosing the smartest, most practical next step.
Option 1: Apple Service (Reliable, but Costly)
If you rely on your AirPods every day and want a guaranteed fix with zero guesswork, Apple’s own service is the route to take. You send in your case, and you get back a fully functional, genuine replacement.This is the premium option, and the cost reflects that. For context, Apple’s service fee for an out-of-warranty case is often close to the price of a brand-new set of entry-level wireless earbuds from other brands. It’s a straightforward choice, but the value depends entirely on how much life is left in your current AirPods themselves.
Option 2: Finding a Standalone Replacement Case
You can find new or used genuine Apple cases for sale online. This can be more affordable than Apple’s service fee. You must buy from a highly reputable seller. The market is full of convincing counterfeits that have poor battery life and can fail quickly. Read seller reviews meticulously. Even a “used genuine” case will have a battery that’s older and more worn than a fresh one from Apple.
Option 3: Considering a Full Upgrade
Sometimes, a failing case is a sign of a product reaching its natural end. If your AirPods are several years old, the earbuds’ batteries are aging too. Putting a new case on old buds might solve one problem while leaving you with another (short listening time) very soon. This is where it makes sense to look at a new set. You get a full warranty, the latest features (like improved noise cancellation or better fit), and batteries that will last for years.
At MobileHubb, we focus on providing dependable upgrades. If you’re considering this route, we offer rigorously checked devices. For example, if you’re looking for a significant step up, the Apple AirPods Pro are a reliable choice for their active noise cancellation and sound quality. We ensure the products we offer meet a clear standard for performance, so you can move on from the repair cycle with confidence.
How to Make Your Next AirPods Case Last Longer
Once your AirPods are working again, or if you’re starting fresh with a new pair, a few simple habits can prevent most future charging problems. It’s less about constant cleaning and more about understanding what a lithium-ion battery likes and dislikes.
Smart Charging Habits: Think of the battery’s sweet spot as between 20% and 80%. While it’s fine to top it up daily, try to avoid regularly draining the case completely to 0%. Also, while wireless charging is convenient, it generates more heat. If you have the time, plugging in with a cable is a cooler, gentler option for the battery.
Smart Storage: If you’re not going to use your AirPods for several weeks, don’t store them fully charged or completely empty. A charge around 50% is ideal for long-term battery health.
Protect the Case: Keep the case away from extreme heat, like a car dashboard on a sunny day. Also, avoid tossing it loosely into a bag with keys, coins, or other metal objects. These can not only scratch the case but could also potentially short-circuit the external charging contacts if they bridge the connections.
Conclusion
If your AirPods case won’t charge, the fix usually follows a clear, logical path. Start with the simplest possibilities: check your cable, try a different wall outlet, and make sure the charging port is clean. If the case has power but behaves strangely, like a flashing light or only charging one AirPod, a software reset or cleaning the internal contacts often solves it.
If you’ve worked through all these steps and the case still fails, the issue is likely internal hardware damage, such as a deeply worn-out battery or corroded circuits. At that point, your most reliable options are to use Apple’s official repair service or consider replacing the case or the entire set.
Frequently Asked Questions
Start with the source of the power. The most common fix is checking the cable and wall adapter. Try a different combination that you know works, like the one that charges your phone. If the case gets power but the AirPods inside don't charge, clean the small metal circles on the AirPod stems and the pins inside the case with a dry cloth. Often, oils or lint are blocking that final connection. If the case itself shows no sign of life, a deeply drained battery might need 30 minutes on a wall charger before its turns on.
A case with no light usually means it's not receiving any power. First, eliminate the simple issues: try a different outlet and a different charging cable. If that doesn't work, check the charging port on the bottom of the case. Shine a light into it, if you see packed lint, gently remove it with a wooden toothpick. This blockage is a frequent culprit. If the case still shows no light after a thorough clean and using a proven charger, the internal battery or circuitry may have failed.
You can only reset a case that has enough power to respond. If it's completely dead and shows no light, a reset won't work. First, plug it into a wall charger for at least 30 minutes to try and wake the battery. If a light appears (even amber), then you can perform a reset: put the AirPods in the case, open the lid, press and hold the button on the back for 15 seconds until the light flashes amber then white. This clears its internal memory and can fix software-related charging issues.
With daily use, you can typically expect the battery performance to noticeably decline after 2 to 3 years. This doesn't mean they stop working, but you'll get significantly less listening time per charge. The case's battery also degrades, often holding less power and taking longer to charge. The lifespan depends heavily on habits: batteries that are regularly drained to 0% or exposed to high heat (like in a hot car) will degrade much faster than those kept topped up and cool.
Look for clear signs of performance failure, not just age. Key indicators are:
1) One AirPod drains dramatically faster than the other during the same use.
2) They die unexpectedly at 20% or 30% charge.
3) The case or AirPods get unusually warm during normal charging.
4) After a full charge, they provide less than an hour of listening time.
If cleaning the contacts and resetting doesn't resolve these issues, the battery cells themselves are likely worn out and cannot be repaired, only replaced by Apple or through a new purchase.
