Airpod pro case won’t light up unless connected to a charger.

Hello ogkenbone,

Thanks for using Apple Support Communities. If you haven't already, we recommend that you use the steps below to reset the AirPods. This step can help with charging issues and other unexpected behaviors.

1. "Put your AirPods in their charging case, and close the lid.
2. Wait 30 seconds.
3. Open the lid of your charging case.
4. With your AirPods in your ears and connected to your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch, go to Settings > Bluetooth, or Settings > [your AirPods], and tap the More Info button  next to your AirPods. If you don't see your AirPods in Settings > Bluetooth or in Settings > [your AirPods], just go to the next step.
5. Tap Forget This Device, and tap again to confirm.
6. With the lid open, press and hold the setup button on the back of the case for about 15 seconds, until the status light on the front of the case flashes amber, then white.*
7. Reconnect your AirPods: With your AirPods in their charging case and the lid open, place your AirPods close to your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch. Follow the steps on your device's screen."

How to reset your AirPods and AirPods Pro - Apple Support

Let us know the results. Be sure to include any other steps that you may have tried.

Cheers!

Hi ogkenbone,

Was this a replacement case and not the original case? If so, did you use the steps to set up the replacement here:

1. On your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch, go to Settings > Bluetooth and tap the Information button  next to your AirPods.

2. Tap Forget This Device.

3. Tap Forget Device, and tap again to confirm.

4. Put both AirPods in your charging case.

5. Open the lid and check the status light. It should flash amber.

6. Press and hold the setup button on the back of the case for a few seconds. The status light should flash white.*

7. Go to the Home Screen on your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch.

8. Open the case—with your AirPods inside—and hold it next to your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch. A setup animation appears on your screen.

9. Tap Connect, then tap Done.

See more about those steps here: Set up your replacement AirPods or charging case - Apple Support

Thanks.

Thanks for replying, ogkenbone, and that additional info. At this point, please contact Apple directly for further assistance with your AirPods: Apple Support

Have a great day and thanks for using the Apple Support Communities!