Level 1

133 points

AirPods Case not charging

I'm having a very frustrating issue, my Airpods case will not charge.

I went for my run today and pulled out my Airpods, only to find the case was on 0% and the Airpods were on 11%. This was odd because I gave them a full charge just a couple days ago. Paying it no mind I tried to squeeze some play time out of the Airpods and I put the case on the charge plugged into my computer. However when I got back from my run I found the case had not charged at all! I switched the cable out and plugged it into the wall socket instead. After 30 minutes there was still no charge on the case. I tried wiggling the cable, cleaning the charge port, but nothing.

Currently when I'm plugged into the wall I get a flashing amber/orange light on the case. I look at my phone and the little lightning bolt icon next to the case is blinking. I read you can reset the Airpods by holding the button on the back for 15 seconds, however that doesn't seem to be working, I've tried it both plugged and unplugged to the wall.

Any advice is welcome, I'm not sure what to do at this point 😟

[Re-Titled by Moderator]

Posted on May 8, 2017 7:44 AM

Top-ranking reply

farleylai

Level 1

13 points

Posted on Oct 2, 2017 2:41 PM

I encountered this charging problem too. To figure out the charging issue, I installed a Drok USB current meter in between to see if there is a current draw. It turns out whenever the USB meter is installed, there is a current draw and it is indeed charging. Without the USB meter, it is unlikely to be charging with a general USB wall charger.

I suspect it has something to do with the power source/adapter. When the same cable is plugged in to an USB high end wall charger (e.g. Anker QC3.0 USB wall charger) or a MacBook Pro USB port, the charging is likely to work but not with a general USB wall charger (2A output) originally for an Android phone.

This is more like a workaround but better than nothing.

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49 replies

Dec 4, 2017 1:10 PM in response to SET0TITAN

In my situation, it seems dust fell into the charging case socket.

I blew air into the socket a few times... hard.. and the issue was fixed.

Helpful tips, thank you.

nahye

Level 1

9 points

May 23, 2018 1:10 PM in response to Kaskar

Thanks..

Tried multiple devices and all charged except my AirPods case. Found an Apple cable and switched and it worked perfectly.

Saved a visit to Genius Bar.

Jun 13, 2018 6:26 PM in response to SET0TITAN

Try using an Apple specific wall adapter. This immediately rectified the issue for me.

highcole

Level 1

4 points

Jul 9, 2018 8:08 AM in response to SET0TITAN

i had the exact same problem, i started using an apple cable for my airpods instead of a third-party one and it worked.

Dram2014

Level 1

9 points

Oct 13, 2017 6:54 AM in response to SET0TITAN

My AirPods case wouldn't charge even tho I had it plugged in the outlet. I plugged the case in to the computer and bam the case started charging. Answer : try plugging it in to the computer instead of the wall outlet. That's what worked for me.

MeiAmore

Level 1

4 points

Oct 16, 2017 2:12 PM in response to Dram2014

Holy Cow - I thought " I plugged the case in to the computer and bam the case started charging" seemed pretty random, but I tried it and my case is now charging! Thanks!

Nov 20, 2017 9:32 AM in response to SET0TITAN

Followed suggestions here about plugging it into a PC vs wall charger... wanted to report my weird findings that it seems like my AirPods will charge only when I plug them into my MacBook, but not on my Windows PC. No idea what's going on there as the Windows PC is a desktop and has fully powered USB ports (tried a 2.1 and a 3.0 port). Not sure if I want to go through the hassle of replacement since I found a work around, but still odd.

mekhi224

Level 1

4 points

Dec 30, 2018 9:35 PM in response to SET0TITAN

I had the same problem as you did. I couldn’t get my air pod case to charge through my outlet or my Xbox. So I tried my HP laptop and it started to charge as soon as I plugged it in. Also, I blew in the charging input for the case, just to make sure there was no dust in there. You should try charging your case with your computer.

Apr 16, 2019 11:31 AM in response to SET0TITAN

This is going to sound very weird but the fix is..... plug the case into an Xbox One for 30 mins and it'll will work again for some reason. If that doesn't work plug it into as many random usb ports that would charge it and it will for SOME strange reason fix the "glitch" thats happening.

deggie

Level 10

167,525 points

May 8, 2017 9:15 AM in response to SET0TITAN

AirPods Service Answer Center - Apple Support

SET0TITAN Author

Level 1

133 points

May 8, 2017 12:11 PM in response to deggie

Deggie, very unhelpful.

I kept unplugging and plugging it in and eventually it started charging. I'll keep an eye on it, but very concerning behavior.

Jan 2, 2019 4:25 AM in response to SET0TITAN

Use just an apple charger not a third party charger I found that out

Feb 24, 2018 12:35 PM in response to SET0TITAN

I was trying to charge on multiple wall outlets with various official apple cords, but nothing worked. I switched to my laptop as someone mentioned above, and it began charging! It seems that for a decent amount of people, switching the power source from wall to USB or vice versa is working. Hopefully, this isn't a common problem and is a one time issue. Thanks!

deggie

Level 10

167,525 points

May 8, 2017 12:17 PM in response to SET0TITAN

So if I had said keep plugging it in that would have better?

I'm glad it started working for you but that may be temporary. If it is use the link I provided in order to have Apple replace it under warranty or make a Genius Bar appointment if one is near.

I'll be happy to not assist you in the future.

deggie

Level 10

167,525 points

Nov 20, 2017 9:38 AM in response to McCringleberry

On a desktop PC some of the USB ports are direct and full power (normally the ones in the rear) and some are slaves and have very little power (normally the ones on the front). This is sometimes reversed on machines designed for gaming.

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AirPods Case not charging