Why Is My AirPods Case Not Charging?

Whether you use your AirPods to listen to podcasts on your daily commute or to watch the latest episode of your favorite series in peace, if your case isn’t charging, this can cause huge problems. That’s why it’s best to understand how AirPods cases work and how you can fix them before investing in a new pair. 

Read on to discover what might be causing the problem and how to prevent problems from arising in the future. 

How AirPods Charging Cases Work

Trying to understand how or why your AirPods case isn’t working can be difficult if, at first, you don’t understand how they work. The AirPods case acts as a portable battery pack; the AirPods gain charge through contact with the internal metal contacts when they’re inside a closed case.

The cases are charged through a lightning cable, a USB-C cable, or wirelessly, depending on your model. In theory, your AirPods (if your case is charged) should always be charged automatically whenever they aren’t in use, provided that they are in place. 

If your AirPods aren’t working or charging properly, then it might signal that there’s a problem with the case not charging effectively. 

You also might notice that other unusual things occur when your case isn’t charging properly: your battery may run out quickly, there’s a persistent amber or red light, and it may only work when plugged into a power source. 

Instead of throwing your case away, contributing to the record-level e-waste problem, and spending more money in the process, try to fix the problem as soon as you see these irregularities occur.

5 Possible Fixes for an AirPods Case That Isn’t Charging

If you’re worried about your AirPods case, it’s best to work through the different possible fixes before buying a new one. Most of these quick fixes are easy to accomplish, and you’ll be glad you tried. 

1. Check Your Charging Cable and Adapter

The first step is to check your charging cable and/or your adapter. Faulty cables are common, and it’s important to try your AirPod with a cable or adapter that you know is working. Investing in a new cable is far more cost-effective than a new case and helps avoid hazards such as faulty wiring.   

2. Try Wireless Charging

A good alternative to try is wireless charging. If your AirPods case is MagSafe-compatible, then you can try to charge it wirelessly. Should it charge efficiently, then it’s likely the cable is the source of the problem. Knowing how long your AirPods case stays charged is also helpful to determine the efficiency.

3. Clean the Charging Port

If you try a new cable and wireless charging, and your case still isn’t charging, then don’t throw it away yet. E-waste in the US is building to such an extent that the problem is spreading, and it isn’t necessary to add to the e-waste crisis yet. Instead, clean the charging port first. 

Sometimes dust or debris can get into the charging port; it’s quite likely that after a little cleaning, your case will be charging effectively again. However, do not wash the case or put water of any kind into the charging port, as this could lead to water damage. Instead, take a small toothpick and prize any dirt out of the charging port. 

4. Clean the AirPods case 

If the AirPods inside the case aren’t charging, or aren’t charging as efficiently as they should be, this could be because the case isn't charging properly. To rectify this, you need to clean the case to ensure that the metal contact areas inside the case aren’t blocked by dust, debris, or dirt. Use a flashlight to check the metal connecting points for any dirt. 

Don't use water to clean, but gently prise the debris away with a small toothpick until it looks clean. Pop the AirPods back in and check if they get any charge.

5. Reset the AirPods Case & Check Firmware Updates

If your AirPods case is dying fast, it’s best to reset it. To do this, hold the reset button down for approximately 15 seconds until the flashing amber light turns white.

Unfortunately, you can’t update the firmware manually as it’s an automatic process. However, after resetting, connect your case to a working power source and pair it with your Apple device. 

Keep them close together for approximately 30 minutes, and that should update any out-of-date firmware. This can help to solve charging problems by fixing any bugs that could be causing issues. 

How to Prevent Future AirPods Case Charging Problems

1. Don’t Overcharge

Much like other electronic devices, overcharging them can lead them to lose battery quicker. When your device gets to 100% battery, the incoming power has nowhere to go, and so it is converted into heat. This heat can then damage the internal components of your charging case, causing it to run slower or lose battery quicker. 

Ensure you know if your AirPods case is charging so that you don't overcharge it.

2. Regular Cleaning 

Keeping your AirPods charging case clean will help prevent any debris, dirt, or dust from building up. This preventive measure is extremely helpful in keeping your charging case working effectively. 

3. Use an Appropriate Power Source 

Sometimes a charging case won’t charge efficiently if it’s connected to a faulty power source, or if it’s connected to a functioning power source with a faulty cable. That’s why you must charge your case using a good cable or wireless charging, and avoid using laptops or battery packs where possible.  

Frequently Asked Questions

How Do You Revive a Dead AirPods Case?

It might be that your AirPods case has a dead battery, rather than it being beyond help. To check, plug your clean case (check the port for dust) into a working cable or charge it wirelessly. If it shows signs of life, then there’s no need to throw it away.

How Do I Reset My AirPods Charging Case?

Resetting your case can be really helpful if it's suffering from charging issues. It’s best to press down on the reset button for around 15 seconds, or until the flashing amber light turns white. Ensure your AirPods are inside when you do this process.

What Do I Do if My AirPods Case Won’t Charge?

If your AirPods case won’t charge, then don’t worry. There are plenty of little fixes to try before giving up on it. It’s best to start by checking your charging cable or charging wirelessly (if it’s compatible) to determine if the problem is the case or the cable. 

Final Thoughts

Wherever possible, it’s best to avoid adding to e-waste problems as well as spending money unnecessarily. But if you try all the fixes and preventions and you still have problems with your AirPods case, then it might be time to replace it. 

Luckily, at Casely, there is a range of AirPods cases to discover with chic designs to suit every personality. Discover the Casely AirPods case collection today and get your AirPods back to their usual selves!