Can You Charge AirPods in a Different Case?

AirPods have become increasingly popular due to their minimalistic design and sleek case. These earbuds are a convenient way to listen to music and speak on the phone for several hours. Paired with their compact container, they can provide an entire day of use.

Without their case, however, your AirPods are practically useless once they run out of power. If you’re ever in a situation where you’ve left yours behind and run out of charge, you may wonder if you can use a different one.

Find out if you can use a different container to charge your AirPods and how to do so.

Can You Charge Your AirPods in Someone Else’s Case?

AirPods cases are essential for prolonged listening times. Most fully charged AirPods provide at least 5 hours of use, but accompanied with a fully charged case, they will last you the entire day. However, the batteries in these containers aren’t meant to last forever. 

Eventually, your charging container will be unable to hold a charge. Whether yours is at the end of its lifespan or you’ve broken or lost it, you may need a temporary charging solution. If your earbuds are dead, you need a case to charge them.

Whether you’ve left your case behind and need to borrow a friend’s, or yours has died and needs replacing, it’s useful to know if your earbuds will charge in a different container. The question of whether AirPods cases are interchangeable depends on the model.

Which AirPods Cases Are Compatible With Each Other?

To charge your AirPods in a different case, they must be compatible. The easiest way to charge them in another container is to find one with a matching model to your earbuds. So if you and your friend have the 1st generation AirPods Pro, you can charge your earbuds in their case.

However, with so many iterations of AirPods, it may be difficult to find someone with the same model as you. Therefore, you may wonder if different models share charging capabilities.

The 1st and 2nd generation models have compatible charging capabilities. Both models' cases have the same dimensions, and the 2nd generation even has an optional wireless charging upgrade.

If you need to replace your 1st generation AirPods case, the 2nd generation one is an ideal upgrade. Unfortunately, that’s where the compatibility between models ends.

The 3rd generation AirPods have a shorter stem than previous models, and their container accommodates this change. Therefore, if you place your 1st or 2nd generation earbuds in a 3rd generation case, the stem may reach the charging module, but the container won’t close to provide charging.

While the 1st and 2nd generation AirPods Pros also have a shorter stem, they sport an entirely new design with added ear tips. This redesign means they are only compatible with a container matching their model.

How To Charge Your AirPods in a Different Case

To charge your AirPods in a different case, ensure you have a compatible container. Then, simply place your earbuds inside. Seriously, that’s all. They will charge inside a compatible case even if it isn’t paired with your device.

This method is convenient when you borrow your friend’s case for a quick charge. You’ll be able to get a power boost and don’t have to worry about pairing to your friend’s storage container or your earbuds pairing to their phone.

If you’ve replaced your case, however, you’ll want to pair your new one with your phone.

How to Pair AirPods With a Different Case

Once you’ve gotten a replacement for your old container, pairing it with your phone is essential to monitoring your battery levels and connecting your earbuds. The connection process is simple.

1. Ensure the case is compatible with your AirPods.

2. Place your AirPods inside the case. You should hear a magnetic click.

3. Close the lid and wait 30 seconds.

4. Open the lid and wait for the indicator light to flash amber.

5. Press and hold the setup button on the back of the case until the indicator light flashes white.

6. Unlock your phone, and the pop-up window will appear on your screen.

7. Tap “Connect” to pair your phone with your new case.

If you happen to pair with a case that you’re only temporarily using, you’ll want to disconnect from it once you’re done with it. Luckily, the process to disconnect is just as simple as the one to connect them.

1. Place your AirPods inside the case and close the lid.

2. Wait 30 seconds and open the lid.

3. Find the AirPods in your phone’s Bluetooth settings.

4. Tap the information icon and tap “Forget This Device.”

5. Press and hold the setup button on the back of the case until the indicator light flashes amber.

6. Release the button and remove the AirPods.

Your earbuds are now disconnected from the container and are ready to pair with your new device.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can You Put AirPods in a Different Charging Case?

Yes! As long as your AirPods are placed in a compatible charging container, they will charge. The 1st and 2nd generation models can share a case, but every other iteration of AirPods can only be charged by the same model.

Final Thoughts

If your AirPods are running low on battery and your charging capsule is nowhere to be found, it’s not the end of the world. They can be charged in a different container as long as it is compatible with your earbuds.

While the 1st and 2nd generation models can swap containers, every other model requires one with the same model to be compatible. This information is useful for knowing when you need a temporary charging solution or whether to replace your case. Shop Casely for a stylish AirPods case that protects your earbuds and adds personality to your accessories. The attached key ring ensures you never lose your case again.