AirPods Not Charging?
Try These Fixes Before Buying New Ones
Try cleaning first · 70% chance it fixes the issue
Most AirPods charging failures come down to dirty charging contacts, a case that needs resetting, or a firmware bug. All three are free to fix. Walk through these steps before spending $179+ on a new pair.
Fix #1: Clean the Charging Contacts (Most Common Fix)
Lint, earwax, and skin oil accumulate on the metal charging pins inside the case and on the AirPods stems. Even a thin film prevents reliable contact. This is the cause of charging problems in roughly half of all cases.
Inspect the contacts with a light
Use your phone's flashlight to look inside each AirPod slot in the case. You're looking for any debris, discoloration, or visible oxidation on the small metal contacts.
Clean gently with a dry cotton swab
Use a dry (no liquid) cotton swab to gently clean each contact point. Do not use isopropyl alcohol directly in the case — a barely-damp swab is okay if needed, but ensure it's almost dry.
Clean the AirPod stems
The metal band at the bottom of each AirPod stem is the contact point. Wipe it with a dry lint-free cloth.
Try charging again
Place AirPods back in case, close the lid, plug in for 30 minutes. If you now see the amber charging light, you've solved it.
Fix #2: Reset the AirPods
A firmware bug or pairing corruption can make AirPods appear not to charge even when the hardware is fine. A full factory reset clears this:
- Put both AirPods in the case and close the lid. Wait 30 seconds.
- Open the lid. On your iPhone, go to Settings → Bluetooth and tap the (i) next to your AirPods.
- Tap Forget This Device and confirm.
- With the lid open, press and hold the button on the back of the case for 15 seconds until the LED flashes amber, then white.
- Re-pair your AirPods to your iPhone. Check if charging works now.
Fix #3: The Case Itself May Be Dead
If your AirPods charge fine when using a different case or when you borrow a friend's case, the problem is the charging case — not the AirPods. Apple sells replacement cases:
- AirPods (1st/2nd gen) case: ~$49 (refurb available)
- AirPods Pro 2 case: ~$79 from Apple
- AirPods 3 case: ~$59 from Apple
A replacement case is far cheaper than a new set of AirPods. Apple's accessory store sells them directly.
Fix #4: Check the Lightning/USB-C Cable and Brick
Before assuming AirPods are at fault, test your charging cable with another device. Cheap Lightning cables often fail in ways that affect the case charge rate rather than blocking it entirely — the case charges, but the AirPods don't fully charge before the case drains. Try a different cable and a higher-wattage charger.
Fix #5: Check for Moisture Damage
AirPods are sweat-resistant (not waterproof). If you've worn them during heavy exercise, in rain, or if they've been near a sink, moisture can oxidize the internal charging contacts in a way that cleaning alone won't fix. Signs of moisture damage: corrosion (greenish residue) on contacts, intermittent charging that works sometimes.
If you see green oxidation, let the case air dry in a warm place (never microwave or use heat) for 24–48 hours, then attempt the contact cleaning process again.
When It's Time: AirPods Pro 2
If your AirPods are more than 3 years old and the battery holds less than 80% capacity, replacement is the smarter call. AirPods Pro 2 is a major upgrade over every previous generation.
View on Amazon →When You Should Just Buy New AirPods
- Your AirPods are more than 3 years old and battery life is under 2–3 hours
- AirPods battery health is under 80% (check in Settings → Bluetooth → tap (i))
- The case shows physical damage or corrosion that cleaning can't fix
- You've tried all five fixes above with no improvement
At that point, upgrading to AirPods Pro 2 or AirPods 4 gets you dramatically better ANC, improved audio quality, and a fresh 2-year battery lifespan.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are my AirPods not charging in the case?
The most common causes, in order of likelihood: (1) dirty charging contacts — a lint buildup on the metal pins inside the case is the #1 culprit; (2) a firmware bug resolvable with a factory reset; (3) a dead or partially failed charging case; (4) a bad Lightning or USB-C cable. Work through these in order before assuming the AirPods are broken.
How do I clean AirPods charging contacts?
Use a dry cotton swab or a small amount of 70% isopropyl alcohol on a swab. Clean the gold or silver charging pins inside the case cups gently. Also clean the metal stem on the bottom of each AirPod. Let it fully dry before placing them back in the case. Don't use water or wet wipes.
Can I replace just the AirPods case without buying new AirPods?
Yes. Apple sells replacement cases directly — AirPods Pro 2 replacement cases are $79, AirPods 3 cases are $59. This is a much better option than buying a whole new set if only the case is failing and your AirPods still hold a good charge.
How long do AirPods batteries last before they need replacing?
Apple rates AirPods batteries for around 500 charge cycles, which typically works out to 2–3 years of daily use. After that, battery hold time drops noticeably. Check your AirPods' battery health in Settings → Bluetooth → tap (i) next to your AirPods → Battery Health.
More repair guides: iPhone Screen Repair · MacBook Keyboard Fix
← Back to Repair & Restore Hub