AirPods Case Not Charging? Complete Fix Guide 2026

Did You Know?

Quick answer: Most AirPods case charging issues come from debris in the charging port (especially Lightning cases) or faulty cables. Before replacing your case, try the cleaning and troubleshooting steps below. For all AirPods issues, see our complete AirPods repair guide.

The charging case is the heart of your AirPods system. Without it working properly, your AirPods become expensive one-time-use earphones. If you're also having issues with your AirPods themselves not charging, the case is likely the culprit. Let's diagnose what's wrong and fix it.

Pro Tip

AirPods Case Charging Issues: Our Diagnosis Data (2024-2025)

• • 198 charging case issues diagnosed
• • 62% fixed with port cleaning - Lightning port lint buildup
• • 21% were cable/charger issues - not the case at all
• • 17% had internal failures - battery or charging circuit
• • Replacement case cost: £89-99 (vs £139-179 for new AirPods)

Diagnosing the Problem

First, identify exactly what's happening:

Wired charging not working

• No LED light when connected
• LED flashes once then nothing
• LED shows amber but percentage doesn't increase

Wireless charging not working

• Works on wired, not wireless
• Works on some chargers, not others
• Never worked on wireless

Both methods failing

• No response at all (likely internal failure)
• Case feels warm but doesn't charge (possible battery issue)

Wired Charging Issues

Step 1: Test your cable and charger

This catches most "case not charging" problems. Cables fail more often than cases. Try:

• A different Lightning or USB-C cable
• A different charging brick
• A different power outlet
• Connecting directly to a computer USB port

Step 2: Check for debris

The most common cause of wired charging failure is pocket lint and debris in the charging port.

Step 3: Inspect the port

Look inside the port with a flashlight. You're looking for:

• Visible lint or debris
• Bent or corroded pins
• Physical damage to the port opening

Wireless Charging Issues

Check compatibility first

Not all AirPods cases support wireless charging:

• AirPods 1st gen: No wireless (Lightning only)
• AirPods 2nd gen: Optional (wireless case was separate)
• AirPods 3rd gen: Yes (MagSafe compatible)
• AirPods Pro: Yes (all versions)
• AirPods 4: Yes (USB-C and wireless)

Wireless charging troubleshooting

1. Remove any case cover: Thick cases can block charging
2. Check alignment: The charging coil is in the back half of the case
3. Try different positions: Slide the case around to find the sweet spot
4. Test with another Qi charger: Not all chargers work equally well
5. Check for foreign objects: Metal objects between case and charger block charging

MagSafe-specific issues

For AirPods 3rd gen and later with MagSafe compatibility:

• Ensure you're using a genuine MagSafe or certified Qi charger
• MagSafe should "snap" to the case—if it doesn't, alignment may be off
• Some cheaper MagSafe clones don't have strong enough magnets

Cleaning the Charging Port

What you need

• Wooden or plastic toothpick
• Soft-bristled brush (toothbrush works)
• Bright light to see inside

Cleaning process

1. Power off anything connected to the case
2. Hold the case with port facing down (debris falls out, not deeper)
3. Gently scrape the bottom and sides of the port with the toothpick
4. Use the brush to sweep out loosened debris
5. Check with flashlight and repeat if necessary
6. Test charging

Warning

Never use: Metal objects (can damage pins), compressed air (pushes debris deeper), liquids (can cause corrosion), or sharp tools (can scratch contacts).

Resetting the Case

A case reset can fix charging issues caused by software glitches:

1. Open the case (AirPods can be inside or not)
2. Press and hold the back button for 15 seconds
3. The LED should flash amber, then white
4. Close the lid
5. Connect to power and wait 10 minutes
6. Check if charging is working

Case Battery Degradation

Signs of case battery failure

• Case charges to 100% but drains quickly without use
• Can only provide 1-2 full AirPod charges instead of 4-5
• Case gets unusually warm when charging
• Percentage jumps erratically

Case battery lifespan

Case batteries typically last 3-4 years before noticeable degradation—longer than AirPods batteries because they go through fewer charge cycles. For AirPods themselves, see our battery replacement guide.

UK Repair Options

Apple service

• Case battery service: £69
• Case replacement (out of warranty): £69-99
• AppleCare+ incident fee: £25

Third-party repair

Some independent repair shops offer case battery replacement, but it's technically challenging due to the sealed design. Typically £40-60 if available.

Buying replacement case only

Apple sells replacement cases separately. You can pair your existing AirPods with a new case:

• AirPods (2nd/3rd gen) case: £69-79
• AirPods Pro case: £89-99
• AirPods 4 case: £69-79

Case Replacement Costs

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I pair old AirPods with a new case?

Yes, as long as they're the same generation. Put the AirPods in the new case, close the lid, then press and hold the back button for 15 seconds to pair.

My case charges but AirPods won't charge inside it—is that the case?

Possibly, but more likely it's dirty contacts. Clean both the AirPods' charging contacts and the wells inside the case. See our AirPods not charging guide for detailed cleaning steps. If that doesn't help, one of the case's charging contacts may have failed.

Why does my case charge slowly?

Slow charging can be caused by: using a low-power USB port (use wall charger instead), damaged cable, or battery degradation. AirPods cases aren't fast charging devices, but should reach 100% within 2-3 hours.

Can the case get wet?

Newer AirPods cases have some water resistance but are not waterproof. If your case got wet and won't charge, dry it thoroughly for 48 hours before attempting to charge again.