AirPods Not Charging? Complete Troubleshooting Guide 2026

Did You Know?

Quick answer: About 40% of AirPods charging issues are fixed with a simple reset or cleaning. Before assuming hardware failure, try the troubleshooting steps below. For all AirPods issues, see our complete AirPods repair guide.

There's nothing more frustrating than putting your AirPods in their case expecting them to charge, only to find them dead when you need them. The good news is that many charging problems have simple solutions.

Did You Know?

AirPods Charging Issues We've Fixed (2025)

• • 134 AirPods charging issues diagnosed
• • 41% just needed cleaning - debris in case contacts
• • 23% were cable/charger issues - AirPods were fine
• • 19% needed case repair/replacement
• • 17% had dead AirPod batteries - wouldn't hold charge
• • DIY fix success rate: 64% with our guide below

Data from celltech repair logs, January-December 2025

Quick Diagnosis

First, identify exactly what's not charging:

• Case won't charge (no LED when plugged in)
• AirPods won't charge in case (LED works, AirPods stay dead)
• One AirPod won't charge (other one charges fine)
• Wireless charging not working (wired works fine)

Each scenario has different causes and solutions. Let's work through them.

Case Won't Charge

Check the basics first

1. Try a different cable (cables fail more often than cases)
2. Try a different charging brick
3. Try a different power outlet
4. Check for debris in the charging port

Cleaning the charging port

Lightning and USB-C ports collect lint and debris from pockets. This is one of the most common causes of charging failure.

1. Use a wooden or plastic toothpick (never metal)
2. Gently scrape the bottom and sides of the port
3. Use a dry brush to remove loosened debris
4. Don't use compressed air (can push debris deeper)

Wireless charging issues

If wired charging works but wireless doesn't:

• Remove the case from any cover
• Ensure proper alignment on the charging pad
• Try a different wireless charger
• Check that your case supports wireless (not all do)

Warning

Important: Original AirPods (1st gen) with Lightning case don't support wireless charging. Only the wireless charging case variant (sold separately for 2nd gen) and all later models support it.

AirPods Won't Charge in Case

Clean the charging contacts

The metal contacts on the AirPods and inside the case can accumulate residue from ear wax and skin oils.

1. Wipe the bottom of each AirPod with a dry, lint-free cloth
2. Use a dry cotton bud to clean inside the case wells
3. For stubborn residue, slightly dampen with isopropyl alcohol
4. Ensure everything is completely dry before placing AirPods back

Reset your AirPods

1. Put both AirPods in the case
2. Close the lid and wait 30 seconds
3. Open the lid
4. Press and hold the button on the back for 15 seconds
5. The light should flash amber, then white
6. Re-pair with your device

One AirPod Not Charging

If only one AirPod won't charge, the issue is usually with that specific AirPod or its slot in the case.

Troubleshooting steps

1. Swap the AirPods between case slots—does the problem follow the AirPod or stay with the slot?
2. Clean both the AirPod contacts and the case slot thoroughly
3. Check for debris preventing proper seating
4. Try a full reset

If the problem follows the AirPod

The issue is with that AirPod's internal battery or charging circuit. This requires replacement of that individual AirPod — see our AirPods battery replacement guide for costs and options.

If the problem stays with the slot

The case has a faulty charging contact. Sometimes this can be fixed with thorough cleaning; otherwise, case replacement is needed. Our AirPods case not charging guide covers this in detail.

How to Reset AirPods

Standard AirPods reset

1. Place both AirPods in the charging case
2. Close the lid for 30 seconds
3. Open the lid
4. On your device, go to Settings → Bluetooth
5. Tap the (i) next to your AirPods and select "Forget This Device"
6. With the lid open, press and hold the case button for 15 seconds
7. Status light will flash amber then white
8. Hold the case near your device to re-pair

AirPods Pro/Max reset

The process is similar, but AirPods Pro require pressing both the noise control button and the case button during reset.

Cleaning Guide

What you'll need

• Lint-free cloth (microfibre works well)
• Dry, soft-bristled brush
• Wooden or plastic toothpick
• Cotton buds
• 70% isopropyl alcohol (optional, for stubborn residue)

Cleaning the AirPods

1. Wipe external surfaces with dry cloth
2. Use dry brush on speaker grilles (don't push debris in)
3. Clean charging contacts at the bottom with dry cloth
4. For AirPods Pro, remove and clean ear tips separately

Cleaning the case

1. Clean charging wells with dry cotton bud
2. Use toothpick gently on port if needed
3. Wipe exterior with slightly damp cloth
4. Don't get moisture in any openings

When You Need Repair

If you've tried all troubleshooting and the problem persists:

Signs of battery failure

• AirPods charged overnight but still dead
• Consistent 0% charge after hours in case
• Case LED shows charging but AirPods don't respond

Signs of hardware failure

• No response from case button at all
• LED never lights up (no charging indicator)
• Obvious physical damage to port or contacts

UK Repair Costs

Frequently Asked Questions

How long should it take to fully charge AirPods?

About 20-30 minutes for a full charge from completely dead. If they're taking significantly longer, there may be a charging issue.

Should the LED stay on while charging?

The LED shows amber while charging and turns green when fully charged. It turns off after a few seconds to save power—this is normal. Tap the case or open the lid to check current status.

Can a software update fix charging problems?

Sometimes. AirPods update firmware automatically when connected to an iOS device and charging. Check Settings → General → About → AirPods to see current firmware version.

My AirPods show 100% but die quickly—is that a charging problem?

That's a battery degradation issue, not a charging problem. The batteries charge fine but no longer hold capacity. This is normal after 2-3 years of use. See our AirPods battery replacement guide for replacement options.