AirPods

Using your iPhone to check on your AirPods Case and AirPods battery life is a quick way to know if your case is charging and estimate the remaining AirPods charge time. However, we’ll show you other ways to check AirPod battery life, troubleshoot charging issues, and we will even teach you how to check AirPod battery on Android phones!

What’s In This Article:

• 3 Ways to Preform a Charger Case & AirPods Battery Check with Your iPhone
  • Open the Case Near Your iPhone
  • Use the Today View
  • Ask Siri
• How to Check AirPod Battery on Android Phones
• How to Tell If AirPods are Charging? AirPods Light Meaning
• How Long Does It Take for AirPods to Charge?
• AirPods Charging FAQs

3 Ways to Preform a Charger Case & AirPods Battery Check with Your iPhone

Before we show you how to know if your AirPods and case are charging, keep in mind that your AirPods will need to be paired to the device you'd like to use to check the status of their charge. Are you wondering how to check AirPods Pro battery? All of these steps work for AirPods Pro as well.

How to ​​See AirPod Battery Percent: Open the Case Near Your iPhone

Here's how to check your AirPods' battery on your iPhone to see if they're fully charged or in need of a charge!

1. Open your AirPods case, leaving your AirPods inside, and hold the open case near your unlocked iPhone.
2. The battery levels of both your AirPods and their charging case will appear on screen.
   
   
    
3. Notice the little black lightning bolt next to the battery icon. This indicates active charging. In the screenshot above, the AirPods are charging but the case isn't.
   
   

Related: Apple AirPods Guide: How To Connect (Pair), Set Up, Charge, Use AirPod Controls & More

Return to top

How to Check AirPod Battery Life: Use the Today View

Are my AirPods charging? You can check battery levels on your AirPods using the Batteries Widget in the Today View.

1. Swipe right from the first Home screen to find the Today View.
   
   
    
2. You may automatically have the Batteries Widget somewhere on your Today View screen.
   
   
    
3. If you don't see it there, you can always add it. Tap Edit at the very bottom.
   
   
    
4. Tap the plus icon on the top right of the screen.
   
   
    
5. Search for Batteries or scroll until you find it. Tap it.
   
   
    
6. Swipe to see the different size and information options for the widget.
   
   
    
7. Once you land one one you like, tap Add Widget.
   
   
    
8. Tap Done. 
   
   
    
9. You can now view your AirPods and charging case status in the Batteries section of Today View when you open your AirPods case.
10. When your AirPods are in use and the case is closed, only their battery levels will appear on the screen.

Now you know how to check battery life on AirPods and their charging case. Are you wondering how do you know if your AirPods are charging? You can also use Today View to see this. I will show you more ways to figure out if they are charging in an upcoming section of this article.

Return to top

How to Check Your Airpods Battery: ​Ask Siri

You can also use Siri to check the status of your AirPods charging and case charging without ever having to open the case. Sometimes it is possible that Siri may misunderstand and tell you how much phone battery you have instead, so make sure to pay attention and ask Siri again if the answer seems suspicious.

1. Ask Siri, "How much battery do my AirPods have?" and Siri will reply with the battery status of both.
   
   
    
2. If you are wearing your AirPods, you will need to ask specifically about the battery levels of the AirPods or of the charging case.

Now you know how to use your iPhone to check the charge status of your AirPods and their charging case using your iPhone screen, Today View, and Siri.

Return to top

How to Check AirPod Battery on Android Phones

Checking AirPods battery life is easy on iPhone. But you may be wondering, “how do I know if my AirPods are charging on my Android phone?” Since AirPods pair with essentially any Bluetooh device, they are also compatible with Android phones. Here’s how to check the battery of AirPods and the charging case on an Android:

1. Download the AirBattery app (free) from the Google Play store.
   
   
    
2. Once the app is installed, open the case to your AirPods, and a pop-up will show you the battery percentage of your AirPods and charging case.

Pro Tip: Although the AirBattery app is good at showing you the battery life of your AirPods, there are various issues that users have reported. If you experience unusual battery drain on your phone or other issues, the app may be to blame.

Return to top

How to Tell If AirPods Are Charging? AirPods Light Meaning

The Today View or Open the Case Near Your iPhone methods mentioned above can help you figure out if your AirPods are charging. You can also rely on the light. What does the red light mean on AirPods? If you place your AirPods in the case and see a red or amber light, that means that the case is charging them. When they are fully charged, the light will be green when you open the case.

When you plug your AirPods case in or place it on a wireless charger, the light at the front will turn amber. After a while, it will turn off, but you can open your case to see if it is still amber, which indicates that it is charging.

A green light indicates a full charge. If the light is green, this means that the case and the AirPods in it are fully charged.  If your AirPods are in your case and the lid is open, the light will show the charge of the AirPods. If the AirPods are not in the case, the light shows the charge of the case itself. 

If you see a flashing amber light, this indicates that something is wrong, and you may need to reset your case to get things back on track. The lights have the same meanings on AirPods and AirPods Pro. 

A lot of people ask, “do AirPods glow blue?” Or, “do AirPods light up blue and red?” Unfortunately, they do not. If your AirPods have a blue or red light in the stem, they are fake and not created by Apple.

Return to top

How Long Does It Take for AirPods to Charge?

If you know how long to charge AirPods and their charging cases, you’ll spend less time checking on battery life. The AirPods themselves, when placed in the Apple AirPods case, should take about 20 minutes to fully charge. The case itself will take around an hour to recharge and holds three or four charges for your AirPods. Apple indicates that on certain AirPods models, you can still expect a few hours of listening time even after only 15 minutes of charging.

Return to top

AirPods Charging FAQs

1. Does Leaving AirPods in Their Case Drain Battery Life?

Actually, no! In fact, leaving the earbuds in their case is a good way to preserve AirPods battery life and battery health. 

2. How Can Your Tell If Your AirPods Are Fully Charged?

AirPods cases have charging indicator lights, but they're not especially intuitive if you're not familiar with the color coding. When you open your AirPods case with the AirPods inside, the little charge indicator light will show how much battery your AirPods have left. Green means AirPods are fully charged, orange means they have less than one full charge left in them.

If you need to know how charged an AirPods case is, that's just as simple. Open the case without the AirPods in it. Now the charge indicator light will tell you how much charge your AirPods case has left. As before, green means the AirPods case is fully charged, and orange means it has less than one full charge left in it.

3. What Is the AirPods Battery Lifespan?

On average, AirPods batteries carry a two-year life expectancy before users start to see diminished charging and charge hold. You can preserve your AirPods' battery lifespan in a number of ways, though, which will help you get the most out of your accessories! Read these tips to improve Airpods battery life.

4. Is It Bad to Leave AirPods Charging Overnight?

If you're talking about leaving your AirPods in their case overnight but the case is not connected to a power cable or otherwise currently being charged, then no, it's not dangerous. It's the best way to store them! 

Otherwise, if you're wondering about leaving your AirPods case connected to power overnight, that's not advisable because lithium-ion batteries like those used in Apple products don't do well when left charging for longer than they need to. It can shorten battery lifespan if a device is left charging overnight. If you're interested in learning more about caring for your iPhone, iPad, AirPods, or other Apple device batteries, we can help with that, too.

Return to top

Using your iPhone to check the status of your AirPods and AirPods case is a quick way to know if your AirPods case is charging, if your AirPods are charging, or how much time you have left to listen to music. Now you know how to check the battery levels of your AirPods and their charging case, and how to decipher the different AirPods charging lights. Next, learn how to clean your AirPods without damaging them.

Is your AirPods' volume low? AirPods Pro and AirPods volume control can be a bit nonintuitive. It's not easy for everyone to figure out how to adjust the volume on AirPods when there are no buttons and no dials! If you've been wondering how to work AirPods and AirPods Pro volume control, read on to learn how to make your AirPods louder or lower the volume. 

Related: How to Use AirPods, AirPods 2 & AirPods Pro: A Guide to Charging, Pairing, Setting Up & More

Jump To:

• Overview of AirPods Volume Control
• Original AirPods & AirPods 2 Volume Control
• Volume Control for AirPods 3 & Airpods Pro
• Turn AirPods Volume Up & Down with an iOS Device
• Change AirPods Volume Settings with Your Apple Watch
• Turn AirPods Volume Up or Down from Your Mac

Overview of AirPods Volume Control

AirPods controls are hidden in Siri commands, AirPod tap controls (some call them AirPods touch controls), and AirPods gestures. There are two AirPods volume control options for increasing and decreasing the volume on your AirPods: One involves using Siri commands to turn your AirPods up or down. The other method allows people to use their iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch, or Mac to adjust volume on AirPods and AirPods Pro. If you'd like to learn more, we've also written about how to change AirPod settings, what to do if your AirPods mic isn't working, and even a full guide of AirPods instructions.

AirPods, AirPods 2, AirPods 3 & AirPods Pro Settings: How to Turn Up Volume on AirPods & How to Turn Down Volume on AirPods

Here's how to control AirPods volume (every generation), including AirPods, AirPods second generation, AirPods third generation, and AirPods Pro. If you're not sure what model of AirPods you have, you can learn how to identify your AirPods. You'll learn how to turn volume up on AirPods and down on AirPods with and without Siri. Here are the AirPod tricks you need to learn to control your volume easily. For more great AirPod tricks, check out our free Tip of the Day. 

How to Use AirPods & AirPods 2 Volume Control with Siri

To turn the volume up or down on your AirPods, you'll need to adjust your settings so that one of your AirPods is able to summon Siri. Make sure your AirPods are connected to your device before attempting to adjust the settings.

1. Open the Settings app on your iPhone or iPad.
   
   
2. Tap Bluetooth.
   
   
3. Find your AirPods in the list of paired devices, and tap on the info icon to the right.
   
   
4. Under Double-Tap On AirPod, tap either Right or Left.
   
   
5. Choose Siri from the list of possible functions. 
   
   

Double-tap AirPods & AirPods 2 to Use Siri Volume Controls

Once you've customized your settings, you can double-tap AirPods, whichever you've designated, to summon Siri. Here's where to tap on AirPods to summon Siri:

1. Double-tap the AirPod in the position indicated in the image below.
   
   
2. Say, "Turn up the volume." Or, "Turn down the volume."

You can also raise or lower the AirPods' volume by telling Siri a specific percentage you'd like to increase or decrease the volume. For example, you might say, "Siri, lower the volume to 20 percent." After a little experimentation, you'll figure out which volume levels are most comfortable for you.

AirPods 3 & AirPods Pro Volume Control with Siri

With AirPods 3 and AirPods Pro, you cannot customize a double-tap command to summon Siri as you do with the original and 2nd-generation AirPods. This is because the AirPods 3 and AirPods Pro come with a Force Sensor on the stem, and all Siri command options are already configured. You still have the ability to summon Siri with voice only, by saying "Hey Siri" and requesting the volume be raised or lowered. But if you want to adjust the volume without saying "Hey Siri" you can do so by following the steps below: 

1. Press and hold the Force Sensor to activate Siri. 
   
   
2. Say something like, "Raise the volume" or "Lower the volume by 40 percent."

For all models of AirPods covered in this article, you can only adjust the volume through Siri or with your device playing the audio. So if you're looking to adjust AirPods, AirPods 2, AirPods 3, and AirPods Pro volume control without Siri, read on to learn how to adjust the volume with the device playing the audio. 

AirPods Volume Control with Hey Siri

One of the convenient features added to AirPods beginning with the second generation is the ability to summon Siri with voice only (instead of using the double-tap shown above). If you have a pair of second- or third-generation AirPods or AirPods Pro and would like to raise or lower the volume, you can now do so without tapping or squeezing your earbuds.

1. Just say, "Hey Siri, raise the volume" or "Hey Siri, turn down the volume."
2. You can also ask Siri to raise or lower the volume by percentage by saying, for example, "Hey Siri, raise the volume to 50 percent." 

AirPods Settings on the iPhone, iPad & iPod touch: How to Adjust Volume on AirPods

If you're in a quiet place and don't want to be disruptive by talking to Siri, you can adjust your AirPods' volume from your iPhone, iPad, or iPod Touch. The steps below work for all models covered in this article, including AirPods, AirPods 2, AirPods 3, and AirPods Pro: 

1. If your iPhone is unlocked, open the Control Center by swiping down from the top right corner of the display.
   
   
2. Swipe up from the bottom of the display on iPhone 8 and earlier iPhones.
   
   
    
3. Now raise or lower the AirPods' volume by dragging the volume slider up or down.
   
   
    
4. If your iPhone is on the Lock screen, or in the Notification Center, you can raise or lower the AirPods' volume by dragging the volume slider right or left.
   
   ​  

AirPod Controls on the Apple Watch: How to Make Your AirPods, AirPods 2, AirPods 3 & AirPods Pro Louder & Lower Volume

If you are listening to music on the iPhone that is paired with your Apple Watch or listening to music directly from your Apple Watch, it's also possible to change the AirPods' volume on your watch. 

1. From the Home screen, tap the Now Playing icon to go to the Now Playing screen.
   
   
    
2. Once this screen appears, you'll see a small volume icon, and when you turn the Digital Crown, a green volume indicator will appear.
   
   
   

How to Make AirPods Louder & How to Lower Volume on AirPods from a Mac (All Models)

If you're using AirPods connected to your Mac, you can change the volume by using the volume keys on your keyboard or by clicking the volume icon in the Menu Bar and clicking and dragging the volume slider up or down. 

If there is no volume button in your Menu Bar, you can enable it in System Preferences.

1. Click the Apple on your computer's Menu Bar, then click System Preferences.
   
   
    
2. Click Sound.
   
   
    
3. Click Output, then click the AirPods your Mac is connected within the list that appears.
4. At the bottom of this window, below the volume bar, click the box next to Show volume in menu bar.
   
   

Now that you've got your volume where you want it, if you're having trouble with your microphone, you can see our troubleshooting tips for the AirPods mic.

AirPods and AirPods Pro allow you to listen to music, ask Siri a question, or make a phone call without even touching your phone. But these fantastic features are draining, so how long do AirPods last? Can you learn how to make earphones last longer? This article will answer these questions and more.

What’s in This Article

• How Long Should Apple Headphones Last?
• How to Improve AirPods Battery Life

How Long Should Apple Headphones Last?

Apple headphones and earbuds are known for their sound quality and impressive features, but what about their battery life? That depends on whether you mean on a single charge or their overall lifespan. To improve both the daily and long-term battery life of AirPods, follow these tips.

​​How Long Do AirPods Stay Charged?

AirPods can be charged in their case for just 15 minutes to get three hours of listening time or two hours of talk time. AirPods Pro can be charged for just five minutes to gain enough battery life for one hour of either listening or talking time.

According to Apple, first-generation AirPods can last for up to five hours of listening or up to two hours of talk time on one full charge. Second-generation AirPods have an extended talk time of three hours. AirPods Pro battery life is about four and a half hours of listening or three and a half hours of talking. When fully charged, the charging case for AirPods offers up to 24 total hours of additional listening time or around 18 hours of talk time.

How long does it take for AirPods to charge? It takes up to an hour to fully charge an AirPod charging case. The case can then charge your AirPods in up to 20 minutes. A fully charged case can fully recharge your AirPods three or four times. Sign up for our free Tip of the Day newsletter to learn how to see AirPods battery percentage and other useful tips.

AirPods Lifespan: How Long Do AirPods Pro Last?

The release of iOS 14 brought an update for AirPods called Optimized Battery Charging. This allows your iOS devices to learn your daily routine and only charge your earbuds (or other Apple devices) to 80 percent until just before you are ready to use them. This saves the battery from being left in the case at 100 percent for too long, which could end up damaging your battery. Utilizing this new update and trying the tips in this article can help your AirPods battery life get you through all of your music and phone calls for the day.

In general, AirPods' battery lifespan will vary depending on the amount of use they endure and how well they are cared for. On average, though, Apple AirPods batteries can last for about two years. The most common issue of older AirPods is for one to stop working or become significantly quieter. If you are wondering why do AirPods only work in one ear or why does one AirPod die faster, read this.

Related: How to Save Battery on the iPhone: Maintaining Your Lithium-Ion Battery

How to Improve AirPods Battery Life

AirPods are quite small devices that have an even smaller battery, so any damage can result in loss of functionality and battery life. There are a few good habits you can get yourself into to help extend the battery lifespan of your AirPods. To learn how to improve AirPods battery life, follow these steps.

1. Always store AirPods in their case.

The case itself supplies up to 24 hours of battery life, so keep them in their charging case whenever you are not using your AirPods. This will make them ready for use any time you need them. 

2. Don’t fidget with the AirPods case.

One great feature of AirPods is their instant connection via Bluetooth. This connection happens as soon as you open the case near any of your iOS devices, so every time you flip open that top, your AirPods Bluetooth is activated and using their battery. Prevent this by only opening the AirPods case when you're planning to use your AirPods. You can also get in the habit of checking the battery level without opening the case. Learn how to check AirPod battery life using other ways here.

3. Keep your AirPods safe from extreme temperature and direct sunlight.

Extreme temperatures (heat or cold) can damage the batteries in your AirPods. Try not to use them when conditions are unfavorable and do not leave them in direct sunlight when not in use. It's also best not to store the AirPods or case anywhere that's frequently cold or warm.

4. Turn off Smart features such as Automatic Ear Detection and noise cancellation.

Are your AirPods dying fast? There are various features that may not be essential to everyday use that you can easily turn off to save your AirPods' battery life. One example is Automatic Ear Detection, which switches the audio from your connected device to your AirPods the moment you put them in your ear. Once disabled, you can manually press play or pause, saving just a bit more battery life for your AirPods.

5. Use one AirPod at a time.

If you are concerned about not having your AirPods working all day long, using one at a time while charging, the other could give you round-the-clock battery life. It may not be ideal for listening, but this style of use will only utilize half the battery power at a time.

Now that you know how long AirPods battery life is and how to optimize the listening and talking time you get out of your AirPods, you should be able to make your AirPods last much longer! Just remember also to keep them clean and safe as well, and they'll be in good shape for quite some time. 

6. Keep your AirPods dry and clean.

Both AirPods Pro and the new AirPods are sweat-proof and water-resistant to a certain extent, but they are not waterproof. Keep your AirPods dry, and make sure to clean them well if they get wet or dirty.

7. Repair faulty AirPods with Apple Care.

Sometimes there is no saving older or damaged AirPods, but that doesn't mean you need to buy brand new ones because you can buy a single replacement AirPod. A single AirPod Pro will cost you $89, and a single AirPod is $69. Fixing a damaged AirPod costs the same out-of-warranty or just $29 per incident if you have AppleCare+. 

If your AirPod or Charging Case holds under 80 percent of the battery's original capacity, you can send them in for Battery Service. This is free if you have AppleCare+ and costs $49 each for both AirPod and AirPod Pros out-of-warranty. You have to go through the official Apple Support website to do this.

Now you know how to make earbuds last longer! Of course, you can also upgrade to a newer model; keep in mind that AirPods Pro battery life may not be longer than AirPods since there are more advanced features. It is also important to note that no matter how many times you perform an AirPods battery check without opening the case or how careful you are, your Apple AirPods battery life will deteriorate over time, no matter what. Still, we hope that these tips will give you more bang for your buck! Next, learn how to troubleshoot one AirPod not working.

Sometimes it's hard to know which AirPods you have just by looking at them, and the difference between AirPods gen 1 vs. AirPods gen 2 is even more difficult to spot. Learn how to find your AirPods model number on your iPhone or iPad and on the AirPods themselves and then how to tell what generation AirPods you have using that number.

Related: Apple AirPods Guide: How To Connect (Pair), Set Up, Charge, Use AirPod Controls & More

Jump To:

• Which AirPods Do I Have? How to Find Your AirPods Model Number & Serial Number
• How to Identify AirPods Without Using Your iPhone or iPad
• How to Identify AirPods by AirPods Model Number (Model Number Lookup) 
• Identify AirPods Using the Charging Case

Which AirPods Do I Have? How to Find Your AirPods Model Number & Serial Number

The most reliable and efficient way to identify AirPods or AirPods Pro is to find the model number on your device. Once you have the AirPods model number, it's easy to answer the question, which AirPods do I have. However, if you have over-ear style AirPods, you may not need to use this step, as the AirPods Max are the only over-ear Apple AirPods currently on the market. 

1. Open the Settings app.
   
   
    
2. Select Bluetooth.
   
   
    
3. Find your AirPods (Example: Elisabeth’s AirPods).
   
   
    
4. Tap the blue information icon next to the AirPods. The icon looks like a blue circle with the letter "i" inside it.
   
   
    
5. You will see Model Name, Model Number, Serial Number, and Version. If you are currently using your AirPods, you may need to scroll down in order to view this information.
   
   

Keep in mind that you may also see your Model Name on this screen and that can help, but by far the most accurate way is to look up your model number. Once you know your model number, click on it here to identify your AirPods:

A2084 • A2083 • A2032 • A2031 • A1523 • A1722 • A2096

How to Identify Your AirPods without Using Your iPhone or iPad

You'll be looking very closely at your AirPods for this, so if you need visual assistance to read small text, be sure to grab your glasses or a magnifying glass.

1. Look at your AirPods.
2. If you have AirPods that are earbuds, look near the base of the stem of the earpiece. If you have over-ear headphones, look on the upper inside of the headphone, near where the over-ear piece connects to the headband. You will see some light gray numbers and text. The model number will be in the format A#### (an A with four numbers after it).
   
   
   Image courtesy of Apple.com

How to Identify Your AirPods by Looking Up the Model Number

You can use your model number to identify the type of AirPods you have if you're not able to identify them in some other way. Below is a list of model numbers and the year they came out. This will help you identify what type of AirPods you have and is the best way to answer the question how do I know if I have the AirPods First Generation or Second Generation?

AirPods Max

• Model number: A2096
• Year introduced: 2020

AirPods Pro Second Generation

• Model numbers: Not yet known
• Year introduced: Expected 2022

AirPods Pro

• Model numbers: A2084, A2083
• Year introduced: 2019

AirPods Third Generation

• Model numbers: Not yet known
• Year introduced: Expected fall 2021

AirPods Second Generation

• Model numbers: A2032, A2031
• Year introduced: 2019

AirPods First Generation

• Model numbers: A1523, A1722
• Year introduced: 2017

Identify AirPods Using the Charging Case

To use your charging case to identify the model of your AirPods, you will need to locate the status light and a couple of other details such as the charging method. The best way to determine what type of AirPods you have or the difference between AirPods 1 and 2 is by finding the model number from within the Settings app, but identifying the case can certainly help.

AirPods Max

Image courtesy of Apple.com

These are by far the easiest AirPods to identify, as the new over-ear design is unique to the AirPods Max. Still, it's always good to know how to tell if AirPods are fake or legitimate, and this can help you do that!

AirPods Max do come with a Smart Case, but the case only preserves charge when the AirPods Max are in Ultra-low Power Mode. Otherwise, charging must be done with a Lightning cable.

AirPods Pro

Charging case model number: A2190

The AirPods Pro charging case can be used with wireless chargers. The shape of the charging case is longer than it is tall. It has a Lightning connector at the bottom of the case. The status light is on the front of the case. The serial number is on the underside of the case lid. If this describes your AirPods charging case, you have the AirPods Pro.

AirPods 1st Generation or AirPods 2nd Generation

Charging case model number: A1938

This AirPods charging case is taller than it is long. You can charge this case wirelessly or with a lightning cable. There is a Lightning connector at the bottom of the case. The status light is at the front of the case. The serial number is on the underside of the case lid. If this describes your AirPods charging case, you may have the AirPods 1st or 2nd Generation.

AirPods 1st Generation or AirPods 2nd Generation

Charging case model number: A1602

This AirPods case has a Lightning connector on the bottom of the case. The status light is on the inside of the case. The serial number is on the underside of the lid. If this describes your Charging Case, you may have the AirPods 1st or 2nd Generation. 

Now that you have found your model number and identified which type of AirPods you have, you can find the right accessories or ask specific questions to Apple Support when needed. You can also learn how to keep your AirPods from falling out and how to connect your AirPods to another iPhone. If needed, you can also learn how to identify which MacBook you have. 

Here's how to connect AirPods to another iPhone or iPad, even an iPhone or iPad that doesn't belong to you. We'll also go over how to connect someone else's AirPods to your iPhone. Let's get started learning how to use AirPods with multiple iPhones and iPads.

Related: Apple AirPods Guide: How To Connect (Pair), Set Up, Charge, Use AirPod Controls & More

Why You'll Love This Tip

• Listen to music or movies with a friend when you pair your AirPods to another iPhone.
• Let a friend who doesn't have AirPods borrow yours and easily connect to their iPhone.

How to Connect AirPods to Someone Else's iPhone or iPad

Can you pair AirPods to different phones? You can! It's as simple as opening the AirPods case near the new device and following the on-screen prompts to pair the AirPods. For more great AirPods tutorials, check out our free Tip of the Day. Now, let's go over how to pair your AirPods to someone else's iPhone or iPad. Here's how to connect to someone else's AirPods, and how to connect someone else's AirPods to your phone or iPad. This process requires permission from each party.

1. Unlock the iPhone or iPad that you want to connect to.
2. Open the AirPods case near the new device.
3. A prompt labeled Not Your AirPods will appear on the screen; tap Connect.
   
   
    
4. Following the on-screen prompts, press and hold the Setup button on the back of the AirPods' case.
   
   
    
5. Continue holding down the button while the AirPods connect.
   
   
    
6. Select whether you'd like your AirPods to Announce Calls & Notifications​​​​​​.
   
   
    
7. When your AirPods finish connecting, tap Done.
   
   

Now you can continue listening with your AirPods on multiple iPhones or iPads.  We can also teach you how to connect AirPods to a laptop!

AirPods or AirPods Pro not charging? These kinds of issues are not fun, but the good news is that they are relatively easy to troubleshoot. We'll walk through the best solutions to solve your device charging issues whether you're having issues with the left or right AirPod not charging, both AirPods not charging, or the case failing to charge.

Related: AirPods Mic Not Working? Try These 6 Tips

Jump To: 

• Why Are My AirPods Not Charging in Case?
• Why Is My AirPod Case Not Charging?
• Still Not Charging? Other Solutions.

Why Are My AirPods Not Charging in Case?

This is a frustrating problem that most Apple AirPods owners have faced at one point (myself included). Here's how to troubleshoot if one or both of your AirPods are not charging in their case. For more troubleshooting tips and help with your Apple device, check out our free Tip of the Day. 

Step 1: Check AirPods Are Connecting to the Case

Are both of your AirPods connecting to the case when you insert them for charging? When you place your AirPods into the charging case, you should feel a magnetic snap as the AirPods are connected properly. If your AirPods are not connecting properly, or if the top of your AirPods case won't close, remove the AirPods to see if there's dirt or grime blocking them from sitting correctly in the case. If so, cleaning your AirPods and the inside of your charging case will likely resolve your charging issues.

Step 2: Check Your AirPods Charging Status & Case Battery Life

If your AirPods seem to be connecting normally, follow the steps below to check the charging status and battery of your AirPods and AirPods case on your iPhone.

1. Insert both AirPods into the charging case and close the lid. 
2. Open the lid and hold your AirPods case close to your iPhone. 
   
   
3. The charging status will appear on your iPhone screen. 
4. Make sure your AirPods case has more than 10% charge. If the battery life is less than 10%, the case will not have enough power to charge your AirPods and needs to be plugged in. 
   
   
5. Check to make sure a lightning bolt appears next to the battery beneath the AirPods, signaling that both are charging. If not, you may need to clean your AirPods and case. 
   
   

Pro Tip: There are several other ways to check your AirPods battery life. Learn about them here.

Step 3: Clean Your AirPods

If your AirPods are dirty, the grime may be blocking the circuit that allows the AirPods to charge. This is the most common solution to solving charging issues with AirPods and AirPods cases. I recommend checking out this resource on how to properly clean your AirPods. Once they've been cleaned, you can then reinsert them into the case to see if they'll begin to charge. 

Step 4: Update Your AirPods Firmware

This is a pretty uncommon solution, and only applies if it has been a while since you've connected your AirPods to a device such as your iPhone or iPad. AirPods firmware is updated automatically, rather than being installed by users. However, if it has been a few months since you've used your AirPods, you may have missed an update. To prompt an update (if needed), follow the steps below:

1. Insert your ‌AirPods‌ in their case.
2. Connect the ‌AirPods‌ charging case to a power source.
3. Move the iPhone or iPad that the ‌AirPods‌ have been paired with near to the charging case, and make sure your iPhone or iPad has an internet connection. 

After a short while (around 15 minutes), any available software updates should be automatically installed. Check to see if your AirPods are now charging normally. If not, you can also try resetting the ‌AirPods‌.

Step 5: Reset Your AirPods

If the steps above have not solved your charging problems, you may need to reset your AirPods. It's important to note that when you factory reset your AirPods, you will lose any of your saved settings. Because of this, I recommend trying the above solutions (if you haven't already) to avoid having to reprogram your preferred settings. 

Why Is My AirPod Case Not Charging?

The issue could be with the case itself, or with your charging cable or outlet. Follow the steps below to troubleshoot if your AirPods charging case is not charging.

Step 1: Check the Charging Status of Your AirPods Case

1. Insert both AirPods in the case and close the lid. 
2. Reopen the lid and hold your AirPods close to your iPhone. 
   
   
3. The charging status of your AirPods and AirPods case will appear on the screen. 
4. If your AirPods case is charging, you should see a lightning bolt symbol beneath the image of the AirPods case. 
   
   

If your AirPods case is not charging, follow the steps below to troubleshoot. 

Step 2: Check Your Charging Cable

Whether you use an Apple charging cable or a third-party charging cable, you should make sure that it is working properly.

1. Plug the charging cable into another device, such as your iPhone or iPad. If the lightning bolt appears over your device battery, then the charging cable is still functional. 
2. Plug the charging cable back into your AirPods' charging case and make sure that the connection on both ends is secure.
3. If nothing happens, unplug the Lightning end of the cable (the end that plugs into the charging case), flip it over, and plug it back in.

Step 3: Check Your Outlet

If your charging cable works, and you're still having charging issues, you may have a faulty or short-circuited outlet.

1. Plug another device (such as your iPhone) into the same outlet. If it is still charging, the outlet is working. 
2. You should also try plugging your AirPods into another outlet. If it works, then the problem was with your old outlet.

Step 4: Check Your Wireless Charging Base

If you have a wireless charging base, check to make sure you're using either the 2nd Generation AirPods or AirPods Pro, as these are the only versions that support wireless charging. 

1. Place your AirPods in the charging case and place the case on the wireless charging mat with the status light facing up. 
2. The status light should blink on and off while charging. You may need to shift your case's location on the charging pad for it to work.
3. If your case still won't change, try using the Lightning to USB cable that came with your case. 

Step 5: Clean Your AirPods Case

If your AirPods case has dirt or grime in the charging port, it may be preventing your case from charging. I recommend following the instructions in this article for how to clean your AirPod case and the Lightning port. 

Step 6: Reset Your AirPods

If the solutions above have not solved your charging problems, you may need to reset your AirPods to resolve a firmware bug that is keeping your AirPods from charging. Please note that when you factory reset your AirPods, you will lose any of your saved settings. Because of this, I recommend trying the above solutions before performing a factory reset. 

Still Not Charging? Other Solutions.

If the above solutions have not gotten your AirPods or your AirPods case to charge, you may need to replace either the AirPods or the charging case. If your AirPods are still under warranty, Apple will replace the part that is not working. If you have an older set of AirPods that are no longer under warranty, you can also replace them through PodSwap, a service designed to "keep your AirPods alive and out of the landfill." While I have not personally used this service, it is a cheaper alternative to replacing your old AirPods with a new set.