AirPods Not Holding A Charge? Here's The Real Fix!

David Lynch

DECEMBER 15, 2021

Your AirPods won't hold a charge and you're not sure why.

No matter what you do, your AirPods keep dying quickly.

In this article, I'll explain what to do when your AirPods are not holding a charge!

Are My AirPods Broken?

At this point, we can't be completely sure why your AirPods are not holding a charge. It's possible that your AirPods aren't fully charged, or that something is interrupting the charging process. The step-by-step guide below will help you identify and fix the real reason why your AirPods won't hold a charge. If you reach the end of the guide and your AirPods still aren't working, there may be a hardware problem. AirPods repairs can get expensive quickly, as battery services cost $49 per AirPod if you don't have AppleCare+. Instead of paying $98 to have your AirPods repaired ($147 if you need the charging case repaired too), you could get a brand new pair for just $139 with Amazon Prime. But before you go off and buy a new pair of AirPods, follow the step-by-step guide below!

How To Fix AirPods That Won't Hold A Charge

7 Steps Total
1.

Charge Your AirPods

Charging your AirPods ensures that they will have enough battery life to function properly. AirPods are charged using the Charging Case.

How Do I Charge My AirPods?

  1. Put your AirPods in the Charging Case.
  2. When your AirPods are in the Charging Case, the Status light will indicate the amount of charge your AirPods have.
  3. The Status light will turn green when your AirPods are fully charged.
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2.

Charge The AirPods Charging Case

It may be a mouthful, but the Charging Case needs to be charged in order to charge your AirPods.

How Do I Charge The AirPods Charging Case?

  1. Plug a Lightning cable into the Lightning connector on your Charging Case.
  2. Plug the other end of the Lightning cable into a USB port or wall charger.
  3. It may take a few hours to fully charge your Charging Case.
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3.

Clean Your AirPods and Charging Case

If dirt, dust, or other debris gets into your AirPods or Charging Case, it can affect their functionality and cause hardware problems. For example, if there is debris in your Charging Case, your AirPods may not charge properly.

  1. Get a soft, lint-free cloth. Don't use tissue or cloth that will break up inside your devices.
  2. Gently wipe your AirPods and Charging Case with the cloth.
  3. For more compact debris, you can use an anti-static brush or new toothbrush to clean it out.
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4.

Inspect Your iPhone Cable (Lightning Cable)

Damaged Lightning cables are a common reason for iPhone problems, especially related to charging and transferring data between iPhones and computers.

Lightning cables can be tricky to diagnose because when they start to go, they usually don't break all at once. Sometimes an iPhone will continue to charge but won't sync data properly, or vice versa, because of the construction of the cable. Make sure to take a close look while you're troubleshooting!

How Do I Inspect My iPhone Cable (Lightning Cable)?

  1. Use a flashlight and look closely at both ends of your Lightning cable. These cables can become worn and tend to fray, especially at the end with the Lightning connector.
  2. If you see no visible signs of damage, try charging your device using both a USB port on a computer and the wall adapter which came with your iPhone. If your Lightning cable works with one, but not the other, then your cable is not the problem.
  3. Try charging your device with a friend's or family member's Lightning cable. If their cable works while yours doesn't, then you've identified that the problem is your Lightning cable.
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5.

Reset Your AirPods

It may seem simple, but resetting your AirPods may fix minor software bugs such as connectivity issues or a quickly draining battery. Like resetting an iPhone, resetting your AirPods gives them a "fresh start."

How Do I Reset My AirPods?

  1. Press and hold the setup button on the back of your Charging Case.
  2. Release the setup button when status light flashes amber a few times, then flashes white.
  3. Your AirPods have been reset.
  4. Connect your AirPods to your device, just like you did when you set them up the first time.
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6.

Set Up AirPods Using Your iPhone

Your iPhone needs to be connected to your AirPods before you can use them. AirPods are designed to easily connect to your iPhone as soon as you open the Charging Case.

How Do I Set Up AirPods Using My iPhone?

  1. Unlock your iPhone.
  2. Open the Charging Case with your AirPods inside.
  3. Hold the Charging Case next to your iPhone.
  4. A setup animation will appear on your iPhone.
  5. Tap Connect.
  6. Tap Done.
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7.

Repair Your AirPods With Apple

At this point, Apple is the only place in town that can repair AirPods. So, if your AirPods are broken, you have only one question to ask yourself: Do I visit the Genius Bar at an Apple Store to repair my AirPods or do I use Apple's mail-in repair service?

How Do I Repair My AirPods With Apple?

How To Repair Your AirPods At The Genius Bar In An Apple Store

  1. Visit Apple's website to make an appointment at the Genius Bar at your local Apple Store.
  2. Make sure to check in at the Genius Bar when you arrive.

How To Repair Your AirPods Using Apple's Mail-In Repair Service

  1. Visit Apple's online support website to set up a mail-in repair or get phone support.
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Hold That Charge!

You've fixed the problem with your AirPods and they're charging normally again.

Next time your AirPods are not holding charge, you'll know exactly how to fix the problem!

If you have any other questions about your AirPods, leave them in the comments section below.

  1. Charge Your AirPods
  2. Charge The AirPods Charging Case
  3. Clean Your AirPods and Charging Case
  4. Inspect Your iPhone Cable (Lightning Cable)
  5. Reset Your AirPods
  6. Set Up AirPods Using Your iPhone
  7. Repair Your AirPods With Apple

Applies To: AirPods, AirPods Pro

AUTHOR

David Lynch

David Lynch is an expert on cell phones, cell phone plans, and other tech. After using a flip phone into his early 20s, he learned the ropes about iPhones and Androids from a former Apple employee. Today, his articles and videos are read and viewed by millions, and he has been cited by major publications including Reader's Digest, Wired, CMSWire, Consumers Advocate, and more.

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Michael J. Dinneen
Michael J. Dinneen
11 months ago

Great simple instructions!

0
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Ali
Ali
1 year ago

I don’t have a reset button on my apple buds?

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pius muya kiseli
pius muya kiseli
1 year ago

i
I had my huawei airpod inside washer and dry machine , now it’s working however dies after only 2 minutes, what can i do or i will be required to replace them.

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Barb
Barb
2 years ago

Hello David, my air pods pro, after being completely charged, will only hold a charge for about 45 minutes?

0
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David Lynch
Author
David Lynch
2 years ago
Reply to  Barb

They should probably last longer than that. Probably worth reaching to Apple support.

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Anni
Anni
3 years ago

Hi David, for me is not the AirPods but the case it drain itself.

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Cindy Muir
Cindy Muir
1 year ago
Reply to  Anni

Me too, my case won’t hold a charge 🙁

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