Display the battery level of the Airpods: This is how it works

In this article you will learn how exactly you can display the battery level of your AirPods. Since some readers also report problems with batteries, we will also address common battery problems here and show you possible solutions. Finally, we answer frequently asked reader questions, such as: “How long do AirPod batteries last”, “How often should you Charge AirPods?”, etc.

How can I see the battery level of my AirPods?

There are several ways to check the battery level of your AirPods, depending on your device and settings: 

1. On iPhone or iPad: Open the charging case with the AirPods near the iOS device. A pop-up window will appear on the screen showing the battery level of the AirPods and charging case. 

2. In the battery display on iPhone or iPad: Swipe up from the bottom of the screen to open Control Center. Tap the battery icon to open the battery display. The battery levels of the AirPods and the charging case are displayed here. 

3. On Mac: Click the Bluetooth icon in the menu bar. Select your AirPods from the list to view the battery level. 

4. On a Apple Watch: Swipe the watch face up to open the Control Center. Tap the battery icon to view the AirPods battery level. 

5. With Siri: You can ask Siri on your iPhone, iPad or your Apple Watch about the battery level of your AirPods.

Common battery problems with solutions 

Why does my AirPods battery drain so quickly? 

There are several reasons why your AirPods battery might drain faster than expected. Here are some possible causes and solutions: 

1. Usage pattern: The battery life of the AirPods depends heavily on the type of use. Using AirPods heavily for calls, Siri activations, or streaming audio will drain the battery faster. Excessive use may result in shorter battery life. 

2. Age of the batteries: Over time and the number of charging cycles, the batteries in the AirPods can lose performance. Batteries have a limited lifespan and their capacity may decrease after several hundred charge cycles. 

3. Software issues: Occasionally, software issues can affect battery performance. Make sure you have the latest firmware installed on the AirPods and check for any software updates. 

4. Bluetooth connection: An unstable or poor Bluetooth connection may cause the AirPods to use more power to maintain a connection. Make sure the AirPods are connected to the device and at an appropriate distance. 

5. Background activity: Sometimes background activity on your device using AirPods can affect battery life. Check your device settings and close apps that may be using unnecessary energy. 

If you're still having issues with your AirPods' battery life, you might try the following steps: 

• Fully charge the AirPods: Place the AirPods in the charging case and charge them fully. 
• Check the firmware: Make sure you have the latest firmware installed for your AirPods. 
• Check the Bluetooth connection: Make sure the Bluetooth connection is stable and the AirPods are properly connected to your device. 

If the problems still persist, it may be advisable to contact Apple support or have the AirPods checked.

You can find more information about what you can do if your battery drains too quickly in our article here: Airpods battery drains quickly

What to do if an AirPod won't charge?

If an AirPod won't charge, there are some steps you can take to diagnose and possibly fix the problem. 

First, it is important to ensure that the problem is not due to physical damage or wear. Check the charging port on the AirPods case and the contacts on the AirPod itself for dirt or damage. 

Ensure that the charging case itself is sufficiently charged by connecting it to a power supply. Also check whether the LED indicator on the charging case lights up when the AirPods are inserted. If not, this could indicate that the charging case is not working properly. 

Then try putting the AirPods back into the charging case and close the lid. Make sure they are aligned and inserted correctly. Wait a moment and then check if the AirPods are charging. If necessary, you could try connecting the charging case to a different power source. 

If these steps don't work, there could be a software problem. Check whether the AirPods and charging case have the latest firmware installed. You can check this in your device's Bluetooth settings. 

None of the solutions helped?

If the measures mentioned do not solve the problem, one AirPod is probably defective. Unfortunately, the manufacturer does not sell individual AirPods, but here in our online shop you can easily and conveniently reorder individual right or left AirPods. 

Of course, these are original AirPods and come with a guarantee. We ourselves buy the complete AirPods sets from the manufacturer, dismantle them into their individual parts and offer them individually. This way, users can save money and don't have to buy a complete AirPods set even though they only need a single AirPod. 

Why are my AirPods charged differently?

If your AirPods charge differently, there are several possible reasons: 

1. Usage and use: It is normal for the two AirPods to discharge at different rates, especially if they are not used at the same time and to a similar extent.The AirPod that is used more frequently for calls, Siri activations, or other activities may drain more quickly. 

2. Battery aging: Over time, some aging of the batteries in the AirPods may occur. This can result in the batteries being discharged at different rates or having different capacities. 

3. Charging case functionality: There is a possibility that there is an issue with the charging case that is causing uneven charging. Make sure the charging case is working correctly and charging the AirPods properly. 

4. Software Issues: Occasionally, software issues may occur that affect the AirPods' battery management features. Make sure you have the latest firmware installed on the AirPods and check for software updates.

To determine whether the charging differences are due to an issue with the AirPods or the charging case, you can take the following steps: 

• Place the AirPods in the charging case and close the lid. 
• Make sure the charging case itself is sufficiently charged. 
• Charge the AirPods for a reasonable amount of time and then check whether they are charged evenly after charging. 

If the differences persist and affect your experience, you may want to contact Apple support or have the charging case and AirPods checked.

Frequently asked questions

How can I see what percentage my AirPods have (on Android)?

On Android devices there is no native integration for displaying the battery level of the AirPods like on Apple devices. However, there are some third-party apps that can provide this feature. Here are some steps you can follow: 

1. Download a third-party app: There are several apps in the Google Play Store designed to display the battery level of Bluetooth devices, including AirPods. Search for such apps in the Play Store and install one that has good ratings and reviews. 

2. Pairing and Display: After you install the app, open it and follow the instructions to connect it to your AirPods. Some of these apps can automatically show the battery level when the AirPods are connected to the Android device. 

3. Bluetooth settings: Open Bluetooth settings on your Android device. Tap the name of your AirPods in the connected devices list. Sometimes the battery level is displayed here. 

However, note that the accuracy and reliability of such apps may depend on the app itself and the Android version. Some apps may work better than others, and it's important to make sure the app comes from a trusted developer. 

Which app for AirPods Android? 

We recommend the app AndroPods - Airpods on Android.If you're looking for more apps for AirPods on Android in the Play Store, make sure that the reviews are mostly positive and the app has a high number of downloads. 

How long does the AirPods battery last?

For 3rd generation AirPods:

• With multiple charges in the charging case: Up to 30 hours of listening time or up to 20 hours of talk time
• Up to 6 hours of listening time (up to 5 hours when 3D audio is enabled) or up to 4 hours of talk time on a single charge.
• With a 5-minute charge in the charging case, you get about 1 hour of listening time or about 1 hour of talk time.

For AirPods Pro 2:

• With multiple charges in the charging case: over 30 hours of listening time or up to 24 hours of talk time
• Up to 6 hours of listening time (up to 5.5 if you enable 3D audio and head tracking)
• Up to 4.5 hours of talk time on one charge
• With a 5-minute charge in the charging case, you get about 1 hour of listening time or 1 hour of talk time

For AirPods Pro:

• With multiple charges in the charging case: over 24 hours of listening time or more than 18 hours of talk time.
• Up to 4.5 hours of listening time or up to 3.5 hours of talk time on a single charge.
• With a 5-minute charge in the charging case, you get about 1 hour of listening time or about 1 hour of talk time 

For 2nd generation AirPods:

• With multiple charges in the charging case: over 24 hours of listening time or up to 18 hours of talk time
• Up to 5 hours of listening time or up to 3 hours of talk time on a single charge
• With a 15-minute charge in the charging case, you can achieve up to 3 hours of listening time or up to 2 hours of talk time

AirPods 1st generation:

• With multiple charges in the charging case: over 24 hours of listening time or more than hours of talk time
• Up to 4.5 hours of listening time or up to 3.5 hours of talk time on a single charge
• With a 5-minute charge in the charging case you get around 1 hour of listening time or around 1 hour of talk time

You can also find all of the information mentioned here on the official Apple website. 

How many years can you use AirPods?

The lifespan of AirPods can depend on a variety of factors, including frequency of use, care, and the environment in which they are used. Here are some factors that can affect the useful life: 

1. Battery Life: The batteries in AirPods have a limited lifespan and may lose performance after a certain number of charging cycles. Apple indicates that the AirPods should still have about 80% of their original capacity after about 500 charging cycles. 

2. Technological Advances: New AirPods models are released periodically, and technological advances may cause older models to be perceived as less powerful or feature-rich over time. 

3. Physical Wear and Tear: The physical condition of AirPods, including build quality, hinges, and other mechanical parts, may deteriorate over time, which may affect their lifespan. 

4. Software updates: Software updates can affect the performance of the AirPods. While some updates may bring improvements, older models may not support all features of the latest software versions.

How often should you charge AirPods?

You should charge your AirPods when the battery is low or before you will not be using them for a long time. Many users charge their AirPods daily to ensure they are always ready for use. Monitor battery levels regularly and use the charging case to store and charge AirPods when not in use. The charging case itself should also be charged regularly. Please note that batteries can age and lose capacity over time.

Should you leave the AirPods in the case?

Yes, it is recommended to store the AirPods in the charging case when not in use. Here are some reasons why: 

1. Protection against damage: The charging case provides physical protection for the AirPods. It protects them from scratches, bumps and other possible damage when not in use.
   
   
2. Automatic charging: When the AirPods are stored in the charging case, they charge automatically. The charging case has a battery itself and allows the AirPods to be charged multiple times when not in use.
   
   
3. Easy storage: The charging case is compact and easy to transport. It not only protects the AirPods but also makes it convenient to store them in your pocket, backpack or handbag.
   
   
4. Availability for use: When the AirPods are stored in the charging case, they are ready to use when you need them. Automatic pairing begins as soon as you open the charging case and the AirPods are connected to the connected device.

Why do AirPods break so quickly? 

AirPods are generally relatively durable, but only when handled properly. Here are some reasons why AirPods can break faster: 

1. Physical Stress: If the AirPods are mishandled, dropped or subjected to strong shocks, this can cause physical damage.
   
   
2. Exposure to Moisture: Electronics, including AirPods, can be affected by moisture. Avoid contact with water or other liquids as this may cause malfunction. Find out here how you can save your AirPods from water damage.
   
   
3. Battery aging: The batteries in the AirPods have a limited lifespan and can lose capacity over time. After several hundred charging cycles, the battery performance may decrease.
   
   
4. Wear and tear: Daily use may cause general wear and tear. The joints, hinges or other moving parts could wear out over time and affect durability.
   
   
5. Use of third-party accessories: Using unauthorized accessories or chargers may cause problems. It is recommended to use original Apple accessories. You can sometimes find spare parts here.
   
   
6. Drop Damage: Dropping the AirPods repeatedly can cause internal damage that affects functionality.
   
   
7. Fake AirPods: If you have fake AirPods, this can be a major reason why they break more quickly. Because the fake products are of significantly lower quality.