AirPods Case no longer charges: 5 common causes with solutions

The most important points at a glance: 

• Test the cable or charger: Try a different cable or power outlet – often that’s where the problem lies.
• Change the charging method: On AirPods with a wireless case, switch between cable charging and Qi charging
• Clean the charging port: Carefully clean the port 
• Check the firmware: Make sure your AirPods are up to date
• Hardware defect: If nothing helps, the case is probably defective – check the warranty or buy the case separately instead of a complete new set

Why won’t my AirPods case charge? 

There can be several reasons why your AirPod case can no longer be charged. Below we show the most common reasons and the appropriate solutions. Once you’ve tried all the solutions, your AirPods should charge properly again. 

1. The charger or cable could be defective

In some cases, the charger (power adapter) or the cable may be defective. This is more often the case with cables. Check whether you have a spare charger and spare cable at home and try charging the case with them. In many cases, this already solves the problem. If you don’t have either at home, you can, for example, go to an Apple Store and ask an employee to test it there. 

2. Change the charging method for AirPods with wireless charging capability

AirPods from the 2nd generation onward or Pro models can be charged wirelessly. In this case, you should switch between wired charging and wireless charging to check whether the problem occurs with both methods. If wireless charging works but wired charging does not, there is a problem with the cable. If the wired method works but the wireless one does not, there is a problem with the Qi charging pad. If neither method works, it is probably a hardware defect. 

Expert tip: Your AirPods don’t like it too hot or too cold!

Apple recommends an ambient temperature between 0°C and 35°C when charging. If your case is left in an ice-cold car in winter or in the blazing sun in summer, this can cause charging problems. Let the case come to room temperature before hanging it on the charging cable.

3. AirPods case no longer charging? Dirt in the port could be the reason 

Is your AirPods case no longer charging? We have one more tip for you: inspect the port on the charging case (where the charging cable is plugged in). You’ll find it on the underside of the case. Dirt often collects there. If the port is dirty, the charging cable won’t connect to the case properly. 

So carefully remove the dirt from the port. Do not use metal objects under any circumstances. For example, you can use a wooden toothpick and carefully insert it into the port to loosen the dirt. You can also blow into the port. After you have cleaned the port, reconnect the cable and check whether it will charge now.

Since you’re already cleaning things: Here’s a short guide on how to clean your charging case and your AirPods at the same time. This will extend their lifespan. 

Clean the case and charging socket regularly

Once a month you should carefully clean not only the charging socket, but also the contacts in the case and on the AirPods themselves. Dirt and debris are more common causes of charging problems than you think – and a little cleaning can save you a trip to the Apple Store!

4. Update the firmware

Outdated firmware can also be a reason for charging problems. Normally, the firmware should update automatically. But still make sure that your AirPods’ firmware is up to date. You can check this in the settings on your paired iPhone.

5. AirPods case no longer charges due to a defect

If, despite all attempts, the charging case still does not charge, it is probably defective. In this case, you should check whether the device is still under warranty and whether the repair costs will be reimbursed or you may even receive a replacement device. 

Your replacement AirPods case

Is your case still broken? Get an original AirPods case in our shop, with a manufacturer’s guarantee!

Order AirPods Case now