AirPods Pro Not Charging: 7 Quick Fixes for Charging Problems

Your AirPods Pro no longer charge or only charge unreliably? That’s annoying, but don’t worry! In most cases, it’s due to a simple issue that can be fixed quickly. In this article, we show you the most common causes and the best solutions so your AirPods Pro are ready to use again in no time.

What should you do if the AirPods Pro no longer charge?

1. Check the battery level

Before looking for bigger faults, first check whether your AirPods really are not charging:

• Open the charging case with the AirPods inside and hold it near your iPhone or iPad.
  

• A charging symbol should appear next to the battery icon. If not, there may be a charging issue behind it.

2. Check the charging cable and power source

A loose connection or a defective cable can prevent your AirPods Pro from charging:

• Use the original charging cable and make sure it is firmly plugged into the charging case and the USB power adapter.
  

• Try a different outlet or another charger to rule out the power source as the cause of the problem.

3. Align wireless charging correctly

If you are using a wireless charging case, make sure that:

• The case is placed on the charging pad with the status indicator facing up.

• The charging indicator lights up briefly — if it does not appear, try moving the case slightly.

• If it still does not charge, try charging it with a cable to rule out the charging pad as the cause.

4. Clean the AirPods and charging case

Dirt or dust in the charging contacts or on the contacts in the case can prevent charging:

• Carefully clean the charging contacts of the case with a dry, lint-free cloth.

• Use a cotton swab or a soft brush to remove dirt from the charging contacts of the AirPods.

• If there is debris in the Lightning or MagSafe port, you can carefully remove it with a toothpick.

A detailed guide on cleaning AirPods and the charging case can be found here.

5. Pay attention to charging time

Sometimes a short connection is not enough:

• Let your AirPods Pro charge in the charging case for at least 15 minutes.

• If the AirPods were completely drained, it can take up to 30 minutes before they respond at all.

6. Rule out software errors

A software problem can also prevent your AirPods from charging properly:

• Restart your iPhone or iPad and check the charging status again.

• Make sure your device is updated to the latest iOS version.

• If possible, reset your AirPods and connect them again.

7. Contact Apple Support 

If your AirPods still do not charge despite all measures, there may be a hardware defect. In this case you should:

• Check whether your warranty is still valid.

• Schedule an appointment at an Apple Store or authorized service provider.

• If necessary, consider a repair or replacement.

What to do if only one AirPod charges? 

If only one AirPod charges while the other remains empty, the problem could be due to a one-sided charging interruption or an individual defect. Here are the best solutions:

1. Reposition AirPod in the charging case

Place the affected AirPod back into the charging case and press it gently downward to make sure the charging contacts are connected. 

2. Reset the individual AirPod

If only one AirPod is not being recognized or charged, a reset may help:

1. Remove the AirPods from the Bluetooth settings on your iPhone/iPad.

2. Place only the affected AirPod in the charging case, close the lid, and wait 30 seconds.
   

3. Open the lid and hold the setup button on the charging case for 15 seconds until the LED flashes first amber and then white.
   

4. Then put the second AirPod into the case and reconnect them to your device.

3. Test whether the AirPod charges in another case

If you know someone who also uses AirPods Pro, test whether your AirPod charges in another charging case. If it charges there without any problems, the issue is with the charging case and not with the AirPod itself.

4. Replace a single AirPod instead of buying a new set

If only one AirPod is permanently defective, you do not have to buy a new set right away. At OneEarPod you can reorder original Apple AirPods individually — with full warranty. We ourselves source original Apple AirPods from the manufacturer and then sell the individual parts.

AirPods Pro case not lighting up while charging?

If the AirPods Pro case does not light up, we recommend the following:

• Check whether the case is still charging: Open the case and hold it near your iPhone/iPad. If the charging status appears on the screen, it is charging, but the LED does not show it.
  

• Test a different cable, charging pad, or power adapter: Swap the charging cable, power adapter, or outlet. If you charge wirelessly, reposition the case on the charging pad or try charging it by cable.
  

• LED turns off after a short time: The charging indicator lights up only briefly and then goes out, which is normal. Open the lid after a few minutes to check the charging status on the iPhone/iPad.
  

• Clean the charging port and contacts: Clean the Lightning port with a dry cloth or toothpick. Check the charging contacts in the case if the AirPods are not charging either.
  

• Perform a firmware update: Connect the AirPods to the iPhone/iPad and leave them in the case overnight to receive an update. More about this here.

• Replace the charging case: If the case still does not charge, it may be defective. OneEarPod offers original Apple AirPods charging cases as replacements.

AirPods Pro not charging all the time?

If your AirPods Pro sometimes charge and sometimes do not, the problem is often due to an inconsistent connection that can be caused by various factors. Here are targeted solutions:

• Loose contact in the charging case: If charging only works sporadically, there may be a contact issue. Insert the AirPods firmly into the case and check whether the charging contacts are clean.
  

• Charging cable or power adapter defective: If the problem only occurs occasionally, test another cable and power adapter to rule out the charging source as faulty.
  

• Problem with the case charging port: If the case sometimes charges and sometimes does not, the Lightning port or MagSafe contact may be dirty or damaged. Carefully clean the charging port with a toothpick or a soft brush.
  

• AirPods battery condition fluctuates: If one of the AirPods drains faster than the other, check in Settings under „Bluetooth“ > [Your AirPods] whether there is uneven battery usage. In such cases, a battery replacement may be necessary.
  

• Firmware or software bug: If the charging problem only started after an update, a software issue could be the cause. Reset the AirPods and make sure the latest firmware is installed.
  

• Temperature issues: In very hot or cold environments, charging performance can be affected. Charge the AirPods Pro at room temperature and check whether the problem persists.

AirPods Pro not charging evenly?

If one AirPod charges faster or drains faster than the other, there can be various reasons. Here are possible causes and solutions:

• Different use of the AirPods: If you use one AirPod more often for calls or voice commands, its battery may drain faster. Swap sides occasionally or use both AirPods equally.
  

• Dirt in the charging contacts: If one of the AirPods charges poorly, check and clean the charging contacts in the case and on the AirPod itself with a dry cloth or a cotton swab.
  

• Loose connection in the charging case: Place both AirPods in the case and press them down gently. If one is not seated properly, this can cause charging problems.

• Faulty battery in one AirPod: If one AirPod drains much faster than the other, the battery may be weakened. Check in the Bluetooth settings whether there is a large difference in battery levels.

AirPods Pro not charging fully? 

If your AirPods Pro do not charge to 100% or the charging process stops early, there can be various causes. Here are the most common reasons and solutions:

• Optimized Charging enabled: Apple protects the battery through optimized charging. This pauses charging at 80% and resumes it later. You can disable this feature under Settings > Bluetooth > [Your AirPods] > “Optimized Charging”.
  

• Irregular power supply: If the charging case stops charging early, try a different charging cable, power adapter, or Qi charging pad.
  

• Temperature issues: At temperatures that are too high or too low, the charging process can slow down or stop. It’s best to charge the AirPods Pro at room temperature.
  

• Charging case defective: If the AirPods do not charge fully but the case has sufficient battery, there may be a contact issue. Clean the charging contacts in the case and on the AirPods.
  

• Battery wear: If your AirPods Pro are already older, battery capacity may decrease. If the problem occurs regularly, a battery replacement or replacement AirPod may be necessary.

Frequently asked questions

Why do the AirPods Pro no longer light up while charging? 

The LED indicator on the AirPods Pro only lights up briefly while charging and then turns off. That is normal. If the LED does not light up at all anymore, there may be a problem with the charging cable, the charging case, or the power source. Try a different cable or power adapter and clean the charging contacts.

Why do the AirPods charge but not the case?

If the AirPods charge normally but the case does not, the charging port may be dirty or damaged. Carefully clean the Lightning or MagSafe port. Test a different charging cable or charger. If the problem persists, there may be a defect in the charging case.

How do I know if my AirPod Pro is broken?

A defective AirPod can show the following symptoms:

• No sound or extremely quiet audio

• No connection to the device

• Rapid battery drain

• AirPod is no longer charging
  If a reset or cleaning does not help, there may be a hardware defect.

How do you reset AirPods Pro?

Here is how to reset AirPods Pro:

1. Place your AirPods in the charging case, close the lid, and wait about 30 seconds.
   

2. Open the Bluetooth settings on your iPhone or iPad that is paired with the AirPods:
   

• • If your AirPods are listed under "My Devices," tap the info icon next to them, select "Forget This Device," and confirm.
    

  • Are they not on the list? Then skip directly to the next step.
    

3. Open the charging case lid.
   
   Press and hold the setup button on the back of the charging case for about 15 seconds until the status light first turns amber and then flashes white.