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

In this article, you'll learn exactly how to check your AirPods' battery level. Since some readers have also reported battery problems, we also cover common battery issues and show you possible solutions. Finally, we answer frequently asked reader questions, such as: “How long do AirPods batteries last?”, “How often should you charge AirPods?”, etc.

How can I see my AirPods' battery level?

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

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

2. In the battery widget on iPhone or iPad: Swipe up from the bottom edge of the screen to open Control Center. Tap the battery icon to open the battery widget. This shows the battery levels of the AirPods and the charging case. 

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

4. On an Apple Watch: Swipe up on the watch face to open Control Center. Tap the battery icon to display the AirPods' battery level. 

5. With Siri: You can ask Siri on your iPhone, iPad or Apple Watch for your AirPods' battery level.

Common battery problems and how to fix them 

Why does my AirPods' battery drain so fast? 

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

1. Usage patterns: AirPods battery life depends heavily on how you use them. If you use your AirPods intensively for calls, Siri activations or audio streaming, the battery will drain faster. Excessive use can lead to shorter battery life. 

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

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

4. Bluetooth connection: An unstable or poor Bluetooth connection can cause the AirPods to use more power to maintain the connection. Make sure the AirPods are connected to the device and are within a reasonable distance. 

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

If you continue to have problems with your AirPods' battery life, you could try the following steps: 

• Fully charge the AirPods: Put 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 persist, it may be a good idea to contact Apple Support or have your AirPods checked.

You can find more information about what to do if your battery drains too quickly in our article here: AirPods battery draining fast

What to do if an AirPod won't charge?

If an AirPod isn't charging, there are a few steps you can take to diagnose and possibly fix the problem. 

First, it's important to make sure that physical damage or wear is not the cause of the problem. Check the charging port on the AirPods case and the contacts on the AirPod itself for dirt or damage. 

Make sure that the charging case itself is sufficiently charged, by connecting it to a power adapter. 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 isn't working properly. 

Then try placing the AirPods back in the charging case and close the lid. Make sure they are correctly aligned and fully inserted. Wait a moment, then check whether 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 may be a software problem. Check whether the AirPods and the 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 above don't solve the problem, the AirPod is probably defective. Unfortunately, the manufacturer doesn't sell single AirPods, but here in our online shop you can easily and conveniently reorder a single right or left AirPod. 

Of course, these are original AirPods that come with a warranty. We buy complete AirPods sets from the manufacturer ourselves, take them apart into their individual components and offer these individually. This way, users can save money and don't have to buy a whole new AirPods set when they only need a single AirPod. 

Why do my AirPods have different charge levels?

If your AirPods have different charge levels, there are several possible reasons: 

1. Usage: It's normal for the two AirPods to drain at different rates, especially if they aren't used at the same time and to a similar extent. The AirPod that is used more often for calls, Siri activations or other activities may drain faster. 

2. Battery aging: Over time, the batteries in AirPods can age to some extent. This can cause the batteries to drain at different rates or have different capacities. 

3. Charging case functionality: There may be a problem with the charging case that leads to uneven charging. Make sure the charging case is working correctly and charging the AirPods properly. 

4. Software issues: Occasionally, software issues can occur that affect the AirPods' battery management functions. Make sure you have the latest firmware installed on your AirPods and check whether software updates are available.

To determine whether the differences in charge are due to a problem with the AirPods or the charging case, you can take the following steps: 

• Put 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, then check whether they are evenly charged. 

If the differences persist and affect your user experience, it may be advisable to contact Apple Support or have the charging case and AirPods checked.

Frequently asked questions

How can I see my AirPods' battery percentage (on Android)?

Android devices don't have native integration for displaying the AirPods' battery level as Apple devices do. However, there are some third-party apps that can offer 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 the Play Store for such apps and install one that has good ratings and reviews. 

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

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

Note, however, 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 trustworthy developer. 

Which app for AirPods on Android? 

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

How long does the AirPods battery last?

For AirPods (3rd generation):

• 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 with Spatial Audio enabled) or up to 4 hours of talk time on a single charge.
• Charging in the case for 5 minutes gives you 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 Spatial Audio and head tracking)
• Up to 4.5 hours of talk time on one charge
• Charging in the case for 5 minutes gives you approx. 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.
• Charging in the case for 5 minutes gives you approx. 1 hour of listening time or about 1 hour of talk time 

For AirPods (2nd generation):

• 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
• Charging in the case for 15 minutes gives you 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 several 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
• Charging in the case for 5 minutes gives you about 1 hour of listening time or about 1 hour of talk time

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

How many years can you use AirPods?

The lifespan of AirPods can depend on various factors, including how often they're used, how they're cared for and the environment they're used in. Here are some factors that can affect how long they last: 

1. Battery lifespan: The batteries in AirPods have a limited lifespan and can lose performance after a certain number of charge cycles. Apple states that AirPods should still retain about 80% of their original capacity after about 500 charge cycles. 

2. Technological advances: New AirPods models are released regularly, and technological advances can mean that older models are perceived as less powerful or less feature-rich over time. 

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

4. Software updates: Software updates can affect AirPods performance. While some updates can 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 level is low or before you won't be using them for a longer period. Many users charge their AirPods daily to make sure they're always ready to use. Monitor the battery level regularly and use the charging case to store and charge the AirPods when they're not in use. The charging case itself should also be charged regularly. Keep in mind that batteries age over time and can lose capacity.

Should you leave AirPods in the case?

Yes, it's recommended to store the AirPods in the charging case when they're 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, knocks and other possible damage when they're not in use.
   
   
2. Automatic charging: When the AirPods are stored in the charging case, they charge automatically. The charging case has its own battery and can charge the AirPods several times when they're not in use.
   
   
3. Easy storage: The charging case is compact and easy to carry. It not only protects the AirPods but also makes it convenient to keep them in your pocket, backpack or handbag.
   
   
4. Ready to use: When the AirPods are stored in the charging case, they're ready to use as soon as you need them. Automatic pairing starts as soon as you open the charging case, and the AirPods connect to the paired device.

Why do AirPods break so quickly? 

AirPods are generally fairly durable, but only when handled properly. Here are some reasons why AirPods can break more quickly: 

1. Physical stress: If the AirPods are mishandled, dropped or exposed 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 can cause malfunctions. Find out here how you can save your AirPods after water damage and what you should avoid.
   
   
3. Battery aging: The batteries in AirPods have a limited lifespan and can lose capacity over time. After several hundred charge cycles, battery performance may decline.
   
   
4. Wear and tear: Daily use can lead to general wear and tear. Joints, hinges or other moving parts may wear out over time and affect durability.
   
   
5. Using third-party accessories: Using unauthorized accessories or chargers can cause problems. It's recommended to use original Apple accessories. You can sometimes find spare parts here.
   
   
6. Drop damage: If the AirPods are dropped repeatedly, this can cause internal damage that affects their functionality.
   
   
7. Fake AirPods: If you have counterfeit AirPods, this can be a major reason why they break more quickly, because fake products are of significantly lower quality.