One AirPod stops charging because of a loose connection, debris in the charging contacts, or a battery that has failed inside that earbud
When one AirPod charges normally and the other sits at 0% no matter how long it stays in the case, the problem is almost always physical contact between the earbud and the charging pins inside the case. The case itself is working — you can see that because the other AirPod charges fine. The issue is either the earbud's metal contacts are dirty, the earbud is not sitting flush in its slot, or the battery inside that specific earbud has stopped holding a charge.
The good news is that the first two causes are fixable in under five minutes. The third — a dead battery — means that earbud needs replacement, but Apple will replace it under warranty if your AirPods are less than two years old, or you can buy a single replacement earbud for less than half the price of a new pair.
Key Takeaways
- Check that the non-charging AirPod is sitting all the way down in its slot and that the metal contacts on the earbud are clean and visible.
- Clean the charging contacts on both the earbud and the inside of the case with a dry cotton swab or soft cloth — do not use water or liquid.
- If the earbud still will not charge after cleaning and reseating, the battery inside that earbud has likely failed and needs replacement.
- Apple replaces a single AirPod under warranty for two years from purchase, or you can buy a replacement earbud directly from Apple or authorized retailers.
Clean the charging contacts on the earbud and case
The metal contacts on the bottom of each AirPod are small and straightforward to miss when you are putting them away. Lint, earwax, dust, or dried sweat builds up on these contacts and blocks the electrical connection that charges the battery inside. Start by looking at the bottom of the non-charging AirPod under good light — you should see two small gold or copper circles. If they look dull, dark, or covered, they need cleaning.
Use a dry cotton swab or the corner of a soft, dry cloth to gently rub each contact on the earbud. Do not use water, rubbing alcohol, or any liquid — moisture can damage the internal components. Rub in small circles for about ten seconds per contact, then look again to see if the metal is shiny. Now look inside the charging case at the two corresponding contact points where that earbud sits. Clean those the same way with a dry swab.
After cleaning, place the earbud back in the case, push it down until you hear or feel a click, and close the lid. Wait two minutes, then open the case and look at the LED light on the front. If the light is amber or red, the earbud is now charging. If it is green, the case is fully charged but the earbud may already be at full charge — leave it for five more minutes to be sure.
Make sure the earbud is seated all the way in the case
An AirPod that is not pushed all the way down into its slot will not make contact with the charging pins, even if both are clean. The earbud should sit flush with the top of the case — if you can see a gap or if the earbud feels loose when you push on it gently, it is not seated correctly.
Remove the earbud completely, look at the slot it came from, and check for any visible debris, lint, or damage to the slot itself. If you see anything, use a dry cotton swab to clean out the slot. Then reinsert the earbud at a slight angle and press down firmly until it clicks into place. The earbud should not move when you gently tug on it. Close the case and check the LED light after two minutes.
Test the earbud in the other charging slot
If the earbud still will not charge after cleaning and reseating, try placing it in the opposite slot — the one where the working AirPod normally sits. If it charges in the other slot, the problem is that original slot in the case, not the earbud itself. If it still will not charge in either slot, the battery inside that earbud has failed.
A failed battery cannot be repaired or recharged. The earbud itself is not broken — it will still play sound if you pair it and use it wirelessly — but it will drain its internal battery in minutes and cannot be recharged. Replacement is the only option.
Replace a single AirPod under warranty or through Apple
If your AirPods are less than two years old, Apple will replace the non-charging earbud at no cost under the standard limited warranty. Visit an Apple Store or contact Apple Support online, and bring your AirPods and the charging case. Apple will test the earbud to confirm the battery has failed, then hand you a replacement on the spot or ship one to you within a few days.
If your AirPods are older than two years or you prefer not to go through warranty, you can buy a single replacement earbud directly from Apple's website, from the Apple Store, or from authorized retailers like Best Buy or Amazon. The price is typically $69 to $99 depending on which AirPod model you own. When the replacement arrives, place it in the case, and it will automatically pair with your existing AirPod and case — no setup required.
Prevent future charging problems
Clean your AirPod contacts once a month, especially if you wear them during exercise or in dusty environments. A quick wipe with a dry cloth takes thirty seconds and prevents the buildup that causes charging failures. Store the case in a pocket or bag where it will not collect lint, and do not leave the case open for long periods in dusty rooms.
If you notice one AirPod draining faster than the other during normal use, that is a sign the battery inside is aging and may fail soon. Start using that earbud less frequently, or consider replacing it before it stops charging entirely. This gives you time to order a replacement without being without one earbud while you wait for it to arrive.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I charge one AirPod while the other is in use?
Yes. Remove the charged AirPod from the case and put the other one in to charge. You can wear the single AirPod and use it normally while the second one charges in the case. The case will charge it even if the lid is open, though closing the lid protects the contacts from dust.
What if both AirPods stop charging?
The problem is likely the charging case itself, not the earbuds. Clean the contacts inside the case where both earbuds sit, and make sure the case is charged by plugging it in for at least thirty minutes. If the case LED does not light up when you plug it in, the case battery may have failed and needs replacement.
Will cleaning with rubbing alcohol damage my AirPods?
Yes. Alcohol can seep into the earbud and damage the internal battery or circuitry. Use only a dry cotton swab or cloth. If liquid has already gotten inside, let the earbud sit in a warm, dry place for 24 hours before trying to charge it again.
How long does a replacement AirPod take to arrive?
If you go through Apple's warranty, you typically get a replacement the same day at an Apple Store, or within three to five business days by mail. If you order a replacement earbud online, shipping depends on your location and the retailer, but usually arrives within one to three business days.
Can I use one old AirPod and one new replacement AirPod together?
Yes. AirPods from the same generation pair automatically with the same case and will work together even if one is older than the other. The only limitation is that the older earbud may have a weaker battery and drain faster, but both will function normally.