The right AirPod usually stops charging because of a loose connection in the case, debris blocking the charging pins, or a battery that has worn out after years of use

When only one AirPod charges, the problem is almost always physical — either the metal charging pins inside the case are dirty or misaligned, or the AirPod itself has a connection issue. The right AirPod sits in the same charging environment as the left one, so if the left charges normally, the issue is not your case's power supply or your charger cable. It is something specific to how the right AirPod makes contact with the case.

Start by checking the simplest causes first: whether the charging pins are clean, whether the AirPod is seated properly in the case, and whether the case itself still has a charge. If those do not work, you have a few other steps to try before you need to contact Apple or consider replacement.

Key Takeaways

  • Clean the metal charging pins on both the right AirPod and inside the case with a dry, lint-free cloth, because even a thin layer of dust or earwax blocks the electrical connection.
  • Make sure the right AirPod clicks firmly into place in the case — if it sits loose or at an angle, the pins will not align properly.
  • Charge the case itself for at least 15 minutes before troubleshooting the AirPod, because a depleted case cannot charge either earbud.
  • Reset your AirPods by holding the setup button on the back of the case for 15 seconds until the light flashes amber, then reconnect them to your device.
  • If the right AirPod still will not charge after cleaning and resetting, the battery inside that earbud may have failed and replacement is the next step.

Check the charging pins for dirt and debris

The right AirPod has two small metal pins on the bottom that touch two matching pins inside the case. If either set of pins is dirty, the electrical connection breaks and charging stops. This is the most common reason a single AirPod will not charge.

Look at the bottom of the right AirPod under bright light. You should see two small gold or copper circles. If they look dull, dark, or covered with a thin film, they need cleaning. Also look inside the case at the right charging slot — the two pins there should be visible and shiny. If they look dark or have a white or green coating, that is oxidation or buildup.

Use a dry, lint-free cloth — a microfiber cloth works well, or the cloth Apple includes with some products. Do not use water, alcohol, or any liquid. Gently rub the pins on the AirPod itself, then rub the pins inside the case. Do this for 10 to 15 seconds on each set of pins. Then place the AirPod back in the case and wait 30 seconds to see if the charging light appears.

Make sure the AirPod is seated correctly in the case

The right AirPod must sit flat and centered in its slot for the pins to align. If it is tilted, sitting at an angle, or not fully inserted, the pins will not make contact even if they are clean.

Open the case and look at how the right AirPod sits. It should be level with the left one, not higher or lower. Push it gently downward until you feel or hear a soft click. The AirPod should not move when you gently try to lift it. If it feels loose or pops back up, the case itself may be damaged — try cleaning the slot where the AirPod sits to see if debris is preventing a tight fit.

Close the case and wait 10 seconds. Open it again and check whether the LED light on the inside of the case is showing. If the light is green or amber, charging has started. If there is no light, move to the next step.

Charge the case itself before troubleshooting further

A completely dead case cannot charge either earbud, even if the case is plugged in. If your case has been sitting unused for weeks or months, its battery may be fully depleted.

Plug the case into a USB-C or Lightning cable (depending on your AirPods model) and leave it connected for at least 15 minutes. Do not open the case during this time. After 15 minutes, open the case and look at the LED light inside. If it is amber, the case is charging. If it is green, the case is fully charged. If there is no light at all, try a different cable or charger — your current one may be faulty.

Once the case shows a light, place the right AirPod back in the case and wait another 30 seconds. Check whether the light changes or blinks, which would indicate the AirPod is now charging.

Reset your AirPods to clear software conflicts

Sometimes a software glitch prevents one AirPod from charging even though the hardware is fine. A reset clears this by erasing the pairing between your AirPods and your device, then letting you reconnect them fresh.

Place both AirPods in the case and close it. Locate the small setup button on the back of the case — it is a small circular indent. Press and hold this button for 15 seconds. The LED light inside the case will flash amber, then white. This means the reset is complete. Open the case.

Now you need to pair them again. On your iPhone, iPad, or Mac, go to Settings (or System Settings on Mac), then Bluetooth. Look for your AirPods in the list and tap "Forget This Device." Then open the case near your device with the setup button still held down until the pairing screen appears on your device. Follow the on-screen steps to reconnect.

Once reconnected, place the right AirPod in the case and watch for the charging light. If it now appears, the reset solved the problem.

Try a different charger and cable if the case is not charging

If the case itself is not showing a charging light after 15 minutes, the problem may be your charger or cable, not your AirPods. The case battery could be fine but unable to charge because of a faulty connection.

Borrow a different USB-C or Lightning cable and charger from someone else — use the same type as your AirPods model. Plug the case in and wait 15 minutes. If the LED light now appears, your original cable or charger is the issue. If the light still does not appear after trying a different cable and charger, the case battery itself may have failed.

When the right AirPod battery has reached the end of its life

AirPods batteries degrade over time. After three to five years of regular use, the battery inside one earbud may fail completely, preventing it from holding a charge at all. If you have cleaned the pins, checked the seating, reset the AirPods, and tried different chargers, and the right AirPod still will not charge, the battery has likely failed.

At this point, you have two options. You can contact Apple Support with your AirPods serial number — you can find this in Settings > Bluetooth > your AirPods > Info on an iPhone, or System Settings > Bluetooth > your AirPods > Details on a Mac. Apple may offer a battery replacement or a discount on a new pair. Alternatively, you can purchase a replacement right AirPod from Apple, which costs less than a full new pair but more than a repair.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use just the left AirPod while the right one charges?

Yes. You can wear the left AirPod alone and it will work for calls and audio. Put the right AirPod in the case to charge. Once it is fully charged, you can swap them out. This is a good way to keep using your AirPods while troubleshooting the right one.

What does the amber light mean when I open the case?

Amber means the case is charging or the battery is low. If the light is amber and you just plugged in the case, it is actively charging. If the light is amber and the case is not plugged in, the case battery is running low and needs to be charged soon.

Is it safe to clean the charging pins with a wet cloth?

No. Water can damage the electronics inside the AirPod or case. Use only a dry, lint-free cloth. If the pins have stubborn buildup, you can use a dry cotton swab, but do not explore any liquid.

How long does it take for an AirPod to charge inside the case?

A fully depleted AirPod usually charges to full in about 15 to 20 minutes inside the case. If the right AirPod is not showing any sign of charging after 30 minutes, the connection issue is likely not temporary.

Will AppleCare cover a single AirPod that will not charge?

AppleCare covers accidental damage and hardware defects, but battery degradation after normal use is usually not covered. Contact Apple Support with your serial number to find out what your specific situation qualifies for.