One AirPod stops charging because of a loose connection, debris in the charging contacts, or a battery that has failed inside that earbud
The most common reason is dirt or lint blocking the metal charging pins inside the case or on the AirPod itself. When these pins cannot touch, power does not flow. The second most common reason is that the earbud's internal battery has worn out and no longer holds a charge — this happens after roughly 500 charge cycles, which is about two to three years of normal use. Less often, the charging case itself has a problem and cannot deliver power to one side.
You can usually fix this yourself in a few minutes. If the earbud is physically damaged or the battery has genuinely failed, you will need a replacement, but most of the time the problem is something you can clean or reset.
Key Takeaways
- Clean the charging pins on both the AirPod and the inside of the case with a dry cotton swab or soft cloth, because dirt is the most common culprit.
- Reset your AirPods by holding the setup button on the back of the case for 15 seconds until the light flashes amber, then white, which clears software glitches that can block charging.
- Check whether the problem is the earbud or the case by swapping the working AirPod into the slot where the broken one sits — if it charges there, the case is fine and the earbud needs replacement.
- If your AirPods are under one year old and you bought them new, Apple will replace a non-charging earbud at no cost under the standard warranty.
Clean the charging contacts first
The charging pins are tiny metal dots on the bottom of each AirPod and three matching dots inside each slot of the charging case. Dust, earwax, or lint blocks the connection and stops power from flowing. This is the fastest thing to check and the most likely to solve the problem.
Use a dry cotton swab or the corner of a soft, lint-free cloth. Gently rub the three metal dots on the bottom of the AirPod that is not charging. Then rub the three dots inside the case slot where that AirPod sits. Do not use water, rubbing alcohol, or any liquid — moisture can damage the electronics inside. Let the AirPod sit in the case for 30 seconds and check whether the light turns on. If the light still does not appear, move to the next step.
Reset your AirPods to clear software problems
Sometimes the AirPods or the case have a software glitch that prevents charging even though the hardware is fine. A reset clears this. Place both AirPods in the case and close the lid. Wait 30 seconds. Open the lid, then press and hold the small setup button on the back of the case for 15 seconds. You will see the light inside the case flash amber, then white. Release the button.
This erases the pairing between your AirPods and your devices, so you will need to pair them again. Open the case near your iPhone, iPad, or Mac and follow the on-screen prompts. Once they are paired again, check whether both AirPods charge. The light inside the case should turn green when both are fully charged, or amber if they are still charging.
Determine whether the problem is the earbud or the case
If cleaning and resetting did not work, you need to know whether the earbud itself is broken or whether the charging case cannot deliver power to that slot. This is straightforward to test: swap the working AirPod into the slot where the broken one sits.
Close the case for one minute, then open it and look at the light. If the light shows the working AirPod is charging in the new slot, then the case is fine and the earbud that would not charge has a hardware problem. If the light shows that the working AirPod is also not charging in that slot, then the case itself cannot deliver power to that side and needs service or replacement.
What to do if the earbud itself is broken
If the earbud will not charge in any slot, the battery inside it has likely failed or the charging circuit is damaged. You have two main options: buy a replacement earbud from Apple, or contact Apple Support to see whether your AirPods are still under warranty.
If you bought your AirPods new and it has been less than one year, Apple covers hardware defects at no cost. You can start a claim through Apple's website or by visiting an Apple Store with your proof of purchase. If your AirPods are older than one year or you bought them used, Apple sells replacement single earbuds. The cost varies — as of 2024, a single replacement earbud costs between $60 and $80 depending on the model, but prices change. Check Apple's website for your specific model.
What to do if the charging case is broken
If the working AirPod will not charge when you put it in the problem slot, the case has a charging issue. First, try cleaning the three metal dots on the outside of the case where it connects to the Lightning cable or MagSafe charger. Dirt there can also block power from reaching the case.
If cleaning does not work, the case likely has an internal hardware problem. Like the earbud, a case under one year old is covered by Apple's standard warranty. If it is older, you can buy a replacement case from Apple. A replacement case costs between $60 and $80 depending on the model. You keep your existing AirPods and just swap them into the new case.
Prevent future charging problems
Store your AirPods in the case when you are not using them, and keep the case in a pocket or bag where it will not collect lint. Every few weeks, use a dry cotton swab to gently clean the charging pins on both the AirPods and inside the case. This takes 30 seconds and prevents most charging problems from starting.
Avoid exposing the case to moisture, extreme heat, or pressure that could bend it. If you use your AirPods during exercise or in humid environments, wipe them dry before putting them back in the case. These straightforward habits extend the life of both the earbuds and the case.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does the light in my case not turn on at all?
The case itself may not be charged. Plug it in with a Lightning cable or place it on a MagSafe charger for at least 15 minutes, then check again. If the light still does not appear after charging the case, the case battery may have failed and you will need a replacement case.
Can I use one AirPod while the other charges?
Yes. You can wear one AirPod and leave the other in the case to charge. The case will charge whichever earbud is inside it, and you can swap them when the first one runs low. This is a normal way to use AirPods if one is not charging properly while you wait for a replacement.
Does AppleCare cover a single non-charging AirPod?
If you have AppleCare+ for your AirPods, accidental damage and hardware failures are covered after you pay the service fee, which is typically $29 per incident. Without AppleCare+, only manufacturing defects within one year are covered for free. Check your receipt or Apple's website to see whether you have AppleCare+.
What if I lost one AirPod and need to replace it?
You can buy a single replacement earbud from Apple without buying a whole new pair. The cost is the same as a replacement for a broken earbud — between $60 and $80 depending on your model. You can order it online or buy it in an Apple Store.