The most common reason AirPods stop charging is a dirty charging contact

When your AirPods won't charge, the problem is usually not the battery itself but the connection between the AirPods and the charging case. Over time, lint, dust, and earwax build up on the small metal contacts inside the case where the AirPods sit. This buildup blocks the electrical connection, so power cannot flow to the buds even when the case is plugged in.

The second most common cause is a case that has lost its charge. Your AirPods can only charge when the case itself has power. If the case battery is completely dead, the AirPods will not charge no matter how long you leave them in. A third possibility is that the charging cable or power adapter is damaged or not fully connected.

Less often, the issue is a software glitch that makes the AirPods or case forget how to communicate with each other. This can usually be fixed by resetting the AirPods.

Key Takeaways

  • Clean the metal charging contacts inside the case with a dry cotton swab or soft cloth, as lint and earwax are the most common culprit.
  • Check that the charging case itself has power by plugging it in for 15 to 20 minutes and looking for a light indicator on the case.
  • Inspect the charging cable and power adapter for damage, and try a different cable or outlet to rule out a power problem.
  • Reset your AirPods by holding the setup button on the back of the case for 15 seconds if cleaning and charging the case do not work.

Clean the charging contacts inside the case

The metal contacts that touch your AirPods are small and straightforward to miss, but they are the most likely place dirt collects. You will find them at the bottom of each earbud slot inside the case — they look like tiny gold or silver dots. When these contacts are covered, electricity cannot reach the battery inside the AirPod.

To clean them, use a dry cotton swab or the corner of a soft, lint-free cloth. Gently rub each contact point inside the case, including the contacts on the AirPods themselves. Do not use water, alcohol, or any liquid — moisture can damage the electronics. If lint is stubborn, a dry toothbrush with soft bristles can help dislodge it. Repeat this for both earbud slots and the charging contacts on each AirPod.

After cleaning, place the AirPods back in the case and close the lid. Wait a few seconds, then open the case and look for a light indicator. If the light is amber or red, the case is charging the AirPods. If the light is green, the AirPods are fully charged.

Make sure the charging case itself has power

Your AirPods cannot charge if the case is dead. The case has its own battery, and that battery must have power before it can pass power to the AirPods. If you have not charged the case in weeks, this is likely the problem.

Plug the case into a power outlet using the charging cable that came with it. Look at the light indicator on the front or back of the case — the exact location depends on your AirPods model. An amber light means the case is charging. A green light means the case is fully charged. If you see no light at all after 30 seconds, the case may not be receiving power.

Leave the case plugged in for at least 15 to 20 minutes. Then place your AirPods inside, close the lid, and wait another 10 minutes. Open the case and check the light again. If the light is now amber or green, the AirPods are charging and the problem is solved.

Check your charging cable and power adapter

A damaged cable or adapter can prevent power from reaching the case at all. Look at the cable for visible damage — fraying, cuts, bent connectors, or discoloration near the plug. If the cable looks damaged, do not use it.

Try a different USB cable and power adapter if you have one available. Many households have spare phone chargers or cables. Plug the case in using the different cable and adapter, and watch for the light indicator. If the light appears, the original cable or adapter was the problem. If you do not have a spare, try plugging the case into a different outlet in your home — sometimes an outlet itself is not working.

For newer AirPods models that use USB-C, make sure you are using a USB-C cable, not an older micro-USB cable. Using the wrong connector type will not work.

Reset your AirPods if cleaning and charging do not work

If the contacts are clean, the case has power, and the cable is working but your AirPods still will not charge, a software reset may help. This erases the pairing between your AirPods and your devices and resets the charging system.

To reset, place both AirPods in the case and close the lid. Wait 30 seconds. Then open the lid and locate the small setup button on the back of the case — it is a white or gray button about the size of a pencil eraser. Press and hold this button for 15 seconds. The light inside the case will flash amber, then white. When you see the white flash, release the button. Your AirPods have now been reset.

After resetting, you will need to pair them again with your device. Open the case near your phone, tablet, or computer, and follow the pairing instructions that appear on screen. Once paired, place the AirPods back in the case and check whether they charge normally.

When to contact Apple Support

If you have cleaned the contacts, confirmed the case has power, tested a different cable, and reset the AirPods but they still will not charge, the problem is likely a hardware failure inside the case or the AirPods themselves. At this point, contacting Apple Support is the right next step.

Apple Support can run diagnostics on your AirPods and case to determine whether the battery, charging circuit, or another component has failed. Depending on your warranty and the age of your AirPods, repair or replacement may be available. You can reach Apple Support through the Apple Support app, the Apple website, or by visiting an Apple Store in person.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is the light on my case amber instead of green?

An amber light means the case is currently charging your AirPods. This is normal. Leave the case plugged in for another 10 to 15 minutes, and the light should turn green once the AirPods are fully charged. If the light stays amber for more than an hour, the case may be charging very slowly due to a weak power adapter.

Can I use any USB cable to charge my AirPods case?

You can use any cable that matches your AirPods model — USB-C for newer models, Lightning for older ones. However, using the original cable is safest because it is designed for your specific case. Third-party cables sometimes have poor connections that prevent charging from working properly.

Do I need to turn off my AirPods before charging them?

No. straightforward place your AirPods in the case and close the lid. They will automatically enter a low-power state and begin charging. You do not need to turn them off manually.

How long does it take for AirPods to charge from empty?

A full charge from empty takes about 15 to 20 minutes when the case itself is charged. If the case is also empty, it will take longer — the case charges the AirPods while also charging itself, which slows the process. Charging the case alone takes about an hour.

What if my AirPods charge in the case but won't turn on?

If the AirPods are charging but not responding when you take them out, try resetting them using the setup button on the back of the case. If they still do not turn on after a reset, the battery inside one or both AirPods may have failed, and you should contact Apple Support.