The most common reason AirPods stop charging is dirt or debris blocking the charging contacts inside the case

AirPods charge through metal contacts on the bottom of each earbud and inside the charging case. When lint, earwax, or dried sweat builds up on these contacts, the electrical connection breaks and charging stops. This happens gradually — you might notice one earbud charges slower than the other before both stop entirely.

The fix is straightforward: use a dry cotton swab or soft cloth to wipe the metal contacts on the bottom of each earbud and the corresponding contacts inside the case. Do this gently; you are not scrubbing, just removing the visible film. If the contacts look corroded or discolored (dark spots or white buildup), the case may need replacement, but cleaning usually solves the problem.

Key Takeaways

  • Dirty charging contacts are the most common cause — wipe the metal contacts on the earbuds and inside the case with a dry cotton swab.
  • Check that your charging cable works by testing it with another device, since a faulty cable is the second most common culprit.
  • Force restart your AirPods by holding the setup button on the back of the case for 15 seconds until the light flashes amber, then white.
  • If one earbud charges but the other does not, the problem is usually that earbud's contact or battery, not the case itself.
  • Moisture inside the case or on the contacts will prevent charging — let the case dry completely in a warm room before trying again.

Test your charging cable and power source first

Before assuming your AirPods case is broken, confirm that the cable and power source actually work. Plug the same cable into an iPhone, iPad, or another device that charges via USB-C or Lightning (depending on your AirPods model) and see if it charges. If that device charges normally, your cable is fine and the problem is with the case or earbuds.

If the cable does not charge another device, try a different cable. Many people discover their cable is damaged — frayed, bent, or internally broken — only when they test it this way. A replacement cable costs less than a new case and solves the problem when ready.

Force restart your AirPods if they charge but do not turn on

Sometimes the case charges fine but the earbuds inside do not respond or show no battery level in your phone. This usually means the AirPods firmware is stuck. Hold the small setup button on the back of the case for 15 seconds. The light on the front will flash amber, then white — this means the AirPods have reset.

After the reset, place the earbuds back in the case and close the lid. Wait 30 seconds, then open the case again. Your phone should prompt you to reconnect. This process clears temporary software problems that prevent charging from being recognized, even though the hardware is working.

Check whether one earbud or both are the problem

If one earbud charges and the other does not, the issue is almost always that specific earbud's charging contact or internal battery. Place the working earbud in the case and leave it there. Put the non-charging earbud in the case alone and close the lid for 30 minutes. If it still shows no charge, the earbud itself has a hardware problem.

The case itself is probably fine in this scenario — it is charging the working earbud normally. You would need to replace just the non-charging earbud, which Apple sells as a single unit rather than requiring you to buy a new pair. If both earbuds fail to charge at the same time, the case is the likely culprit.

Dry out the case if it has been exposed to moisture

Water or sweat inside the charging case will block the electrical connection just as effectively as dirt. If your AirPods case got wet, was left in a humid environment, or was used during heavy sweating, moisture may be preventing charge. Do not try to charge it when ready.

Instead, leave the case open in a warm, dry room (near a window on a sunny day, or in a room with low humidity) for 24 to 48 hours. Do not use a hair dryer or heat source — high heat can damage the battery. Once the case feels completely dry to the touch and any visible moisture inside has evaporated, try charging again. If the case still will not charge after drying, the internal components may have corroded.

Replace the case if cleaning and restarting do not work

If you have cleaned the contacts, tested a working cable, force restarted the AirPods, and confirmed both earbuds charge individually in another case (if you have access to one), then the case itself has a hardware failure. The battery inside the case may be dead, the charging circuit may be damaged, or the contacts may be corroded beyond cleaning.

Apple sells replacement cases separately — you keep your earbuds and buy only the case. This is cheaper than buying a new pair. You can also check whether your AirPods are still under warranty; if they are less than one year old and the case failed without physical damage or water exposure, Apple may replace it at no cost.

Understand the difference between case battery and earbud battery

Your AirPods case is itself a battery that charges your earbuds. When you place the earbuds in the case, they draw power from the case battery to charge. If the case battery is dead, the earbuds cannot charge even if the case itself is plugged in. This is why a case that will not hold a charge is different from a case that will not accept a charge.

If your case charges (the light turns on when you plug it in) but the earbuds inside do not charge, the case battery is probably dead. If your case will not charge at all (no light, no response to plugging in), the charging circuit or cable connection is the problem. Knowing which one helps you decide whether the case is worth repairing or whether replacement is the only option.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if my AirPods case battery is dead?

Plug the case into a charger and watch for the light on the front. If the light turns on, the case is accepting charge. If the light never appears and the case does not charge your earbuds after 30 minutes plugged in, the case battery is likely dead and the case needs replacement.

Can I clean the charging contacts with water?

No — use only a dry cotton swab or dry cloth. Water on the contacts can cause corrosion or short-circuit the charging circuit. If you accidentally wet the contacts, let them dry completely before attempting to charge again.

Why does only one of my AirPods charge?

The non-charging earbud probably has a dirty contact or a failed battery. Try cleaning its charging contact with a dry swab. If that does not work, the earbud itself needs replacement — the case is charging normally if the other earbud works fine.

How long should I wait before trying to charge after my AirPods got wet?

Wait at least 24 hours in a warm, dry room with the case open. Moisture inside the case prevents charging and can damage components. Do not use heat sources like hair dryers — air drying is safer and more effective.

Will Apple replace my case if it stops charging?

If your AirPods are less than one year old and the case failed without physical damage or water exposure, Apple's limited warranty may cover replacement. Contact Apple Support or visit an Apple Store with your AirPods to check your coverage.