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 earwax blocking the metal charging pins inside the case. When you place an AirPod in the case, those pins need to touch the metal contacts on the bottom of the earbud. If even a thin layer of grime sits between them, the earbud will not charge even though it looks like it is seated properly.
The second most common reason is that the earbud's internal battery has reached the end of its life. AirPods batteries degrade over time — typically after 300 to 500 full charge cycles, they hold less charge and may stop charging altogether. If your AirPods are more than two or three years old, the battery inside that one earbud may straightforward be dead.
Less often, the charging case itself has a problem with the contacts that connect to that specific earbud, or the earbud's charging port is damaged from liquid exposure or physical damage.
Key Takeaways
- Clean the metal charging pins inside the case and the metal contacts on the bottom of the earbud with a dry cotton swab or soft cloth — this fixes the problem in most cases.
- If cleaning does not work and your AirPods are older than two years, the battery inside that earbud has likely failed and cannot be replaced without sending the earbud to Apple.
- Let the earbud sit in the case for 15 to 30 minutes after cleaning, because sometimes the connection takes time to establish.
- Check the case battery level on your phone — if the case itself is dead, neither earbud will charge, even though they may look seated correctly.
How to clean the charging contacts
Turn off both AirPods and remove them from the case. Look at the bottom of the earbud that will not charge — you will see two small metal circles. These are the charging contacts. Use a dry cotton swab, a soft dry cloth, or a soft-bristled toothbrush to gently wipe those two metal spots. Do the same inside the case where those contacts sit. Do not use water, rubbing alcohol, or any liquid — moisture can damage the earbud's internal electronics.
If you see visible debris like earwax or lint, use a dry swab to remove it. You may need to swab several times. Once the contacts look clean and shiny, place the earbud back in the case and close the lid. Wait 15 to 30 minutes, then check your phone to see if the earbud is charging. Sometimes the connection needs a moment to establish after cleaning.
What to do if cleaning does not work
If the earbud still will not charge after you have cleaned both the contacts on the earbud and the contacts inside the case, the problem is likely inside the earbud itself. The most probable cause is battery failure. AirPods batteries are not replaceable by the user — Apple does not sell replacement batteries for individual earbuds.
You have two options. The first is to contact Apple Support or visit an Apple Store with your AirPods and the case. Apple will evaluate the earbud and may replace it under warranty if your AirPods are less than one year old. If they are older than one year, Apple typically charges a fee to replace a single earbud — this fee varies but is usually between $50 and $70 depending on the AirPods model.
The second option is to continue using the one working earbud. You can wear just one AirPod and leave the other in the case, or you can use both earbuds in mono mode if your phone supports it. This is not ideal, but it extends the life of your working earbud until you are ready to replace the pair.
Check whether the case battery is the real problem
Before you assume the earbud is broken, verify that the case itself has a charge. Open the AirPods case near your iPhone, iPad, or Mac. A popup should appear on your screen showing the battery level of both earbuds and the case. If the case battery shows 0% or very low, the case cannot charge either earbud, even though they may look seated correctly.
Plug the case into a USB-C or Lightning cable (depending on your AirPods model) and let it charge for at least 30 minutes. Then try placing the earbud in the case again. If the case was the problem, both earbuds should begin charging once the case has power.
Liquid damage and physical damage
If your AirPods have been exposed to water, sweat, or any liquid, the charging contacts may be corroded or the internal electronics may be damaged. Liquid damage is not always visible — corrosion can happen inside the earbud even if the outside looks dry. If you suspect liquid exposure, do not attempt to charge the earbud. Instead, let it sit in a dry place for 24 to 48 hours, then try charging it again.
If the earbud has been dropped, sat on, or physically damaged, the charging port or internal battery may be broken. Physical damage is permanent and cannot be repaired at home. Your only option is to contact Apple or replace the earbud.
When to replace both AirPods instead of one
If your AirPods are more than three years old and one earbud will not charge, consider whether replacing just one earbud makes sense. A replacement earbud costs $50 to $70, while a new pair of AirPods Pro or AirPods (3rd generation) costs $200 to $250. If the working earbud is also showing signs of age — shorter battery life, connectivity problems, or sound quality issues — replacing the pair may be more cost-effective than replacing one earbud now and the other earbud a year later.
New AirPods also come with a fresh battery in the case and both earbuds, so you will not face this problem again for several years. If your current pair is still under warranty, Apple may replace both earbuds at no cost, so ask about warranty coverage before you pay for a replacement.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use just one AirPod if the other will not charge?
Yes. You can wear a single AirPod and leave the other in the case. Your phone will route audio to whichever earbud is in your ear. Some phones also support mono mode, which plays the same audio in both ears when both are in, but this does not help if one will not charge.
How long should I wait after cleaning before I know if it worked?
Wait at least 15 to 30 minutes with the earbud in the case after cleaning. Sometimes the connection takes time to establish. Check your phone's battery popup to see if the earbud is charging. If it still shows 0% after 30 minutes, the cleaning did not solve the problem.
Will Apple replace one earbud for free if it is still under warranty?
AirPods come with a one-year limited warranty that covers manufacturing defects, including battery failure. If your earbud will not charge and it is less than one year old, Apple will likely replace it at no cost. Bring your AirPods and case to an Apple Store or contact Apple Support with your proof of purchase.
Is it safe to use rubbing alcohol to clean the charging contacts?
No. Rubbing alcohol can seep into the earbud and damage the internal electronics. Use only a dry cotton swab or dry cloth. If the contacts are very dirty, a soft-bristled dry toothbrush can help remove debris without introducing moisture.
What if the case charges but the earbud still will not?
If the case has power and you have cleaned both the earbud contacts and the case contacts, the problem is almost certainly inside the earbud — either the battery has failed or the charging port is damaged. Contact Apple Support or visit an Apple Store to discuss replacement options.