One AirPod charges while the other stays dead because of a contact problem, a software glitch, or a battery that has failed inside the earbud itself

The charging contacts on your AirPod or the charging case are either dirty, misaligned, or corroded. When an earbud sits in the case, metal pins on the bottom of the earbud touch metal contacts inside the case. If those contacts don't meet properly, the earbud won't receive power even though it's sitting in what looks like the right spot.

The second most common cause is a software issue where one earbud's battery chip stops responding to the charging signal. This happens less often than contact problems, but it does happen. The third cause is that the battery inside one earbud has reached the end of its life and no longer holds a charge at all.

Key Takeaways

  • Clean the metal charging contacts on both the earbud and the inside of the case with a dry cotton swab, because dirt or corrosion blocks the electrical connection.
  • Make sure the earbud is sitting flat in its slot and not tilted, because even a slight angle can prevent the contacts from touching.
  • 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 cleaning and resetting don't work, one earbud's battery has likely failed and the earbud will need to be replaced by Apple or a repair service.

Clean the charging contacts first

The metal contacts get dirty from earwax, skin oils, dust, or moisture. You can see them as small gold or silver dots on the bottom of each earbud and inside the charging case where the earbuds sit. Use a dry cotton swab or a soft, dry cloth to wipe both the earbud contacts and the case contacts gently. Do not use water, saliva, or cleaning liquids, because moisture can damage the electronics inside.

If the contacts look green or have a white crusty coating, they are corroded. In that case, use a cotton swab barely dampened with white vinegar, wipe the contacts, and then when ready dry them with a fresh dry swab. Let the earbud and case air-dry for at least 30 minutes before putting the earbud back in the case.

Check that the earbud is sitting flat in the case

The earbud has to sit in a specific position for the contacts to line up. Look at the charging case with the lid open. The earbud should rest flat in its slot with the stem pointing toward the front of the case. If it's tilted, sitting at an angle, or not fully in the slot, the contacts won't touch and charging won't happen.

Press the earbud down gently until you feel it settle into place. It should sit flush with the case, not sticking up or sitting loose. If the earbud keeps popping out or won't stay in position, the slot itself may be damaged and the case may need replacement.

Reset your AirPods through the case

A software glitch can prevent one earbud from recognizing that it's in the case and needs to charge. To reset, place both AirPods in the case and close the lid. Wait 30 seconds. Then open the lid, locate the small button on the back of the case, and hold it down for 15 seconds. The light inside the case will flash amber and then white. Release the button.

Forget the AirPods from your phone or computer by going to Settings, then Bluetooth, finding your AirPods in the list, and selecting "Forget This Device." Then hold the setup button on the case again for a few more seconds until the light flashes white, and reconnect them as if they were new. This clears out any pairing issues that might be blocking one earbud from charging.

Check the battery health of each earbud

Your phone can show you the battery level of each AirPod separately. On an iPhone, open Control Center by swiping down from the top right, tap the battery icon, and look for your AirPods in the list. You'll see the case battery and each earbud's battery. If one earbud shows 0% or won't update from 0%, the battery inside that earbud is dead.

On Android, open the app that came with your AirPods or use a third-party app like "AirBattery" to see individual earbud levels. If one earbud consistently shows 0% even after cleaning and resetting, the internal battery has failed and cannot be revived by charging.

When the earbud battery has failed

If cleaning the contacts, reseating the earbud, and resetting the AirPods don't work, the battery inside the earbud has reached the end of its life. Lithium batteries inside AirPods typically last between three and five years of regular use before they stop holding a charge. Once a battery fails, it cannot be repaired by cleaning or software fixes.

You can contact Apple Support to replace the single earbud, though Apple typically charges a fee for out-of-warranty replacement. Some third-party repair shops also replace AirPod batteries, sometimes for less money than Apple charges. Search for "AirPod battery replacement near me" to find local options, or check iFixit's repair guides to see if you want to attempt a replacement yourself.

Prevent charging problems going forward

Store your AirPods in a dry place away from moisture, sweat, and humidity. After workouts or being outside in rain, wipe the earbuds dry before putting them in the case. Clean the charging contacts once a month with a dry swab, even if they look clean, to prevent buildup.

Don't leave your AirPods in direct sunlight or in a hot car, because heat degrades the battery faster. Charge the case regularly so the battery inside doesn't fully drain, which can shorten its lifespan. If you're not using your AirPods for more than a few weeks, charge them to about 50% and store them in a cool, dry place.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I charge just one AirPod if the case is dead?

No. AirPods can only charge inside the case, not on their own. If the case battery is empty, you must charge the case first by plugging it into a USB-C or Lightning cable. Once the case has power, both AirPods will charge when you place them inside.

Why does my AirPod charge in the case but not when I'm wearing it?

The earbud is charging in the case but the battery is draining faster than it charges, or the battery itself is failing and won't hold power. If it charges to 100% in the case but dies within minutes of use, the battery is near the end of its life and needs replacement.

Will Apple replace one AirPod if only one is broken?

Yes, but you'll pay a replacement fee. Apple sells individual AirPods as replacements for out-of-warranty damage or battery failure. The cost varies by model, but it's typically less than buying a new pair. Contact Apple Support or visit an Apple Store to order a replacement earbud.

What if cleaning and resetting don't fix the charging problem?

The battery inside the earbud has likely failed. Try one more thing: leave the earbud in the case plugged in for 24 hours straight, in case a completely drained battery needs extended charging time to respond. If it still won't charge after that, the earbud needs replacement.