Are My AirPods Charging? A Comprehensive Guide to Checking Charging Status

AirPods have revolutionized the way we listen to audio, offering seamless connectivity and impressive sound quality in a compact package. However, one common question that arises for many users is: are my AirPods actually charging? It’s a simple question, but with a few different charging states and methods, it can sometimes be confusing to determine whether your beloved earbuds are powering up correctly. This guide will walk you through all the different ways you can tell if your AirPods are charging, ensuring you never miss a beat due to a dead battery.

Understanding the Basics: AirPods Charging Cases and Methods

Before diving into specific methods for checking the charging status, it’s important to understand the two main components involved in charging your AirPods: the charging case and the AirPods themselves. There are also different ways to charge the case, depending on the model you have. Here’s a brief overview:

• AirPods Charging Case: This is where you store your AirPods when not in use, and it also acts as their portable charger. The case itself holds a charge that can replenish your AirPods multiple times. There are different charging case variations based on the AirPods model:
• Standard Charging Case (Lightning Connector): This is the most basic case and charges using a Lightning cable. It features an LED indicator on the front or inside.
• Wireless Charging Case: Compatible with wireless charging pads (Qi-compatible) and Lightning cables, this case offers more charging flexibility. Its LED indicator is usually on the front.
• MagSafe Charging Case: Found with newer AirPods models (like AirPods Pro and AirPods 3rd generation), this case magnetically attaches to MagSafe chargers and can also be charged wirelessly or via Lightning. The LED indicator is typically on the front.
• AirPods: The earbuds themselves have internal batteries that are charged when placed inside the charging case.

Visual Cues: Using the Case’s LED Indicator

The most straightforward method for checking your AirPods charging status is by observing the LED indicator on the charging case. The color and behavior of the LED will tell you a lot about the state of both the case and the AirPods.

Interpreting the LED Indicator Colors and Behaviors:

• Green Light:
• Solid Green: The charging case is fully charged, and if the AirPods are inside, they are also fully charged. If AirPods are not present, it means just the case is fully charged.
• Green Flashing: this may indicate a charging error or an issue with the case ( this is not common). Usually a solid green means the case is done charging.
• Amber/Orange Light:
• Solid Amber/Orange: The charging case is not fully charged, and the AirPods (if inside) are either charging or not fully charged. It can also indicate the charging case is charging.
• Amber/Orange Flashing: Typically indicates an error. Try cleaning the contacts and checking the connection with the cable or wireless charger. This can also mean a case needs to be updated.
• White Light:
• White Flashing: Typically used to indicate the case is in pairing mode. Not related to charging.
• No Light:
• If the charging case isn’t connected to power and the light isn’t coming on when you open the lid it indicates that the case has no charge and will need to be plugged in.

Steps to Check the LED Indicator:

1. Open the Charging Case Lid: Simply open the lid of your AirPods charging case. If you have a wired charging case, you should see an indicator light briefly. If the charging case is wireless, it will light up for some time.
2. Observe the LED Color: Note the color of the LED light, as described above. This gives you an initial indication of the charge levels of both the case and the AirPods.
3. Leave the AirPods Inside or Remove them: if you have AirPods inserted you will see their charging status when you open the case. If the indicator is amber you will see it turn green if the AirPods are charging. If no AirPods are present and the indicator light is amber it will stay that way until fully charged when plugged in.

Important Note: The LED indicator on the AirPods case only provides a rough estimate of charge levels. For more accurate data, you’ll need to use a paired Apple device as explained in the following sections.

Checking Charging Status on iPhone, iPad, or Mac

When your AirPods are paired with an Apple device (iPhone, iPad, or Mac), you can get much more detailed information about their charge status through the connected device. This is often the most accurate way to check. Here’s how to do it:

On iPhone or iPad

1. Unlock your iPhone or iPad: Make sure your device is unlocked and on the home screen or within an application.
2. Open the AirPods Charging Case: Keeping your AirPods inside the case, open the lid near your unlocked iPhone or iPad.
3. View the AirPods Card: A small card will automatically pop up on the screen (either at the bottom or in the middle of the screen, depending on device orientation), displaying the charging status of each individual AirPod and the charging case itself. This card will display the percentage of battery remaining. If the AirPods or the case are charging, there will be a small lightning bolt icon beside the percentage.
4. Check the Batteries Widget (Optional): If the card doesn’t appear, you can also see battery information by adding the “Batteries” widget to your Today View screen or on your home screen. To do this, swipe right from your home screen to access the Today View. Tap and hold on an empty area and then press the “+” button. In the widget list search for “Batteries” and select it. Add the widget to your Today View. If the AirPods are connected, you will see the charging percentages there as well.
5. Charging Display: If the card or the widget is displaying a charging lightning bolt it means that specific item is charging

Key Information:

• You’ll see the individual battery percentage of the left AirPod, the right AirPod, and the charging case.
• If the case or the AirPods are currently charging, a lightning bolt symbol will appear next to the battery level indicator.
• If the case is plugged in or on a wireless charger, the case charging indicator will display if the case is being charged.

On Mac

1. Ensure AirPods are Connected: Make sure your AirPods are paired with your Mac.
2. Open the AirPods Charging Case: With the AirPods inside the charging case, open the lid and keep it near your Mac.
3. Click on the Bluetooth Icon: Locate the Bluetooth icon in the menu bar at the top of your screen. It’s usually near the Wi-Fi and volume icons.
4. Find Your AirPods: Click on the Bluetooth icon, and you should see your AirPods listed in the dropdown menu. Hover your cursor over the AirPods.
5. View the Battery Percentages: A pop-up will show the battery percentages of the left AirPod, the right AirPod, and the charging case. The charging indicator (small lightning bolt) will also be visible if it’s charging.

Other Helpful Tips for Checking Charging Status

• Listen for the Sound: When you place your AirPods inside the charging case, you will often hear a short chime or sound (this can be disabled), indicating that they have made contact and are beginning to charge. However, just because you hear a chime, that doesn’t guarantee the case is charging and it is only an indicator for the AirPods. The sound can be disabled in Bluetooth settings for your AirPods on an iPhone.
• Check the charging connection: Ensure that the charging cable is plugged firmly into both the case and the power adapter, or that the wireless charger has proper contact. Sometimes a loose connection can prevent the AirPods or case from charging properly. Check that the cable or wireless charger itself is plugged into the wall.
• Clean the Charging Contacts: Dust, dirt, and other debris can sometimes prevent the charging contacts in the case from connecting properly with the AirPods. Use a clean, dry, lint-free cloth or a cotton swab to gently clean the charging pins within the case and the contacts on the AirPods themselves.
• Check for Updates: Sometimes, the AirPods or your devices might need updates. Ensure your iOS/iPadOS/macOS is up-to-date, and consider checking if there is an available firmware update for the AirPods. This can be done via a paired device. Go to Settings>Bluetooth>AirPods and click the (i) button and select firmware to see if an update is available.
• Restart your device: A soft reset or restart of your iPhone, iPad, or Mac can fix some software glitches that might interfere with charging status reporting. This is not usually required and should be a last resort.
• Test other charging accessories: Try another wall adapter or cable and see if it solves the problem. There might be a fault with your current charger.
• Allow Charging time: AirPods will sometimes take a little bit of time to start charging. Always wait a moment to see if the indicator appears or if you can see the device charging on your iOS device.
• Use Find My App: This will show battery level if your AirPods are actively connected, and might also be a good option if you don’t see the battery information.

Troubleshooting Charging Issues

If you’re experiencing persistent problems with charging, or are still having difficulty verifying if your AirPods are charging, consider the following:

• Case is not charging: If the case light is not lighting up, and the case is connected to power for some time, try using a different power adapter or cable. If the problem persists, there might be a fault with the case. Try cleaning the charging contacts and ensure a secure connection.
• AirPods not charging: If the AirPods are not charging, then try cleaning the charging contacts. If the problem persists it might be that one or more of the AirPods or the case has a fault.
• Contact Apple Support: If you’ve exhausted all troubleshooting steps and your AirPods still won’t charge, consider contacting Apple Support or visiting an authorized service center. You might have a hardware issue that requires professional attention.
• Battery Health: Batteries degrade over time. If your AirPods or case is old, it is very possible the battery has lost its charging capability and you may need to replace your AirPods, or battery, if possible.

Conclusion

Keeping track of your AirPods charging status doesn’t have to be a mystery. By understanding the LED indicator lights on the charging case and by using your paired Apple device, you can easily monitor the battery levels of your AirPods and charging case. This information will help you keep your AirPods ready for use whenever you want them. If you encounter problems, remember to use these tips to fix them or know when to seek professional help from Apple.