One AirPod Not Charging: Ultimate Troubleshooting Guide

Are you having trouble with one AirPod not charging? Here’s how to fix it.

The AirPods charging case will charge both AirPods simultaneously when you put them in it.

However, there are instances where only one side of the AirPods is charging while the other is not.

Here’s a list of quick fixes that you can try to fix the issue.

Check that the Charging Case is Fully Charged

A depleted charging case can cause AirPods charging issue.

Apple advises fully charging the case first as a troubleshooting step, guaranteeing it has sufficient power to charge the AirPods.

You can check the charging case battery via two methods:

• Pop-up display
• Batteries widget

To check your case’s battery via the pop-up display:

1. Put your AirPods in the case. Bring the case close to your phone.
2. Open the case’s lid, and a pop-up display will appear on the screen. You can check the battery life from the pop-up display.

1. On your iPhone, swipe right on your Home screen or Lock screen to Today View.
2. Look for the Batteries Widget. You will be able to check the case’s battery level.
3. If the Batteries Widget is not installed, press and hold on an empty spacer in Today View. A ‘+’ icon will appear on the top. Tap the icon to add the Batteries Widget.

Remove All Accessories and Reinsert the AirPods

Occasionally, if an AirPod isn’t charging, it may not be seated correctly on the case’s charging pins, possibly due to incomplete insertion or obstructive case accessories.

1. Remove any AirPods accessories.

   

2. Remove the AirPod that isn’t charging.

   

3. Reinsert it and check your phone to see if it’s charging.

   

Clean the AirPods Tail and Charging Case

Regular cleaning is essential as dirt and lint can build up on your AirPods’ stem, tail, and the charging case’s bottom. This disrupts the power connection between the charging points and impairs charging.

Here’s a list of items to prepare before getting started:

• Cotton swabs, Q-tips or interdental brush
• Toothpicks
• A soft or old toothbrush
• Dry paper towels
• Lint-free microfiber cleaning cloth

Let’s start with the exterior of the case first.

External cleaning

1. Dip a cotton swab in 70% isopropyl alcohol and rub the dirty areas of the AirPods and charging case.

   

2. Use a clean toothpick to pick off any remaining dirt along the crevices.

   

3. Dry the AirPods and case with a clean paper towel or tissue paper.

   

Then, we proceed to the interior of the charging case.

Internal cleaning

1. Clean the lightning port at the bottom of the charging case with a soft-bristled toothbrush.

   

2. If you see corrosion on the tail or inside the case, use a cotton swab dampened with alcohol to remove it.
   DO NOT use abrasive materials like sandpaper. While it may remove the corrosion, it will likely file down the gold plating on the charging ports, allowing for more corrosion to form in the future.

   

3. Clean the charging pins inside the case by using a cotton swab.

   

Lastly, we give the AirPods a good wipedown:

1. Use a dry, lint-free fabric and clean the tail of the AirPods.

   

Reset the AirPods

A quick and easy way to resolve AirPods issues is to reset them to factory settings.

Here’s a video walkthrough:

1. Put AirPods back in the charging case and wait ~30 seconds.
2. Head to Settings, then select Bluetooth.
3. Tap the “i” button next to your AirPods’ name.

   

4. Select Forget This Device, then confirm your selection.

   

5. Open the case lid. Press and hold the setup button at the back of the AirPods’ case for about 15 seconds until the status light flashes from amber to white.

   

6. Reconnect AirPods with your phone again by closing and opening the case’s lid and placing them near the device.

Use Mounting Tape for Realignment

Another possible cause for one AirPod not charging is that the charging pins don’t align properly. A Reddit user reported that one of their AirPods won’t charge when the lid is closed because the pressure from the lid causes the charging pins to misalign.

If you have a similar scenario, you can use mounting tape as a temporary fix. Here’s how to do so:

1. Cut a piece of mounting tape roughly to the size of your AirPods (roughly ~20mm/0.7 inches).

   

2. Peel one side of the tape.

   

3. Stick the mounting tape to the curved section of the charging case on the side that’s not charging. This will slightly raise the AirPod’s position and help align the charging pins.
   Try different angles and positions for the mounting tape to see what works. You can also try different tape thicknesses.

   

Consult an Apple Genius

If you’ve exhausted all the above options, it’s wise to visit an Apple Store and seek advice from an Apple Genius. They can expertly decide whether a repair or replacement is needed.

Ideally, a replacement would be preferable; who wouldn’t want a fresh pair of AirPods at little to no cost? For the best chance at this outcome, consider the following tips:

• Free Replacement for Subpar Units – AirPods less than a year old that cannot last 5 hours of listening time will automatically be replaced for free.
• “Battery Service” – Saying this term to a Genius will open up three possibilities for a discounted replacement if your AirPods are out of warranty. For $49, they will replace one of the AirPods or the charging case.

FAQs on One AirPod Not Charging

Could my AirPods battery have degraded?

Each AirPod has a small lithium-ion battery with a limited number of charge cycles, where a full cycle is counted once you’ve used and recharged 100% of the battery’s capacity.

Over hundreds of cycles, the battery capacity naturally reduces, leading to poorer charge retention. Consequently, if one AirPod’s battery ages or is used more than the other, it may exhibit charging problems.

Why might one AirPod experience more battery wear than the other?

Asymmetrical usage, like using one AirPod more often for single-audio listening or calls, can cause uneven battery wear. This results in more charge cycles for that AirPod, accelerating its battery degradation.

How do I know if one of my AirPods or AirPods Pro is not charging?

1. Place AirPods in the charging case and close the lid.
2. Open the lid and check the battery status on your paired iPhone. If the battery indicator for one AirPod doesn’t show a lightning bolt icon next to it, that AirPod is not charging.