Apple in March 2019 launched second-generation AirPods that include several new features over the original models, including the ability to wirelessly charge using third-party charging pads. In October 2019, it then launched AirPods Pro, which offer the same functionality.
Third-party charging mats from the likes of Anker can charge AirPods 2 and AirPods Pro
Apple also launched a Wireless Charging Case for use with first-generation AirPods, so if you bought a pair of new AirPods with Wireless Charging Case, or you purchased a Wireless Charging Case separately, then keep reading to learn how the charging procedure works.
How to Charge Your AirPods or AirPods Pro Wirelessly
New Apple AirPods usually come fully charged out of the box, but at some point during use you'll hear a tone when your AirPods' batteries are low, and another tone just before they run out.
When that time comes, it's time to charge your AirPods. Simply putting them back in the case usually does the trick – the case holds multiple, full charges for your AirPods, allowing you to charge on the go. But at some point the charging case will also become depleted, and then it will need charging too.
Apple's Wireless Charging Case, second-generation AirPods, and AirPods Pro can be charged with almost any Qi-compatible charging mat or stand (although we've heard scattered reports of AirPods incompatibility with some Mophie chargers). If you don't have a charging accessory and are wondering which one to buy, check out our roundup of the best Qi-compatible charging mats and stands for Apple devices. At any rate, here's how the charging procedure works.
- Place the case on the charger with the status light on the front of the case facing up (or towards you if you're using a stand). Note that you can charge your case with or without your AirPods inside.
- The status light should turn on for several seconds, then turn off as it continues to charge.
- If the light doesn't turn on when you put it on the charging mat, try repositioning the case.
If you have trouble getting the case to charge, check that the cable is firmly plugged into the charging mat and that the other end is correctly plugged into a power outlet. If the case still isn't charging, don't forget that you can also charge it by plugging the supplied Lightning cable into the Lightning connector on the bottom, and the other end of the cable into a USB charger or port.
Checking Your AirPods Battery Life
You can check the battery status of your AirPods by opening the charging case lid with the AirPods inside and holding the case close to your iPhone. The charge status of your AirPods and their case should appear on the device's screen, and if you take out an AirPod, you'll see individual percentages for the two earpieces.
You can also check the charge status of your AirPods using the Batteries widget in your iPhone's Today View, accessed by swiping right on the Lock screen or on your Home screen's first screen of apps.
A fully charged Wireless Charging Case will provide AirPods with more than 24 hours of listening time, or up to 18 hours of talk time. If you charge AirPods for 15 minutes in the case, you get up to 3 hours of listening time or up to two hours of talk time. If you charge your AirPods Pro for 5 minutes in their case, you get around 1 hour of listening time or around 1 hour of talk time.
Related Roundups: AirPods 3, AirPods Pro
Buyer's Guide: AirPods (Don't Buy), AirPods Pro (Buy Now)
Related Forum: AirPods
Popular Stories
Batterygate: iPhone Users in Canada Can Now Submit Claims for Up to $150 Payout From Apple
Friday April 5, 2024 2:01 pm PDT by Joe Rossignol
Apple agreed to pay up to $14.4 million (CAD) to settle a class action lawsuit in Canada that alleged the company secretly throttled the performance of some iPhone models ("batterygate"), and eligible customers can now submit a claim for payment. Apple's settlement received court approval on March 4, and the claims period began today, according to law firm Rochon Genova LLP. To submit a...
Read Full Article • 59 comments
When to Expect the Next iPad Mini and Low-End iPad Models to Launch
Sunday April 7, 2024 6:45 am PDT by Joe Rossignol
While rumors have been focused on new iPad Pro and iPad Air models, some Apple customers are wondering when the next iPad mini will be released. In his Power On newsletter today, Bloomberg's Mark Gurman said new iPad mini and entry-level iPad models will be released in late 2024 at the earliest. "The company is also working on new versions of the low-end iPad and iPad mini, but those...
Read Full Article • 79 comments
Tim Cook Sells Nearly 200,000 Apple Shares
Friday April 5, 2024 7:55 am PDT by Joe Rossignol
Apple's CEO Tim Cook this week sold 196,410 shares of the company's stock, which had a total value of approximately $33.2 million based on the average sale price of the transactions, according to a U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission filing. After taxes, Cook netted nearly $16.4 million from the sales. Cook received all of the shares that he sold this week as a performance-based stock...
Read Full Article • 158 comments
iPhone 16 Pro Expected Later This Year With These 12 New Features
Tuesday April 2, 2024 7:50 am PDT by MacRumors Staff
While the iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max are still months away from launching, there are already over a dozen rumors about the devices. Below, we have recapped new features and changes expected for the devices so far. These are some of the key changes rumored for the iPhone 16 Pro models as of April 2024:Larger displays: The iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max will be equipped with large...
Read Full Article
Best Buy Introduces Record Low Prices Across Every 10th Gen iPad
Sunday April 7, 2024 8:01 am PDT by Mitchel Broussard
Following a few notable discounts on MacBooks yesterday, Best Buy today introduced a sale on the 10th generation iPad, including numerous all-time low prices on the tablet. Prices start at $349.00 for the 64GB Wi-Fi model, and include $100 markdowns on both Wi-Fi and cellular devices. Note: MacRumors is an affiliate partner with Best Buy. When you click a link and make a purchase, we may...
Read Full Article • 36 comments
Best Buy's Weekend Sale Has Best-Ever Prices on MacBook Air, MacBook Pro, TVs, and More
Saturday April 6, 2024 9:08 am PDT by Mitchel Broussard
This weekend, Best Buy has a sale on MacBooks, including the previous generation 15-inch MacBook Air and the M3 MacBook Pro. As usual, Best Buy's sale covers far more than just Apple products, and you'll also find solid discounts on TVs, video games, and more during the event. Note: MacRumors is an affiliate partner with Best Buy. When you click a link and make a purchase, we may receive a...
Read Full Article • 20 comments
Gurman: New iPads Likely to Launch During Second Week of May
Sunday April 7, 2024 5:10 am PDT by Joe Rossignol
Apple will likely launch new iPad Pro and iPad Air models during the second week of May, according to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman. "For those looking for more specific timing, I'm told the launch will probably happen the week of May 6," said Gurman, in his Power On newsletter today. "Another data point to that end: Apple retail stores are preparing to receive new product marketing materials...
Read Full Article • 89 comments