AirPods are a premium accessory. Along with the iPhone, these headphones have become classics in the world of stylish and status. They emphasize individuality, showing a love for quality and laconic design. AirPods work perfectly, consistently producing clear sound without interference. The only thing that is needed for uninterrupted operation is to ensure that the charge remains at the proper level. This article will tell you how to properly charge the case and the AirPods with Charging Case headphones themselves.
Which cases charge wirelessly?
Apple introduced wireless charging with the release of the 2nd generation AirPods in March 2022.
They are sold with one of two types of cases to choose from:
- Supports Qi wireless standard and Lighting cable.
- Supports Lighting cable only.
Together with the second generation of headphones, cases for over-the-air charging went on sale. They are suitable for 1st and 2nd generation.
Released in October 2022, the Pro version supports wireless chargers and a Lighting cable.
Here are cases that can be charged “over the air”:
- The Qi-enabled AirPods case shown in the picture above.
- All AirPods Pro cases.
How to charge AirPods using wireless charging
The AirPods Pro wireless charging case and 2nd generation headphones can be charged on any Qi-compatible mat or stand. There are rumors about incompatibility with some Mophie brand memory devices, but it has not yet been possible to reliably verify this.
The cases have an LED status indicator:
How to charge your AirPods case wirelessly:
- Place the case on the charger with the indicator facing up (or facing you if using a stand). Its lid must be closed. Please note that you can charge the case without or with headphones.
- The status indicator will turn on for 8 seconds and show the current charge level: green - the battery is 100% charged, yellow - less than one cycle left (a fully charged case is enough for several charging cycles of the headphones).
- After this, the indicator will turn off and the case will continue to charge.
To see whether the case is charging (yellow light) or is already fully charged (green light), press it while it is on the wireless mat (stand). After tapping the case twice, the LED indicator will light continuously for 8 seconds.
We also recommend watching 6 ways to check your AirPods charge.
Checking the charging status: procedure
How to understand that AirPods are low and need to restore energy? Apple has provided several methods to manage the situation. Depending on what gadget is at hand, you can easily determine whether AirPods need to be charged, or whether the headphones will still work in autonomous mode.
On an iOS device
Any Apple device is suitable. To display the charge indicators of the headphones and case, you need to go through 5 steps. The entire action “from” to “to” takes 10-15 seconds. So, you need:
- Synchronize the accessory with the device to which the information will be displayed (for example, an iPhone X) via Bluetooth.
- Place the headphones in the case and bring it to the gadget.
- Open the case and wait until a connection request appears on the phone (or tablet) screen. Select "Connect".
- The information will appear on the display after a moment. The data will contain the charge of the headphones and, separately, the case, as a percentage.
If suddenly, after performing all the steps, a “miracle” does not happen, you need to close the box and try everything again.
To check the charge level, you can also use the “Battery” widget by connecting devices via Bluetooth in the same way. Headphone information is shown below the smartphone's power indicator.
Via Mac computer
Working as a duo between a laptop and AirPods, there is no need to use an additional gadget to control the charging of the headphones. All data on the accessory’s battery is also available on the MacBook. The synchronization process is similar to the previous option, using Bluetooth. Necessary:
- enable the data transfer function on the laptop;
- bring the closed case with headphones closer to the Mac screen;
- click on the bluetooth image in the upper right corner of the display;
- gadgets will “connect”;
- find the line with the name of the headphones in the Bluetooth menu;
- click and see the charge level.
The same information will appear through the computer's system settings. In them you need to find Bluetooth, bring the accessory to the display and wait for the necessary information to be displayed.
You may be interested: How to choose wireless headphones - 6 main tips
Using a case
It couldn't be easier, because the case is always next to your headphones. Here you need to focus on the indicator light. What does it show and how to interpret the signal?
In order for the charge data to be objective, you need to insert the accessory into the connectors without closing the lid. To measure the power level, one earphone is enough; the data for the second will be similar:
- the indicator glows green – full charge;
- red - needs recharging.
There are other signals, for example, white color - AirPods can be customized; yellow – the accessory requires re-setting. Using the same palette of colors, you can also navigate the degree of energy loss of the case itself. Only in this case it should be empty.
Using Android devices
When paired with gadgets running Android OS, AirPods headphones (for example, AirPods with Wireless Charging Case) have limited functionality, yet many users use the accessory with a smartphone on this platform.
This is interesting: A detailed guide on the choice and types of headphones
To monitor the charge of your headphones using Android, you need to download the free Air Battery app to your phone. The software is available through the PlayStore. When the utility is installed, further actions are similar to the previous scheme. Data is updated once per minute.
If your AirPods case won't charge over the air
If you place your AirPods case on the charger and nothing happens, check a few things:
- Is the case in the center of the mat or stand. This is the most common problem, as some chargers may not work if the case is not placed correctly. You can find the correct place by moving the case over the mat or supply.
- Does it really need to be charged? At times it will feel like you need to charge the case, but it holds a charge well even after two days of inactivity.
- Is the wireless storage device connected to the network? This known problem is that the cable is not connected to the outlet or charger case. Check the connection and place the case on the mat (stand) again.
- Does the case have a protective cover? Remove it and place the case on the charging mat. Some cases may interfere with charging the case.
If you are having problems with wireless charging, make sure the case is centered on the charger. Also check the cable connection of the mat (stand) and remove the cover from the case if present.
In case of problems with over-the-air power, you can always use a Lightning cable.
Charging via Lightning cable
To charge AirPods via a cable, connect the included Lightning cable to the case connector. You can use Lightning-USB-C or Lightning-USB. Connect the other end of the cable to a charger or computer port.
The charge level of the case is displayed on the indicator when the lid is open and the headphones are removed from it: green - the battery is fully charged, yellow - less than one cycle left.
If the case does not charge using the Lightning cable, read our article “Why the AirPods case does not charge.”
Where to connect the cable
Charging Bluetooth headphones is easy. It is enough to perform simple manipulations:
- Connect the charging interface to the micro USB, USB Type-C or Lightening connector on the cup of the full-size model or to the ear module on the collar. To recharge the case, use the port on its body.
- Connect the other end of the cable to a power source.
The duration of the charging procedure depends on the characteristics of the specific device. The parameter should be clarified in the manufacturer's instructions for the specific gadget. Budget Chinese models require charging for at least 2 hours.
Is it possible to charge AirPods 1 and 2 wirelessly
Yes, you can charge the first or second generation headphones wirelessly.
The first generation was produced in 2016, complete with a case with a Lightning cable. In 2022, Apple updated them to the 2nd generation, giving the buyer a choice of two cases: with support for wireless charging and the standard Lightning version.
At the same time, cases with wireless charging went on sale, which are perfect for the first generation. You won't have to spend money on buying new headphones. They don't sound much better.
If you're thinking about upgrading to the Pro version, I recommend reading a comparison of AirPods Pro and the second generation. The article will help you decide what is best to choose.
Special mounts for AirPods Max
As we said at the beginning of this post, AirPods Max are the only ones that, as with the first version of AirPods, have no other way to charge them other than by connecting them to a Lightning cable, so in this case the accessories mentioned above are also ideal for these headphones. However, we think it can be much more convenient if you have a stand where you can place your AirPods Max while charging them. Therefore, we provide you with the following options.
Walnut and aluminum headphone stand
One of the features of the AirPods Max that stands out from most AirPods Max, besides the fantastic noise-cancelling and noise-canceling experience it provides to all its users, is the manufacturing materials. Apple has used a completely premium finish for the earbuds that aesthetically leaves no one indifferent, so if you are going to use a stand for them and you don't want to go beyond the aesthetic line, this option is truly ideal .
The entrance to Madame Tussauds is made of walnut and aluminum , which are two high-quality materials that, as we said, go well with the materials used to make the AirPods Max. In addition, they also give it the reliability that a product of this type requires. It's ideal when you can keep the headphones on the table and, why not, charge them.
Kaikki Silicone Charging Pad for AirPods Max
AirPods Max can only be charged by connecting them to a Lightning cable, but thanks to the support of the kaikki brand, you will be able to place them on it to charge and at the same time keep us upright without leaving them on any surface and taking up more space. Without a doubt, this is one of the best solutions for charging your AirPods Max when you're not using them.
The material of the charging stand is high quality, durable and environmentally friendly silicone, so it is very easy to carry with your headphones. They have a hole through which you can pass the charging cable. It is available in various colors such as black, dark blue, red and dark green.
DISXKAER Magnetic charging stand for AirPods Max
We end this selection with, of course, the best way to charge your AirPods Max, and that's exactly what you need. magnetic charging stand . Aesthetically, it's completely in line with the line that Apple has marked with these headphones, as they were specifically designed for them and offer a vertical charging method.
The Madame Tussauds entrance is made of quality silicone and is very easy to use as you only need to insert the magnetic charging head into the headset, unplug the power cable, adjust its length and attach the holder to the surface you want to place it on. This makes charging AirPods Max vertically easier and more convenient than ever.
How long does AirPods charge?
Battery life depends on the conditions and how you use the headphones. It is affected by volume settings, ambient temperature and other factors.
Apple's official documentation indicates how long the AirPods Pro charge lasts:
- Up to 5 hours of listening to music.
- Up to 3.5 hours talk time.
A fully charged case is enough for several charging cycles of the headphones - that's more than 24 hours of audio listening and up to 18 hours of calls.
AirPods 2 hold a charge a little less:
- Up to 5 hours of listening to music.
- Up to 3 hours talk time.
Apple tested headphone battery life on the iPhone Xs Max at 50% volume.
Checking the charge level of the headphones.
You can find out how much charge is left in the case and headphones on the screen of your iPhone, MacBook, Apple Watch or iPad. In order for the AirPods charge level to be displayed on the control panel, you need to connect the headphones via Bluetooth to the corresponding device.
- If you want to check how long your headphones will last, then place the case with the headset near the iPhone, open the case lid and you will see the necessary information on the smartphone display.
- The charge level can also be seen by adding the Batteries widget to the control panel. In it you can view how long the charge of the headset and case you are using will last.
Once you know how long AirPods hold a charge and charge, you can understand how long this gadget will last. Don't forget to replenish the case's charge level on time to always quickly and easily extend the operating time of your wireless headset.
Headphone charging time
To charge AirPods in a case, you need to put them inside and close the lid.
How long it takes to charge AirPods depends on the model and condition of their batteries:
- Pro version - 5 minutes of charging in the case adds about an hour of work.
- 2nd generation - 15 minutes of charging in the case adds about 2.5 hours of work.
It turns out that you need to wait 20-30 minutes to get the headphones to 100%. In this case, the case is charged by air to 100% for at least an hour.
If charging the headphones to 100% takes more than half an hour (sometimes up to 2 hours), this is a sign of dying batteries.
Remember that wired charging is always faster than wireless, especially when using charger from an iPhone or iPad.
There is no way to charge AirPods Pro faster using the 18W charging brick from the iPhone 11 Pro or 11 Pro Max. However, its use will not damage the headphones, since it uses technology that prevents “overcharging”.
How long does it take to charge the headphones from the USB connector?
In fact, the maximum power consumption of any wireless headphones does not exceed 500 mA. This is very little... For comparison, the cheapest Chinese smartphones can already accept a current of at least 1 A. In addition, the current power is further reduced by the internal microcircuit (to about 50-100 mAh) before it enters the battery.
Therefore, it does not matter whether they will be charged from a fast mobile charger or from a regular USB 2.0 (the output current of which is exactly 0.5 A). Above we wrote about how long it takes for headphones to charge... This information is also suitable in the case when charging occurs via a USB port.
