How to Charge an AirPod Case Wirelessly or with a Cable

A quick guide to charging all generations of AirPods and AirPods Pro case

Written by Rain Kengly

Last Updated: February 21, 2023

Using a Cable

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Using a Charging Mat

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Checking Charge Level

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Q&A

Do you want to charge your AirPods case? If the light on your AirPods case is orange, you'll need to charge it. You can easily top off your case's battery by using a cable or charging pad. It should take about an hour to fully charge a case using a cable, while wireless charging can take about an hour and a half. This wikiHow will show you how to fully charge your case for AirPods or AirPods Pro.

Things You Should Know

To charge with a cable, close the AirPod case. Plug a Lightning connector into the case, then plug the USB into a USB port or charging block.
For MagSafe cases, close the lid and place the case on a Qi-compatible charging mat.
To check charge level, open the case next to a synced iPhone or iPad. It will display on the screen.

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Using a Cable

1
Place your AirPods into the charging case (optional).^{[1]
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- If your AirPods don’t need to charge, you can charge the case on its own.
- While the case is charging, you can take the chance to clean the AirPods, or you can use the AirPods normally.
2
Close the AirPod case. You won't be able to charge it if it's left open.

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3
Plug a Lightning connector into the bottom of the case. Use the Lightning cable that came with your AirPods.
4
Plug the USB connector into a USB port or charger. For fastest results, use an iPhone or iPad USB charging block.
- There is a status light on the inside of the case between the AirPods. It will turn solid green when the charging is complete.

Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Using a Charging Mat

1
Plug in a Qi-certified charging mat. You can wirelessly charge your MagSafe Charging Case or Wireless Charging Case with a compatible mat.
- You can purchase compatible charging mats on the Apple website.
2
Place your case on the charging mat. Make sure the lid is closed and the status light is facing up.
- For AirPods Pro (1st and 2nd generation) or AirPods (3rd generation), tap the case on the charging mat to see its charge level.
  - If it's still charging, the light will be amber. If it's fully charged, the light will be green.

Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Checking Charge Level

1
Wake a synced device. This can be a paired iPhone or iPad. The device doesn't need to be unlocked, but it does need to be on.
2
Open your case lid. This may take a few seconds.
- A pop-up should open on your synced device with your battery levels for the case and the AirPods separately.
- Once the case is charged, you can use it to charge the AirPods.

Community Q&A

Question

Is it okay to leave the case charging all night long with the airpods inside?

Community Answer

Yes, it won't do any short-term damage to the case. However, technically it isn't good to leave it charging all night. Try to avoid doing it too often.