How to check airpods battery?
Quick Answer
You can check your AirPods battery by opening the charging case lid near your unlocked iPhone or iPad, which will display a pop-up with individual battery percentages for both AirPods and the case. Alternatively, add the 'Batteries' widget to your iPhone's Home Screen or Today View, or click the Bluetooth icon in the menu bar on a Mac to see detailed percentages.
Understanding AirPods Battery Status
Accurately monitoring your AirPods battery status is crucial for uninterrupted listening, especially during long commutes or important calls. Each AirPod, along with its charging case, has its own independent battery. For instance, AirPods Pro 2nd Generation offer approximately 6 hours of listening time on a single charge, extending to about 30 hours of total listening time with multiple charges from the MagSafe Charging Case. Understanding the individual charge levels ensures you know when to recharge specific components, preventing unexpected power loss.
How to Check AirPods Battery Specifically
To check your AirPods battery using an iPhone or iPad, first ensure Bluetooth is enabled on your device. Open the AirPods charging case lid with the AirPods inside, and hold the open case within a few inches of your unlocked iPhone or iPad screen. A pop-up will immediately appear on your screen, displaying the precise battery percentage for the left AirPod, the right AirPod, and the charging case itself. This method provides the most detailed breakdown.
For a quick overview on your iPhone or iPad, you can utilize the 'Batteries' widget. Swipe right on your Home Screen or Lock Screen to access the Today View, then scroll down and tap 'Edit'. Select the green '+' icon in the top left, find 'Batteries' from the list, and tap 'Add Widget'. Once added, your AirPods battery levels will be visible in the widget whenever they are connected to your device, showing percentages for each AirPod and the case.
If you are using a Mac, ensure your AirPods are connected. Click the Bluetooth icon located in the menu bar at the top right of your screen. Hover your mouse cursor over your AirPods' name in the dropdown menu. A submenu will then display the battery percentage for the left AirPod, the right AirPod, and the charging case. This offers a convenient way to monitor battery levels without needing your iPhone.
Finally, for a basic check, the charging case itself has an indicator light. If the AirPods are inside the case, the light shows their charge status. A green light means they are charged to over 80%, while an amber light indicates less than 80% charge remaining. If the AirPods are not in the case, the light indicates the case's own battery status. A flashing white light means the AirPods are ready to pair with a new device, and a flashing amber light indicates a pairing error or reset.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
One frequent error is relying solely on the charging case's indicator light without understanding its context. Many people see a green light and assume both AirPods and the case are fully charged, but the light only indicates the lowest charge level of either AirPod when they are inside the case, or the case's charge when empty. Always use the pop-up on your iPhone or the Batteries widget for a precise, individual percentage breakdown of each component.
Another common mistake is neglecting to check the charging case's battery independently. Users often focus only on the individual AirPods' charge, only to find their AirPods cannot recharge on the go because the case itself is depleted. Make it a habit to check all three components – left AirPod, right AirPod, and the case – to ensure you have sufficient power for your entire listening session.
Some users forget that older iOS or macOS versions might not display battery information as accurately or conveniently. Ensure your iPhone, iPad, or Mac is updated to the latest available software version, such as iOS 17 or macOS Sonoma, to benefit from the most reliable battery reporting features and the 'Batteries' widget functionality. Outdated software can sometimes lead to connectivity issues or incorrect battery readings.
Expert Tips for Best Results
To ensure accurate and consistent battery readings, always keep your AirPods and their charging case clean. Dust, lint, or earwax can accumulate on the charging contacts inside the case or on the AirPods themselves, preventing proper connection and thus hindering charging or accurate battery reporting. Use a soft, dry, lint-free cloth and a cotton swab lightly dampened with isopropyl alcohol for the contacts every few weeks, ensuring everything is completely dry before closing the case.
For optimal long-term battery health, enable 'Optimized Battery Charging' on your iPhone or iPad if you have AirPods Pro 1st Gen or later, or AirPods 3rd Gen. This feature learns your daily charging routine and will pause charging your AirPods past 80% until just before you need to use them, reducing battery aging. You can find this setting under Settings > Bluetooth, then tap the 'i' icon next to your AirPods, and toggle 'Optimized Battery Charging' on.
If you frequently switch between Apple devices, remember that the battery percentages will sync across your iCloud-connected devices. If you check on your iPhone, the same percentages will be reflected on your iPad or Mac. This seamless integration means you only need to check once to get a comprehensive view across your ecosystem, saving you time and effort when planning your audio use.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does my AirPods case show a different battery percentage than my AirPods?
The AirPods case and each individual AirPod have separate batteries. The case's percentage reflects its own charge level, while the AirPods' percentages show their current charge. The case's light indicates the lowest charge of the AirPods inside, or the case's charge when empty, but the specific pop-up on your iPhone provides individual details for all three components.
Can I check AirPods battery on an Android phone?
Yes, you can check basic AirPods battery status on an Android phone. When the AirPods are connected, some Android devices might show a general battery icon in the notification bar. For more detailed percentages, you will typically need to download a third-party app from the Google Play Store, such as 'AirBattery' or 'Assistant Trigger', which can display individual AirPod and case battery levels.
How long do AirPods Pro 2nd Gen batteries last on a full charge?
AirPods Pro 2nd Generation provide up to 6 hours of listening time on a single charge with Active Noise Cancellation enabled. With the MagSafe Charging Case, the total listening time extends to approximately 30 hours, making them suitable for extended use throughout the day without needing a wall charger.
What do the different colored lights on the AirPods case mean?
The indicator light on the AirPods case provides quick status. A green light means the AirPods (if inside) or the case (if empty) are charged to over 80%. An amber light means less than 80% charge. A flashing white light indicates the AirPods are ready to pair, and a flashing amber light signals a pairing error or that a reset is required.
My AirPods battery drains unevenly, what should I do?
Uneven battery drain, where one AirPod depletes significantly faster than the other, can be caused by using only one AirPod for calls or specific tasks, or by a software glitch. Try resetting your AirPods by placing them in the case, closing the lid for 30 seconds, then reopening and holding the setup button for 15 seconds until the light flashes amber then white. If the issue persists, contact Apple Support for further diagnosis.