AirPods and AirPods Pro of all versions are meant to function smoothly with Apple’s Bluetooth-enabled devices, but they are not immune to battery depletion of any kind.
Fortunately, these issues can generally be resolved at home without having to contact Apple or return the AirPods. If you are experiencing battery depletion with your AirPods or want to avoid it, consider the following suggestions before you do anything else.
1. Keep AirPods in Case When Not in Use
One of the most prominent reasons why AirPods lose power so quickly is because they are not kept in the charging case while not in use.
If you leave an AirPod outside of its case, the earbud will continue to utilize battery since it is linked to (or attempts to connect to) your device’s Bluetooth. So, if it’s not in your ear, put it back in the case to charge.
2. Avoid Needlessly Flipping Open the Case
When you open the lid of your AirPods Charging Case, the Bluetooth chip activates and your AirPods look for a nearby device to connect to.
If you have a tendency of flipping the lid of your AirPods case open and closed while they are not in use, try to stop. Your earphones’ batteries will thank you.
3. Disable Automatic Ear Detection
Apple’s AirPods have a function called Automatic Ear Detection, which allows music from a connected device to automatically move to the AirPods the instant you place them in your ears. This enables the AirPods to automatically pause the audio track when you remove them and restart playback when you insert them again.
Automatic Ear Detection, if used too frequently, will cause your AirPods batteries to deplete quicker, so if you can live without it, we recommend turning it off. On your iPhone or iPad, open the Settings app and tap the name of your linked AirPods. Then, disable the switch next to Automatic Ear Detection.
4. Avoid Using Only One AirPod at a Time
If one AirPod battery drains faster than the other, it’s possible that you’re using it more. This leads the AirPod’s battery to undergo more cycles than its twin, resulting in a faster deterioration of its capacity to retain a charge.
While using one AirPod first and then switching to the other AirPod is a convenient way to keep one charged in the case and extend your listening time, it’s best to avoid using one earbud more than the other, as battery life will not be balanced across left and right channels.
5. Enable Optimized Battery Charging
AirPods Pro and AirPods (3rd generation) have Optimized Battery Charging, which reduces battery wear and improves longevity by lowering the time AirPods spend completely charged.
When enabled, Optimized Battery Charging learns from your personal device habits and waits until your AirPods are fully charged before allowing you to use them. This preserves your AirPods at peak battery health by minimizing the amount of time they spend in the Charging Case at 100% charge, which can shorten their life over time.
You may check if Optimized Battery Charging is activated by opening the AirPods case. To enable Optimized Battery Charging on your AirPods, go to Settings on your iPhone or iPad, press the AirPods name, and toggle the switch next to it.
6. Turn Off Spatial Audio
Spatial Audio on AirPods Pro and AirPods (3rd generation) provide a more immersive soundscape while listening to compatible music from Apple Music.
If you don’t like it, you should turn off Spatial Audio, which will help your AirPods last longer.
- Ensure your AirPods are linked to your iPhone.
- A diagonal swipe down from the upper right corner of the screen will launch the Control Center.
- Press and hold the volume control bar.
- To enable or disable Spatial Audio, tap the button.
AirPods 3 provide up to 6 hours of listening time on a single charge. AirPods Pro can last up to 6 hours on a single charge (5.5 hours with Spatial Audio and Head Tracking activated).
7. Update AirPods Firmware
Apple delivers software upgrades for its AirPods and AirPods Pro wireless headphones, which may include performance enhancements, feature changes, and bug fixes. Follow these procedures if your AirPods or AirPods Pro are experiencing battery depletion or need to update to the newest software.
- If your AirPods are not already in their case, put them in.
- Connect the AirPods charging case to a power source using the provided Lightning/USB-C connection, or set it on a Qi-compatible wireless charging pad if you have a Wireless Charging Case or AirPods Pro.
- To charge the AirPods, place the associated iOS smartphone near the charging case and ensure it is connected to the internet.
After a short time, any available software updates should be automatically downloaded and installed. If you are experiencing problems upgrading your AirPods, ensure that the charging case is completely charged.
8. Turn Off Find My
The Find My function locates your AirPods by connecting with other Apple devices, but it drains the battery. If you store your AirPods in a secure location at home, you should be able to disable the function without any problems.
To turn off your linked AirPods on your iPhone or iPad, open the Settings app and hit the AirPods name. Then, disable the Find My Network button.
9. Reset Your AirPods
Apple’s AirPods and AirPods Pro contain a reset button that restores them to factory settings. This might help if you’re having battery draining issues with them.
- Place your AirPods in the case and seal the cover.
- Wait 30 seconds and then open the lid.
- On your iOS smartphone, go to Settings -> [Name of AirPods].
- Scroll to the bottom and select Forget This Device, then press again to confirm.
- With the AirPods case lid open, press and hold the button on the case’s rear for roughly 15 seconds until the status light flashes amber. If your AirPods case only charges via cable connection, the status light is located within the case, between the AirPods. The status light on the front of the AirPods Pro or AirPods case indicates wireless charging.
- With the case lid open, position your AirPods next to your smartphone and reconnect them using the procedures on your device’s screen.
10. Regularly Clean AirPods
Perhaps the most common reason an AirPod loses battery charge is that the charging connections are unclean, with grime on the AirPod stem, within the Charging Case, or both. This stops the electrical charge from going through properly, but you may clear it up using the approach described below.
- What You Will Need:
- lint-free or microfiber cloth
- Periodontal brush, straw cleanser, or a Q-tip.
- 70 percent isopropyl alcohol (optional)
- Clean the stem of the AirPod with a dry, lint-free rag, focusing on the silver contacts at the end.
Then, using a periodontal brush or similar instrument, clean the internal contact points in each AirPod bay within the Charging Case. If you come across any persistent muck, saturate a Q-tip with water or spritz it with isopropyl alcohol (DO NOT spray alcohol or water directly on the case) and rub it over the unclean area.
If you use your AirPods on a daily basis, you should clean them at least once a week to ensure optimal contact between the AirPods and the Charging Case.