There could be many reasons behind the issue of the right AirPod not charging. Whether you own the original AirPods, AirPods 2, AirPods 3, or AirPods Pro, all these models can sometimes have the same problem where the left or right AirPod refuses to charge.
It’s a recurring problem that can be pretty frustrating and put a halt to your music or podcast listening sessions. Thankfully, you can troubleshoot this issue at home without visiting the nearest Genius Bar or sending the AirPods for RMA.
My Right AirPod Not Charging, What to Do?
If you can’t get your right AirPod to charge, this troubleshooting guide will help you find and fix it so that you can go back to listening to your favorite tracks or podcasts.
1. Check Your Charging Case’s Battery Level
When the left or right AirPod stops charging, the Charging Case likely is the suspect here. If the battery indicator for the case on your iPhone, iPad, or Mac indicates less than 15% charge, it won’t be able to top up both AirPods.
For those who don’t know how to check the charging case’s battery level, first, replace the AirPods inside the case and shut the lid. Then, put the AirPods case closer to your iPhone or iPad and open it. A pop-up window should immediately appear on the screen, showing the battery level percentage for the AirPods and Charging Case.
You can also check the battery status for your right AirPod in the Batteries widget found in the “Today View” screen. Simply swipe from the left edge of the Lock Screen or the first page of the Home Screen to access it on your iPhone or iPad.
If your right AirPod isn’t charging (no “lightning” icon next to its battery indicator) even though there’s enough juice left in the Charging Case, proceed to the next troubleshooting step in this guide.
Alternatively, if the battery level of your AirPods Charging Case is low, all you need to do is plug it into your iPhone/iPad charging brick using a Lightning cable. Sure, it sounds counterintuitive given how long the AirPods generally last on a single charge, but even they need to be charged from time to time.
Make sure you charge the case (with your AirPods inside) regularly, even if it’s for 15-30 minutes before you leave your house. Those who own the Wireless Charging Case can leave it on a Qi charging pad. Thus, you’ll never run out of battery for your left and right AirPod, and the Charging Case itself.
Also Read – How to Pair JBL Headphones & Earbuds
2. Reseat the AirPod (right AirPod not charging issue)
If the right AirPod isn’t charging despite the Charging Case having enough battery, check if you’ve placed the AirPod incorrectly in the case where it doesn’t have proper contact with the charging pins.
We recommend removing any accessories like wraps or silicone ear tips, then try reseating the AirPod. Once you do that, verify whether the “lightning” charging icon appears for the right AirPod when you bring the case close to your iPhone and pop the lid.
If your right AirPod is still not charging, some debris may be blocking the contacts, and you need to clean up your AirPods or the Charging Case. Check out the below section for more information.
3. Clean your AirPod & Charging Case
Another common reason why your right AirPod may have stopped charging is dust and debris blocking the charging pins. It can also be accumulated crud on the AirPod’s stem or inside the Charging Case. It prevents the AirPods to receive sufficient charge from the case. However, you can use the following instructions to fix it from happening again.
Things you need
- Soft, dry, lint-free microfiber cloth
- Q-tips or a soft-bristled brush
Use a soft and dry cloth, preferably a microfiber one, to clean your AirPods’ stem, especially around the silver charging contacts on the ends. You can also use a slightly dampened cloth to wipe them clean first. Be sure to clean the speaker and microphone meshes and on the AirPods with a Q-tip or a straw cleaner while you’re at it.
Once you thoroughly clean the AirPods, take a Q-tip or a cotton swab, slightly dampen it with some water, and use it to clean the dirty contacts inside the Charging Case. Avoid getting any liquid or moisture inside the case and allow it to dry before placing the AirPods inside.
Assuming you use your AirPods daily, make a habit of cleaning them every week. It’s to ensure solid contact between your AirPods and the Charging Case.
Things not to do
- Don’t run your AirPods or the Charging Case under water.
- Don’t use pointy/abrasive objects to clean your AirPods.
- Don’t use soap, bleach, or any commercially-available cleaning agents to clean your AirPods.
- You can rinse the ear tips with water, but make sure they’re dry before reattaching them to the AirPods.
4. Factory Reset your AirPods
Consider resetting your AirPods or AirPods Pro to their factory state if your right AirPod still won’t charge. Doing this can also help fix firmware issues related to the AirPods. Simply perform these steps:
- First, place both the left and right AirPod in the Charging Case, then close the lid.
- Next, open the AirPods Charging Case lid after 30 seconds.
- Navigate to the Settings app on your iPhone or iPad and visit the Bluetooth menu.
- Tap the blue Info ⓘ icon next to your AirPods, then scroll down and tap the “Forget This Device” option. Select Forget Device again to confirm.
- Now press and hold the Setup button on the back of your AirPods case for 15 seconds with the lid open until the LED indicator blinks amber, then white.
- Finally, place your AirPods close to your Apple device and follow the on-screen instructions to pair your AirPods.
Hopefully, the right AirPod should charge after you factory reset your AirPods. However, note the settings for your AirPods will reset too. Also, your iCloud-connected devices won’t recognize your AirPods until you go through the initial setup.
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Right AirPod Not Charging: Finishing Up
These are some ways you can deal with the right AirPod not charging issue. If none of the above troubleshooting steps fix it, it’s better you contact Apple Support or make a Genius Bar reservation. As long as your AirPods are under warranty, Apple will likely fix or replace your right AirPod free of cost.
