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Lint and dust cause most charging issues. These tools fix it for $10.
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Dirty contacts are the #1 cause. Look at the bottom of each AirPod stem and inside the case at the magnetic charge points. You'll see small gold pins.
Cheap or counterfeit cables fail more than the case. Use a known-good Apple-branded MFi cable. Test in 2 different outlets.
If your case supports wireless charging (most do): place on a Qi pad. If wireless works but wired doesn't, your case's port is dead — replacement case is $99 from Apple.
Sometimes the firmware gets stuck. Settings → Bluetooth → tap (i) next to AirPods → Forget This Device. Then place case near iPhone with lid open and re-pair.
Open the case lid. Look at the small LED. Amber when charging, green when full. If no LED at all: the case battery is fully dead and might have failed entirely. Try charging for 30 minutes and re-check.
Settings → Bluetooth → tap (i) next to AirPods. If a firmware version number doesn't appear, plug case into power, place near iPhone, and wait 30 min — Apple pushes firmware automatically.
If cleaning + cable test + re-pair don't work, you need a replacement case ($99 Apple, $29 with AppleCare+) or replacement set. Apple doesn't repair AirPods cases — they swap them.
AirPods Pro 2 switched to USB-C for charging. When the case won't charge, fixes involve port cleaning, cable testing, and MagSafe verification.
Lint clogs the USB-C connector, preventing proper contact. Use a dry toothpick to gently scrape inside the port. Blow out debris with compressed air (short bursts).
The original cable might be damaged. Borrow a different USB-C cable (from a phone charger, etc.) and test.
AirPods Pro 2 use MagSafe, not direct USB-C. The cable must align perfectly. If your case or cable magnets are weak, charging fails. Inspect for physical damage to the magnetic connectors.
The wall outlet or USB adapter might be faulty. Plug another device into the same outlet to verify it works.
Settings → Bluetooth → tap info → Forget → hold setup button 15 seconds until LED flashes. Re-pair and retry charging.
If repair exceeds $80 and your AirPods are 2+ years old, a new set might be better.
If DIY repair isn't for you, our certified technicians can fix it fast.
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