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In the era of wireless earbuds, the Apple AirPods have emerged as a ubiquitous accessory, seamlessly blending technology and convenience into our daily lives. However, like any electronic device, these innovative earbuds are not immune to occasional issues that can disrupt our listening experience. One such common concern that AirPods users may encounter is the left AirPod not charging properly. This seemingly minor inconvenience can lead to frustration and a diminished audio experience, making it imperative to understand the possible causes and troubleshooting steps to resolve this issue. In this guide, we will delve into the reasons behind the left AirPod not charging and provide practical solutions to help you get back to enjoying your music, podcasts, and calls without interruption.
Over the weekend, I had an exciting movie night planned with my iPad, and naturally, I reached for my trusty AirPods to enhance the experience. To my dismay, I noticed that one of my AirPods, the left one, wasn’t functioning properly. Upon closer inspection, I realized it had completely run out of battery. Determined to resolve the issue, I placed both AirPods back into their charging case, only to discover that my left AirPod refused to charge.
Fortunately, I turned to online communities like Apple’s forums and Reddit, where fellow users shared their experiences and offered solutions. After trying a handful of these suggested fixes, I managed to get my left AirPod charging again. If you’ve encountered a similar problem where your left AirPod isn’t charging properly, this guide is here to help. We’ll explore six straightforward solutions that can get one or both of your AirPods back to charging efficiently.
Why Is My Left AirPod Not Charging?
The issue of AirPods not charging often arises from inadequate contact between the metal contacts on the AirPods and the charging plates inside the charging case. This problem can be attributed to either corrosion accumulating inside the case or a layer of wax buildup encircling the metal contacts of the AirPods.
To address this issue effectively, it’s crucial to clean the metal contacts on your AirPods using isopropyl alcohol and a gentle cloth. A thorough cleaning of the charging case is also necessary. In some cases, if the metal plates are corroded or damaged beyond repair, you might even consider purchasing a replacement AirPods case.
Additionally, minor software glitches can sometimes disrupt the charging or connectivity of your AirPods. Remedies such as updating your firmware or performing a reset of your AirPods can often resolve these issues and restore proper functionality.
How To Fix One AirPod Not Charging?
Imagine the sheer frustration when you’re all set for a cozy movie night, only to discover that either your left or right AirPods refuse to power up. Your comfy couch beckons, and Netflix awaits, but your AirPods seem determined to steer you towards the nearest Apple store for a potentially costly replacement or repair.
Fear not! The good news is that the charging hiccup you’re experiencing can likely be resolved from the comfort of your home in just a matter of minutes. There’s no need to embark on an expedition to the Apple service center.
In this guide, I will present six simple and effective solutions to help you revive your non-charging left or right AirPod, so you can get back to enjoying your movie night without any interruptions.
1- Remove and Re-insert
Have you ever paid close attention to how you place your AirPods in their case? Chances are, like most people, you rely on the magic of magnetism to effortlessly guide and align your AirPods within the charging case.
However, it’s worth noting that while this magnetic force is indeed a nifty feature, it’s not infallible. Occasionally, it may fail to perfectly align the charging points, resulting in your AirPods refusing to charge. So, if you’ve ever haphazardly stowed your AirPods in the case, it might be the cause of your woes.
Here’s a quick fix: open the lid, carefully remove your AirPods, and then reseat them in the case. This simple adjustment often does the trick, allowing your AirPods to resume charging and resolving any pesky connectivity issues you might have been experiencing.
2- Charge Your Case
In the case of the second-generation AirPods Pro, the charging case packs a 523mAh battery that boasts the ability to recharge your AirPods approximately 5 to 6 times. According to Apple’s specifications, just a short 15-minute charge can provide roughly 3 hours of uninterrupted music listening or 2 hours of backup power for phone calls.
However, it’s essential to remember that if your AirPods case runs out of charge, it won’t be able to recharge your AirPods either. To remedy this situation, all you need to do is place your AirPods MagSafe case on a wireless charger or insert a lightning cable into the charging port.
Here’s the convenience factor: you can leave your AirPods safely nestled inside the case while it’s connected to a charger, ensuring that both your AirPods and their case are fully charged and ready for action.
3- Clean Your AirPods + Case
My AirPods have become an integral part of my daily routine, accompanying me everywhere I go for music and phone calls. Given their regular usage, it’s inevitable that they accumulate their fair share of dust and debris over time.
One common issue that arises from this buildup is the formation of a thin layer of wax around the metal contacts. This layer acts as an insulator, preventing the smooth flow of electrical current. The culprits are often sweat and oil, which attract environmental dust and contribute to this problematic buildup.
The solution is straightforward but effective. To restore your AirPods to their optimal charging performance, it’s essential to clean both the AirPods and their charging case. This can be accomplished by using isopropyl alcohol and a microfiber cloth to wipe away the accumulated grime. For more stubborn wax buildup inside the case, gently scratching the metal contacts with a toothbrush can help break it down, ultimately resolving the issue.
After completing a meticulous cleaning session, it’s important to allow your AirPods and their charging case some time to air dry. As the alcohol evaporates, make sure they are entirely free of any residual moisture. Only then should you return your AirPods to their designated slots within the case.
Once everything is dry and in place, check to see whether your AirPods are now successfully charging. This final step ensures that the cleaning process has effectively resolved any charging issues you may have been experiencing.
4- Reset Your AirPods
If you’ve diligently cleaned your AirPods and their case, but you’re still facing issues like one AirPod not charging or experiencing no sound in either the left or right AirPod, it’s a clear signal that it’s time for a reset.
Performing a reset is a highly effective way to address minor software glitches and return your AirPods to their factory settings, potentially resolving the issues you’ve been encountering.
Here’s a simple guide on how to reset your AirPods:
- Place both AirPods back into the charging case and ensure the lid is closed for at least 30 seconds.
- Open your iPhone’s Bluetooth settings.
- Find your AirPods in the list and tap on the “More Info” (i) icon next to their name.
- Tap “Forget This Device.”
- Confirm the action by tapping “Forget Device.”
- Turn off your iPhone’s Bluetooth, then turn it back on.
- Open the lid of the AirPods case, but do not remove the AirPods.
- On the back of the AirPods case, press and hold the setup button for about 15 seconds until the status light on the front starts flashing amber, then white.
- Keep the AirPods case (with the lid open) close to your iPhone.
- Follow the on-screen instructions to pair your AirPods again.
5- Update Firmware
Outdated firmware can be a culprit when it comes to AirPods charging issues. To address this, follow these steps:
- Navigate to your iPhone’s Settings.
- Scroll down and select “General.”
- Within the General settings, check for the firmware version of your AirPods.
- If there is a firmware update available, proceed to install it.
- After the update, restart your iPhone.
This simple firmware update can often resolve battery backup problems and enhance your overall sound experience with your AirPods.
6- Try a New Case
If someone in your family happens to own another set of AirPods, consider attempting to charge your AirPods inside their case. If your AirPods charge successfully in this alternative case, it’s a strong indication that your original case is malfunctioning and should be replaced. You can conveniently purchase a replacement AirPods case from online marketplaces like Amazon.
7- Contact Apple
Should your AirPods still be within their warranty period, your final recourse is to reach out to Apple support and request a replacement. Apple’s customer support will facilitate the replacement process for your AirPods, ensuring that you receive a functioning pair.
Conclusion
I trust that these solutions prove effective in resolving your issue. Personally, I managed to overcome my left AirPods Pro charging problem by thoroughly cleaning both the AirPods and the case with isopropyl alcohol. However, if none of these remedies yield the desired results, don’t hesitate to reach out to Apple for a warranty claim. They are there to assist you in finding a solution to your AirPods issue.
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