Your iPhone can show battery percentages for each AirPod and, when available, the charging case. You can check with the lid popup, a Batteries widget, Control Center, or Siri, depending on whether the AirPods are connected and whether the case is open.
This applies to all AirPods models paired with an iPhone on iOS 17 or iOS 18.
Does This Affect You?
Use this if you want a quick AirPods battery check, want battery levels visible on the Home Screen, or need to pair new AirPods before the battery readings appear.
Open the Case Near Your iPhone
- Make sure Bluetooth is on in Control Center or Settings.
- Hold the AirPods case close to the iPhone and open the lid. The AirPods can stay inside.
- Wait for the battery card to appear on the iPhone.
- Read the left AirPod, right AirPod, and case percentages, then tap outside the card to close it.
Use the Batteries Widget or Control Center
- For a widget, touch and hold the Home Screen, tap the plus button, search for Batteries, choose a size, and tap Add Widget.
- The widget shows AirPods when they are connected and reporting battery information.
- Control Center may also show connected Bluetooth accessory battery details, depending on the iOS version and current connection state.
- If the AirPods are in the case with the lid closed, use the case-popup method instead.
Pair AirPods for the First Time
- Open Settings > Bluetooth and turn Bluetooth on.
- Place the AirPods in their case and open the lid near the iPhone.
- When the setup animation appears, tap Connect.
- Follow any prompts, such as naming the AirPods or enabling notifications, then tap Done.
- The AirPods are linked to your Apple ID and can connect automatically to your other Apple devices using the same account.
Battery Reading Tips
If the Popup Does Not Appear
Move the case closer, close and reopen the lid, confirm Bluetooth is on, and try again. If needed, forget the AirPods under Bluetooth settings and pair them again.
Left and Right May Differ
The two earbuds often drain at different speeds, especially if one is used more for microphone duties during calls.
Case Percentage Timing
The case battery is easiest to read right after opening the lid, inserting or removing the earbuds, or while the case is charging. It does not report as constantly as the earbuds.
Ask Siri
You can ask Siri for your AirPods battery. This works best when the AirPods are connected or were connected recently enough for iOS to have a current reading.
Sources
- Apple Support: Check the battery level of AirPods
- Apple Support: Set up AirPods
- Apple Support: Add a Batteries widget to iPhone