When wireless earbuds will not charge inside the case, the cause is usually dirty contacts, a drained case battery, a bad cable, or a wireless charging pad that is not aligned. Start with the case and contacts before assuming the earbuds failed.
Does this affect you?
This applies when one or both earbuds do not gain battery in the case, the case LED does not respond, or the earbuds look seated but are dead when you take them out later.
Clean the contacts and reseat the earbuds
This is the most common fix and takes only a minute.
- Remove both earbuds and inspect the charging slots for lint, dust, or residue on the small metal pins.
- Gently clean the pins in the case and the matching contacts on the earbuds with a dry cotton swab or soft dry toothbrush. Do not use water or alcohol.
- Place the earbuds back in the case and press them down until they sit straight and make contact.
- Close the lid for a few seconds, reopen it, and watch for a status LED or app battery update.
- If there is still no response, check whether the case itself has power.
Check the case battery
The case is its own battery pack. If it is empty, clean earbuds still will not charge.
- Plug the case into a known-good wall charger and cable. Test the cable with a phone first if you are unsure.
- Leave the case charging with the lid closed for at least 15 to 20 minutes. A fully drained case may not light up immediately.
- On iPhone, hold an open AirPods case near the phone to see battery levels. On Android, use the earbuds companion app such as Galaxy Wearable or Pixel Buds.
- If the case remains at 0 percent after 20 minutes on a good charger, the case battery or charging input may have failed.
Rule out the cable, port, or wireless pad
Do this when the case LED never responds at all.
- Try another USB-C or Lightning cable, especially if the current one is frayed or kinked.
- Try a different wall adapter and avoid laptop USB ports or hubs while testing.
- If using a Qi pad, center the case on the pad and confirm your exact case model supports wireless charging.
- Inspect the case charging port for lint or bent pins that keep the plug from seating.
Still not charging?
Separate case problems from earbud problems
If one earbud charges and the other does not, clean that slot again and see whether the issue follows the earbud or stays with the case slot. If neither charges, the case or its input is more likely.
Reset the earbuds
Most models have a reset process, often holding a case button for 15 to 30 seconds until an LED flashes. Use the exact steps from the manufacturer support page.
Check the warranty
Charging failures within the first year are often covered by major manufacturers. Look up the serial number before buying a replacement case.
When replacement makes sense
If the contacts are clean, the cable and adapter work elsewhere, and the case still shows no life after an extended charge, the internal case battery may have failed. Replacement cases are often sold separately.
Sources
- Apple Support – If your AirPods are not charging (2025)
- Samsung Support – Galaxy Buds not charging in the case (2025)
- Google Support – Pixel Buds charging issues (2024)