How Long Does AirPods Battery Last?
|
|
Time to read 7 min
AirPods have become one of the essentials before leaving the house, offering convenience, seamless audio, and top-notch sound quality. You can use a pair for different reasons and occasions, whether listening to a podcast, taking calls, or zoning out to your favorite playlist.
However, one question that frequently arises is, how long does the AirPods battery last? In this guide, we’ll answer your questions about AirPods’ battery performance, lifespan, and maintenance, helping you get the most from your device.
Table of Contents
Understanding the AirPods Battery Lifespan
The battery life of AirPods varies depending on the model and usage. Of course, it’s better to actually get insights from real-life experience. Here are key takeaways from a case-specific Reddit post about AirPods battery performance.
1. Discrepancy in Battery Claims vs. Real-World Performance
Apple claims over 24 hours of usage with the charging case, but the user only achieved approximately 9 hours of total usage– 4 hours from the case battery and an additional 5 hours from the AirPods themselves.
2. Battery Drain Observations
The user experienced random battery drain, with the case losing 10% overnight at times, even when the AirPods were not in use. Charging AirPods from ~90% to 100% drained the case by 10% or more, which seems disproportionate given the case’s larger battery capacity.
Moderate listening sessions (30–40 minutes each) significantly impacted both AirPods and case battery life. The charging case’s battery consistently dropped faster than expected.
3. Daily Usage Trends
AirPods themselves frequently reported 100% charge even after being placed back in the case for brief periods. Case battery levels steadily dropped with minimal usage, suggesting inefficiencies in charge retention.
4. Potential Issues
The user suspects their unit may have been defective, causing unusual power consumption patterns. Apple might need to address software optimization for battery management.
Despite the frustration, the user is still interested in AirPods and plans to repurchase them, indicating overall satisfaction with their performance (aside from the battery issues).
If you’re experiencing similar battery issues, here are some things you can do:
Monitor daily usage patterns and battery drain closely.
Return or exchange AirPods if the case drains unusually fast or behaves inconsistently.
Keep an eye out for software updates that might address battery optimization.
Understanding that the advertised battery life is based on ideal conditions and real-world usage might vary significantly.
Here’s a breakdown of what you can typically expect:
AirPods (3rd Generation): Up to 6 hours of listening time or 4 hours of talk time on a single charge.
AirPods Pro (2nd Generation): Approximately 5.5 hours of listening time with Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) off.
AirPods with Charging Case: The case provides multiple additional charges, extending the total listening time to over 24 hours.
If you’re wondering about the AirPods charging case, it’s designed to keep your AirPods powered throughout the day. A quick 5-minute charge in the case delivers around an hour of listening time, making it a lifesaver for busy schedules.
How to Check AirPods Battery Life
You can easily monitor the battery life of your AirPods and charging case through the following ways:
1. On iPhone or iPad
Open the case lid near your device. A pop-up will display the battery levels of both the AirPods and the case.
2. Using the Batteries Widget
Add the widget to your home screen for at-a-glance updates.
3. With Siri
Simply ask, “How much battery do my AirPods have?”
You can avoid interruptions during important tasks by staying on top of the battery levels.
How to Check Your AirPods Battery Health
To check the battery health of your AirPods, follow these steps:
1. Using Your iPhone/iPad
- Open the Settings app and navigate to Bluetooth.
- Find your AirPods in the list, tap the “i” (info) icon next to them.
- Check for battery-related details.
- Alternatively, you can view the AirPods battery percentage via the Batteries widget on your Home Screen or Today View.
2. Using a Mac
- Connect your AirPods to your Mac.
- Click the Bluetooth icon in the menu bar.
- Hover over your AirPods to see their battery levels.
For a detailed health status, such as cycle count or capacity, third-party apps like CoconutBattery (for Mac) or iMazing can provide more insights.
How to Manage AirPods Battery Life for Longer Use
Getting the most out of your AirPods battery doesn't require a tech whiz, just some simple know-how. Here are a few tips to help you keep your AirPods going for longer:
- Adjust the Volume: Listening at moderate levels reduces battery drain.
- Disable Automatic Ear Detection: This feature pauses audio when you remove an AirPod, but disabling it may save power.
- Use the Charging Case: Always store your AirPods in their case when not in use to maintain charge.
- Avoid Extreme Temperatures: Both high and low temperatures can damage the battery.
- Optimise Charging Habits: Use certified chargers and avoid overcharging, which can degrade the battery over time.
- Explore Advanced Battery Conservation Settings (Apple devices only): Apple offers advanced battery conservation settings. Take some time to explore these options for further optimization.
Extending the Lifespan of Your AirPods
AirPods are built to last for about 2–3 years with regular use. However, proper care can stretch their lifespan:
1. Clean Regularly
Use a soft, dry cloth to clean your AirPods and remove dirt or earwax with a cotton swab. Avoid liquids or cleaning agents.
2. Protective Cases
A sturdy AirPods cover prevents damage from drops, scratches, and dirt. We recommend our fiber case for AirPods. Crafted for durability and style, this ultra-slim case provides seamless fit and lightweight convenience.
3. Software Updates
Keep your AirPods updated via your iOS device to enhance performance and fix bugs.
4. Repair and Replacement:
If you notice reduced performance, Apple offers repair or replacement services. Contact their support team for assistance.
Should You Upgrade Your AirPods?
If your AirPods are nearing the end of their lifespan or struggling to keep up with your needs, consider upgrading to a newer model. For example:
The AirPods (3rd Generation) offers 6 hours of listening time on a single charge and a fast-charge feature that provides 1 hour of listening time in just 5 minutes.
Enhanced features like Adaptive EQ and spatial audio deliver a richer sound experience.
Upgrading can significantly improve your audio quality and battery performance, especially when using an older model.
Final Thoughts
Finding the sweet spot between caring for your current AirPods and eyeing that upgrade can truly enhance your audio experience. Whether you're squeezing every bit of life from your existing pair or embracing the latest model, the aim remains the same: top-notch sound and effortless connectivity to all your go-to iTunes and podcasts.
Consider investing in protective cases to extend the life of your current AirPods or safeguard your shiny new ones. And remember, it's not just about your AirPods—your other devices deserve love, too. Check out top-grade iPhone cases from Thinborne on Amazon to ensure your devices remain in their best shape.
Products Featured in This Blog
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do if my AirPods are not charging?
If your AirPods or charging case are not charging, try these troubleshooting steps:
1. Clean the Charging Ports:
• Use a soft, dry cloth or a cotton swab to remove any dirt or debris from the AirPods and case connectors.
2. Check the Charging Cable and Adapter:
• Ensure you’re using a certified Lightning cable and adapter. Test the cable and adapter with another device to verify functionality.
3. Reset Your AirPods:
• Place the AirPods in the case, close the lid, and wait for 30 seconds.
• Open the lid, press and hold the setup button on the back of the case until the LED indicator flashes amber, then white.
• Reconnect your AirPods to your device.
4. Inspect for Firmware Updates:
• Ensure your AirPods have the latest firmware installed, as updates can resolve charging-related bugs.
5. Contact Apple Support:
• If none of the above works, contact Apple for further assistance or to explore repair/replacement options.
Can I use AirPods with non-Apple devices?
Yes, AirPods are compatible with non-Apple devices, such as Android phones, Windows PCs, and other Bluetooth-enabled gadgets. Here’s how to connect them:
1. Enable Pairing Mode on AirPods:
• Place the AirPods in their charging case.
• Open the lid and press the setup button on the back of the case until the LED indicator flashes white.
2. Connect via Bluetooth:
• On your non-Apple device, go to Bluetooth settings and enable Bluetooth.
• Select your AirPods from the list of available devices.
Note: While basic functionality like listening to music and taking calls works seamlessly, you may lose access to Apple-exclusive features like Automatic Switching, Spatial Audio, or Siri integration when using AirPods with non-Apple devices.
Can you replace AirPods batteries?
AirPods batteries cannot be individually replaced, but Apple offers a battery service where they replace the entire AirPod or charging case for a fee.
Why do my AirPods die so fast?
Battery life may shorten due to aging lithium-ion batteries, high volume usage, or extreme temperatures. Lower the volume, avoid exposure to heat, and follow proper charging practices to prolong battery life.
