Your AirPods 4 case won't charge. Or maybe one earbud stays stuck at 15 percent while the other reads full. Or the case itself refuses to take any power at all. These problems look different but trace back to the same short list of causes. Start with the most obvious fix first.
Start with a free headphone test that checks left and right channels, stereo order, bass, and treble. Two minutes there tells you whether the hardware needs attention at all.
Check both charging contact points. Pull each AirPod out of the case and inspect the gold contacts at the base of the stem, plus the matching pins inside each case well. Lint and earwax pile up faster than you'd think, and once that layer gets thick enough, the circuit just won't close. A dry microfiber cloth wiped across those contacts clears more than half of AirPods 4 charging failures in under a minute.
Clean the USB-C Port
Both AirPods 4 models can charge by USB-C. The standard AirPods 4 Charging Case uses USB-C, while the AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation Wireless Charging Case can also charge on a Qi-certified charger or an Apple Watch charger. If you are troubleshooting cable charging, inspect the USB-C port first.
Use a flashlight to check the USB-C port. If you see debris, remove it with a clean, dry, soft-bristled brush. To avoid damaging the metal contacts, don't put anything in the charging ports. Keep liquid out of the charging ports and don't use abrasive materials on the case.
Try a Different USB-C Cable and Adapter
Make sure the USB-C cable is plugged firmly into the charging case and the USB power adapter, and make sure the adapter is plugged into a working power outlet. Put the AirPods in the case, close the lid, connect the case to power, and charge the AirPods and case for at least 15 minutes. If nothing changes, try another known-good cable, adapter, or outlet.
Listen for the Lid Sensor
One of the known quirks on AirPods 4 is a lid sensor that can stop registering correctly. The case uses a magnetic sensor to know when the lid is closed. If that sensor fails to detect properly, the case won't enter charging mode for the earbuds inside.
Open and close the lid firmly a few times, you should hear and feel a clean magnetic snap. If the lid feels loose or doesn't click shut, try cleaning the magnetic edge with a dry cloth. Sometimes a tiny fleck of metal or debris bridges the sensor gap and tricks the case into thinking the lid is open when it isn't.
Let the Case Charge First
Put the AirPods in the charging case, close the lid, connect the case to power, and charge the AirPods and case for at least 15 minutes.
Then check the charge status with your iPhone or iPad, your Mac, or the charging case. If the case still does not show charge status after that, continue with Apple's cable, cleaning, reset, and support steps.
Check Both AirPods After Charging
If only one AirPod appears to charge, put both AirPods in the charging case, close the lid, connect the case to power, and charge the AirPods and case for at least 15 minutes. Then check the charge status with your iPhone or iPad, your Mac, or the charging case.
If one AirPod still does not charge after cleaning the charging case and resetting the AirPods, use Apple Support for the next troubleshooting or service step.
Reset the AirPods 4
AirPods 4 models do not have a setup button on the back of the case. Put both earbuds in the case, close the lid, wait 30 seconds, then open the lid. Double-tap the front of the case while the status light is on, double-tap again when the status light flashes white, then double-tap a third time when the status light flashes faster.
When the status light flashes amber, then white, follow the steps on your device's screen to reconnect your AirPods. A full reset also resets any custom AirPods settings.
Check Your iOS Version
For full AirPods 4 support, use compatible Apple devices with the latest version of their operating system. Apple says AirPods can also be used as wireless Bluetooth headphones with Apple devices using earlier software and with non-Apple devices, but functionality may be limited. On iPhone, go to Settings > General > Software Update and install available updates.
AirPods firmware updates are delivered automatically while your AirPods are charging and in Bluetooth range of an iPhone, iPad, or Mac that's connected to Wi-Fi. To update, make sure your device is on the latest iOS, iPadOS, or macOS with Bluetooth on, connect the AirPods to that device, connect the case to power, put the AirPods in the case, close the lid, keep them in Bluetooth range, and wait at least 30 minutes. Then open the lid to reconnect and check the firmware version again in Bluetooth settings.
Borrow a Known-Good Charging Setup
If you've connected the case to power, checked the cable connections and charge status, cleaned the charging case, and reset the AirPods but they still will not charge, try another known-good cable, adapter, or power outlet. If the case still refuses to charge, use Apple Support for more troubleshooting or service options.
Book service through Apple Support or the Apple Support app. Apple says it can troubleshoot AirPods issues and arrange repair or replacement, and that technicians will inspect your AirPods and explain your options. The Apple Limited Warranty covers manufacturing issues for one year from the date of purchase; out-of-warranty service and some battery situations can have costs that Apple or an Apple Authorized Service Provider must estimate.