Check the Battery Level
One of the first things to do when your AirPods won’t turn on is to check the battery level. AirPods are designed to automatically turn on and connect to your device as soon as you take them out of the charging case. However, if the battery is dead or very low, they may not power on. To check the battery level, follow these steps:
- Place both AirPods in the charging case.
- Open the lid of the charging case, but leave the AirPods inside.
- On your iPhone or iPad, go to the Home screen and swipe down from the top-right corner to access Control Center. If you’re using an Android device, swipe down from the top of the screen.
- Look for the battery widget, which should display the remaining battery percentage for your AirPods.
- If the battery level is very low or the AirPods are not showing up in the battery widget, they may need to be charged.
If the battery level is low, you can charge your AirPods by placing them back into the charging case and connecting the Lightning cable. Make sure the cable is securely plugged into a power source. Once the AirPods are connected to power, the LED light on the front of the charging case should indicate that they are charging. It’s important to note that it may take some time for the AirPods to charge up before they can be turned on.
If the battery level is not the issue, and your AirPods still won’t turn on, there may be other factors at play. In the following sections, we will explore additional troubleshooting steps to help you resolve the issue.
Reset Your AirPods
If checking the battery level didn’t solve the problem, try resetting your AirPods. Resetting can help resolve issues related to connectivity and software glitches. Here’s how you can reset your AirPods:
- Place your AirPods in the charging case and close the lid.
- Wait around 30 seconds to ensure that the AirPods are completely powered off.
- Open the lid of the charging case.
- On your iPhone or iPad, go to the Home screen and access the Settings app. If you’re using an Android device, go to the settings menu.
- Tap on Bluetooth.
- Under the My Devices section, find your AirPods and tap the “i” icon next to the name.
- Tap on “Forget This Device” and confirm your action.
- Close the Settings app.
- Now, press and hold the setup button on the back of the charging case until the LED light on the front starts flashing white.
- Release the setup button and wait for the AirPods to reconnect to your device.
Once your AirPods reconnect, check if they turn on as expected. If they still won’t turn on, move on to the next troubleshooting step.
Please note that resetting your AirPods will remove them from all devices connected to your iCloud account. You will need to re-pair them with your devices after the reset process.
Clean the Charging Contacts
If your AirPods won’t turn on, it’s possible that the charging contacts on both the AirPods and the charging case are dirty or obstructed, preventing a proper connection. Cleaning the charging contacts can help resolve this issue. Here’s how you can clean them:
- Remove the AirPods from the charging case and inspect the charging contacts on both the AirPods and the inside of the case. Look for any dirt, debris, or residue.
- If you spot any buildup, use a clean, dry, and lint-free cloth to gently wipe the charging contacts. Be careful not to apply too much pressure or insert any objects into the charging ports.
- For stubborn dirt or residue, you can lightly dampen the cloth with isopropyl alcohol (70% concentration or less) and carefully clean the charging contacts.
- Allow the AirPods and the charging case to air dry for a few minutes before placing the AirPods back into the case.
- Once you’ve cleaned both the AirPods and the charging case, make sure they are properly seated in the case. Close the lid and ensure a secure fit.
After cleaning the charging contacts, try charging your AirPods again to see if they turn on. If they still won’t power on, proceed to the next troubleshooting step.
Regularly cleaning the charging contacts can help maintain optimal charging performance and prevent issues with powering on or charging your AirPods.
Charge Your AirPods
If your AirPods are not turning on, it’s possible that they are completely drained of battery. In this case, you will need to charge them. Here’s what you can do:
- Ensure that both AirPods are placed securely in the charging case.
- Connect the Lightning cable to the charging case.
- Plug the other end of the Lightning cable into a power source such as a wall adapter or a USB port on your computer.
- Make sure the connection is secure and the charging cable is properly inserted.
- Look for the LED light on the front of the charging case. If the AirPods are charging, the LED should turn on and indicate the charging status.
- Give the AirPods time to charge. It may take a while, especially if they were completely drained.
- Check the battery level on your device to monitor the progress of the charging.
- Once the AirPods have sufficient charge, they should automatically turn on and connect to your device.
If your AirPods still won’t turn on, try using a different charging cable and power source to eliminate any issues with the charging accessories. Additionally, make sure that both the AirPods and the charging case are clean and free from debris that may obstruct the charging process.
If charging the AirPods doesn’t resolve the issue, there may be a deeper underlying problem. Continue to the next troubleshooting step to explore further solutions.
Update Your Device and AirPods Software
If your AirPods won’t turn on, it’s possible that the issue stems from outdated software. Ensuring that your device and AirPods have the latest software updates can help resolve compatibility issues and improve functionality. Here’s what you can do:
- Check for software updates on your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch by going to the Settings app, selecting General, and then tapping on Software Update. If you’re using an Android device, check for updates in the system settings.
- If an update is available, follow the prompts to download and install it. Make sure your device is connected to a stable Wi-Fi network and has sufficient battery charge.
- After updating your device, place the AirPods in the charging case and ensure that they are charging properly.
- While the AirPods are charging, connect the case to a power source to prevent any interruptions during the update process.
- Keep the AirPods in the charging case and bring them close to your device to establish a connection.
- Wait for a few minutes to allow the AirPods to update their software. During this time, avoid moving too far away from your device or using other Bluetooth devices.
- Once the update is complete, check if the AirPods turn on as expected.
Updating both your device and AirPods software can address potential bugs or glitches that may be causing the issue. It’s always a good idea to keep your devices and accessories up to date to ensure optimal performance.
If updating the software doesn’t resolve the problem, proceed to the next troubleshooting step for further solutions.
Contact Apple Support
If you have tried all the troubleshooting steps above and your AirPods still won’t turn on, it may be time to contact Apple Support for further assistance. Here’s what you can do:
- Visit the Apple Support website and navigate to the AirPods section. You can access the website on your computer or mobile device.
- Look for the support options available, such as live chat, phone support, or scheduling an appointment at an Apple Store.
- Choose the method that is most convenient for you and follow the instructions provided.
- Explain your issue to the Apple Support representative and provide any relevant information, such as the troubleshooting steps you have already taken.
- Be prepared to provide the serial number of your AirPods, which can be found on the charging case or in the settings of your connected device.
- Listen to the advice and guidance provided by the Apple Support representative. They may ask you to perform additional diagnostics or suggest further solutions.
- Based on the nature of the problem and the warranty status of your AirPods, the representative may recommend repair or replacement options.
- Follow the instructions given by Apple Support to pursue the recommended course of action.
Apple Support is dedicated to helping users with their AirPods and resolving any technical issues. They have the expertise and resources necessary to assist you in fixing the problem you are facing.
Remember to be patient and provide as much detail as possible to aid the troubleshooting process. Apple Support will work with you to find a solution and get your AirPods up and running.
