Find the cause step by step
- Charge the case alone for 30 minutes with a different cable and charger.
- Clean the gold contacts on the earbud and the pins in the case with a cotton swab and a little isopropyl alcohol. Let them dry.
- Put the bud in and check whether the charging light comes on. If it doesn’t, swap the buds’ slots (when the shape allows) to find out whether the problem is the bud or the case.
- Reset the earbuds in the case. If one bud still won’t charge, its battery has probably died: use the warranty.
Symptom, cause and fix
| Symptom | Likely cause | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| No light when you put it in | Dirty contacts or a flat case | Clean and charge the case |
| Light turns on and off | Bud not seated, or a case cover in the way | Remove the cover and seat it fully |
| Charges but lasts a few minutes | Worn earbud battery | Warranty or a replacement bud |
| Case doesn’t charge | Cable, charger or the case port | Swap cable and charger; clean the port |
Related questions
Can I use regular rubbing alcohol?
Isopropyl alcohol is best because it dries fast and leaves no residue. Use a little, only on the contacts, and never pour liquid into the case.
Is it worth buying just one earbud?
Many brands sell single replacement buds. After swapping, reset them so both sides recognize each other.
The case shows a full charge but the earbud won’t charge. Why?
The case is charged but not passing power to the bud: clean the contacts and check the fit. If it continues, the fault is in the bud or the case pins.
Only one earbud charges. What is it?
Almost always dirt or corrosion on that bud’s contacts or in its slot. Clean both contact points with a dry cotton swab and make sure the bud sits all the way down.
My AirPods case isn’t charging one AirPod. What can I do?
Clean the bottom of that AirPod’s stem and the case slot with a dry lint-free cloth and a soft brush, then seat it again. If the iPhone still shows it at 0%, contact Apple Support.
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Open the full headphone test →
Updated November 12, 2026.