How To Improve AirPods Battery Life?
Your AirPods are a great way to listen to music, take calls, and get directions on the go.
But like all batteries, their battery life will eventually decline. As a result, the Airpods may not function properly or keep disconnecting.
Luckily, you can do a few things to improve AirPods’ battery life and extend their lifespan.
So, keep reading this article to know how to improve your AirPods battery life.
How to Improve the Lifespan of AirPods’ Batteries?
First of all, ensure that the Airpods you are using are not fake, as due to this, you can have various issues while connecting them to your device.
Now, follow the tips below to improve the battery life of the AirPods and extend their lifespan.
The first thing you need to do is check the AirPods battery level. Check the iPhone’s Lock screen.
When you pair the AirPods to the iPhone for the first time, it will notify you, showing the AirPods chasing percentage level on the net.
You can also ask Siri how much charge is left on your AirPods.
You can also keep track of your AirPods battery level from the widget on your iPhone’s home screen.
To check this Press & hold on the home screen and press the + icon from the top left side.
The latest generation AirPods 2 has shown major improvements on its predecessors, with Active Noise Cancellation as one of the top features. But they use a good amount of the battery.
So, turn off the noise cancellation feature to save the battery life. Here is how to do it:
With the AirPods case, open Settings and tap on the AirPods you use.
The AirPods playing music should last much longer if played at a lower volume level. It’s good for your ears also.
A higher volume setting drains the battery of the AirPods faster. So, lower the volume to save your ears and the battery.
You can enable optimized charging from the iPhone’s settings. Here is how to do so:
Open the AirPods case and close the battery life display when it pops up.
This will enable the AirPods to maintain the maximum possible battery life for longer.
Automatic ear detection enables AirPods to pause a playing video or song while you remove one Pod from the ear and start playing it while you put it back.
Select Bluetooth and make sure the AirPods are connected to the iPhone.
Go to the More Info option next to the AirPods. Turn off the toggle for the Automatic Ear Detection option.
Another trick to save the battery life of the AirPods is to use one AirPod at a time.
This will ensure that you can listen and increase the listening time.
You can also turn the transparency mode and the ANC off for each AirPod. This will give you the flexibility to hear the noise all around you.
To do that, go to AirPods settings and find the settings under Press and hold the AirPods option.
Many of us only charge the AirPods once the charge level is zero, but this practice can wear down the AirPods batteries.
So, habitually charge the AirPods when the charge is below 40 percent. Make sure not to overcharge the AirPods either because this can also affect the battery life of the AirPods.
If you do not keep the AirPods in their case, they will lose power more efficiently, resulting in the batteries dying faster.
This is because the device is still connected to your Bluetooth.
Even if you have turned off Bluetooth, the AirPods are in an ever-ready state to connect as soon you turn on the Bluetooth.
Avoid dropping the AirPods or the case to maintain their durability.
Dropping them can cause damage and affect the battery life of your AirPods.
Whenever you connect your iPhone to the AirPods, they automatically download and install the latest firmware.
All this happens in the background, and you do not receive any notification.
But you can check the firmware version to which your AirPods are updated.
You should avoid exposing the AirPods to extreme heat or extreme cold, as these conditions can affect the battery life of the AirPods.
Also, make sure you keep the AirPods clean and dirt-free. This can interfere with the charging process and reduce the battery life.
Frequently Asked Questions [FAQs]
To check that the AirPods are fully charged, remove the AirPods from the charging case and open the lid. Green lights indicate that the AirPods are fully charged.
No, you shouldn’t charge the AirPods overnight. This will affect the battery life of the AirPods.
The AirPods have a battery life of six hours before you need to put them back in the case for charging.
Wrapping Up
All batteries degrade over time, and your AirPods are an exception.
But, if you follow all of the above tips, you can help extend your AirPods’ life and get the most out of your battery.
For any more information, ask us in the reply section below.
Understanding AirPods Battery Chemistry and Degradation
AirPods rely on lithium-ion batteries, which are prized for their high energy density and lack of memory effect. However, like all lithium-ion cells, they degrade over time due to charge cycles, temperature extremes, and age. A charge cycle is counted each time you use 100% of the battery’s capacity, not necessarily in a single charge. For example, using 50% one day and 50% the next totals one cycle. Apple designs AirPods batteries to retain up to 80% of their original capacity after 500 complete charge cycles, but real-world usage often varies.
Heat is the biggest enemy of lithium-ion batteries. Leaving AirPods in a hot car or direct sunlight can permanently reduce their capacity. Cold temperatures temporarily reduce battery life, but the effect is usually reversible once the AirPods return to room temperature. To maximize longevity, store your AirPods in a cool, dry place between 0°C and 35°C (32°F to 95°F).
Another factor is the charging case itself. The case has its own battery, and keeping it constantly plugged in can lead to overcharging, which stresses the cells. Apple’s optimized battery charging feature helps mitigate this by learning your routine and delaying charging past 80% until you need it. However, if you don’t have a consistent schedule, it’s better to unplug the case once it’s fully charged.
Optimizing AirPods Settings for Maximum Battery Life
Beyond the basics, several settings can significantly extend your AirPods’ battery life. The most impactful is disabling Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) and Transparency mode when you don’t need them. These features use extra microphones and processing power, draining the battery faster. You can toggle them off in Control Center or in the AirPods settings on your iPhone.
Automatic Ear Detection is convenient but also consumes power because the AirPods constantly check whether they are in your ears. If you’re comfortable manually pausing audio, turning off this feature can add a noticeable amount of listening time. To disable it, go to Settings > Bluetooth, tap the “i” next to your AirPods, and toggle off Automatic Ear Detection.
Similarly, the “Hey Siri” voice assistant feature keeps the microphones active even when you’re not using Siri. If you rarely use voice commands, consider turning off “Listen for ‘Hey Siri’” in the AirPods settings. This reduces standby power consumption and can extend the time between charges.
Best Charging Practices for AirPods and the Case
How you charge your AirPods matters as much as how you use them. Avoid letting the battery drop to 0% frequently, as deep discharges stress lithium-ion cells. Instead, top up your AirPods when they reach around 20-30% battery. Similarly, avoid keeping them at 100% for extended periods, as high voltage also degrades the battery. The ideal charge range for daily use is between 20% and 80%.
The charging case itself should be treated with the same care. If you use a wireless charger, be aware that wireless charging generates more heat than wired charging, which can accelerate battery aging. When possible, use a Lightning cable for cooler, more efficient charging. Also, remove any thick cases from the AirPods case while charging, as they can trap heat.
If you plan to store your AirPods for a long time, charge them to about 50% and then power them off by disconnecting them from Bluetooth. Store them in a cool, dry place. Do not leave them fully charged or fully discharged for weeks, as both states can cause permanent capacity loss.
Environmental and Usage Habits That Impact Battery Health
Your daily habits play a big role in how long your AirPods batteries last. For example, using your AirPods in very cold weather can cause the battery to drain faster, even if the effect is temporary. If you must use them in cold conditions, keep the charging case in an inside pocket to keep it warm, and insert the AirPods only when needed.
High-volume listening not only drains the battery faster but also risks hearing damage. Keeping the volume at moderate levels reduces power draw from the amplifier and drivers. Additionally, streaming high-quality audio over Bluetooth consumes more power than playing locally stored files, so consider downloading music for offline listening when possible.
Finally, avoid exposing your AirPods to moisture or sweat for extended periods. While AirPods Pro and third-generation AirPods are sweat and water resistant, the charging case is not. Moisture can corrode the charging contacts and reduce charging efficiency, indirectly affecting battery life. Wipe your AirPods dry before placing them in the case.
When to Consider Battery Replacement or Upgrade
Despite your best efforts, AirPods batteries will eventually degrade to the point where they no longer hold a useful charge. Apple offers a battery service for AirPods, but the cost is often close to the price of a new pair. If your AirPods are more than two to three years old and you notice significantly reduced battery life, it may be time to consider a replacement.
Before replacing, check if a software update or reset helps. Sometimes, battery drain issues are caused by firmware bugs rather than physical degradation. You can reset your AirPods by holding the setup button on the back of the case for 15 seconds until the light flashes amber, then re-pair them with your device.
If you decide to upgrade, newer models like the AirPods Pro 2 or AirPods 3 offer improved battery life and efficiency. However, even with new AirPods, following the practices outlined in this article will help you get the most out of your investment for years to come.