Checking your AirPods' battery life is crucial for ensuring you never miss a call or lose your favorite song mid-jam. Thankfully, Apple has made it incredibly easy to monitor the battery status of your AirPods (and their charging case) directly on your iPhone. This guide will walk you through various methods, troubleshooting common issues, and answering frequently asked questions.
How to Quickly Check AirPod Battery Level on iPhone
The simplest method involves a quick glance at your iPhone's screen. Whenever your AirPods are connected to your iPhone, their battery level is typically displayed alongside the volume indicator, in the Control Center.
Here's how to do it:
- Connect your AirPods: Make sure your AirPods are connected to your iPhone.
- Open Control Center: Swipe down from the top-right corner (iPhone X and later) or swipe up from the bottom (older iPhones) to access Control Center.
- Check Battery Levels: Look for the now-playing music widget, which will show your AirPods battery level next to your iPhone's battery percentage. If you don't see the widget right away you may need to customize your Control Center to include the music widget.
This provides a quick overview of your AirPods battery health. However, for a more detailed breakdown, we need to delve a little deeper.
How to See Detailed AirPod and Charging Case Battery Levels
For a more precise reading of both your AirPods and the charging case battery levels, you'll need to access the battery widget on your iPhone:
- Open the "Widgets" screen: Swipe right on your home screen or find the Widgets screen within your phone's settings.
- Find the "Batteries" Widget: Locate the Batteries widget; it will show a visual representation of your iPhone battery as well as any other connected devices, including your AirPods and the charging case. You may need to add the widget to your view if it's not already present.
- Check Battery Levels: This widget provides a more detailed percentage for your left and right AirPod, and the charging case separately.
This method offers a comprehensive view of your entire battery ecosystem, helping you plan your charging accordingly.
What if My AirPods Battery Isn't Showing Up?
Several reasons might prevent your AirPods battery level from showing up on your iPhone. Let's troubleshoot the most common issues:
1. AirPods Not Connected: Double-check your AirPods are connected to your iPhone. Go to your Bluetooth settings to ensure a stable connection.
2. Low Battery in AirPods or Charging Case: If the battery levels are extremely low, the iPhone may not consistently register them. Charge your AirPods and charging case to resolve this.
3. Software Glitch: Sometimes a minor software glitch can interfere with the display. Try restarting your iPhone. If the problem persists, try updating your iPhone's operating system (iOS) to the latest version.
4. AirPods Case Not Properly Closed: Make sure your AirPods are securely placed in the charging case and the case itself is closed.
5. Bluetooth Issues: Try toggling Bluetooth off and then back on. If the problem continues, you might need to reset your network settings.
How Often Should I Charge My AirPods?
The frequency of charging depends on your usage. Apple states that AirPods offer up to 5 hours of listening time on a single charge and up to 3 hours of talk time. The charging case provides multiple additional charges. Pay attention to the battery indicators to know when it's time to plug them in. Aim to keep the battery level above 20% to prevent premature wear.
What Does a Low AirPod Battery Indicate?
A low battery, usually indicated by a low percentage display or an alert on your iPhone, signifies that your AirPods are nearing depletion and will require a recharge soon. Continuing to use them when their battery is low might result in unexpected power loss and interruptions during calls or listening.
Can I Check AirPod Battery on My Apple Watch?
No, you cannot directly check your AirPod battery level on your Apple Watch. The Apple Watch relies on the iPhone for this information.
By following these methods and troubleshooting tips, you can effectively monitor your AirPods' battery levels and stay informed about their charging status. Knowing how to check your battery efficiently ensures seamless listening and call experiences.
