You pop in your AirPods, ready for a call or your favorite playlist, but the sound only comes from the left. You check the battery widget, and sure enough, your right AirPod is not charging.
It's just sitting there, not powering up. It’s an incredibly common and frustrating problem. As someone who has troubleshot this exact issue with my own AirPods Pro, I can tell you the fix is often surprisingly simple.
This guide is my personal checklist to walk you through every proven solution, from the 30-second fix to the full reset.
Quick Guide: How to Fix a Right AirPod Not Charging
- Clean the Contacts: This is the #1 fix. Use a dry cotton swab and a microfiber cloth to gently wipe the silver charging contact on the bottom of the AirPod stem and the deepest part of the case, where the pin is located. Debris is the most common culprit.
- Reset Your AirPods: Put both AirPods in the case, close the lid for 30 seconds, then open it. On your iPhone, go to Bluetooth, tap the "(i)" next to your AirPods, and "Forget This Device." Then, with the case lid open, press and hold the back button for 15 seconds until the light flashes amber, then white.
- Update Firmware: Reconnect your AirPods, plug them into a charge, and leave them next to your iPhone for 30 minutes to force a firmware update, which can fix charging bugs.
- Check Case Charge: Ensure your charging case itself has power. If the case is dead, it can't charge the AirPods.
- Reposition the AirPod: Remove the right AirPod from its charging case and place it back in. Make sure you hear or feel a slight "click" and see the case light flash, confirming it's making contact.
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Why Your Right AirPod May Not Be Charging
When your right AirPod is not charging properly, it usually means the connection between the AirPod and the charging case is broken. Here are the most likely reasons:
- Dirt or debris buildup: Dust, lint, or earwax block the charging contacts.
- Faulty charging cable or port: The case itself may not be getting enough power.
- Software glitches: Outdated firmware or Bluetooth sync issues stop charging communication.
- Battery damage: The right AirPod battery may have reached its lifespan.
- Moisture or water exposure: Even small amounts of sweat or rain can corrode the internal contacts.
- Misaligned contact pins: The right charging slot might not align correctly if the case has been dropped.
Understanding what’s causing the issue helps you choose which fix to try first.
👉 Also Read: How to Connect AirPods to iPad: Step-by-Step Guide & Tips
How to Fix Right AirPods Earbuds Not Charging
If your right AirPod isn’t charging, don’t worry, it’s usually an easy fix. This guide outlines expert-approved steps to clean the charging case, check connections, and reset your AirPods, allowing you to get them working again quickly.
Step 1: Clean Your AirPods and Charging Case
One of the most overlooked causes of AirPods not charging is dirt or earwax on the charging pins. Cleaning is simple but must be done carefully to avoid damage.
What You Need:
- A soft, dry, lint-free cloth
- A soft-bristled toothbrush or antistatic brush
- A wooden or plastic toothpick
Steps to Clean:
- Remove both AirPods from the case and inspect the charging contacts.
- Use the brush to gently clean the stems of the AirPods, especially the metal ends.
- Look inside the charging slots in the case and remove any visible dust or lint.
- Use a toothpick to lightly scrape out stuck debris (avoid sharp metal items).
- Wipe down both AirPods and the inside of the case with the dry cloth.
- After cleaning, place the AirPods back in the case and keep the lid open near your iPhone to check the charging status.
Cleaning usually fixes the issue if dirt or grime was blocking the metal contacts.
🧐 Tip: Clean your AirPods weekly if you use them often for workouts or commuting.
Step 2: Check the Charging Indicator Light
The small LED light on your AirPods case gives helpful clues about battery and charging status.
What the Lights Mean:
- Green Light: Fully charged.
- Amber Light: Still charging.
- No Light: The case is out of power, or the AirPods are not placed correctly.
If there’s no light after you plug in the charger, it means the case might not be charging at all. Before resetting, try using another cable or charger to see if the light comes back on.
Step 3: Try a Different Charging Cable and Adapter
Another common reason for the right AirPod not charging is a power delivery problem. If the case isn’t receiving enough power, one earbud may charge while the other doesn’t.
What You Can Do:
- Use an Apple-certified Lightning or USB-C cable if possible.
- Plug into a different wall outlet or USB port. Avoid using laptop USB ports that deliver low current.
- If you use a wireless charger, try charging with a cable instead to test consistency.
- Charge the case for at least 20 minutes, then check if the right AirPod starts charging.
If the cable or adapter is faulty, replacing it should immediately fix the issue.
Step 4: Reset Your AirPods
Sometimes your right AirPod won’t charge because of a connectivity glitch between the AirPods and your devices. Resetting them removes minor bugs and starts fresh.
How to Reset AirPods:
- Place both AirPods in the case and close the lid for 30 seconds.
- Open the lid but leave the AirPods inside.
- On your iPhone, go to Settings > Bluetooth. Tap the “i” icon next to your AirPods and select Forget This Device.
- Hold the button on the back of the AirPods case for about 15 seconds until the light flashes amber, then white.
- Reconnect them by opening the lid near your iPhone and selecting Connect.
After resetting, place them in the case and check if the right AirPod is charging properly again.
This step solves most software-based charging problems.
Step 5: Use the iPhone Battery Widget to Confirm Charging
The best way to confirm that both AirPods are charging properly is through your iPhone’s Battery widget. It gives detailed battery info for each earbud.
Add and Check the Widget:
- Swipe right on your iPhone’s home screen to open Today View.
- Tap Edit and add the Battery widget.
- Place both AirPods in the case and open the lid near your iPhone.
If the widget shows that the right AirPod has a 0% charge or goes missing, then it’s not charging. If it shows charging or increasing battery percentage, you’re good to go.
Step 6: Update Your AirPods Firmware and iPhone Software
Outdated software can interfere with how your AirPods communicate and charge. Apple occasionally releases updates that fix battery and charging bugs.
How to Check and Update Firmware:
- Connect your AirPods to your iPhone.
- Go to Settings > General > About > AirPods.
- Look at the Firmware Version section.
As of late 2025, the latest version is 6.8.1 or newer for most models. If your version is older:
- Keep your AirPods in the case, plugged into a power source.
- Place them near your iPhone, which should be on Wi-Fi.
- Leave them there for a few hours. The update installs automatically.
Also, ensure your iPhone software is updated to the latest iOS release. Outdated systems can sometimes fail to accurately detect the charging process.
Step 7: Check for Hardware Issues
If the cleaning and software steps don’t help, the right AirPod not charging might be due to hardware problems.
Common Hardware Signs:
- The pin inside the right slot of the case looks bent or discolored.
- The right AirPod gets unusually hot when charging.
- The right AirPod drains faster than the left.
- The LED shows no light even when the case is plugged in.
What You Can Try:
- Inspect the right AirPod’s connector for rust or corrosion.
- Make sure the AirPod sits snug inside the case slot.
- Try placing the right AirPod in the left slot (only for testing fit).
If the same AirPod still fails to charge in both slots, it means the problem is in the AirPod itself, not the case.
Step 8: Avoid Moisture and Water Damage
Even though newer AirPods are marketed as water-resistant, they are not waterproof. Exposure to moisture or sweat can easily cause charging problems on just one side.
If You Suspect Water Damage:
- Do not use heat, hairdryers, or microwaves to dry your AirPods.
- Shake out any visible water and dry them with a soft cloth.
- Place them in a dry, room-temperature area for at least 24 hours.
If corrosion has already set in, you will need professional repair. Apple technicians can open and clean the internal connectors safely.
Step 9: Contact Apple Support
When you’ve tried all troubleshooting steps and the right AirPod still won’t charge, it’s time to reach out to Apple Support.
What to Know:
- Apple can replace a single AirPod if only one is faulty.
- Replacement prices range between $69 and $89, depending on the model.
- A replacement case costs $79 to $99.
- If AppleCare+ covers your AirPods, repairs or replacements may be free.
You can contact Apple Support through the Apple Support app, visit an Apple Store, or start a mail-in service online at support.apple.com.
👉 Also Read: Android vs iOS: Which Phone OS Really Is the Best?
How to Keep Your AirPods Charging Properly
After you fix the issue, a few habits can help keep both earbuds charging evenly and lasting longer.
Maintenance Tips:
- Clean your AirPods regularly to stop buildup on charging pins.
- Always store them inside the case when not in use.
- Avoid exposing your AirPods to high humidity or extreme heat.
- Use certified charging cables only.
- Don’t keep them charging overnight every day. Occasional unplugging helps prevent battery fatigue.
These small maintenance habits keep your AirPods charging properly and protect their lifespan.
👉 Also Read: Best iPad Accessories Every iPad Owner Needs
Conclusion
Having a right AirPod not charging is a common headache, but as we've covered, it's rarely a lost cause.
More often than not, a thorough cleaning of the contacts or a simple factory reset will revive it. By following these steps, you’ve done everything a professional would to troubleshoot the issue.
Hopefully, you’re back to enjoying full stereo sound. If you found this guide helpful, consider upgrading your other tech accessories!
P.S. – Now that your audio is fixed, protect your other essential gear. Check out our collection of premium, protective keyboard cases for your tablet:
FAQs: Right AirPod Not Charging
Why is my right AirPod not charging but the case is?
This is the most common version of the problem. It means the case is receiving power, but it cannot transfer that power to the right AirPod. The cause is almost always a physical blockage. The metal contacts on the AirPod stem are not touching the metal pins in the case. The solution is to follow the cleaning guide in this article: use a dry cotton swab to scrub the bottom of the case well and a microfiber cloth to wipe the silver ring on the AirPod.
Why is my AirPod case light green, but one AirPod isn't charging?
The green light can be misleading. A green light means the case has a full charge, OR that the AirPod(s) it can detect are fully charged. If the case can't "see" your right AirPod (due to dirt or a software bug), it will show a green light based on its own charge or the left AirPod's charge. It does not mean both AirPods are charged. This situation strongly points to a bad connection with the single non-charging pod. Clean it, re-seat it, and see if the light turns amber (indicating it's now charging).
How much does it cost to replace just the right AirPod?
As of late 2024, replacing a single AirPod from Apple (if you are out of warranty) costs between $69 and $89, depending on your model. For example, a single AirPod (3rd gen) is $69, while a single AirPod Pro (2nd gen) is $89. This is part of Apple's Battery Service or "Lost AirPod" replacement program. Always check the official Apple Support site for the most current pricing.
Can you fix an AirPod that won't charge at all?
Yes, in most cases, you can. If the problem is caused by dirt, debris, or a software glitch, the cleaning and resetting steps in this guide will almost certainly fix it. However, if the AirPod's internal battery has physically failed (either from old age, too many charge cycles, or water/drop damage), then it cannot be repaired. In that case, the only solution is to have it replaced.
