In today’s world, wireless earbuds have become an essential part of our lives. And when it comes to wireless earbuds, AirPods are undoubtedly the most popular ones out there. They offer great sound quality, seamless integration with Apple devices, and ease of use. But there’s one issue that most AirPods users face – their battery life. You might have noticed that your AirPods die faster than you expected, and it can be frustrating, especially when you’re in the middle of an important call or listening to your favorite music. In this blog post, we’ll take a closer look at Why Do My AirPods Die So Fast and provide some solutions to fix that. So, if you’re tired of constantly charging your AirPods, keep reading to learn more.
In this blog post, we’ll discuss the reasons why your AirPods‘ battery life is short and provide seven practical solutions to fix the issue. So, you can enjoy your music and make calls without worrying about constant charging.
Fixing Short AirPods Battery Life: 7 Solutions
1. The Different AirPods Generations
If you’re curious about the average battery life of AirPods, Apple has provided some information. Depending on the AirPods model and how often you charge the case, you can expect anywhere from 24 to 30 hours of listening time. However, the exact duration may vary depending on how frequently you use them, how long you charge them, and which features you have enabled.
It’s worth noting that the battery life of AirPods can also be affected by external factors such as environmental conditions, volume level, and the distance between your AirPods and your device. To ensure you get the maximum battery life out of your AirPods, it’s recommended to use them in optimal conditions and avoid keeping them connected to your device when not in use.
The following table shows the estimated battery life for different AirPods models depending on whether they’re charged in their case, the number of charges in the case, and which features are enabled:
The following table shows the estimated battery life for different AirPods models depending on whether they’re charged in their case, the number of charges in the case, and which features are enabled:
| Charging Time | AirPods 2nd Generation | AirPods 3rd Generation | AirPods Pro 1st Generation | AirPods Pro 2nd Generation |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Multiple charges in your case | +24 hours of listening time, 18 hours of talk time | +30 hours of listening time, 20 hours of talk time | +24 hours of listening time, 18 hours of talk time | 30 hours of listening time, up to 24 hours of talk time |
| Single charge | Up to 5 hours of listening time, 3 hours of talk time | Up to 6 hours of listening time, up to 5 hours with Spatial Audio enabled, 4 hours of talk time | Up to 4.5 hours of listening time, up to 3.5 hours of talk time | 6 hours of listening time, up to 5.5 hours with Spatial Audio and Head Tracking enabled, 4.5 hours of talk time |
| Charged for 5 minutes in their case | 1 hour of listening time, 1 hour of talk time | Around 1 hour of listening time, around 1 hour of talk time | 1 hour of listening time, 1 hour of talk time | N/A |
| Charged for 15 minutes in their case | 3 hours of listening time, 2 hours of talk time | N/A | N/A | N/A |
It’s important to keep in mind that these are just estimates and the actual battery life may vary based on factors such as usage, volume level, and environmental conditions. It’s also recommended to keep your AirPods charged when not in use to ensure they’re ready when you need them.
High-Volume
Did you know that running your AirPods at high volume requires more power compared to when you listen to them at a lower volume? This leads to faster battery drainage, and the last thing you want is to be left with no music on the go.
Furthermore, high-volume listening can be detrimental to your hearing health in the long run. So, we recommend lowering the volume to conserve battery life while also protecting your ears from potential hearing damage.
Temperature
Did you know that temperature can have a significant impact on the lifespan of your AirPods? Earbuds, just like other batteries, are sensitive to extreme temperatures, and using them in very cold or hot conditions can lead to permanent damage.
While cold temperatures aren’t ideal for any batteries, they’re particularly detrimental to AirPods. On the other hand, leaving your earbuds in direct sunlight or in a location where the case gets extremely hot (like inside a parked car in summer) can cause them to lose their charging efficiency over time.
For optimal performance, it’s best to store your AirPods in a location with a temperature between 14º and 113º F.
Charging
AirPods have a small battery, which means they need to be charged more often than other devices like your iPhone. Additionally, frequent charging and cycling can reduce their ability to hold a charge over time.
To extend the lifespan of your AirPods, it’s best to charge them before the battery runs all the way down to a deep discharge. You should aim to put them in the charging case before the battery drops below 30%.
It’s also important not to overcharge your AirPods, as this can also reduce their useful life. You should stop the charging process before the battery reaches 100%.
AirPods usually take about 20 minutes to charge fully in their case, so it’s recommended that you take them out around the 17-minute mark. To check the battery percentage on your AirPods, you can use your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch. Simply open the Control Center, tap the icon in the top-right corner of the Music widget, and check the battery percentage of your AirPods.
2. Problems With Charging Case
To get the most out of your earbuds and their charging case, it is crucial to take care of their batteries. This can be achieved by keeping the case at room temperature and following the correct charging procedures. The fastest way to charge your case is by using an iPad or iPhone USB charger, or by plugging it into your Mac.
To prevent the battery from draining, it is advisable to avoid frequently opening and closing the case. Furthermore, it is recommended to keep your earbuds in the charging case when not in use. This ensures that they remain fully charged and prevents overcharging. Some of the latest models come with an Optimized Battery Charging feature that allows your device to learn your charging habits and charges your AirPods accordingly, waiting until you are about to use them before charging them to 100%.
Taking care of your earbud batteries and charging case is essential for maintaining their performance and lifespan. By following these simple steps, you can get the most out of your earbuds and enjoy uninterrupted listening experiences.
3. Turn Off Noise Cancellation
If you own AirPods Pro or any other model that has noise cancellation feature, it’s important to note that the batteries may drain quicker.
To do this, you simply need to follow these steps:
- Open your iPhone’s Control Center.
- Tap and hold the volume meter.
- Then select the Noise Control option in the bottom left corner.
- Finally, switch the control to Off.
4. Disable Automatic Ear Detection
AirPods are equipped with a handy feature that enables them to detect when they are in your ear. This feature is activated when they receive audio from your device, and it enables the AirPods to automatically pause when you remove one earbud and stop when you remove both.
Similarly, when you put them back into your ear, they will automatically resume playing. This feature is called automatic ear detection, and it allows for a seamless listening experience without having to manually pause or play your audio.
Enabling this feature may result in faster battery drain for your AirPods. If you wish to disable it, follow these steps:
- Open Settings on your iPhone or iPad.
- Tap on your AirPods, which should be located near the top of the screen.
- Toggle the switch to turn the feature Off.
5. Other Ways to Extend Battery Life
If your AirPods battery life isn’t lasting despite previous attempts, try these other methods to extend their battery life.
Reset your AirPods
To perform a reset on your AirPods:
- Place your AirPods inside their charging case.
- Open the Settings app on your iPhone and tap Bluetooth.
- Look for your AirPods in the list of connected devices and tap the “i” icon next to them.
- Tap Forget This Device and confirm your decision to unpair your AirPods from your phone.
- Finally, pair your AirPods with your iPhone again.
If you’re using AirPods Max or an Android device, here’s how to unpair or reset your AirPods.
6. Cleaning AirPods and charging ports
Cleaning your AirPods is essential for their proper functioning and longevity. Accumulated dirt and debris, especially on the charging ports, can hinder charging and affect battery life. Neglecting to clean them can also lead to the growth of harmful bacteria, which can cause ear infections and irritation. Keep your AirPods clean for healthy ears and optimal performance.
7. Use Apple-certified charging cables
Using a third-party charger instead of the original one may save you money, but it can harm your device’s battery. The battery is designed to work optimally with the original charger, and third-party chargers can cause issues like overcharging, overheating, and damage. It’s recommended to use the original charger or a replacement from a reputable source to ensure optimal battery performance and safety.
How AirPods Battery Life Cycle Works
Earbud batteries have a limited lifespan.
How long do AirPods last on a single charge?
The exact number of charge cycles that AirPods can last largely depends on how you charge them. On average, you can expect your AirPods to last for at least 3 years, which equates to approximately 350-500 full charge cycles, before you may need to replace them.
The reason AirPods are susceptible to battery degradation is due to their compact lithium-ion batteries. These batteries have a limited capacity and can only hold a charge for approximately 5 hours, necessitating frequent charging. However, each charge cycle causes a small amount of wear and tear on the battery, gradually reducing its overall lifespan. As a result, AirPods owners may experience reduced battery performance over time due to this natural degradation process.
Frequently experiencing deep discharge cycles (below 10%) can also reduce the lifespan of the AirPods’ battery.
Bottom Line
Apple’s AirPods have gained tremendous popularity, but it’s important to note that their batteries have a limited lifespan. However, there are several measures you can take to prevent them from deteriorating prematurely, even before you detect a decrease in their battery life.
One way to extend the battery life of your AirPods is by disabling specific features that drain the battery. For example, if you’re not using the “Hey Siri” function, turn it off. Additionally, you can ensure that you store your AirPods at room temperature and refrain from running them until they’re completely empty.
By taking these steps, you can help to prolong the battery life of your AirPods and enjoy their exceptional audio quality for longer.
Conclusion
AirPods are popular wireless earbuds that offer seamless integration with Apple devices, great sound quality, and ease of use. However, their battery life is short, which can be frustrating for users. There are several reasons for this, including high volume, temperature, charging, and the different AirPods generations. To fix this issue, there are seven practical solutions, such as using optimal conditions, reducing the volume, avoiding extreme temperatures, and charging before the battery runs down to a deep discharge. It is important to keep the AirPods charged and avoid overcharging, which can reduce their useful life. By following these tips, AirPods users can extend their battery life and enjoy uninterrupted music and calls.
FAQs:
1. Will my AirPods drain if I don’t use them for 2 days?
Yes, they will drain if you keep them outside the case. However, when they’re in the case, they will charge up to 100% and be ready for use when you take them out.
2. Why does one of the AirPods die faster than the other?
The most common reason why one AirPod dies faster than the other is that it’s not getting enough charge in the case. To resolve this, try cleaning the earbud and the case thoroughly and charging your AirPods again.
3. Why are my AirPods dying so fast?
There are several factors that can cause your AirPods to die out sooner. Listening to music at high volumes, leaving your earbuds in extreme temperatures, and letting the battery fall under 20% before charging can all shorten their lifespan.
If you are experiencing other issues with your AirPods, please refer to the Apple website for more information or contact their customer support for further assistance.
