Embracing wireless AirPods means having to keep track of their remaining battery level at all times. But, over time, your AirPods batteries won’t last as long as they used to, and you may find yourself struggling to listen to everything you want before the battery dies.
To combat this, let’s look at some tips on how to prevent your AirPods batteries from draining so quickly.
1. Store Your AirPods in the Case
If you’ve been a long-time user of wired earbuds, you may feel that it’s harmless to take your AirPods out from your ear and leave them on the side until your next use.
One problem with this habit is, of course, potentially losing your AirPods. However, another issue is that when your AirPods aren’t kept in the case, they continue to lose battery power. This is because they’re still connected to your device’s Bluetooth.
Even if you turn off Bluetooth, your AirPods remain in an active, ever-ready state to connect immediately for your convenience. Therefore, remember to put your AirPods back in their case when they’re not in use to preserve their battery life.
2. Don’t Open and Close Your AirPods Case Lid Repeatedly
Much like clicking a pen cap or pushing the slider of retractable USB drives, every single AirPods owner has probably been guilty of flicking the case lid open and shut repeatedly. But each time you open and close the charging case, you’re activating your AirPods’ Bluetooth and suddenly turning it off again. Sending endless instructions like this drains your AirPods batteries.
This happens whether the AirPods are in the case or not. Once you’ve paired and connected your AirPods successfully, place the case somewhere your hand can’t reach!
3. Turn Off Automatic Ear Detection
Notice how your AirPods perfectly pause a song or video when you remove one earbud from your ear, and continue to play once you put it back in?
Automatic Ear Detection is the convenient feature that enables this function. But, needless to say, it also consumes your AirPods batteries.
If Automatic Ear Detection isn’t a must-have feature for you, you can turn it off:
- Go to the Settings app and select Bluetooth.
- Ensure that your AirPods are connected to your iPhone.
- Tap the More Info (i) button next to your AirPods.
- Tap to turn off Automatic Ear Detection.
4. Use Only One AirPod at a Time
Let’s say you’re about to watch a live stream that’s more than two hours long, but you see your AirPods only have 40% battery left.
In this case, you can make the battery last as long as possible by using only one AirPod at a time. Meanwhile, leave your other AirPod to charge in the case.
This method isn’t always ideal because it does affect user experience. But it’s the most practical way to prevent your AirPods from dying when you need them, as only half the battery power is being at once.
5. Reset Your AirPods
If you experience excessive battery drain with your iPhone, a go-to solution is to reset your device. The same goes for your AirPods.
Here’s how to reset your AirPods if they’re draining more than they should be:
- Place your AirPods in the case and close the lid.
- Wait for 30 seconds, then open the case lid.
- On your device, go to the Settings app and select Bluetooth.
- Tap the More Info (i) button next to your AirPods.
- Select Forget This Device.
- Tap Forget Device to confirm.
- With the lid still opened, press the round Setup button on your AirPods case for 15 seconds. The status light should flash amber, then white.
- Lastly, simply reconnect your AirPods to your device to use them again.
6. Repair or Replace Your AirPods Battery
If nothing works, it may mean that your AirPods need fixing. You can visit an Apple Authorized Service Provider to repair or replace the batteries in this case. This service doesn’t usually replace the actual batteries, instead you get replacement AirPods. It’s not usually free, but it is cheaper than buying brand new AirPods.
Related: Reasons Why You Don’t Need to Upgrade Your AirPods Every Year
If you love your current AirPods and don’t feel like forking out a whole new sum of money to buy a new model, paying for a battery replacement is a good way to replace them. It’s more eco-friendly as well because it ensures your old AirPods will be recycled however possible.
Solved: How to Fix AirPods Batteries Draining Too Fast
By using the methods explained here, you should find that it will help preserve your AirPods batteries better while you’re watching videos, listening to music, or having a phone call.
Like all tech devices, AirPods occasionally have other issues too, but they can often be solved easily yourself. We have a guide on those common problems and solutions as well.
