How to Charge AirPods Without a Case

Common Myths and Facts About Charging AirPods Without the Case

There are many rumors and myths floating on the internet about how to charge AirPods without the case. Some of them may seem tempting or smart, but they are either ineffective, risky, or downright dangerous. Here are some of the most popular myths and the facts behind them:

Myth: You Can Charge AirPods With a DIY Charger

Some people say that you can charge AirPods with a DIY charger, such as a thin pin charger from an old Nokia phone, or a USB cable that you cut and connect to the AirPods. They may even show you videos or photos of how they allegedly did it.

Fact: This is a very bad idea. AirPods are not meant to be charged with anything other than the charging case. Trying to charge them with a DIY charger can ruin the AirPods, the charger, or both. It can also cause electric shocks, fires, or explosions. Do not try this at home.

Myth: You Can Charge AirPods With an App

Some people say that you can charge AirPods with an app that sends battery signals from your phone to the AirPods. They may even show you screenshots or reviews of how the app works.

Fact: This is a scam. There is no app that can charge AirPods without the case. The app may look convincing, but it is actually doing nothing. It may even contain malware or viruses that can harm your phone or steal your personal information. Do not download or use such apps.

Myth: You Can Charge AirPods With a Wireless Charger

Some people say that you can charge AirPods with a wireless charger, such as a Qi-compatible pad or a smartphone that supports reverse wireless charging. They may even show you images or videos of how they placed the AirPods on the wireless charger.

Fact: This is not possible. AirPods do not have wireless charging coils or magnets that can receive power from a wireless charger. Only the AirPods case can be charged wirelessly, if it is a wireless charging case. Placing the AirPods on a wireless charger will do nothing.

How to Charge AirPods with a Different Case

If you don’t have your original charging case, but you have a friend or family member who has the same model of AirPods as you, you can use their charging case to charge your AirPods. This is the easiest and safest way to charge your AirPods without the case. Here’s how to do it:

1. Make sure the charging case has enough battery. You can check the battery level by opening the lid and looking at the LED light. Green means the case has enough charge to charge the AirPods at least once, orange means the charge is low, and no light means the case is empty.
2. Put your AirPods in the charging case. The LED light will flash white to show that the AirPods are charging. If the light flashes amber, it means the AirPods are not recognized by the case. You may need to reset the AirPods by pressing and holding the setup button on the back of the case for 15 seconds, until the light flashes white.
3. Wait for the AirPods to charge. It takes about 15 minutes to charge the AirPods to 80%, and about an hour to fully charge them. You can check the battery level of the AirPods by opening the lid and holding the case near your iPhone or iPad. You will see a pop-up window showing the battery percentage of the AirPods and the case.
4. Take the AirPods out of the charging case. The AirPods will automatically reconnect to your device. You can now use them as usual.

How to Replace a Lost or Damaged Charging Case

If you lost or damaged your charging case, or if it is defective, you can get a replacement case from Apple. The steps and pricing are different depending on the situation.

If You Lost Your Charging Case

If you lost your charging case, you can buy a new one from the Apple Store or online. You will need to choose the right model and color for your AirPods. The prices are as follows:

• AirPods (1st or 2nd generation) charging case: $69
• AirPods wireless charging case: $79
• AirPods Pro wireless charging case: $99

You will also need to pair the new case with your AirPods. Here’s how to do it:

1. Put your AirPods in the new case and close the lid.
2. Wait for 10 seconds, then open the lid.
3. Press and hold the setup button on the back of the case for a few seconds, until the light flashes white.
4. Hold the case near your iPhone or iPad and follow the instructions on the screen to complete the pairing.

If You Damaged Your Charging Case

If you damaged your charging case, such as by dropping it, cracking it, accidentally putting them in a washer, or getting it wet, you can get it repaired or replaced by Apple. You will need to contact Apple Support or visit an Apple Store or an Apple Authorized Service Provider. You will also need to bring your AirPods and the proof of purchase.

The cost of the repair or replacement depends on the type and extent of the damage, and whether you have AppleCare+ for Headphones. AppleCare+ is an optional warranty plan that covers accidental damage and battery service for two years. The prices are as follows:

• With AppleCare+: $29 per incident, plus tax
• Without AppleCare+: $69 to $99 per incident, depending on the model, plus tax

If You Have a Defective Charging Case

If you have a defective charging case, such as one that does not charge, does not hold a charge, or does not recognize the AirPods, you can get it serviced or replaced by Apple. You will need to contact Apple Support or visit an Apple Store or an Apple Authorized Service Provider. You will also need to bring your AirPods and the proof of purchase.

The cost of the service or replacement depends on whether the defect is covered by the Apple Limited Warranty, AppleCare+, or consumer law. The Apple Limited Warranty covers manufacturing defects for one year from the date of purchase. AppleCare+ covers defects and accidental damage for two years from the date of purchase. Consumer law varies by country or region, but may offer additional protection. The prices are as follows:

• Under warranty or consumer law: Free of charge
• Out of warranty: $69 to $99, depending on the model, plus tax

How to Prevent Losing or Damaging Your Charging Case

To avoid the trouble and cost of losing or damaging your charging case, you can take some preventive measures to keep it safe and secure. Here are some tips:

• Use a protective case or cover for your charging case especially when you them when working out or anywhere public. This can protect it from scratches, dents, or cracks, and also make it easier to grip and find. You can choose from various colors, designs, and materials, such as silicone, leather, or metal. Some cases or covers also have keychains, carabiners, or straps that you can attach to your bag, belt, or keys.
• Use a wireless charger for your charging case. This can reduce the wear and tear of the charging port and cable, and also prevent you from forgetting or misplacing the cable. You can use any Qi-compatible wireless charger, such as a pad, a stand, or a mat. Some wireless chargers also have multiple charging spots, so you can charge your phone, watch, and AirPods at the same time.
• Use a tracker or finder for your charging case. This can help you locate your case if you lose it or leave it behind. You can use a Bluetooth tracker, such as a Tile or a Chipolo, that you can attach to your case or case cover, and use an app on your phone to ring it, see it on a map, or get directions to it. You can also use the Find My app on your iPhone, iPad, or Mac, if you have iOS 14 or later, iPadOS 14 or later, or macOS Big Sur or later. You can use the app to play a sound, see the location, or mark the case as lost.
• Use a label or sticker for your charging case. This can help you identify your case if you mix it up with someone else’s, or if someone finds it and wants to return it. You can use a label maker, a permanent marker, or a custom sticker to write your name, phone number, email address, or other contact information on your case or case cover.

Conclusion

AirPods are wonderful devices that can improve your listening experience, but they also require proper care and maintenance. The charging case is an essential part of the AirPods, as it is the only way to charge them and keep them safe. Without the case, the AirPods will eventually run out of battery and become unusable.

Therefore, it is important to avoid losing or damaging your charging case, and to take preventive measures to keep it secure and protected. If you do lose or damage your charging case, or if it is defective, you can get a replacement or a repair from Apple, but it will cost you some money and time.

We hope this article has helped you understand how to charge AirPods without the case, and why it is not recommended or possible. We also hope you have learned some tips on how to replace or prevent losing your charging case. Remember, the best way to enjoy your AirPods is to keep them and their case in good condition.