AirPods are a popular accessory that offers convenience, mobility, and great sound quality. However, just like any electronic device, AirPods can encounter some problems, including charging issues.
One of the most common charging issues with AirPods is the orange light appearing instead of the green light. In this guide, we’ll explore the causes of the AirPods not charging issue and provide some practical solutions.
What Does the Orange Light on AirPods Mean?
When you put your AirPods in the charging case and close the lid, you should see a green light flashing to indicate that the AirPods are charging. If the light turns orange instead of green, it means that there is a problem with the charging process. The orange light on AirPods can indicate several issues, such as:
- The AirPods are not seated properly in the charging case.
- The charging case battery is low or not charged.
- There is a problem with the charging cable or the charging port.
- There is a firmware issue with the AirPods.
AirPods Not Charging (Orange Light On): Likely Causes
Improper AirPods Placement
One of the most common causes of the orange light on AirPods is improper placement. If the AirPods are not seated correctly in the charging case, they will not charge.
Low or Dead Charging Case Battery
Another common cause of the orange light on AirPods is a low or dead charging case battery. The charging case needs to have enough charge to charge the AirPods.
Charging Cable or Port Issues
If your AirPods are not charging, the issue could be with the charging cable or port. Try using a different Lightning cable or a different charging port to rule out these issues.
Firmware Issues
If your AirPods still won’t charge, the issue could be with the firmware. Firmware is the software that controls the hardware of your AirPods. If there is a problem with the firmware, your AirPods may not charge correctly.
Hardware Issues
If none of the above solutions work, the issue could be with the hardware. There could be a problem with the charging case or the AirPods themselves.
AirPods Not Charging (Orange Light On): DIY Fixes
Now that we know the potential causes of the orange light on AirPods let’s explore some practical solutions.
Check the AirPods Placement
The first step to fixing the AirPods not charging issue is to ensure that the AirPods are correctly placed in the charging case. You need to make sure that the AirPods are seated correctly in the charging case and that the charging case lid is closed correctly. The charging pins on the AirPods and the charging case should line up correctly.
To ensure that your AirPods are placed correctly in the charging case, make sure that:
- The AirPods are facing the correct way – the left AirPod goes on the left side of the charging case, and the right AirPod goes on the right side of the case.
- The AirPods are inserted all the way into the charging case – you should hear a click when they are inserted correctly.
- The charging pins on the AirPods and the charging case are aligned correctly.
If your AirPods are not charging even after correcting the placement, move on to the next step.
Charge the Charging Case
If the orange light on the AirPods persists even after checking the placement, you should check the charging case battery. Make sure that the charging case is charged by connecting it to a power source using the Lightning cable that came with the AirPods.
To check the charging case battery level:
- Open the charging case near your iPhone or iPad.
- A pop-up should appear on the device screen showing the battery percentage of both the AirPods and the charging case.
- If the charging case battery is low or dead, connect it to a power source using the Lightning cable that came with the AirPods to charge it.
If your AirPods still won’t charge after charging the case, move on to the next step.
Check the Charging Cable and Port
If the AirPods are correctly placed in the charging case and the charging case is charged, but the orange light still appears, it may indicate a problem with the charging cable or port. Try using a different Lightning cable or a different charging port to rule out these issues.
Also, make sure that the charging port is clean and free of debris. If there is debris in the charging port, it can prevent the charging cable from making a proper connection.
If using a different cable or port doesn’t work, move on to the next step.
Reset Your AirPods
If the above solutions don’t work, you should try resetting your AirPods. To reset the AirPods, put them in the charging case, and press and hold the setup button (the small button on the back of the charging case) until the status light flashes amber. Then, connect your AirPods to your device and check if the issue is resolved.
Update Your AirPods Firmware
If the AirPods still won’t charge after resetting them, you may need to update the firmware.
- To update the firmware, make sure that your AirPods are connected to your device, then follow these steps:
- Go to Settings > General > About > AirPods.
- If an update is available, follow the on-screen instructions to install it.
If updating the firmware doesn’t work, move on to the next step.
Contact Apple Support
If you’ve tried all the above solutions and your AirPods are still not charging, it may indicate a hardware issue. In this case, you should contact Apple Support. They can help diagnose the problem and provide solutions or repairs as necessary. You can visit the Apple Support website, schedule an appointment at an Apple Store, or contact Apple Support via phone or email.
Conclusion
The orange light on AirPods can indicate several issues, including improper placement, low or dead charging case battery, charging cable or port issues, firmware issues, or hardware issues. Try the above solutions to see if they work for you. By following these steps, you can enjoy your AirPods’ great sound quality and convenience for a long time to come.
