How to Check Your AirPods Battery Status in 4 Simple Steps (Works on iPhone & iPad)

AirPods disconnect without warning when the battery dies—there’s no low-battery notification to alert you. Learning to check your battery proactively prevents unexpected disconnections during important calls and work sessions.

What is AirPods Battery Status?

AirPods battery status refers to the percentage charge remaining in your left earbud, right earbud, and charging case. Apple introduced this feature in iOS 12, allowing you to view real-time battery levels directly on your iPhone lock screen or through Control Center. Unlike most wireless devices, AirPods don’t alert you when battery is critically low—they simply stop working when depleted. By checking battery status regularly, you maintain reliable connection throughout your day.

Current as of: iOS 12 and later (2024)

Why Use This Feature?

• Prevent Unexpected Disconnections: Know your battery status before important meetings, commutes, or calls so you’re never caught without power
• Plan Charging Strategically: With battery visibility, you can charge proactively rather than reactively when your AirPods die mid-task
• Monitor Individual Earbud Health: Track if one earbud drains faster than the other, indicating potential hardware issues
• Maximize Case Battery Capacity: Your charging case holds enough power for multiple charges—knowing case battery helps you plan for extended use away from outlets

Things to Consider

• Apple Devices Only: AirPods display native battery status only on iPhones, iPads, and Macs. Android users can install third-party apps like AirBattery or MaterialPods from Google Play Store; Windows users can use AirPodsDesktop (free, open-source) or MagicPods
• Requires Bluetooth Connection: Your AirPods must be paired and within approximately 30 feet (10 meters) of your device for optimal battery status display. Maximum practical range extends to 40-60 meters in line-of-sight conditions, but obstacles reduce effective range
• Battery Updates Lag Slightly: Apple doesn’t publish exact refresh intervals, but users report battery percentages may take a few seconds to update after opening the charging case. Weaker Bluetooth connections update more slowly

How to Check Your AirPods Battery Status - Step by Step

Method 1: Lock Screen Battery Widget (Fastest)

1. Ensure your AirPods are connected to your iPhone. Open the lid of your AirPods charging case while holding the AirPods nearby—they should be in Bluetooth range (within 30 feet for reliable detection)

2. Look at your iPhone lock screen. If battery indicators are enabled, you’ll see small battery icons near the top of the screen showing the percentage charge for your charging case, left earbud, and right earbud

3. If you don’t see battery indicators on the lock screen, swipe down from the top-right corner of your screen to open Control Center. Look for the battery widget (usually displays at the top of the Control Center)

Method 2: Detailed Settings View (Most Comprehensive)

4. Open Settings on your iPhone and navigate to Bluetooth. Find your AirPods in the “My Devices” list and tap the information icon (i) next to your AirPods name

5. You’ll now see a detailed page displaying the individual battery percentage for your left earbud, right earbud, and charging case. This view provides the most detailed battery information available

Recommended Charging Strategy

6. When either earbud shows below 20%, place them in the charging case for 15 minutes to reach usable levels. A fully drained earbud takes approximately 25 minutes for AirPods 1st and 2nd generation, or approximately 1 hour for AirPods 3rd generation and AirPods Pro. Quick charging is powerful: 5 minutes provides approximately 1 hour of listening time; 15 minutes provides 3 hours

7. Keep your charging case above 50% charge for long-term reliability. The case provides up to 24 hours of additional listening time for 2nd generation AirPods and up to 30 hours for 3rd generation, so regular case charging every 2-3 days prevents emergency battery situations

Enable Automatic Battery Notifications (Optional Enhancement)

8. To receive alerts when AirPods battery falls critically low, go to Settings > Notifications and enable notifications for your AirPods. Some iOS versions will show low-battery alerts in Notification Center when AirPods fall below 10% charge

Pro Maintenance Tips

9. Clean your AirPods charging contacts monthly with a dry, lint-free cloth. Debris on charging pins reduces charging speed and can prevent proper power transfer

10. Store your AirPods in the charging case when not in use. Even inside the case, AirPods discharge very slowly over time (approximately 10-15% overnight if unused). For long-term storage lasting weeks or months, maintain charge at 50% or higher and store in temperatures between 0-35°C (32-95°F). Avoid extreme temperatures, which can damage lithium-ion batteries

Checking your AirPods battery takes less than 30 seconds using the lock screen widget or Control Center, yet prevents hours of frustration from unexpected disconnections. Make battery checking part of your daily routine—a quick glance at your lock screen ensures your AirPods are always ready when you need them.