We’ve all been there – you’re in the middle of your favorite song or an important phone call, and suddenly, your AirPods die. It’s a frustrating experience, especially when you thought you had enough battery life to last you through the day. In this article, we’ll dive deep into the world of AirPods battery life, exploring factors that affect it, and sharing tips on how to optimize and maintain your AirPods for longer battery life. Let’s get started!
What Apple Says About AirPods Battery Life
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Apple claims that AirPods can last up to 5 hours of listening time or 3 hours of talk time on a single charge. However, it’s essential to remember that these numbers are based on specific conditions and usage patterns. Your actual battery life may vary depending on several factors, which we’ll discuss in the following sections.
How Can I Stop My AirPods From Dying so Fast?
If your AirPods’ battery life is not lasting as long as expected, there could be several reasons for this. Here are some strategies to extend the battery life of your AirPods:
Keep your AirPods and your paired device updated
Apple periodically releases firmware updates for both AirPods and iPhones (or other paired devices). These updates can fix bugs that may be draining your AirPods’ battery life.
Turn off Automatic Ear Detection
This feature allows the AirPods to stop playing audio when you take them out of your ears. While this feature is handy, it can also drain the battery faster. To turn it off, go to Settings > Bluetooth on your iPhone and tap on the “i” next to your AirPods. Then toggle off Automatic Ear Detection.
Reduce the use of Active Noise Cancellation
If you have AirPods Pro, they have an active noise cancellation feature. While this feature is excellent for blocking out background noise, it can also use up a lot of battery life. Try turning this feature off when it’s not necessary to see if it helps extend the battery life.
Optimize Battery Charging
This feature slows the rate of battery aging by reducing the time your AirPods spend fully charged. When it’s enabled, your iPhone learns your daily charging patterns and can delay charging past 80% until you need to use your AirPods. You can turn it on in Settings > Battery > Battery Health.
Reset your AirPods
Sometimes, simply resetting your AirPods can help improve battery life. To do this, put your AirPods in the charging case, then go to the Bluetooth settings on your iPhone and forget your AirPods. Hold the setup button on the back of the case until the status light flashes amber a few times and then finally flashes white.
Avoid extreme temperatures
Both very hot and very cold temperatures can affect the battery life of your AirPods. Try to keep them at room temperature as much as possible.
Turn off special sound features
Certain features like Spatial Audio (on newer models) can consume extra power. Turn them off when you don’t need them.
How Your Listening Habits Affect Battery Life?
The more you use your AirPods, the faster their battery will drain. Listening at higher volumes, for example, will consume more power than listening at lower volumes. Similarly, using both AirPods simultaneously will drain the battery faster than using just one.
Can Software Updates Improve or Harm Battery Life?
Firmware updates can sometimes improve battery life by optimizing power consumption and fixing bugs. However, there have been instances where users reported decreased battery life after updating their AirPods firmware. It’s essential to keep your AirPods up-to-date, but be aware that updates may not always lead to improved battery life.
Which Features Consume the Most Power?
Features like Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) and Transparency mode can significantly impact battery life. Using these features will consume more power than using your AirPods in their default mode. Additionally, constantly using Siri or making phone calls will also drain the battery faster.
How Temperature and Humidity Affect Battery Life?
Extreme temperatures and high humidity can negatively impact your AirPods’ battery life. Apple recommends using your AirPods in environments with temperatures between 32°F and 95°F (0°C and 35°C) and avoiding exposure to direct sunlight or high humidity for extended periods.
Tips for Conserving Battery Life
To optimize your AirPods’ battery life, consider disabling features like ANC and Transparency mode when not needed. Additionally, try lowering the volume and using only one AirPod at a time when possible. Turning off automatic ear detection can also help conserve battery life, although this may reduce the convenience of using your AirPods.
How to Properly Charge and Store Your AirPods
To maintain your AirPods’ battery health, it’s essential to follow proper charging practices. Always use the provided charging case and avoid overcharging your AirPods. Additionally, store your AirPods in a cool, dry place when not in use to prevent damage from extreme temperatures or humidity.
When to Contact Apple Support
If you’ve tried all the tips mentioned above and your AirPods’ battery life is still significantly worse than expected, it’s possible that you have a defective battery. In this case, it’s best to contact Apple Support for assistance and potential replacement options.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I replace the battery in my AirPods?
AirPods batteries are not user-replaceable. If you’re experiencing battery issues, it’s best to contact Apple Support for assistance and potential replacement options.
How long does it take to fully charge AirPods?
It takes about 1.5 hours to fully charge your AirPods. A quick 15-minute charge in the charging case can provide up to 3 hours of listening time or 2 hours of talk time.
How can I check my AirPods’ battery life?
You can check your AirPods’ battery life by opening the case near your iPhone or iPad, which will display the battery status on the screen. You can also check the battery life using the Batteries widget on your iOS device or by asking Siri.
Conclusion
By understanding the factors that affect your AirPods’ battery life and following the tips and best practices outlined in this article, you can ensure that your AirPods last as long as possible between charges. Remember to keep your AirPods updated, optimize your settings, and follow proper charging and storage practices to maintain your AirPods’ battery health.
Timothy is a tech enthusiast and has been working in the industry for the past 10 years. He has a vast knowledge when comes to technology and likes to help people with this knowledge.