We have all seen it by now, on social media or on our Apple devices. It’s the infamous amber flashing light on the AirPods charging case that is being reported everywhere.There are some theories, but it still leaves people wondering what causes this and if their AirPods will ever stop flashing amber.
AirPods Flashing Amber? (What It Me...
Table of Contents: hide
1)Why are My AirPods Flashing Amber?
2)What causes the flashing amber light?
3)How do I fix my AirPods with a flashing amber light?
4)Firmware Upgrade
5)Firmware Update with iOS
6)Firmware Update with Mac OS X
7)Conclusion: AirPods Flashing Amber
Why are My AirPods Flashing Amber?
When AirPods Pro is not fully charged, it flashes amber. Other times, this might be a minor issue, requiring a factory reset and repairing your device.
Apple AirPods are great pieces of technology, but nothing is perfect. When it comes to this device, most people expect problems related to connectivity or sound quality problems.
However, there’s another issue that many early buyers have been experiencing: the flashing amber light on one or both AirPods when you turn them on.
The good news is that this problem is not as serious as it seems, and if you follow our tips below, we can help you fix it in a few minutes.
Check This Out Next: The Evolution of Apple AirPods
Why does my AirPod charging case have a flashing amber light?
Despite using batteries and wireless charging technology, Apple decided not to incorporate wireless charging into AirPods. This makes recharging your earphones a bit more of an inconvenience compared to other wireless earbuds.
This is because you can only recharge your AirPods by placing them in their charging case. And whenever you place your AirPods in their case for recharging, the indicator light on top turns into a flashing amber light that signals that they are currently being charged.
What causes the flashing amber light?
There are two reasons why this happens: low battery power and inability to connect to your iPhone/iPad/Macbook due to some connection issue. The good news is that both issues will be fixed as long as you follow our tips below; here’s what you need to know:
How do I fix my AirPods with a flashing amber light?
Your AirPods cannot find your iPhone/iPad/Macbook because your Bluetooth connection is lost.
This means that the next time you start up your device (iPhone, iPad, or Macbook), it will automatically sync with your AirPods and show them as connected in the settings menu. If this doesn’t happen, follow these steps:
1). Go to Settings on your iOS device
2). Tap Bluetooth. It should be right under General.
3). Find the AirPods. They should be labeled either ‘Airpods’ or ‘BT’. Make sure they’re turned on and nearby before proceeding to step 4.
4). Once you’ve found them, tap on ‘i’ next to the device name you wish to forget.
5). Press ‘Forget this Device’, and the AirPods will be removed from your Bluetooth menu.
6). Do a reset on your AirPods first by removing them from their case and putting them back in, then remove any residue that may have been left behind on the charging contacts.
You can use a soft cloth or dampen a cotton bud with rubbing alcohol for more efficient cleaning. Once they’re clean, put them back into their case and wait for 15-20 seconds.
7). After the 20 seconds are up, take your AirPods out of their case and press the button on top until you see a flashing green light. This means they’ve paired with your iOS device once again.
8). If you followed all these steps correctly but still can’t connect to your Bluetooth device (iPhone/iPad/Macbook), check if Apple has updated the firmware on AirPods or look for another fix online by searching terms like “Apple AirPods not connecting” or “AirPods pairing issues”.
Your AirPods have low battery power. In this case, there’s nothing much you can do as they will need some time before their battery is restored to a normal level.
The only solution in the meantime is to take them out of their charging case and use them as regular earphones without any connection capabilities.
Once you’ve fully recharged your AirPods, they should be able to connect normally to your iOS device. If this doesn’t happen, try going through the steps above again until you find a fix that works for you.
Luckily there is a fix for this issue, and most of the time (but not all), your AirPods will start working again. How can you tell if these steps worked? Put your AirPod back into pairing mode, and select connect to the device they were last connected to (or your iPhone if that was never an option).
Watch this video: AirPods Flashing Amber? (What It Means & How To Fix It)
They should reconnect within seconds and work like they used to. If, after putting them back in pairing mode, they still flash amber or don’t connect, go to the next step.
Step 1: Initiate AirPods pairing mode (just like you would normally do), leaving them flashing in the case for 10 minutes. If this doesn’t work, keep reading.
Step 2: Take your AirPods out of the case and wait 5-10 seconds, then put them back into the case with the lid down (opposite of how you would open it to take them out).
Leave that screen open on your iPhone for another 15-20 seconds, then close it. Put both AirPods back into your ears and grind on a hard surface while holding down both earbuds with a finger each for 20 seconds.
This will simulate the movement of your jaw while talking, allowing the sensors in the earbuds to calibrate.
Step 3: Take your AirPods out of your ears, place them in their case and close it until you hear a double chime sound. This tells us that the AirPods have reset themselves to factory settings.
Try connecting them to see if they work properly now. If, after following these steps, your AirPods still don’t connect/stay connected or are flashing amber, contact Apple Support for further guidance on resolving this issue without waiting weeks for replacement AirPods.
Firmware Upgrade
It turns out that many Apple Wireless Keyboards need a firmware upgrade for them to function properly with certain devices running older versions of iOS (see the notes at the end).
To update any wireless keyboard with a built-in rechargeable battery, plug it into your Mac or Windows PC with the included cable. Press and hold the power button on your keyboard until all of the indicator lights come on (about 15 seconds), then release it.
Once this is complete, you should see one solid green light (shortly followed by some flashing green blinks), at which point you can unplug your keyboard from your computer.
Alternatively, suppose you don’t have access to a Mac or PC for whatever reason. In that case, there’s another way to update the firmware using only an iOS device running iOS 5 or later (not recommended for iPad 1 owners).
Firmware Update with iOS
To begin, make sure you’re using an iPhone 4S/5/5c/5s/6/6 Plus/6s/6s Plus or iPod Touch 5th generation (or newer), you have iOS 9.3.2 or later, and your AirPods are ready to pair with the keyboard beforehand; if not, back out of this process, set them up first, then try again.
Next up, power on your Apple Wireless Keyboard by pressing any key. Then swipe downwards from the top-right corner of your screen to access Control Center (iOS 7) or Notifications (iOS 8).
From here, press firmly on the Bluetooth button that appears in Control Center (if using iOS 7, tap Turn Bluetooth Off), then select “Forget This Device” when prompted about whether you want to forget the existing device.
From here, power off your keyboard by pressing and holding either of its keys for 5 seconds, then press the button on it for ten seconds while continuing to hold down the key on your keyboard.
Finally, turn on Bluetooth in Control Center (iOS 7/8) or Notifications (iOS 9) again, this time selecting “Forget This Device” when prompted about whether you want to forget the existing device.
Launch AirPods app Tap “Set Up New Device” under Settings → Bluetooth in your iOS device’s settings, then place one AirPod into your ear until you hear a tone while nearby your Apple Wireless Keyboard. When prompted, tap Connect in the dialog box that appears on the screen.
If successful, you should see a message saying “Apple Wireless Keyboard” appear on your screen. Tap Done to complete the setup process, then test that everything works by pressing any key on your keyboard.
Firmware Update with Mac OS X
If you have Mac OS X 10.3 or later, power on your Apple Wireless Keyboard while holding down its keys for 5 seconds each, then release them when all 4 indicator lights are lit up (orange is flashing).
Next, connect the included USB cable to your Mac and press both buttons for 6 seconds until all of its indicator lights are flashing orange/amber in unison.
Finally, launch AirPods Setup Assistant from the utility folder under Applications → Utilities, tap Connect, make sure there’s an X next to your keyboard in the list, then tap Done.
Conclusion: AirPods Flashing Amber
However, if any of these steps fails (i.e., you don’t see an orange or green flash after powering on your Apple Wireless Keyboard), then you need to update its firmware.
To do this, visit https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT201372 and download the correct version of Firmware Restoration CD (Windows) or Disk Utility (Mac OS X) for your computer’s architecture (i386 → 32bit or x86_64 → 64bit), launch it up, select “Restore” from the “Utilities” menu, browse out to your USB drive containing your keyboard’s firmware updater file downloaded from Apple, select it, then click “Restore” to begin the process.
Wait a while until your keyboard’s indicator lights turn off and stop flashing – this is when you should disconnect it from your Mac/PC, disconnect its USB cable from both devices, and reconnect it again to finish the update. Visit audioambition to learn more.
FAQs
Why do my AirPods keep flashing Amber? ›
Orange/Amber – A static orange or amber light indicates that your AirPods are charging. Your AirPods should only show this light while charging inside their carry case. Flashing White – A flashing white light indicates that your AirPods are ready to pair with your iPhone or other devices via Bluetooth.
What do I do if my AirPods are flashing amber and they won't reset? ›You may need to clean the contacts inside the case with a cotton swab. Then put the other one back in, and confirm you still see an amber light. *Then* you can do a hard reset by holding down the button for 15 seconds until you get yet another amber light and then flashing white.
How do I force reset my AirPods? ›Press and hold the setup button for at least 15 seconds. Hold the button until the status light starts flashing amber a few times and then flashes white. You AirPods have now been fully reset. You will need to re-pair your AirPods to your devices in order to use them again.
Why are my AirPods blinking orange and not connecting? ›Flashing amber: there is a problem with your AirPods or AirPods Pro. You need to factory reset them and then re-pair them to your device. The best solution for anybody experiencing connectivity issues with their AirPods or AirPods Pro is to factory reset them.
Why won t my AirPods reconnect? ›If your AirPods appear in the list of devices but they don't connect, click the X to the right of your AirPods to remove them from the list. Close the lid, wait 15 seconds, then open the lid. Press and hold the setup button on the charging case for up to 10 seconds.
Why won't my AirPods go into pairing mode? ›Why Won't My AirPods Connect and Pair? There are many reasons why your AirPods might have trouble pairing with your Bluetooth devices. Some of the possible reasons include a low battery charge, Bluetooth issues, software update problems, hardware damage, debris on the AirPods or charging case, and more.
Do all AirPods have a reset button? ›Apple's original AirPods, AirPods 2, AirPods 3, and AirPods Pro all have a reset function that returns them to their factory settings. This can come in handy if you're handing down the wireless earphones to someone else or you're having any sort of problem with them.
How long do AirPods last? ›With multiple charges in your case, you get up to 30 hours of listening time,7 or up to 20 hours of talk time. Your AirPods (3rd generation) can get up to 6 hours of listening time (up to 5 hours with Spatial Audio enabled)9 or up to 4 hours of talk time on a single charge.
Why is only one AirPod working? ›If there's no sound in one AirPod
Check the charge status on your iPhone or iPad to make sure that each AirPod is charging . Put both AirPods in your ears. Play audio to test both AirPods. If an AirPod still isn't working, reset your AirPods or contact Apple Support.
'While theoretically semi-serviceable, the non-modular, glued-together design and lack of replacement parts makes repair both impractical and uneconomical,' iFixit says.
Can a damaged AirPod be fixed? ›
Alternatively, you can mail the AirPods in via a prepaid shipping box from Apple. Apple will repair or replace AirPods that have a manufacturing defect for free within the one-year warranty, or for $29 USD for accidental damage if you bought AppleCare+.
Is AirPod repair free? ›Apple or an Apple Authorized Service Provider will service the affected AirPods Pro (left, right or both), free of charge.
Why are my AirPods blinking and not connecting to my phone? ›If you can't connect to your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch
Put both AirPods in the charging case and make sure that both AirPods are charging. To make sure that Bluetooth is on, go to Settings > Bluetooth. If your AirPods are connected, make sure that they're selected as your audio device.
Charge Your AirPods
Resetting your AirPods takes a bit of battery power. So if your AirPods are low on charge, they might not have enough energy to reset. That's why it's essential to make sure you fully charge your AirPods before you attempt to reset them.
Every time you charge your AirPods, the batteries lose a small amount of capacity. Unfortunately, this decline is irreversible, and the batteries break down completely over time.
How much does it cost to replace an AirPod battery? ›If your AirPods with old, degraded, or damaged batteries are out of warranty, Apple can service them for you. Apple charges the following battery service fee for AirPods: AirPods 1st and 2nd generation: $49 for each AirPod. AirPods Pro: $49 for each AirPod.
How long should AirPod batteries last? ›AirPods Pro battery life
For a single charge, the Airpods Pro give up to 4.5 hours of listening time and 3.5 hours of talk time. However, if you turn your Active Noise Cancellation and Transparency off, you can get up to 5 hours of listening time.
With your AirPods inside, open the lid of your case and hold it near your iPhone or iPad. Within a few seconds, a window should pop up on your iPhone or iPad giving you the exact percentage of battery life on both your AirPods and charging case. Yes, it really is that easy.
How do I put my AirPods into pairing mode? ›With your AirPods in the charging case, open the lid. Press and hold the setup button on the back of the case until the status light flashes white. When your AirPods appear in the list of Bluetooth devices, select them.
Why won t my AirPods flash white when i press the button? ›Make sure that your AirPods are charged. Close the lid, wait 15 seconds, then open the lid. The status light should flash white. If the status light doesn't flash white, press and hold the setup button on the back of the case until you see the status light flash white.
Why is my AirPod case not charging? ›
If you suspect your AirPods case isn't charging, the most likely culprit is something preventing the charging connection, and that's most likely because the charging cable isn't inserted completely if you're using wired charging, the cable is damaged, or because the case isn't making good contact with the wireless ...
Do all AirPods have a pairing button? ›The rear button can be found on the back of your AirPods case. Once you press and hold this button, you'll initiate the pairing mode. Open the Settings menu and tap Bluetooth. Once you've navigated over to this screen, you should see a list of available devices.
How do I connect my AirPods without a charging case? ›AirPods can only enter Pairing Mode if they are inside the case. If you want to pair them to a device you've never used them with, you'll need the case. But if you've already paired your AirPods with a device like your iPhone, Android, or laptop, you won't need the case to reconnect and listen to audio.
Should you leave AirPods in charging case? ›It is best to keep the AirPods in the case when you are not using them. They also do not overcharge. When your AirPods are out of the case they use battery even if you are not using them. Your AirPods charge in the case and are ready for you to use as soon as you open the lid.
How do I check the health of my AirPod battery? ›Open your case lid with your AirPods inside and hold your case close to your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch. Wait a few seconds to see the charge status of your AirPods. You can also check the charge status of your AirPods with the Batteries widget on your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch.
How do I know if my AirPods need an update? ›To use your iPhone or iPad to check that your AirPods are up to date, make sure that you have the latest version of iOS or iPadOS. Go to Settings > Bluetooth, then tap the Info button next to the name of your AirPods. Scroll down to the About section to find the firmware version.
How much is a single AirPod? ›How much is a single AirPod? The price of a single Airpod replacement averages $69 globally. This price may vary slightly according to your location, as well as the policy on your warranty.
How do I know which generation AirPods I have? ›- Go to Settings > Bluetooth. Alternatively, you can go to Settings > [your AirPods].*
- Find your AirPods in the list (for example, "John's AirPods").
- Tap the More Info button next to your AirPods, and you'll see the model number.
- Place your AirPods in their charging case, and make sure the lid is closed.
- After 30 seconds, open the lid of your case to connect to your iPhone or iPad. ...
- Tap Forget This Device, and tap again to confirm.
Every set of AirPods, Beats earphones, or Beats headphones comes with one year of hardware repair coverage through its limited warranty and up to 90 days of complimentary technical support.
Why is my AirPods not connecting? ›
#5.
If your AirPods appear in the list of devices but don't connect, try to reconnect the airpods. Close the lid > wait 15 seconds > then open the lid. Press and hold the setup button on the charging case for up to 10 seconds. The status light should flash white, which means that your AirPods are ready to connect.
The light isn't supposed to stay on. It only turns for a few seconds when you either put the AirPods in the case to charge them or if you connect a cable to the case to charge it.
Why are my AirPods not resetting? ›AirPods not resetting properly is usually the result of a damaged charging case or the AirPods not being disconnected from a device. Dirt on the charging case connectors or the AirPods themselves can also prevent the factory rest process from initiating correctly. Check if your AirPods are real.
What Colour do AirPods flash when charging? ›The status light should show the current charge level for 8 seconds. If you have AirPods Pro (1st or 2nd generation) or AirPods (3rd generation), you can tap the case when it's on the charging mat to see whether your AirPods Pro or AirPods (3rd generation) are charging (amber light) or fully charged (green light).
How do I check my AirPod battery? ›Click the Control Center icon on the top right of the Menu Bar. It looks like two sliders going in opposite directions. Click on the Bluetooth icon in the Control Center menu. Hover your mouse pointer over the name of your AirPods, and the remaining battery life will appear.
How long does it take for an AirPod case to charge? ›When using a wired connection, a full charge for the AirPods case will take approximately an hour. Wireless charging will take longer than wired connection before reaching 100%. Based on our testing, it takes at least 30 minutes longer for wireless charging as opposed to wired.
Does resetting AirPods fix battery? ›Factory resetting your AirPods is one of the most sure-shot ways of fixing the battery drain issue. To reset your AirPods, connect them to your phone and keep them in the case. And then remove and forget them from your list of BlueTooth devices on your iPhone.
How do I know if my AirPods are failing? ›Crackling or static sounds that increase in loud environments, with exercise or while talking on the phone. Active Noise Cancellation not working as expected, such as a loss of bass sound, or an increase in background sounds, such as street or airplane noise.
What do the different color lights on AirPods mean? ›If your AirPods are in your case and the lid is open, then the light shows the charge status of your AirPods. When your AirPods aren't in your case, the light shows the status of your case. Green means fully charged, and amber means less than one full charge remains.
How do I check my AirPods battery without a case? ›To check your AirPods battery level without the case, tap and hold any blank space on your iPhone or iPad's home screen until the apps start jiggling. Then tap the plus sign in the top-left corner of your screen. Finally, select the Batteries widget and tap Add Widget. Enable Bluetooth on your device.
Can you charge AirPods without the case? ›
Can you charge AirPods without the case? It's not possible to charge AirPods or AirPods Pro without the case. While many hacks on the web claim you can use certain chargers or apps to give your AirPods a charge, the only way to charge AirPods is to use an AirPods charging case.