Checking your AirPods battery level helps you know when to recharge before your next call. If you have ever been mid-conversation and heard that dreaded low battery tone, you know exactly why learning how to check AirPods battery level is so important. Whether you own the standard AirPods, AirPods Pro, or AirPods Max, there are multiple ways to see exactly how much charge remains. This guide covers every method, from your iPhone to your Apple Watch, so you never get caught off guard again.
Apple designed AirPods to be seamless, but checking the battery is not always obvious at first glance. The good news is that once you know the tricks, it takes only seconds. Below, we break down each method step by step, including tips for different devices and situations.
How To Check Airpods Battery Level On An Iphone Or Ipad
Your iPhone or iPad offers the fastest and most common way to see your AirPods battery. There are two main approaches: using the battery widget or the charging case method. Both work with all AirPods models, including AirPods 1, 2, 3, Pro, and Pro 2.
Using The Battery Widget
The battery widget is the most direct way. It shows the charge for each earbud and the case separately. Here is how to set it up and use it.
- Unlock your iPhone or iPad.
- Swipe right on the Home Screen or Lock Screen to open the Today View.
- Scroll to the bottom and tap “Edit.”
- Tap the “+” icon in the top-left corner.
- Search for “Batteries” in the widget list.
- Choose your preferred widget size (small shows only one device, medium or large shows multiple).
- Tap “Add Widget,” then “Done.”
Once the widget is set, open your AirPods case near your iPhone. The widget instantly updates to show the battery percentage for each earbud and the case. If your AirPods are already connected, the widget refreshes automatically every few seconds.
Using The Charging Case Method
If you do not have the widget set up, you can still check quickly. Open your AirPods case near your unlocked iPhone. A pop-up card appears on the screen showing the battery levels for both earbuds and the case. This works best when the AirPods are inside the case. If one earbud is missing, the pop-up still shows the remaining one.
This method is handy for a quick glance, but it only works when the case is opened near the phone. For ongoing monitoring, the widget is more reliable.
How To Check Airpods Battery Level On A Mac
Mac users have a few options too. Whether you use macOS Ventura or an older version, checking the battery is straightforward. The method depends on whether your AirPods are connected or not.
Using The Bluetooth Menu
This is the simplest way on a Mac. Follow these steps.
- Click the Bluetooth icon in the menu bar (top-right corner).
- Hover your cursor over your AirPods in the list.
- A small pop-up shows the battery percentage for each earbud and the case.
If you do not see the Bluetooth icon, go to System Settings > Control Center > Bluetooth and set it to “Show in Menu Bar.” This method works even when your AirPods are not actively playing audio.
Using System Settings
For a more detailed view, you can check through System Settings. This is useful if you want to see the battery alongside other device info.
- Click the Apple logo in the top-left corner.
- Select “System Settings.”
- Click “Bluetooth” in the sidebar.
- Find your AirPods in the device list.
- The battery percentage appears next to each earbud and the case.
Note that on older macOS versions, the path is slightly different: System Preferences > Bluetooth. The battery info is still there.
How To Check Airpods Battery Level On An Apple Watch
Your Apple Watch can also display AirPods battery levels, but only when the AirPods are connected. This is perfect for workouts or when your iPhone is not nearby.
Using The Now Playing App
If you are listening to music or a podcast, the Now Playing app shows the battery of your connected AirPods. Here is how.
- Press the Digital Crown to open the app list.
- Tap the “Now Playing” app.
- Swipe up on the screen to reveal the battery indicator.
- The percentage appears for the left and right earbuds.
This only works when audio is playing. If nothing is playing, you will not see the battery info.
Using The Control Center
Another quick method is through the Control Center on your Watch.
- Swipe up from the watch face to open Control Center.
- Tap the battery percentage icon (the small battery symbol).
- If your AirPods are connected, their battery levels appear below your Watch battery.
This method is less reliable because it sometimes shows only the Watch battery. But when AirPods are actively connected, it works well.
How To Check Airpods Battery Level Without An Apple Device
What if you do not have an iPhone, iPad, Mac, or Apple Watch? You can still check the battery on Android or Windows devices, though the process is less integrated. The steps vary by model.
On Android Using The Airbattery App
Android users can download third-party apps like “AirBattery” or “MaterialPods.” These apps mimic the iPhone pop-up. Here is a general guide.
- Download AirBattery from the Google Play Store.
- Open the app and grant necessary permissions (like Bluetooth).
- Open your AirPods case near your Android phone.
- The app shows a pop-up with battery levels for each earbud and the case.
These apps are not official Apple products, so accuracy may vary. Some require a small fee for full features.
On Windows Using Bluetooth Settings
Windows does not natively show AirPods battery percentages. But you can use third-party tools like “Bluetooth Battery Monitor” or “AirPods Battery for Windows.”
- Download and install Bluetooth Battery Monitor.
- Pair your AirPods with Windows via Bluetooth settings.
- Open the app and select your AirPods.
- The battery percentage appears for each earbud.
This method is not as smooth as on Apple devices, but it works for basic monitoring. Keep in mind that the case battery is rarely shown on Windows.
How To Check Airpods Battery Level Using Siri
Voice commands make checking battery effortless. Siri can tell you the charge level without any tapping. This works on iPhone, iPad, Mac, and Apple Watch.
On Iphone Or Ipad
Simply say, “Hey Siri, what’s my AirPods battery?” Siri responds with the percentage for each earbud. If the case is open nearby, Siri includes the case battery too. This is hands-free and perfect when you are driving or cooking.
On Mac
On a Mac, activate Siri by clicking the Siri icon in the menu bar or using the keyboard shortcut (Command+Space). Then ask, “How much battery do my AirPods have?” Siri reads the levels aloud. This works even if your AirPods are not actively playing.
Note that Siri only shows battery for connected AirPods. If they are in the case and not paired, Siri may not respond accurately.
How To Check Airpods Battery Level When One Earbud Is Missing
Sometimes you lose one earbud. You can still check the battery of the remaining one. The methods above work for single earbuds too. For example, if you have only the left AirPod in your ear, the battery widget shows its percentage. The missing earbud appears as “0%” or “Not Connected.”
If you want to find the lost earbud, use the Find My app on iPhone. It shows the last known location and battery level of the missing earbud. This is a separate feature but helps you track both charge and location.
How To Check Airpods Battery Level On The Case Itself
AirPods cases do not have a screen, but some models have a status light. The light color indicates the charge level of the case and the earbuds inside.
- Green light: The case has more than one full charge remaining. If the earbuds are inside, they are fully charged.
- Amber light: The case has less than one full charge. Earbuds inside may be partially charged.
- Flashing amber: There is an error. Reset your AirPods or contact Apple.
To see the light, open the case near your iPhone or place it on a wireless charger. The light stays on for a few seconds. This is a quick visual check, but it does not give exact percentages.
For AirPods Max, the Smart Case has a similar light. When you remove the headphones, the light shows green or amber based on battery status.
How To Check Airpods Battery Level On The Lock Screen
Your iPhone’s Lock Screen can show AirPods battery if you use the right widget. Add the Batteries widget to your Lock Screen in iOS 16 or later. Here is how.
- Long press on the Lock Screen.
- Tap “Customize.”
- Select the Lock Screen area.
- Tap “Add Widget.”
- Choose “Batteries” from the list.
- Select the small widget that shows one device.
- Tap “Done.”
Now, when your AirPods are connected, the Lock Screen shows their battery percentage. This is a glanceable way to check without unlocking your phone.
How To Check Airpods Battery Level On The Control Center
Another quick method on iPhone or iPad is through Control Center. This works when your AirPods are connected.
- Swipe down from the top-right corner (or up from the bottom on older iPhones).
- Look for the “Now Playing” tile (if audio is playing).
- Tap the small AirPlay icon (the circle with triangles).
- A list of connected devices appears. Next to your AirPods, you see the battery percentage for each earbud.
This method is fast but only shows battery when audio is active. If nothing is playing, you will not see the percentage.
How To Check Airpods Battery Level On The Apple TV
Apple TV users can check AirPods battery too, though the process is less direct. Follow these steps.
- Connect your AirPods to Apple TV via Bluetooth.
- Go to Settings > Remotes and Devices > Bluetooth.
- Find your AirPods in the device list.
- The battery percentage appears next to them.
This works for all AirPods models. The battery info updates when the AirPods are in use. If they are in the case, the percentage may not show accurately.
Frequently Asked Questions About Airpods Battery
1. Why does my AirPods battery drain so fast?
Fast drain can happen due to old batteries, heavy usage, or exposure to extreme temperatures. Try resetting your AirPods or updating firmware. If the issue persists, consider a battery replacement.
2. Can I check AirPods battery without opening the case?
Yes, if your AirPods are connected to an iPhone, the battery widget updates automatically. You can also ask Siri or check the Lock Screen widget. No need to open the case.
3. How accurate is the AirPods battery indicator?
The indicator is generally accurate within 5-10%. Over time, battery health degrades, so older AirPods may show slightly inflated percentages. Calibration issues are rare but possible.
4. Does the AirPods case battery show on all devices?
No. The case battery only appears on iPhone and iPad via the pop-up or widget. On Mac, Windows, or Android, you usually only see earbud battery. The case battery is not broadcast over Bluetooth.
5. How do I check AirPods battery on a non-Apple device like a Samsung phone?
Use a third-party app like AirBattery or MaterialPods. These apps read the Bluetooth data and display battery percentages. Accuracy varies, but they work for basic monitoring.
Final Tips For Managing Airpods Battery Life
Knowing how to check AirPods battery level is just the first step. To extend battery life, avoid extreme heat or cold. Store your AirPods in the case when not in use. Update firmware regularly through your iPhone. And consider turning off features like Spatial Audio or noise cancellation when you do not need them.
If you notice one earbud draining faster than the other, it may be a sign of a faulty battery. Apple offers battery service for a fee. For AirPods Pro, there is a service program for certain models with sound issues.
Regularly checking your battery helps you plan charges. You can avoid the panic of a dead earbud during an important call. With the methods above, you have no excuse to run out of power unexpetedly.
Remember, the easiest way is to add the battery widget to your iPhone or ask Siri. For Mac users, the Bluetooth menu is your friend. And if you use Android or Windows, third-party apps fill the gap. Pick the method that fits your daily routine and stick with it.
Now you know every trick for checking your AirPods battery. Go ahead and test a few methods today. Your future self will thank you when you never hear that low battery tone again.