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Airpods users want to know if their Airpods won’t charge past 80%, is an issue, or an upgrade from Apple. We will discuss here whether it is a bug that a user has to worry about or not. Let’s dive into details and know every detail of it.
What is the 80% Charging Issue?
The 80% charging issue occurs when your AirPods won’t charge beyond 80%. This can be frustrating, especially when you need a full charge for the day. Many users experience this problem and wonder if something is wrong with their AirPods or charging case.
Why It Happens: Battery Optimization Explained
Let me explain why this happens. Apple has designed a battery optimization feature to extend the life of your AirPods. When the battery is consistently charged to 100%, it can degrade faster. To prevent this, Apple introduced a feature that pauses charging at 80% to learn your daily charging routine. Once it knows when you typically remove the AirPods from the charger, it will complete the charge just before you need them.
Is It a Feature or a Bug?
You might be asking, is this a feature or a bug? From my perspective as a tech expert, it’s a feature aimed at preserving battery health. However, some users might perceive it as a bug due to the lack of clear communication from Apple. Understanding this feature can help you better manage your AirPods’ battery and avoid unnecessary frustration. If this feature is causing inconvenience, there are steps you can take to disable it, which I will cover in the troubleshooting section.

Common Causes of AirPods Not Charging Past 80%
We already discussed that Airpods have a new feature of optimized battery charging, which is the reason your AirPods not charging past 80%. Still, some users face issues related to Airpods charging. We will discuss here some reasons and causes of Airpods not charging. It can be a software issue, a hardware issue, or maybe some environmental factors hindering Airpods charging. Let’s discuss all the causes one by one and then i suggest troubleshooting steps followed by advanced solutions.
Battery Health Management
As a tech expert, I want to explain how Apple’s battery optimization works. This feature, including Adaptive Charging, is designed to extend your AirPods’ battery life. When you charge your AirPods, the battery optimization feature pauses the charging at 80%. It then learns your daily usage patterns and completes the charge just before you typically need them. This reduces the time your AirPods spend by 100%, which helps maintain battery health over time. While this feature is beneficial for long-term use, it can be frustrating if you’re unaware of its purpose.
Software Issues
Sometimes, software glitches or outdated firmware can cause your AirPods to stop charging at 80%. Firmware updates are essential for keeping your AirPods running smoothly. If you haven’t updated your AirPods in a while, this could be the root of the problem. To fix this, make sure your AirPods are connected to a device with the latest iOS version. Keeping your firmware up-to-date can resolve many charging issues and improve overall performance.
Hardware Problems
Hardware issues can also prevent your AirPods from charging beyond 80%. For instance, a faulty charging case or damaged AirPods could be the culprit. Inspect your charging case for any visible damage or dirt in the charging ports. Also, ensure your AirPods are seated correctly in the case. If you suspect a hardware issue, it might be necessary to contact Apple Support for further assistance or consider getting a replacement.
Environmental Factors
Environmental factors, such as extreme temperatures, can significantly impact your AirPods’ battery performance. Charging your AirPods in very hot or cold conditions can cause the battery to behave erratically and stop charging at 80%. To avoid this, always charge your AirPods in a moderate-temperature environment. Keeping them away from direct sunlight and extreme cold can help maintain optimal battery performance.

Troubleshooting Steps
Check Battery Health
As a tech expert, I recommend checking your AirPods’ battery health using iOS settings. To do this, open your iPhone and go to the Bluetooth settings. Find your AirPods in the list of connected devices and tap the information (i) icon next to them. Here, you can see the battery status of both the AirPods and the charging case. Monitoring this can help you understand if there are any irregularities in battery performance.
Update Firmware
Keeping your AirPods firmware up-to-date is crucial for optimal performance. To ensure your firmware is current, connect your AirPods to your iPhone. Then, place the AirPods in their charging case and make sure it is charging. Your AirPods will automatically update when connected to Wi-Fi. To check the firmware version, go to Settings > General > About > AirPods on your iPhone. Updating firmware can resolve many charging issues.
Reset Your AirPods
Here are the steps how to reset your Airpods
- Place your AirPods in their charging case and close the lid.
- Wait 30 seconds, then open the lid.
- On your iPhone, go to Settings > Bluetooth, and tap the “i” icon next to your AirPods.
- Tap “Forget This Device” and confirm.
- Press and hold the setup button on the back of the case until the status light flashes amber, then white.
- Reconnect your AirPods by holding them close to your iPhone and following the on-screen instructions.
Clean Your AirPods and Case
Dirt and debris can affect charging efficiency. Here are some tips to clean your AirPods and case
- AirPods: Use a soft, dry cloth to clean the exterior. Avoid using liquids. Use a dry cotton swab to clean the speaker mesh gently.
- Charging Case: Use a soft, lint-free cloth to wipe the exterior. For the interior, use a dry cotton swab to remove any debris from the charging ports. Ensure the metal contacts are clean.
Regular cleaning can prevent charging issues and ensure optimal performance.
Avoid Extreme Temperatures
Charging your AirPods in extreme temperatures can harm the battery. Always charge and store your AirPods in a moderate environment, away from direct sunlight or freezing temperatures. Avoid leaving them in a hot car or outside in the cold. Keeping them in a stable, room-temperature environment ensures the battery remains healthy and charges efficiently.

Advanced Solutions
Disable Optimized Battery Charging
As a tech expert, I can guide you on how to disable the Optimized Battery Charging feature on your iOS device. Here’s how you can do it:
- Open the Settings app on your iPhone.
- Scroll down and tap on Battery.
- Tap on Battery Health.
- You will see the Optimized Battery Charging option. Toggle it off to disable this feature.
By disabling Optimized Battery Charging, your AirPods will charge to 100% without pausing at 80%. However, this might slightly reduce the long-term battery health.
Contact Apple Support
If you’ve tried all the troubleshooting steps and your AirPods still won’t charge past 80%, it might be time to seek professional help. Contacting Apple Support can provide you with expert assistance. You can reach out through the Apple Support app on your iPhone or visit the Apple Support website. If necessary, you might be advised to visit an Apple Store or an authorized service provider for a more thorough examination and potential repairs.
Battery Replacement
In some cases, the issue might be due to a degraded battery. If your AirPods or charging case battery is no longer holding a full charge, a battery replacement might be necessary. Here’s how the process works:
- Contact Apple Support: Initiate the process by contacting Apple Support for an evaluation.
- Service Appointment: Schedule an appointment at an Apple Store or an authorized service provider.
- Evaluation: A technician will evaluate the battery’s health and confirm if a replacement is needed.
- Replacement: If approved, the battery replacement will be done. Note that this service may have an associated cost if your AirPods are out of warranty.
By following these steps, you can restore your AirPods to full charging capacity.

Preventive Measures
Best Practices for AirPods Battery Health
Maintaining good battery health is essential for long-lasting AirPods performance. Here are some tips
- Avoid extreme temperatures Keep your AirPods and charging case in a moderate environment.
- Use official accessories Charge your AirPods using the official charging cable and case.
- Regularly charge your AirPods Don’t let the battery drain completely before charging.
Regular Maintenance
Routine maintenance can keep your AirPods in top condition. Here’s what you should do
- Clean regularly Clean your AirPods and charging case as mentioned earlier to avoid debris build-up.
- Check for updates Regularly check for firmware updates to ensure your AirPods are running the latest software.
- Store properly When not in use, store your AirPods in the charging case to keep them safe and charged.
Software Updates
Keeping your iOS and AirPods firmware updated is crucial for performance and security. Here’s why it matters
- Bug fixes Updates often include fixes for known issues, including charging problems.
- Performance improvements Updates can enhance the overall performance and efficiency of your AirPods.
- Security enhancements Firmware updates can also include security patches to protect your devices.
To check for updates, go to Settings > General > Software Update on your iPhone and ensure your AirPods are connected and charging for automatic firmware updates. You can buy a new cable and adapter for Airpods charging here
FAQs
Why is my AirPod not charging past 80%?
Your AirPods may not charge past 80% due to Apple’s battery optimization feature, which is designed to extend battery lifespan by reducing the time spent at full charge. This feature learns your charging habits and completes the charge to 100% just before you typically use them, thus maintaining battery health over time.
Why won’t my AirPods Pro charge to 100%?
AirPods Pro, like other AirPods models, may not charge to 100% immediately due to Apple’s Optimized Battery Charging feature. This feature ensures that the battery is not constantly kept at maximum charge, which can degrade battery health. If you need to charge them to 100% immediately, you can disable this feature in your iPhone’s Settings under Battery > Battery Health > Optimized Battery Charging.
Why does my iPhone stop charging at 80%?
Similar to AirPods, iPhones may stop charging at 80% due to the Optimized Battery Charging feature. This feature aims to prolong battery lifespan by reducing the time spent at full charge. It learns your charging routine and completes the charge to 100% just before you typically use your iPhone, thereby optimizing battery health over time.
How do I reset my AirPods to 100%?
To reset your AirPods and ensure they charge to 100%:
1. Place both AirPods in the charging case and close the lid.
2. Wait about 30 seconds, then open the lid.
3. Press and hold the setup button on the back of the case until the status light flashes amber, then white.
4. Your AirPods are now reset. Reconnect them to your devices and ensure they charge fully to 100% during the next charging cycle.
These FAQs provide concise answers to common issues related to AirPods charging and resetting, helping users understand and troubleshoot their devices effectively.
Conclusion
Understanding the nuances of AirPods charging behaviors, such as not reaching 100% or stopping at 80%, is crucial for maintaining their long-term performance. By recognizing features like Apple’s Optimized Battery Charging, users can ensure their AirPods’ batteries remain healthy over time. Whether it’s adjusting settings, seeking professional assistance from Apple Support for persistent issues, or simply resetting the AirPods to optimize charging, proactive maintenance is key. Remember, regular updates and proper charging practices contribute significantly to maximizing AirPods’ lifespan and ensuring seamless performance. For further assistance or detailed troubleshooting, don’t hesitate to consult Apple Support or explore comprehensive guides from trusted sources.