The right AirPod usually won't charge because of a poor connection between the bud and the case, debris blocking the charging pins, or a battery that has failed inside the earbud itself

The charging pins on your AirPod and inside the case are small and easily blocked by lint, earwax, or dried sweat. Even a thin layer of buildup stops electrical contact completely. The right earbud sits in the same case as the left one, so if only the right side fails to charge, the problem is almost always the connection between that specific bud and its slot — not the case battery itself.

Start by cleaning both the pins on the AirPod and the metal contacts inside the case. Use a dry cotton swab or a soft, lint-free cloth. Do not use water, rubbing alcohol, or any liquid — moisture can damage the internal circuitry. Gently wipe the three small gold or copper pins on the bottom of the right AirPod, then wipe the corresponding contacts inside the right slot of the case. Let everything air-dry for a few minutes before placing the bud back in the case.

Key Takeaways

  • Cleaning the charging pins on the AirPod and inside the case with a dry cloth solves the problem in most cases.
  • Make sure the AirPod sits flat and centered in its slot — a tilted or loose fit breaks the electrical connection.
  • If cleaning does not work, reset the AirPods by holding the button on the back of the case for 15 seconds until the light flashes amber, then white.
  • A battery that has failed inside the earbud cannot be repaired at home and requires a replacement from Apple.

Check that the AirPod is sitting properly in the case

The right AirPod must sit flat and centered in its charging slot. If it tilts, rocks, or sits too high, the pins lose contact with the case contacts and charging stops. Press the AirPod down gently until you feel it click or seat fully. The bud should not move when you nudge it lightly.

Inspect the slot itself for damage. If the metal contacts inside the case are bent, cracked, or pushed inward, they cannot make contact with the pins on the AirPod. Bent contacts are difficult to straighten without damaging them further, and this usually means the case needs replacement.

Reset your AirPods through the case

A reset clears any pairing or software glitches that might prevent charging from working. Place both AirPods in the case and close the lid. Wait 30 seconds, then open the lid. On the back of the case, hold down the small button (the setup button) for 15 seconds. The LED light on the front of the case will flash amber, then white. Release the button when you see white.

After the reset, the AirPods will unpair from your devices. You will need to pair them again by opening the case near your iPhone, iPad, or Mac and following the on-screen prompts. Once paired, place the right AirPod in the case and leave it there for at least 15 minutes to see if charging begins. Check the LED light — it should turn green when fully charged.

Verify the case itself has power

If the case battery is empty, neither AirPod will charge. Connect the case to a power source using its Lightning cable or USB-C cable (depending on your AirPods model). Plug the cable into a wall adapter or computer USB port and wait at least 30 minutes. The LED light on the front of the case should turn amber while charging and green when full.

If the LED does not light up at all, try a different cable and power adapter. A damaged cable or a faulty wall outlet can prevent the case from charging. If the case still does not respond after trying multiple cables and outlets, the case battery may have failed and the case itself may need replacement.

Look for physical damage to the right AirPod

Inspect the right AirPod for cracks, dents, or water damage. If the earbud has been dropped, sat on, or exposed to moisture, the internal battery or charging circuit may be damaged. Water damage is particularly common — even brief exposure to sweat during a workout or a splash from a sink can corrode the internal components.

If you see visible damage or if the AirPod has been wet, let it dry completely in a warm, dry place for at least 24 hours before testing again. Do not attempt to dry it with heat (a hair dryer, oven, or radiator can damage it further). If the AirPod still will not charge after drying, the internal damage is likely permanent.

Try charging the left AirPod in the right slot

Place your left AirPod in the right charging slot of the case. If the left AirPod charges normally in the right slot, the problem is the right AirPod itself — the battery or charging circuit inside it has failed. If the left AirPod also fails to charge in the right slot, the problem is the case, not the individual earbud.

This test takes only a minute and tells you exactly where the fault lies. It saves you from replacing the wrong part or troubleshooting the wrong device.

When to replace the AirPod or case

If cleaning, resetting, and testing have not worked, and the right AirPod will not charge in any slot of the case, the battery inside the AirPod has likely failed. Apple does not repair individual AirPods — they replace them. You can buy a single replacement AirPod directly from Apple's website or an Apple Store. The cost varies by model, but a single replacement earbud typically costs between $60 and $80.

If the left AirPod also fails to charge in the right slot, the case itself is the problem. The case battery or the charging contacts have failed. A replacement case costs more than a single earbud but less than a full new pair of AirPods.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my AirPods if only the right one charges?

Yes, you can use the left AirPod alone for phone calls, music, or podcasts. However, you will hear audio only in one ear. If you need stereo sound or both ears, you will need the right AirPod to charge and work.

Will AppleCare cover a right AirPod that won't charge?

AppleCare+ for AirPods covers accidental damage and battery issues, but not normal wear. If the battery has straightforward degraded after years of use, it may not be covered. If the AirPod was damaged by accident or water, AppleCare+ usually covers a replacement at no cost beyond your plan fee.

How long does it take for a right AirPod to charge?

A single AirPod typically charges fully in about 15 to 20 minutes when placed in the case. If your right AirPod is taking much longer or not charging at all after 30 minutes, the charging connection is broken or the battery has failed.

What if I cleaned the pins but the right AirPod still won't charge?

Try resetting the AirPods by holding the button on the back of the case for 15 seconds. If that does not work, test the left AirPod in the right slot. If the left AirPod charges in the right slot, the right AirPod battery has failed and needs replacement. If the left AirPod also fails to charge there, the case is the problem.