How to Charge Your AirPods and Earbuds: Wireless and Wired Options

Quick Answer

To charge your AirPods or wireless earbuds, place them in their charging case and connect the case to a power source using the included cable or a compatible wireless charger. For the most convenient experience, use a magnetic wireless charger that snaps onto the case, or a compact wall charger with USB-C for fast, reliable power.

Charging your AirPods or wireless earbuds is straightforward once you know your options. Whether you're at home, at your desk, or traveling, you can keep your earbuds ready by using the charging case with a wired connection or a wireless charging pad. This guide walks through the steps for both methods and highlights what to look for in a charger.

Most earbuds, including AirPods, come with a case that holds extra charges. The case itself needs to be powered, and you can do that with a cable or by placing it on a wireless charger. Understanding the differences helps you pick the right setup for your routine.

Wireless Charging: How to Charge Your Earbuds Case Without Cables

Wireless charging is the most convenient way to top up your earbuds case. If your case supports wireless charging, you can simply place it on a Qi-compatible charging pad or a magnetic charger. Magnetic options, like the CHAMP Wireless Magnetic Portable Charger, snap onto the back of compatible cases, making alignment effortless and reducing the chance of a failed charge.

When using a wireless charger, ensure the case is centered on the pad or properly aligned with the magnetic connector. A common mistake is placing the case on a non-compatible surface or using a charger that doesn't support your device's wireless standard. Always check your earbuds' specifications to confirm wireless charging is supported.

• Use a magnetic charger for automatic alignment and a secure connection.
• Remove thick cases or metal attachments that might interfere with wireless charging.

Wired Charging: Using USB-C and Wall Chargers

Wired charging is often faster and more reliable, especially when you're in a hurry. Most modern earbuds cases, including AirPods Pro and many others, use a USB-C port. Connect the case to a wall charger using a USB-C cable. The WALLY Wall Charger (65W) delivers high-speed power to compatible devices, making it a solid choice for charging your earbuds case quickly, even when you're also charging other gadgets.

For travel, a compact wall charger like the WALLY SubNano 20W Wall Charger is ideal. It provides 20W output, which is more than enough for earbuds cases. The small form factor means it won't take up much space in your bag. A common mistake is using a low-wattage charger from an old phone; while it will still charge, it may be slower than necessary.

• Always use a quality USB-C cable that supports power delivery.
• Check the charger's wattage: 20W or higher is plenty for earbuds cases.

Combining Wireless and Wired: What Works Best for You

Your choice between wireless and wired charging depends on your lifestyle. If you value convenience and often charge at your desk or nightstand, a wireless charging pad or magnetic charger is great. The WALLY Pro Wireless Magnetic Portable Wall Charger combines a wall plug with wireless magnetic charging, letting you charge your earbuds case and other devices without extra cables.

If you need speed and efficiency, wired charging is the way to go. A wall charger with USB-C will power your case faster than most wireless pads. For those who travel frequently, a portable wall charger like the WALLY Pro Portable Wall Charger offers a compact solution that fits in your pocket. Consider carrying both a wireless option for home and a wired charger for on-the-go top-ups.

• Use wireless charging for convenience at home or office.
• Keep a compact wall charger in your bag for travel and emergencies.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Charging Earbuds

One common mistake is leaving your earbuds case on a wireless charger overnight. While modern chargers have safety features, prolonged exposure to heat can degrade battery health over time. It's better to unplug once the case is fully charged.

Another mistake is using a charger that is not compatible with your device. For example, some older wireless chargers may not support the magnetic alignment your case needs. Also, avoid using cheap cables that may not support proper power delivery, leading to slow or intermittent charging. Always use certified accessories when possible.

• Don't expose your earbuds case to extreme temperatures while charging.
• If your case doesn't charge wirelessly, use the wired method instead of forcing it.

Step-by-Step: Charge Your Earbuds the Right Way

1. Check your earbuds case for charging indicators: Before charging, look for an LED light on the case. It usually shows the battery status. If the light is off, the case may be completely drained, and you'll need to plug it in. A quick status check helps you know if you need a full charge or just a top-up.
2. Choose your charging method: wireless or wired: Decide based on convenience and speed. For wireless, place the case on a Qi pad or magnetic charger. For wired, connect a USB-C cable to a wall charger. Wireless is great for desk use; wired is faster when you're in a rush.
3. Connect to power and monitor the charge: Plug in the charger and ensure the case is properly seated or connected. Watch for the LED to indicate charging. If it doesn't light up, adjust the alignment or try a different cable. Proper alignment and a good cable prevent failed charging sessions.
4. Unplug when fully charged: Once the LED turns green or goes off, disconnect the charger. Leaving it plugged in can generate unnecessary heat, which may affect long-term battery health. Unplugging at full charge helps prolong battery lifespan.

Chargers That Work Well with Earbuds Cases

• CHAMP Wireless Magnetic Portable Charger: The CHAMP Wireless Magnetic Portable Charger from Nimble offers convenient, cable-free power for your compatible devices. Designed for on-the-go charging, this portable charger combines wireless convenience with a magnetic attachment for easy use. If your earbuds case supports magnetic wireless charging, this charger snaps on for a secure connection, making it easy to top up while you're out.
• WALLY Pro Wireless Magnetic Portable Wall Charger: The WALLY Pro Wireless Magnetic Portable Wall Charger combines a compact wall charger with the convenience of wireless magnetic charging. Designed for on-the-go use, it offers a simple way to keep your compatible devices powered up. This 2-in-1 option lets you charge your earbuds wirelessly without needing a separate pad, ideal for travel and small spaces.
• WALLY Wall Charger (65W): The WALLY Wall Charger (65W) delivers high-speed performance for your everyday charging needs, with 65W power output for fast charging of compatible smartphones, tablets, and laptops. When you need a quick wired charge for your earbuds case, this charger provides ample power and can also handle other devices simultaneously.
• WALLY SubNano 20W Wall Charger: The WALLY SubNano 20W Wall Charger delivers efficient power in a compact design, ideal for everyday charging needs, with 20W output for fast charging of compatible devices. A small, travel-friendly charger that's more than sufficient for earbuds cases, so you can keep your kit light.

Charging your AirPods or wireless earbuds is simple once you understand your options. Whether you prefer the convenience of wireless magnetic charging or the speed of a USB-C wall charger, choosing the right method keeps your earbuds ready when you need them. Remember to check compatibility, avoid common mistakes, and unplug when full to maintain battery health.