Are you on the road and would you like to charge the charging case of your AirPods? Then you can use your iPhone. Unfortunately, charging does not work wirelessly and only if you use the right cable in combination with a suitable iPhone.
Charging the AirPods charging case using your iPhone works best with the latest iPhone models with USB-C port. This also works on the iPad with USB-C. It is a handy emergency solution, because it is of course also at the expense of the battery of your iPhone. We explain what you need.
Charging airpods with your iPhone
You can charge your AirPods with your iPhone, but only via a cable and not wireless. This works with the latest models iPhone or iPad that have a USB-C port. Charging AirPods via your iPhone is slow (maximum 4.5 watts). It is primarily intended as an emergency solution on the road, not as a primary charging method. Your iPhone or iPad delivers electricity to your AirPods, so the battery of this device runs out faster.
Devices that support AirPods tools
Below an overview of all suitable iPhone and iPad models.
- iPhone 15 or newer
- iPad Pro 2018 or newer
- iPad Air 4th generation (2020) or newer
- iPad mini 6th generation (2021) or newer
- iPad 10th generation (2022) or newer
The AirPods Pro 2nd generation from 2023, AirPods Max from 2024, the AirPods 4th generation or newer have a charging case with USB-C port. All older models have a Lightning port.
How does charging work via an iPhone or iPad?
- USB-C to USB-C: If you have an iPhone or iPad with USB-C and an AirPods charging case with USB-C, use a USB-C-to-USB-C cable. Connect one side to your iPhone and the other on your AirPods case. Your AirPods are now charged with the battery of your iPhone
- USB-C to Lightning: If you have an iPhone or iPad with USB-C and an AirPods charging case with a Lightning port, use a USB-C-to-lighting cable.
iPhone with lightning
If you have an iPhone or iPad that still has a Lightning port, it is more cumbersome to charge your AirPods charging case via your iPhone or iPad. You then need a lightning-to-usb camera adapter, in combination with a USB-a-Naar-USB-C cable. Sometimes the charging stops due to current restrictions. In fact, these iPhone and iPad models are not made to charge other devices.