Apple’s AirPods and AirPods Pro come in a sleek charging case. This case contains an internal battery with which you can charge the AirPods. The AirPods Max and the AirPods charging case also contain a small status light and can glow green, orange or white, flashing or not.
The color and state indicate the status of the connection and battery. This allows you to know the battery status at a glance. The status light will activate when you open the charging case or remove or use the AirPods Max from the Smart Case.
Where is the status light located?
- First generation AirPods: inside of the charging case between the two earphones.
- Second generation with regular charging case: inside of the charging case between the two earphones.
- Second generation AirPods with wireless charging case: front of the charging case.
- AirPods 3rd generation: front of the charging case.
- AirPods 4th generation: hidden on the front of the charging case.
- All AirPods Pro models: front of the charging case.
- AirPods Max: Near the Lightning or USB-C port located in the right earcup.
Status light in the AirPods charging case
We distinguish two different degrees for the status light. The AirPods in or (just) out of the case. When the Pods are in the case, the status light tells something about the Pods. When these are not installed, the light shows the status of the charging case. The universal color is white.
When the light flashes white, the Bluetooth search connection is active. You activate this by pressing and holding the button on the back of the case. You can then manually establish a connection.
AirPods in the case and while charging
- Light turns green ▸ the AirPods are charged
- Light turns orange ▸ the AirPods are charging
Charging case when it does not contain AirPods
- Light turns green ▸ battery can fully charge the AirPods at least one more time
- Light turns orange ▸ less than one battery charge remaining
AirPods Max status light
- Light turns green ▸ remaining charge of more than 15%
- Light turns orange ▸ the battery status is less than 15%
Blinking AirPods status light
- Light flashes white: Bluetooth is active and a connection can be made
- Light flashes orange: Can no longer connect, it is best to restore the AirPods
Charging case is charging
When you charge the AirPods Max or charging case using the lightning, USB-C cable or wirelessly, the status light will turn orange. When the case or Max is fully charged, the status light will be green and the charging process is complete.