Which AirPods Have Wireless Charging? A Complete Guide

Introduction

Have you ever found yourself searching through countless product listings, wondering which AirPods have wireless charging? When all you want to do is upgrade to a set of AirPods that charge wirelessly, it sucks that that information is either hidden in specs or so inherently confusing that you can’t decipher it for yourself.

In this blog, we are going to explain it to you. We’ll sort it all out, so you can dismiss the marketing jargon and choose your AirPods based on reality. Whether you’re new to AirPods or just want to upgrade, we’ve got the specs on every version of Apple’s popular in-ear buds to help you choose the right pair for you. Keep reading to learn more!

Why Wireless Charging Matters for AirPods

Wireless charging is one of the most convenient features you can have in your tech devices, and which AirPods have wireless charging is a question many users ask when looking to upgrade their audio experience.No more twirling around wires or annoying plugs — just set your AirPods case on a wireless charger and it will instantly start charging. This is a time-saver and a game-changer for the charging process overall especially since both iPhone and Apple Watch are supported The Mophie 4-in-1 wireless charging mat Benefits/Uses This is a time-saver and a game-changer for the charging process overall especially if you have iOS and iPhone devices that support wireless charging.

There’s also been changes in wireless fast-charging technology, this has made wireless charging faster, with higher efficiency. Newer AirPods models with Qi-certified charging coming your way While this will mean faster charging and improved battery life management. With a hassle-free setup and easy-to-use design, the user experience is greatly enhanced when you no longer have to deal with messy charging cables and have your device in and out of a dock or stand.

Which AirPods Models Support Wireless Charging?

The same applies to AirPods with wireless charging: you need to know which models feature this option. Here’s a quick breakdown:

With the AirPods 2nd Generation: wireless charging is only compatible with AirPods with Wireless Charging Case, which can either be charged wirelessly using a Qi-compatible mat or via Lightning.
AirPods 3rd Generation: All AirPods 3rd gen versions are supplied with a wireless charging case.
AirPods Pro (1st and 2nd Gen): Two models of AirPods Pro will include a wireless charging case.
AirPods Max: The AirPods Max don’t have wireless charging built in, but you can charge them with a Lightning-to-USB-C cable.

And if you’re specifically in the market for AirPods that support wireless charging, be sure to double-check the type of case. It’s all about the wireless charging case.

How to Identify AirPods with Wireless Charging

Identifying which AirPods have wireless charging can be quite simple. First, check the case. Wireless charging AirPods come with a case with a small LED light.This LED light is used to indicate charging status: green means fully charged, while amber means the case is charging or needs a recharge.

Another simple way to verify is to look at the model number. That’s easy enough because if you have 2nd generation AirPods with a wireless charging case, it says so right on the box — or at least in the product description. In the same vein, AirPods 3rd generation and both versions of AirPods Pro arrive with wireless charging cases as standard.

Comparison of AirPods with and without Wireless Charging

The primary difference between wireless charging AirPods and non-wireless charging ones plainly comes down to convenience. The AirPods 2, for example, offer wireless charging only in the wireless charging case version. This also means if you have the regular case, you won’t be able to charge using a cable. In contrast, the third-gen AirPods and AirPods Pro both come with a wireless charging case, allowing you to charge without a cable.

In terms of cost, the models that answer the question which AirPods have wireless charging tend to be slightly more expensive, but the added convenience is often worth the price for many users. If you’re someone who values a cable-free charging experience, it’s a good investment.

How to Use Wireless Charging with AirPods

AirPods placed on a wireless charging pad

Wireless charging your AirPods is incredibly quick and easy. Just set your AirPods case on the charger, with the front part of the case (LED indicator included) facing up, and you’re ready to go. If your charger is MagSafe, the case will magnetically snap into place, for perfect alignment to enable optimal charging.

Just be sure to plug your charger into a power source, and you should notice a charging status light on your case, too. There’ll also be a green LED which indicates it is fully charged and an amber LED which means either charging is on or the charge is low. Just be sure to sit the charger on a flat surface and your case is aligned on there correctly for best results.

Best Charging Case for AirPods with Wireless Charging

All charging cases are not made equal. The official Apple wireless charging case is reliable and compatible, but you can buy a third-party option too. Considerations when buying a charging case:

Qi-certification: Compatible with most wireless chargers.
Fast charging capabilities: Faster charging speeds are supported in some, so you don’t have to wait as long for your AirPods to fill up.
Durability: Find a case that’s durable enough to handle daily life, but still delivers plenty of protection for your AirPods.

If, on the other hand, you prefer the official Apple charging case, those are easy to come by and are sometimes sold with AirPods Pro and AirPods 3rd Gen.

Common Issues with Wireless Charging in AirPods

AirPods not charging properly on a wireless pad

Wireless charging is helpful, but there might be some hiccups here and there where your AirPods do not charge as they are expected to. Here are some common problems:

Misalignment: If the positioning of your AirPods case on the charging pad isn’t just right, it won’t be charging. That’s assuming it’s centered on the charger.
Low battery or non-functional charger: Or if the charger is depleted or defective, your AirPods won’t charge. Upon checking the charger, test the power, and then try another device to confirm it is working.
Charging case issues: If the case is inoperative or has a hardware issue, it might not be able to wireless charge, even if it’s officially certified.

If you want to troubleshoot, you can look for possible physical damage, inspect for proper alignment, and use another charger if necessary. If the problem still exists, it might be time to reach out to Apple Support.

Conclusion

Now that you know which AirPods have wireless charging and how to use it, it’s easier to make an informed decision. Whether you choose AirPods 2 with a wireless charging case or the more advanced AirPods 3 or Pro, you’re investing in a tech upgrade that offers real convenience. Wireless charging means you never have to fiddle with cords when it’s time to power up.

Want to go wireless? You’ll still need to scrutinize your model’s case and compatibility. Now there are so many options, you’ll be charging your AirPods with ease in no time.

FAQ’s

How do I know if AirPods have wireless charging?

Look for a small LED light on the front of the case to see if your AirPods are wireless-charging compatible.

Do AirPods 2 support wireless charging?

AirPods 2 are capable of wireless charging, but only if they include the wireless charging case. Wired connection is needed for use of the standard case.

Do all generations of AirPods have wireless charging?

All AirPods generations do not have wireless charging, no. The only AirPods that support wireless charging are the AirPods 2 (with wireless charging case), AirPods 3 and AirPods Pro.

Do AirPods 4 support wireless charging?

The AirPods 4 have not been released and it is still unknown whether they will be wireless charging compatible. For official notifications from Apple, keep watching this space.