Tips on How to Make AirPods Last Longer 

Do you own AirPods? Are you wondering why AirPods die fast? Do you want to know how it will last longer? Then, you’re in the right place! Today, let’s talk about our favorite pair of wireless earbuds – AirPods. 

They’re sleek and convenient, and the sound quality is pretty darn good. But there’s one thing that’s bugged me since day one: the battery life. AirPods seem to die way faster than advertised, leaving you scrambling for the charging case mid-podcast or right before your workout playlist kicks in. 

So, what’s the deal? Why do these little guys seem to lose their juice so quickly?

Why AirPods Don’t Last as Long as You Think

The culprit behind the disappearing charge boils down to simple science – batteries, specifically the lithium-ion kind that power most of our electronics these days. While AirPods boast impressive tech, their tiny size presents a major challenge. 

Imagine a shoebox-sized battery for your phone. It would likely hold a charge for days, maybe even a week. Now shrink that battery down to the size of your pinky fingernail—that’s essentially what powers your AirPods. With such a limited capacity, any strain on the battery becomes super noticeable.

Here’s the kicker: all lithium-ion batteries degrade over time, no matter how well you treat them. But the way you use them can significantly impact how fast that degradation happens. Ideally, you want to keep the battery level between 40% and 80%. This is the sweet spot for battery health. 

But we all know the struggle – you use them all day at work, jamming to your tunes or taking calls, and then – bam!  That low battery notification pops up, and before you know it, they’re dead. That constant deep discharge, going from full charge to near empty, really stresses those tiny batteries and shortens their lifespan.

It’s Not Just About Empty to Full

Another battery term that might be helpful here is charge cycles. A full charge cycle doesn’t have to be from 0 to 100%. You can use half the battery, recharge it, and use half again the next day, and that’s still considered one cycle. 

But because AirPods are so convenient to charge – that little case pops right into your pocket and refills them in no time – we tend to zap them all the way down before plugging them back in. That full-to-empty cycle, happening once or twice a day, adds up fast. 

AirPods might have great battery life when they’re brand new, but those deep discharges wear them down quickly. After a year, you might only get half the listening time you used to. And by year two, forget about it – you’re looking at a measly hour of use before they’re kaput.

How AirPods Will Last Longer?

Now, before you resign yourself to constantly replacing your AirPods (because, let’s face it, those things aren’t cheap!), there are a few things you can do to maximize their lifespan.

Be mindful of charging habits

Try to avoid letting your AirPods completely drain before plugging them in.  Keep an eye on the battery level and top them up when they hit around 40%.

Don’t crank the volume all the way up

Blasting your music might sound good at the moment, but it also puts a strain on the battery. Try listening at a moderate volume.

Turn off features you don’t use

Features like automatic ear detection and noise cancellation are cool, but they also drain the battery. If you’re not using them, turn them off.

Store them properly

Avoid extreme temperatures, both hot and cold. When you’re not using them, keep them in the charging case.

By following these tips, you can help extend the life of your AirPods and keep the music playing for longer.

Thank you for reading my blog,

Nicole Russell