Why AirPods Max Won't Charge? 7 Simple Troubleshooting Methods

Oct 12, 2023 - Views: 5418

Rating: 4.9 - 50Votes

The AirPods Max looks too promising. It is a top-tier closed-back headphone with strong bass and a spacious soundstage.

But one of the most frequent problems is that the AirPods Max won't charge, which can occasionally be a hardware or software problem. 

We have provided a step-by-step way to fix the charging problem, but let's first understand what happened to your AirPods Max.

Why won't my AirPods Max charge?

Why won't my AirPods Max charge?

But before jumping into the issue of my AirPod Max won't turn on and possible solutions, make sure you’ve got a high-quality pair of over-head headphones from Apple.

Opt for a new one if cost is not an obstacle; you'll be okay with a renewed pair instead.

Issue: AirPods Max Won’t Charge

In addition to how to charge AirPods Max, other issues with charging AirPods Max are they don’t charge past 70%, and AirPod Max not charging no light.

AirPods Max not charging past 70%

The concern that my AirPods Max won't charge over 70% has been reported by many users. 

Luckily, Apple has introduced a special function to the AirPods that optimizes battery charging and promotes prolonged battery life. 

This feature is an independent feature that can be engaged or deleted from the AirPods settings to address the problem.

If the issues persist even and you are still unable to fully charge the device after the function is enabled, there might be a number of causes. 

AirPod Max won't charge past 70%

AirPod Max won't charge past 70%

First, check to see if you have a valid charger, which is important for the device's compatibility. 

Next, see if you have a sufficient power source to charge your AirPods up to 100%.

If not, you may get a new AirPods Max charger!

AirPods Max not charging no light

When it comes to how to charge AirPods, if you use a USB cable and adapter, make sure the adapter is connected to the AirPods first.

Now, check the power supply.

If everything is in order but AirPods Max charging light goes off, check the adapter by plugging in a different device to the charger. 

Replace it if the connecting wire or adapter has been damaged.

How to fix the AirPod Max charging light not on?

How to fix the AirPod Max charging light not on?

If the connection is flawless and the adapter is in good condition, examine if the charging case is in good working order. 

Use the cable that came with the AirPods if your AirPods aren't charging even using a wireless charger.

How to Fix Apple AirPods Max Not Charging?

The premium over-ear headphones from Apple, the AirPods Max, also have charging-related problems. 

The issue is now being experienced by many individuals.

You can find out how to fix it in under five minutes in this part!

What to do if AirPod Max won't charge?

What to do if my AirPod Max won't charge?

Check the software updates

Why are my AirPods Max not charging? It can be due to a software problem. 

Apple frequently releases software upgrades to address this sort of bug. 

If you haven't updated yet, do it now and it could fix the problem. 

If the bug persists even after you update the software and your issue still doesn't seem to be resolved, there may be a hardware problem.

Check the software update to solve AirPod Max not charging

Check the software update to solve AirPod Max not charging

Check battery status

Don't forget to check the AirPods' battery to see if it is functional. 

Replace the battery with a new one if there is a problem. 

If not, check the connection between the AirPods and the USB charging adapter. 

Use the cable that came with the AirPods if you're using a wireless charger.

Pay attention to the battery status

Pay attention to the battery status

Clean your AirPods

The AirPods should be kept intact so that no external object enters the casing. 

Maintaining the cleanliness of your AirPods Max and Smart Case will also help ensure that they continue to function properly for a very long time. 

Here are the things you will need to clean your AirPods. (read more: How to clean AirPod Max ear cups)

Remember that these cleaning suggestions only apply to the exterior of your AirPods Max before you begin the cleaning procedure! 

The Lightning port and ear cups of your AirPods Max should not be cleaned in this manner.

Make sure your AirPods Max are clean

Make sure your AirPods Max are clean

Clean the surface of your AirPods Max

  • Grab a dry, lint-free cloth 

  • Clean the outside of your AirPods Max

  • Use a Clorox wipe or a wipe with 70% isopropyl alcohol if the smudges on the external surface of your AirPods Max are more difficult to remove

Clean the Smart Case

  • Use the cloth to clean the Smart Cases both inside and  outside

  • Use a Clorox wipe or a wipe with 70% isopropyl alcohol for stickier smudges and dirt

Steps to clean the AirPods case

Steps to clean the AirPods case

Clean the Lightning port

  • Grab a fresh toothbrush or an anti-static brush

  • Clean out the Lightning port of any lint, debris, or gunk

You can watch this video for more detailed instructions:

Check your charging case

AirPods Max are not charging?

Connect the charging case to the charger without the AirPods to diagnose the problem. 

If the case charges in 15 minutes yet the battery only lasts for 3 hours of audio playback, the case's battery can be damaged. 

Try replacing your charging case with a new one to hopefully resolve this problem.

Another troubleshooting tip is to check the charging case

Another troubleshooting tip is to check the charging case

Check the lightning cable

Damaged Lightning cables, particularly those used for charging and data transfer between iPhones and PCs, are a frequent cause of iPhone issues.

Because lightning cables typically don't break all at once when they start to fail, diagnosing them can be challenging. 

Due to the design of the cable, an iPhone occasionally keeps charging but can't sync data properly, or vice versa. 

So when troubleshooting, remember to examine carefully!

Steps to inspect the Lightning cable

Steps to inspect the Lightning cable

Reset your AirPods Max

If your AirPods Max are having software problems, you may reset them to start over. 

As soon as the reset is finished, it will be like the first time you connected your AirPods Max to your smartphone.

So here is how to do it:

Steps to reset AirPods Max

Steps to reset AirPods Max

Contact Apple support

You should contact Apple Support as the last resort if none of the troubleshooting measures mentioned above, including factory resetting the AirPods Max, were successful in solving the issue.

Adhere to our instructions below:

  • Step 1: Go to the Apple support page.

Apple support page

Apple support page

  • Step 2: Among the list of devices, pick AirPods.

Select AirPods

Select AirPods

  • Step 3: Click on Power, Battery & Charging.

Select Battery & Charging

Select Battery & Charging

  • Step 4: To contact an Apple customer support representative, choose the chat or call option.

Apple will fix the AirPods Max, depending on the severity of the issue.

If your AirPods Max are still under warranty, the repair will be free.

After scheduling an appointment, you may also bring your AirPods Max right into an Apple store.

You may also contact Apple for support to solve the problem of “Why do my AirPods keep cutting out when fully charged?

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How to know my AirPods Max is charging?

You can check the remaining battery life of your headphones on your iPhone. 

You can tell whether your headphones are charging if the battery level is rising.

Pressing the actual button on the right headphone will also indicate that it is charging. 

If you press the button while your Apple headphone is charging, the LED light will flash orange.

How long does it take to charge Apple AirPods Max?

Your Apple AirPods Max may be fully charged in around 3.5 hours.

With active noise cancellation and spatial audio switched on, the battery life is rather impressive, since you can use them for 20 hours on a single charge.

However, by turning off these functions, you may extend the battery life and use the device for a few more hours.

What do I do if my AirPods Max won't turn on?

You may restart them if AirPods Max not turning on.  

When the LED starts to flash amber, press and hold both the Digital Crown and the noise control button. 

AirPods Max may also be reset to factory default settings.

Conclusion

We hope that we have shown you every solution that might work to resolve the problem with your Apple AirPods Max won't charge. Please share your insightful opinions in the comment section below. If you know of any more effective solutions, please share them with us!

Rating: 4.9 - 50Votes

18 Comments

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  1. Summer Lippiatt

    Summer Lippiatt

    I bought some AirPods Max and they will not charge. I have charged them once but ran out of charge straight away. I need help. The light wont turn on when I charge them

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    1. Barcodelive

      Take it to Apple store for checking and fixing

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  2. Jethro

    Jethro

    Its only two days old and my airpords show signs of charging but they won't turn on

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    1. Barcodelive

      Take it to Apple store for fixing

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  3. Mia

    Mia

    So I just got my AirPods Max like a week ago and I plugged them in to charge and the charging light isn’t appearing to to turn on when being plugged in, but when I hold down the noise control toggle button, it flashes white and then goes to amber and then turns off.
    I can’t connect to them and it seems that they are not charging.
    I’m getting frustrated because I paid big money for them and it’s only been a week and they stopped working

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    1. Kelly Hughes

      Kelly Hughes

      Have you tried the hard reset, where you hold both buttons down? Where did you buy them? Are they legit? If from a reliable retailer, return them asap and get another pair. These are beyond defective.

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    2. Mark Baker

      Mark Baker

      Try putting them in the Smart Case and then trying to charge them.

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    3. Nathan Lee

      Nathan Lee

      If they still do not work, you have 14 days to return them

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  4. Brian Harrison

    Brian Harrison

    Excellent article

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    1. Barcodelive

      Thanks

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  5. Christina Hill

    Christina Hill

    Weird issue I've had with my AirPods Max since I got them. Sometimes I plug them in to charge, and the LED doesn't light up. If I take the cable out and back in again, they'll usually start charging fine. Once they start charging they'll charge all the way up. I thought for a while that the problem was a polarity issue (ie they only work when the cable's plugged in one orientation) but sometimes they work in both orientations).
    I've been dealing with this since I got them, but my AppleCare is expiring at the end of the month. Anyone else run into this? Is this a software bug that's common, or something worth getting repaired?

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    1. Raymond Thompson

      Raymond Thompson

      i've noticed this as well the past few weeks. i honestly didnt think anything of it till you called it out

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    2. Justin Wilson

      Justin Wilson

      iPhones often have this issue with lightning if the port gets a little cruddy inside—or if the contacts are corroding. You could try to clean it with something non-metallic (I’ve used a wood or plastic toothpick on an out-of-warranty iPhone), but honestly I’d go to apple asap. If your lightning contacts are failing you will need a replacement and you probably can’t tell very well at home

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    3. Charlie Marshall

      Charlie Marshall

      Hmm had one for a while but never noticed this. Thanks for the heads up. I’ve also been using those magnetic charging cable so it makes charging so easy and convenient.

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  6. Jessica Shaw

    Jessica Shaw

    My AirPods max won’t charge. I’ve plugged them in with many different chargers and it’s still just showing 1% on my iPad. It’s not showing the charging symbol either

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    1. Anna Price

      Anna Price

      Hopefully this helps anyone see this.
      I had the exact same problem wouldn’t charge only stayed at 1%. So I did a hard reset, which is hold down the noise cancellation button and the crown button at the same time keep holding it. I did it for 10 second then plugged it back in to the same charger and it charges it fine now

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      1. Jessica Shaw

        Jessica Shaw

        thank you this worked!!!!

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      2. Michael Hughes

        Michael Hughes

        This was brilliant. Thank you

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