How Long Do Second-Gen AirPods Last? The Truth Behind Battery Life

Second-generation AirPods, those ubiquitous little white buds that launched in 2019, typically last for around 5 hours of listening time on a single charge. This figure applies to music playback and talk time. Combined with the charging case, you can expect around 24 hours of total listening time before needing to plug the case itself into a power source. However, the actual lifespan you experience can vary significantly based on usage habits, volume levels, and the age of your AirPods.

Understanding AirPod Battery Degradation

Like all rechargeable batteries, the batteries inside your second-generation AirPods are subject to degradation over time. This means that their capacity gradually decreases with each charge cycle. The more frequently you use and charge your AirPods, the faster this degradation will occur. So, while they might have offered 5 hours of listening time when new, after a year or two of regular use, that number could drop to 3 or 4 hours, or even less.

Several factors contribute to this battery decline:

• Number of Charge Cycles: Each time you fully charge and discharge the AirPods, it counts as a charge cycle. Lithium-ion batteries, like those in AirPods, have a limited number of charge cycles before they start to significantly degrade.
• High Volume Levels: Consistently listening to music or podcasts at maximum volume puts a greater strain on the battery, accelerating the degradation process.
• Temperature: Extreme temperatures, both hot and cold, can negatively impact battery health. Leaving your AirPods in a hot car or exposing them to freezing temperatures can shorten their lifespan.
• Deep Discharges: Regularly letting your AirPods completely discharge before charging them can also contribute to faster battery degradation. It’s generally better to charge them more frequently and avoid letting them reach zero percent.

Maximizing the Lifespan of Your Second-Gen AirPods

While battery degradation is inevitable, there are steps you can take to slow down the process and extend the lifespan of your second-generation AirPods.

• Avoid Extreme Temperatures: As mentioned earlier, temperature is a major factor. Store and use your AirPods in moderate temperatures whenever possible. Don’t leave them in direct sunlight or in a hot car.
• Charge Regularly, But Not Necessarily to 100%: Top them up frequently, but don’t obsess over keeping them fully charged all the time. Partial charges are often better for lithium-ion batteries than constantly topping them off from low levels to full.
• Lower the Volume: Listening at lower volume levels reduces the power consumption of the AirPods, helping to preserve battery life and slow down degradation.
• Store Them Properly: When not in use, store your AirPods in their charging case. This protects them from physical damage and helps maintain their charge.
• Consider One AirPod At a Time: This might sound odd, but if you’re primarily listening to podcasts or audiobooks, consider using only one AirPod at a time. When one dies, swap to the other. This effectively doubles your listening time before needing to charge.

When is it Time to Replace Your AirPods?

Knowing when to replace your AirPods is a personal decision, but here are some signs that it might be time for an upgrade:

• Significantly Reduced Battery Life: If your AirPods are only lasting for an hour or two on a single charge, even after trying the tips mentioned above, it’s a clear sign that the battery has degraded significantly.
• Inconsistent Charging: If your AirPods are charging erratically or not charging at all, it could indicate a battery or charging port issue.
• Audio Quality Problems: While not directly related to battery life, crackling, distorted, or significantly quieter audio can also be a sign that your AirPods are nearing the end of their lifespan.
• Newer Models Offer Significant Improvements: The technology behind AirPods has advanced considerably since the second generation. Newer models offer features like active noise cancellation, spatial audio, and longer battery life. If these features appeal to you, it might be worth upgrading.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Second-Gen AirPods Battery Life

Here are 12 frequently asked questions about second-generation AirPods, covering various aspects of their battery life and performance.

1. How can I check the battery life of my AirPods and charging case?

You can check the battery life of your AirPods and charging case in several ways:

• On your iPhone: Open the charging case near your iPhone (with the AirPods inside). A card will appear on your iPhone screen showing the battery percentage of both the AirPods and the case.
• Using the Batteries Widget: Add the Batteries widget to your iPhone’s Today View. This widget will display the battery percentage of your AirPods and charging case whenever they are connected to your iPhone.
• On your Apple Watch: Open Control Center on your Apple Watch, then tap the battery percentage icon.
• On your Mac: Click the Bluetooth icon in the menu bar. Select your AirPods from the list of devices.

2. Do different activities affect AirPod battery life?

Yes, different activities consume varying amounts of power. Streaming music typically consumes more battery than taking phone calls. Using features like Siri activation and automatic ear detection can also slightly reduce battery life.

3. Does using just one AirPod at a time extend the overall listening time?

Absolutely. Using only one AirPod at a time and switching to the other when the first one runs low effectively doubles your listening time. This is a great strategy for podcasts, audiobooks, or situations where you don’t need stereo sound.

4. Can I replace the battery in my second-generation AirPods?

Officially, Apple does not offer battery replacement services for AirPods. However, they may offer a replacement for a single AirPod or the charging case for a fee, if the battery is determined to be faulty and the AirPods are still under warranty or covered by AppleCare+. Some third-party repair shops may offer battery replacement, but this is not recommended due to the complexity of the procedure and the risk of damaging the AirPods.

5. How long does it take to fully charge the second-generation AirPods?

It takes approximately 20 minutes to fully charge the AirPods inside the charging case. The charging case itself takes about 2 hours to fully charge using a Lightning cable.

6. Does the wireless charging case impact battery lifespan?

The type of charging (wired or wireless) does not significantly impact the long-term battery lifespan. The main factors affecting battery health are temperature, charge cycles, and extreme discharge levels, as discussed earlier.

7. What does the LED light on the charging case indicate?

The LED light on the charging case provides information about the charging status:

• Green: Fully charged.
• Amber: Charging or less than one full charge remaining in the case.
• White (flashing): Ready to pair with a device.
• Amber (flashing): An error occurred during charging or pairing.

8. How does cold weather affect AirPod battery life?

Cold weather can temporarily reduce the performance and battery life of your AirPods. The batteries are less efficient in cold temperatures, resulting in shorter listening times. However, the battery performance should return to normal once the AirPods are warmed up.

9. Can I use a different charging cable than the one that came with my AirPods?

Yes, you can use any standard Lightning cable to charge the charging case. However, it is recommended to use a cable that is certified by Apple (MFi certified) to ensure compatibility and prevent potential damage.

10. How do I reset my AirPods if they are not charging properly or are experiencing other issues?

To reset your AirPods:

1. Place the AirPods in the charging case and close the lid.
2. Wait 30 seconds.
3. Open the lid.
4. On your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch, go to Settings > Bluetooth and tap the “i” icon next to your AirPods.
5. Tap “Forget This Device” and confirm.
6. With the lid open, press and hold the setup button on the back of the charging case for about 15 seconds, until the status light flashes amber, then white.
7. Your AirPods are now reset and ready to be paired again.

11. Does keeping AirPods in the charging case when fully charged damage the battery?

It’s generally best to avoid keeping any lithium-ion battery at 100% charge for extended periods. While modern charging circuits have built-in protections, constantly keeping the AirPods at full charge inside the case could contribute to slightly faster battery degradation over the long term. However, the effect is likely minimal.

12. What are some alternatives to buying new AirPods if the battery life is poor?

• Check for AppleCare+ coverage: If your AirPods are covered by AppleCare+, you might be able to get a replacement for a fee if the battery is deemed faulty.
• Consider professional repair: Some third-party repair shops specialize in AirPod repairs, including battery replacement. However, proceed with caution, as the repair process is complex and could potentially damage the AirPods.
• Buy refurbished AirPods: Refurbished AirPods are often available at a lower price than new ones and may offer a more cost-effective solution than buying a brand new pair. Ensure the seller offers a warranty.