Can You Charge AirPods Without the Case?

Mar 03, 2025
AirPods come in a sleek case to keep them safe while charging them, but sometimes, we don’t have this container handy. Maybe you’ve lost your case, damaged it, or simply forgotten it at home. Perhaps it’s old and can no longer hold a charge.
There are several reasons you may not be able to use your AirPods case to charge your earbuds. Whatever your situation is, you’re probably looking for an alternative way to charge them.
Learn if it’s possible to charge your earbuds without the container, what to do when you need a new one, and how to protect it.
Is It Possible To Charge AirPods Without the Case?
If your AirPods case has been lost or damaged, you’re probably looking for an alternative to charging them until you get a new one. Unfortunately, it’s not possible to charge earbuds without their container.
AirPods are designed to charge through the corresponding case battery. They don’t have ports to plug a charger into them, so the smaller batteries in your earbuds must be powered by the larger ones in their container. While several alternatives have been proposed, the only way to charge your earbuds safely and effectively is with its compatible case.
If your case has been damaged or lost, you can order a replacement through Apple. The fee will depend on your purchase of AppleCare+. To prevent losing your new one, you can set your AirPods to notify you when you’ve left them behind or use the Find My app to see their last location.
Myths Debunked: Charging AirPods Without A Case
The only way to charge your earbuds is with their container, but there have been multiple suggestions for charging them without it. We’re here to debunk these myths so you don’t damage your earbuds.
Computer USB Port
Some suggest charging wireless earbuds using a USB charging cable plugged into your computer. While your case can be charged via this method, you cannot charge the earbuds directly.
Wireless Charging Pad
A popular suggestion is that your earbuds can be charged using a Qi wireless charging pad. Unfortunately, AirPods are not Qi-enabled and will receive no power if placed on the pad. However, some compatible cases can be charged using a wireless charging pad.
Phone Charger
Some propose that your everyday phone charger can charge your wireless earbuds. However, your phone charger can only charge the case, and therefore, your earbuds can only be charged while in their container.
Power Bank
Perhaps you forgot your AirPods case, but you remembered your portable power bank. Unfortunately, this power bank cannot charge your earbuds without the container.
Pin Charger
Older cell phones utilized pin chargers to power up. Some have suggested that these pin chargers could be used to charge AirPods, but this is simply untrue. AirPods do not have any ports for these pin chargers to enter.
Third-Party Apps
A common scam is the suggestion that you can use an app to power a device. Do not purchase any apps that claim you can charge your earbuds with your phone, as they’re making false claims.
Will Any Charging Case Work With AirPods?
Only charging cases compatible with AirPods will work. To guarantee you’re getting the right one, order it directly from Apple for your earbuds’ model. Third parties offer more affordable options but do not guarantee quality or compatibility.
To charge your AirPods with your new case, you’ll have to “forget” your old one in your Bluetooth settings. Charge your new one before inserting your earbuds. Open the lid of the container, then press and hold the setup button. Connect your AirPods when prompted, and you’ll be ready to use your new charging case.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Can I Charge My AirPods Without a Case?
Unfortunately, AirPods cannot charge without a case. There are claims that you can charge your earbuds without their container, but these claims are untrue. If you’ve lost or damaged your case, we recommend borrowing a friend’s until you can get your hands on a new one.
Do AirPods Only Work if the Case Is Charged?
AirPods will only charge if the case’s battery has power. If the case isn’t charged, you’ll need to plug them in using a compatible charger. You don’t need to wait for the case to charge before charging your earbuds. AirPods can charge inside the case while it’s charging.
What Do I Do if I Lost My Airpod Charging Case?
If you’ve lost your case, you’ll have to buy a new one to charge your earbuds. Purchase one directly from Apple to ensure compatibility with your AirPods. Be wary of buying from third parties, as these cases can be less efficient and possibly be damaging to your earbuds.
Do AirPods Need To Be In Case To Charge?
Yes, AirPods need to be in their case to charge. There are several myths about charging your earbuds outside their container, but these claims are all false. The only way to charge your earbuds is by placing them in a compatible casing with a charged battery.
Final Thoughts
Unfortunately, if you don’t have the right container, you won’t be able to charge your AirPods. Any proposed alternatives are misleading; the only solution is getting a new one. Having to replace your AirPods case is frustrating, but Casely’s AirPods cases can reduce your need to buy a new one by protecting them from damage and preventing them from getting lost.
Our AirPods and AirPods Pro cases feature a ring to secure them and provide durable protection. Plus, they look good doing it. Shop Casely now to protect your earbuds and ensure you never lose that little case again!