Apple’s choice to eliminate the 3.5mm headphone jack from the iPhone drew significant critique. The first-generation AirPods were introduced alongside this iPhone as an immediate fix, and nearly ten years later, Apple’s AirPods remain among the most sought-after Bluetooth accessories available. Several versions have emerged over this period, including the in-ear style AirPods Pro that are recognized as some of the best noise cancellation earbuds available.
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Over the years, AirPods have received numerous feature upgrades, such as Adaptive Audio, Conversation Awareness, and precision tracking technology that helps you find your lost AirPods using an iPhone. An additional handy feature now available on the AirPods lineup is wireless charging. This allows you to effortlessly place your AirPods case on a Qi-certified wireless charger — no cables needed. Some models even support MagSafe charging, enabling quicker attachment to compatible chargers.
The AirPods feature commendable battery life and retain their charge when housed in their charging case. However, it’s not unusual to find yourself starting your day with a pair of completely drained AirPods. In such instances, you’ll be pleased to learn that you can recharge them using your iPhone — but it’s not entirely straightforward, as with most Apple products.
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How to charge your AirPods using an iPhone
You can charge any AirPods model using your iPhone — as long as you possess an iPhone 15 or newer, which incorporates the updated charging interface. After the prolonged dominance of the Lightning port, and following pressure from the E.U., Apple finally transitioned to the iPhone 15 series with USB-C. USB-C brings many advantages, including faster file transfers, greater charging speeds, and the ability to connect your iPhone to a monitor.
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A significant feature of USB-C is reverse charging. While Android devices have offered this capability for years, you can now utilize reverse charging on the iPhone. It’s as simple as attaching one end of a charging cable to your iPhone and the other end into the device requiring a charge. This works with all AirPods models, as long as you have a suitable cable to connect them to your iPhone.
For instance, if you have AirPods that charge through the Lightning port on the charging case, you’ll need a Lightning to USB-C cable. AirPods 4 and AirPods Pro 2 that charge via USB-C can also connect to your iPhone using a USB-C to USB-C cable. Although Apple does not specify the charging speeds for AirPods cases, our testing did not reveal any significant differences in charging speed when using an iPhone versus a dedicated power source.
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Other ways to charge AirPods
Every iPhone model since the iPhone 12 has supported MagSafe, with the exceptions being the iPhone SE and iPhone 16E. While it may seem logical to try to attach your MagSafe-enabled AirPods case to your iPhone, you’ll be disappointed to find that they do not charge or adhere to your phone like other MagSafe accessories. Numerous Android devices offer reverse wireless charging, and it’s indeed possible to charge your AirPods using a device like the OnePlus 13.
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While we anticipate Apple adding this feature to the iPhone, there are alternative methods to charge your AirPods. Models that support wireless charging can be recharged by placing them on any Qi-certified charger. AirPods with MagSafe-compatible charging cases can also be recharged by utilizing an Apple Watch charging puck.
The individual earbuds begin charging automatically once they are placed inside the charging case. You can verify the battery levels of both the earbuds and the case using an iPhone, iPad, or Mac connected to your AirPods. If you frequently encounter issues with uneven battery levels on your AirPods, ensure that the charging case is clean and free from debris that could obstruct charging.
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