How Long Does It Take to Charge AirPods Pro? (Full Breakdown & Quick Tips)

 You may think charging your AirPods Pro always takes hours, but did you know they can fully charge in under an hour? In fact, it only takes about 1 hour to fully charge AirPods Pro and their case under normal conditions.

Still, the actual time can vary depending on several surprising factors, like battery health and charging method. If you’ve ever popped your AirPods in the case and expected them to be ready in minutes, only to be disappointed, you’re not alone.
Let's dive into what affects charging times and how you can make the most out of every charge.

Quick Answer: How Long Does It Take to Charge AirPods Pro?

• On average: Fully charging AirPods Pro and their case takes around 1 hour.

• Fastest time possible: 30 minutes can get you from nearly empty to about 80% battery (thanks to fast charging).

• Longest possible time: If the case and AirPods are completely drained, it may take up to 1.5 hours to fully recharge both.

Photo by Melike B

What Affects the Time It Takes to Charge AirPods Pro?

1. Battery Level at the Start

If your AirPods Pro are only partially drained, they’ll charge significantly faster.
Tip: Try topping off your AirPods instead of letting them fully die—it keeps charge times shorter and preserves battery health.

2. Condition and Age of the Battery

Over time, lithium-ion batteries degrade. Older AirPods Pro models might charge slower than newer ones.
Tip: If you notice sluggish charging and battery drain, it may be time to replace your AirPods Pro or their case.

3. Charging Method Used

Using a wired Lightning cable charges faster than wireless (MagSafe or Qi-certified pads).
Tip: For the fastest charge, plug your AirPods Pro case directly into a power source with a certified Lightning cable.

4. Ambient Temperature

Charging in extremely hot or cold environments can slow down battery chemistry and even harm your device.
Tip: Always charge your AirPods Pro between 32°F and 95°F (0°C to 35°C) for best results.

5. Software and Firmware Updates

Apple sometimes releases firmware that improves charging efficiency—or introduces temporary bugs.
Tip: Keep your AirPods Pro updated to the latest firmware to benefit from optimizations.

Best-Case vs. Worst-Case Scenarios: How Fast Can It Really Be?

Best-Case Scenario:
If your AirPods Pro are slightly drained and you plug them in with a Lightning cable, you could hit 50% charge in just 15 minutes and full charge in under 1 hour.

Worst-Case Scenario:
If both the case and AirPods are completely dead, you're using a wireless charger, and it's cold outside, it might take up to 90 minutes to get everything fully charged.

Photo by fauxels

Common Mistakes That Slow Down Charging (Avoid These!)

• Using Low-Quality Chargers
  Cheap or uncertified cables and chargers can slow charging dramatically.
  Fix: Always use Apple-certified accessories.

• Charging in Extreme Temperatures
  Very cold or hot environments can throttle charging speeds.
  Fix: Charge indoors where temperatures are moderate.

• Letting Batteries Fully Deplete
  Frequently draining your AirPods to 0% can damage the battery over time.
  Fix: Charge when they reach around 20–30% battery.

• Wireless Charging Only
  Wireless pads are slower than wired charging.
  Fix: Use a Lightning cable when you need a fast top-up.

FAQs: Related "People Also Ask" Questions

How long does it take to fully charge AirPods Pro from 0%?
Fully charging both the AirPods Pro and their case from 0% takes about 1 to 1.5 hours, depending on the method used.

Can you use AirPods Pro while charging?
No, you cannot use AirPods Pro while they are inside the charging case. However, you can use one AirPod while the other charges.

How long does it take to charge AirPods Pro case only?
Charging the AirPods Pro case alone typically takes about an hour using a Lightning cable.

Is wired charging faster for AirPods Pro?
Yes, using a Lightning cable charges AirPods Pro and the case faster than wireless charging methods like MagSafe.

How long does it take to charge AirPods Pro with a Lightning cable?
Charging your AirPods Pro using a Lightning cable typically takes about 1 hour for a full charge. This method is faster than wireless charging and is recommended when you need a quick top-up.

How long does it take to charge AirPods Pro with a wireless charger?
Using a Qi-certified wireless charger, it takes approximately 1.5 hours to fully charge your AirPods Pro. Wireless charging is convenient but generally slower than wired methods.

How can I tell if my AirPods Pro are charging?
When you place your AirPods Pro in the charging case:

• Amber light indicates that charging is in progress.

• Green light signifies that the AirPods are fully charged.

You can also check the charging status on your iPhone by opening the case lid near your device.

How long does it take to charge the AirPods Pro case alone?
Charging the AirPods Pro case without the earbuds inside typically takes about 1 hour using a Lightning cable and up to 1.5 hours wirelessly.

Can I use one AirPod while the other is charging?
Yes, you can use a single AirPod while the other charges in the case. This feature allows for continuous use, especially during calls or extended listening sessions.

What is Optimized Battery Charging on AirPods Pro?
Optimized Battery Charging is a feature designed to reduce battery aging. It learns your daily charging routine and waits to finish charging past 80% until you need to use them. This feature is enabled by default and can be turned off in your device settings.

Does charging AirPods Pro overnight harm the battery?
No, charging your AirPods Pro overnight does not harm the battery. The devices are designed to stop charging once they reach 100%, preventing overcharging.

How many times can the AirPods Pro case charge the earbuds?
A fully charged AirPods Pro case can provide multiple charges to the earbuds, offering up to 24 hours of listening time or 18 hours of talk time.

Can I charge my AirPods Pro case without the AirPods inside?
Yes, you can charge the AirPods Pro case without the earbuds inside. The case will charge independently, and you can later insert the AirPods to charge them.

How do I check the battery status of my AirPods Pro?
To check the battery status:

• Open the case lid near your iPhone or iPad; a pop-up will display battery levels.

• Use the Batteries widget on your iOS device.

• On a Mac, click the Bluetooth icon in the menu bar and hover over your AirPods.

Final Thoughts

Charging your AirPods Pro doesn’t take long—typically around an hour—but little factors like the age of your device, charging method, and environment can make a big difference.
Want your AirPods ready faster? Stick to wired charging and avoid letting them fully die.