How to Wirelessly Charge Your 1st‑Gen AirPods Pro: A Step‑by‑Step Guide
Got a pair of first‑generation AirPods Pro and a wireless charger lying around? You’re not alone. Many users assume the older case can’t handle the convenience of Qi‑based pads, but Apple gave the 1st‑Gen model a wireless‑charging option back in 2019. This guide walks through everything you need to know about AirPods Pro 1st Gen wireless charging—from confirming compatibility to squeezing the most out of each charge.
Understanding Wireless Charging for AirPods Pro 1st Gen
Before you set the case down on a mat, it helps to know the basics. The first‑gen AirPods Pro shipped with a standard Lightning‑port case, but Apple released a separate wireless‑charging case that fits the same earbuds. The case contains a built‑in coil that talks to any Qi‑compatible pad, the same standard used by iPhones and Apple Watches.
If you’re still using the original Lightning case, you’ll need to swap it for the wireless version. Apple stopped selling it as a standalone item in 2023, but it’s still floating around on resale platforms and sometimes bundled with refurbished sets.
Setting Up Your Wireless Charging Case
Once you have the right case, getting it ready is a breeze.
- Check the indicator light. Open the case and look for the status LED on the front. If it flashes amber, the battery is low and a charge is due.
- Pair the earbuds. If you haven’t paired the AirPods Pro to your iPhone yet, place the case (lid open) near your device and follow the on‑screen prompts. The wireless case works exactly like the Lightning one for pairing.
- Find a compatible charger. Any certified Qi pad will do, but you’ll notice a faster top‑up on Apple’s own MagSafe charger or third‑party pads that support at least 5 W output.
When you set the case on the pad, the LED should turn amber, indicating it’s drawing power. After a minute or two you’ll see a green glow, meaning the case is fully charged.
Tips for Faster, Safer Charging
Even though wireless charging is “set‑and‑forget,” a few tweaks can keep your case healthy and shave minutes off each cycle.
Align the case properly
Most Qi pads have a sweet spot where the coil sits. If the case is off‑center, the LED may flicker and the charge will be slower. A quick visual check—making sure the case’s back aligns with the pad’s center—does the trick.
Avoid case‑cover accessories
Silicone skins or metal stickers on the back of the case can interfere with the magnetic field. If you love customizing, opt for thin, non‑metallic skins that don’t cover the charging area.
Mind the temperature
Wireless charging generates a bit of heat. If the pad feels hot to the touch after a few minutes, consider moving the case to a cooler spot or switching to a lower‑watt charger. Consistently high temperatures can degrade the battery over time.
Take advantage of “optimised battery charging”
iOS offers a feature that learns your daily charging routine and pauses the charge at 80 % until you’re about to use the AirPods. This works with the wireless case, too—just keep the “Optimised Battery Charging” toggle on in Settings → Battery → Battery Health.
How Long Does a Wireless Charge Take?
Under ideal conditions, a full charge from 0 % to 100 % takes roughly 2 hours on a 5 W pad. A 7.5 W charger can shave off about 15 minutes, while MagSafe (up to 10 W for the case) may edge it down to 1 hour 45 minutes. The exact time varies with the case’s current battery health and ambient temperature.
Can You Use a Wireless Charger While Listening?
Yes. The case can charge and still power the earbuds. If you start a podcast with the case on a pad, the earbuds will draw power from the case while the case refills itself. The only downside is a slightly lower volume output during the first few minutes of a charge, as the case prioritises battery top‑up.
Common Misconceptions
Some users think the wireless case can’t be used with the original Lightning cable. That’s not true—both charging methods work interchangeably. The case simply has a Lightning port as a backup, which can be handy when you’re on a flight and don’t have a pad nearby.
Another myth is that wireless charging “wears out” the case faster than wired charging. In reality, the battery chemistry is the same; the only real impact comes from heat, which you can mitigate with the tips above.
FAQ
Q: Do I need a special Qi charger for the AirPods Pro case?
A: No. Any Qi‑compatible charger that delivers at least 5 W will work. Apple’s own chargers or reputable third‑party pads are safe choices.
Q: How can I tell if the case is truly charging?
A: The status LED on the front of the case glows amber while charging and turns green when full. Some pads also have an indicator light that changes color when a device is detected.
Q: Will wireless charging affect the lifespan of my AirPods Pro battery?
A: Only if the case consistently overheats. Using a well‑ventilated pad and avoiding high‑heat environments helps preserve battery health.
Q: Can I charge the case and the earbuds separately?
A: The case charges as a single unit; you can’t charge the earbuds alone without the case. However, you can use a Lightning cable to charge the case while the earbuds remain inside.
