Airpods Flashing Green: Tips to Help Fix this Problem

FACTS CHECKED BY  Jose George​

Are your AirPods flashing green? And you don’t know why? Airpods are an innovative technology that allows Apple users to enjoy wireless and seamless music experiences. But these devices have their problems.

Usually, we can assume that AirPods are flashing green points to the case, not detecting the buds. Also, it’s easy to think it’s a battery issue. However, things get tricky if the indicator light flashes green when connecting the Airpods to its charging case.

This article will discuss this problem and offer solutions to help fix the problem. Keep reading to find out.

Table of Contents

Why do AirPods Flash Green?

AirPods outside charging case

AirPods outside charging case

AirPods may flash green if the charging case doesn’t recognize one of the buds. Further, it may be due to insufficient power or an error with the AirPods pairing process.

Other problems that can lead to AirPods flashing green include the following:

Failure to Recognize Either of the AirPods

Your AirPods may flash green if the case doesn’t recognize any of the buds (left or right).

Outdated Software

AirPods use special software to operate and would malfunction if the version becomes obsolete. However, Apple regularly dishes out firmware updates to resolve any identified bugs.

Incorrect Charging

One of your AirPods may need more charging current. Or the issue may be due to dirt or ear wax accumulation inside the charging case, restricting the amount of current that should flow to the AirPods.

Damaged AirPods

Your AirPods may have sustained internal hardware damage, especially if you recently dropped them in water or a hard surface.

Although AirPods are resistant to moisture (like sweat and water), they’re not waterproof. Therefore, submerging your AirPods can cause irreversible damage.

How to Fix Flashing Green Light on AirPods?

AirPods and charging case

AirPods and charging case

Let’s explore some specific solutions to help with this problem.

Try Resetting your AirPods

Try resetting your AirPods first before using other solutions. Resetting often solves most issues relating to the AirPods connection, firmware, or options. Here’s how to restart this device:

  • First, put your AirPods inside the charging case and ensure you close the lid tightly. Consequently, it should send power to your device after 30 seconds.
  • Then, open your IOS device’s settings and navigate to Bluetooth. Next, select your AirPods and tap the “I” next to the device’s name.
  • Choose the “Forget This Device” option to disconnect your AirPods from all devices using the same Apple ID.
  • Finally, press and hold the device’s setup button for approximately ten seconds. The indicator light should switch from red to white. 
  • Then, set your AirPods close to your IOS device and reconnect them.

Note: You can find the setup button on the reverse side of the charging case.

Upgrade your AirPod Software

Although Apple offers firmware updates regularly, the procedure can fail. And automatic updates only happen when your device communicates with an iPhone or Mac using Monterey 12.3 or higher.

So, if the upgrade fails, your AirPods won’t have the latest firmware. Are you unsure of your AirPods’ current version? Here’s how to check it:

  • Connect your AirPods to your Apple device and navigate to your Bluetooth settings.
  • Tap “Info” next to your AirPods name.
  • The values you see after “Firmware version” show your current AirPod version.

If the blinking green light results from obsolete firmware, upgrading will solve the issue. Follow the next steps to learn how to update your device successfully.

  • Put your AirPods in the charging case.
  • Then, charge the case with a QI standard-certified wireless charger or a lightning connector.
  • Next, place your IOS device and AirPods nearby. Your iPhone or Mac will automatically check for available updates. Then, the device will download and install the updates. You can navigate to your settings when it’s complete to check if it worked.

Also, note that devices without an internet connection or AirPods with updated firmware won’t install any upgrades.

Recharge the AirPods and the Case

Most AirPod users report connection problems when their device’s battery runs low. Additionally, the charging case can only detect the charged AirPods and may ignore an undercharged or uncharged one. As a result, the green light may start blinking.

Also, you should always check your AirPods battery life to ensure they have a little charge. We recommend keeping the lithium-based batteries in your AirPods between 30% and 80% to avoid this issue. Here’s how to check your device’s battery level on all platforms.

IOS

iPhones will always display the current battery level of a connected AirPod. You can find this information in a pop-up that appears when pairing two Apple devices.

Mac

Head to the Bluetooth menu on your MacBook’s taskbar after you connect your AirPods. Then, please hover your mouse over your device’s name to see its battery level.

Android

Unfortunately, Android doesn’t have built-in battery detectors for AirPods. But you can use third-party apps, like AirBattery, to see your device’s battery level.

If your AirPods don’t have a proper charge level, plug them in quickly until they have enough power. Here are some tips to help you charge your AirPods correctly:

  • Place both AirPods inside the charging case. But you must ensure that both stems align perfectly with the case’s charging connectors.
  • Also, shut the lid tightly to allow the AirPods to charge.
  • Leaving the lid open will cause the case and the earbuds to charge incorrectly.
  • Finally, connect your lightning cable to connect the AirPod case or place it on a QI-compatible wireless charger.

Note: Your power source determines how fast your AirPods will charge. The quickest way to charge your device is with your iPhone or iPad’s USB charger and Mac’s available USB port.

Clean the Tail and Base of your AirPods

Your AirPods charge via direct contact with the case’s charging pins. However, dirt build-ups can easily hinder the connection between the two.

When this happens, the charging case may fail to recognize the AirPods when you insert them, leading to the green blinking light. 

Also, cleaning them protects you from ear infections. Moreover, you must avoid using unnecessary force, as the technology is delicate. So, you must proceed with extreme caution.

In addition, we recommend you protect your AirPods from having contact with sharp or metallic objects. Here’s a list of the things you’ll need for a successful cleanup.

  • Cotton buds
  • Rubbing alcohol
  • Lint-free cloth
  • Wooden toothpick

Do you have all the necessary items above? Here’s how to clean your AirPods correctly.

  1. First, wet a cotton bud with rubbing alcohol and use it to clean your AirPods contact area. Focus more on the tail area since it hosts the device’s charging connectors.
  2. Dip a fresh cotton bud in some alcohol and use it to wipe your charging case’s interior. Finally, don’t forget to clean the charging pins.
  3. Remove mud accumulation or wax build-ups with your wooden toothpick. However, we recommend being extremely careful around the tweeter join. Also, avoid applying excessive pressure, or you may scratch or break crucial components.

Contact Apple Support

Did any of the above solutions work? If not, it’s time to contact Apple support, as it may indicate that your AirPods are defective. Using this option will help to repair or replace the AirPods.

Final Words

A man enjoying music on AirPods

A man enjoying music on AirPods

AirPods flashing green may be upsetting, but it’s not without solutions. Although many situations can cause blinking green lights, you can access several solutions to help fix the problem.

After trying the solutions we provided, your AirPods should work without hiccups. And you can use these solutions if you have this issue in the future. However, ensure you contact Apple’s support if none of the solutions fix the problem.

Do you have more questions? Feel free to reach us, and we’ll be happy to help.