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10 Tech How-To

How to Check AirPods Battery on Android

Guide 10-19853 · Updated · Step by step

This guide shows you how to check your AirPods battery level on an Android phone. You’ll learn both the quick way (using a third-party app) and a built-in method (using Bluetooth settings), so you can always know when it’s time to recharge.

What You’ll Need

  • An Android phone (Android 6.0 or later recommended)
  • Your AirPods (any generation, including AirPods Pro and AirPods Max)
  • The charging case (for checking case battery)
  • An internet connection to download a free app (optional but recommended)

Step-by-Step

  1. Put your AirPods in their charging case. Make sure both AirPods are inside and the case lid is closed for at least 10 seconds. This ensures the case can communicate battery status.
  2. Open the case lid and keep the AirPods inside. Do not remove them yet. The case needs to be open and the AirPods in it for most apps to read the battery.
  3. Enable Bluetooth on your Android phone. Swipe down from the top of the screen to open Quick Settings, then tap the Bluetooth icon. Make sure it turns blue or says “On”.
  4. Open your Bluetooth settings. Go to Settings > Connected devices (or Bluetooth on some phones). Wait for your AirPods to appear under “Available devices”. If they don’t show up, press and hold the setup button on the back of the case for a few seconds until the LED flashes white.
  5. Tap your AirPods to connect. If this is the first time, you may need to confirm a pairing request. Once connected, you’ll see “Connected” or a gear icon next to the AirPods name.
  6. Check the battery in the system UI (if available). On many Android phones, especially Samsung, Xiaomi, and OnePlus, you can tap the gear icon next to your AirPods in Bluetooth settings. Look for a battery percentage or a small battery icon. If you see it, you’re done. If not, proceed to the app method.
  7. Install a battery-checking app. Go to the Google Play Store and search for “AirBattery” or “MaterialPods”. These are free apps designed to show AirPods battery on Android. Download and install one.
  8. Open the app and follow its instructions. Most apps will ask you to enable Bluetooth and may request notification access. Grant the permissions it asks for. Then, with your AirPods case open and AirPods inside, the app should display the battery levels for the left earbud, right earbud, and the case.
  9. If the app doesn’t show anything, try closing and reopening the case lid. Sometimes the app needs to re-read the battery data. Also, make sure your AirPods are still connected to your phone via Bluetooth.

Common Mistakes

  • Checking with AirPods in your ears. The case battery only shows when the AirPods are in the case. If you’re wearing them, the app will show only the earbuds’ battery, not the case.
  • Not opening the case lid. The case lid must be open for the battery data to be transmitted.
  • Forgetting to enable Bluetooth. Without Bluetooth, your phone can’t communicate with the AirPods at all.
  • Using an outdated app. Some older apps may not work with newer Android versions or AirPods models. Always update the app from the Play Store.
  • Assuming the system Bluetooth menu always shows battery. Many Android phones do not show battery info for Bluetooth audio devices by default. That’s why the app is usually necessary.

Tips

  • Use an app with a widget. Apps like MaterialPods offer a home screen widget that shows battery levels at a glance without opening the app.
  • Check battery before you leave. Make it a habit to check the case battery before heading out, especially if you use your AirPods heavily.
  • Know that battery readings are not exact. The percentages are estimates. Don’t panic if it shows 97% instead of 100%.
  • Keep your AirPods and case updated. While you can’t update AirPods firmware from Android, you can connect them to an iPhone or iPad occasionally to receive firmware updates that may improve battery reporting.
  • Use the “Find My” alternative. Some apps like “Find My AirPods” also show battery levels, but they may require more permissions.

Troubleshooting

Why isn’t the app showing any battery?

  • Make sure your AirPods are connected to your phone. Check Bluetooth settings to confirm.
  • Close the case lid, wait 10 seconds, then open it again. This often resets the battery broadcast.
  • Restart the app. Fully close it from recents and reopen.
  • If it still doesn’t work, try a different app. Some apps are more compatible with certain AirPods models.

Why does the battery percentage not appear in my phone’s Bluetooth settings?

  • This feature is not standard on Android. It depends on the phone manufacturer’s Bluetooth interface. If you don’t see it, use the app method.

Why does the case battery show “0%” even though the case is charged?

  • This can happen if the AirPods are not seated correctly in the case. Remove them and reinsert, ensuring they click into place.
  • Also, make sure the case itself is charged. If the case is completely dead, it won’t report any battery.

Why does the battery level not update in real time?

  • The battery data is sent when the case lid is opened. Close the lid and reopen it to refresh the reading.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I check my AirPods battery without an app?

Yes, on some Android phones, the Bluetooth settings show battery info for connected devices. Tap the gear icon next to your AirPods. If you don’t see it, you’ll need an app.

Do AirPods work fully with Android?

Yes, they work as standard Bluetooth earbuds. You can listen to audio and make calls, but you lose features like automatic ear detection, Siri, and seamless switching between Apple devices.

Which app is best for checking AirPods battery on Android?

Two popular free options are “AirBattery” and “MaterialPods”. Both display battery levels for the left, right, and case. Try one and if it doesn’t work, try the other.

Why does my AirPods battery show differently on Android vs iPhone?

Android apps read battery data via the Bluetooth protocol, which may not be as precise as Apple’s own reporting. Small differences are normal.

Can I check the battery of my AirPods case alone?

Yes, with the AirPods inside the case and the lid open, the case battery percentage is shown in the app alongside the earbuds.

Will checking battery drain my AirPods battery?

No, checking battery is a low-power operation. It only uses a tiny amount of battery, similar to a status check.

Related

General steps for current mainstream versions; menus can differ by device and version. See the disclaimer or report an error.

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