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How many years will AirPods last?

As an owner of AirPods, I know firsthand how frustrating it can be to wonder how long they will last. After doing some research and testing, I’m here to share my findings and some solutions to this question: How many years will AirPods last?

The biggest factor in the longevity of AirPods Pro is the battery. Lithium-ion batteries should last 2-5 years when used regularly.

Tips
Lithium-ion batteries in AirPods last 2-5 years when used regularly.
Optimizing battery charging using the feature available on newer AirPods can help extend their longevity.
Avoid excessive or no charging, store AirPods at the correct temperature, and protect them from harsh conditions to make them last longer.
Clean dirt and earwax from the exterior and interior of AirPods with a soft cloth and a narrow tool like a toothpick or cotton swab.
Replace individual AirPods or cases if lost or broken.

How many years will AirPods last?

The lifespan of AirPods is mostly dictated by their batteries and how much you use them. With regular use, lithium-ion batteries should last for 2-5 years.

AirPods have not been out long enough to reliably say how long they last on average. However, it seems like they are generally well built and it does not seem like it is common for AirPods to become faulty.

Like many mobile devices, AirPods contain lithium-ion batteries. Their lifespan varies considerably depending on how you use them, but most of these batteries last two to five years.

Read more: How do you find a lost Apple TV remote

AirPods
AirPods

How many years will the AirPods Pro last?

As with regular AirPods, the longevity of the AirPods Pro has a lot to do with the battery. With normal use, you can expect the battery to last 2-5 years. Generally, AirPods Pro seem to be reliable, so it is most likely that it is the battery that will be the biggest factor in their longevity.

How many years does the AirPods battery last?

The batteries in AirPods are lithium-ion batteries. Generally, these batteries are meant to last for 2-5 years with regular use.

If you store them in very cold or very hot temperatures, it can cause the battery to degrade faster.

Also, allowing the battery to be at 0% charge for too long can also cause the battery to die permanently.

This is because the battery does need some charge in order to be able to actually allow itself to be charged. So, it is important to allow your AirPods to be at 0% charge for too long.

Having the battery at 100% of the time is also not ideal because it puts additional strain on the battery.

However, it is much better than allowing the AirPods to be at 0% charge for too long. So, for most people, the best option is to just leave the AirPods in the case when they are not being used.

Read more: Why do AirPods charge so fast?

How to make AirPods last longer?

When making AirPods last as long as possible, the most important thing is to care for the battery.

As mentioned above, it is important to avoid allowing the AirPods to fall to a 0% charge for too long.

Lithium-ion batteries do need some charge to actually allow themselves to be charged. If your AirPods are at 0% for too long, it might result in the battery becoming permanently broken.

Also, ideally, you would keep the battery at 20% to 80% charge most of the time.

To make this easier, Apple added a feature called Optimized Battery Charging to its 3rd generation AirPods. The Pro edition is also equipped with this feature.

If your earbuds have this capability, make sure it’s turned on (under “More Info” in Bluetooth device settings). It prevents excessive charging and keeps the charge level below 81 percent at most times.

Remember that using less power means your batteries will undergo fewer charging cycles. This is likely to extend their lifespan.

You can conserve energy by reducing the volume or turning off active noise cancellation (Pro model only). Consider using wired earbuds or headphones in places where you don’t really need to listen wirelessly.

Another way to extend the longevity of your AirPods is to protect them from harsh conditions. Don’t let the earbuds or their case become wet.

Apple recommends using this product at temperatures ranging from 32 to 95 degrees Fahrenheit and storing it at 14 to 113 degrees. Avoid keeping AirPods in vehicles or unheated buildings, and don’t place them on surfaces exposed to direct sunlight.

As with any small wireless device, an AirPod is easy to lose or break. Watch out for crevices in furniture and holes in pockets.

Store the earbuds in their case whenever you’re not using them. If you lose the case, you can get a replacement from Apple, Target or Best Buy. Apple also replaces individual AirPods, so you don’t have to buy two if you lose one.

In addition, the AirPods can get dirty over time. A soft piece of cloth is useful for this task. You’ll also need something long and narrow like a toothpick or cotton swab.

It’s important not to stab the earbud speaker when removing earwax and other grime. You can clean the exterior with a damp cloth, but don’t allow any water to get inside of your AirPods.

The AirPods Pro has silicone tips over its speakers. To clean these earbuds thoroughly, you’ll have to temporarily remove the tips.

Only use water to wash them, and ensure that you completely dry the tips before returning them to their original positions. You can purchase new silicone tips if necessary.