As the owner of AirPods, I was frustrated to discover that there was no definitive answer to the question of how long they would last. After doing some research, I wanted to share my findings and the other solutions I discovered while trying to answer this question. In this blog post, I will be discussing the lifespan of AirPods and how to maintain them to ensure they last as long as possible.
| Key Takeaways: |
|---|
| – AirPods lifespan is mainly dependent on the battery life, which usually lasts for 2-5 years with regular usage. |
| – Enabling Optimized Battery Charging for your AirPods can extend battery life by keeping charge level below 81% until needed. |
| – Avoid exposing AirPods to extreme temperatures, moisture, and direct sunlight. |
| – Store AirPods in their case when not in use and clean them regularly. |
Table of Contents
What is the lifespan of AirPods?
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.
Many AirPod owners have found that these devices last approximately two years. However, the latest models were introduced too recently for anyone to definitively know how long they’ll last.
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 to adjust AirPods volume when connected to TV?
Does the AirPod battery degrade over time?
Yes, all rechargeable batteries gradually deteriorate. Each charge yields slightly less power than the previous cycle, so you have to recharge them more often.
You might eventually find that you can only listen to music for 15 or 20 minutes before running out of energy. Lithium-ion batteries wear out after around 400 cycles.
How to increase the lifespan of AirPods
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.
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 your AirPods’ lifespan 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.
Read more: Can the 2nd Gen AirPods charge in the 1st gen case?
Avoid keeping AirPods in vehicles or unheated buildings, and don’t place them on surfaces exposed to direct sunlight.
Like 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.
You can increase this device’s longevity by cleaning it carefully. 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.
Can AirPods last 5 years?
This is possible if you handle them very carefully and follow all of the advice in this article. Unless you’re especially lucky, you’ll need to pay for replacement parts or repair during this period of time.
During 2020 and 2021, a few internet users reported that they were still using first-generation AirPods. This model was introduced in late 2016.
Apple charges around $49 to $99 to replace batteries in eligible AirPods. There’s also a replacement service known as PodSwap that costs just under $60.
It includes refurbishment and a new warranty lasting 90 days. Both of these services make it possible to keep listening without investing in completely new AirPods.
Apple won’t guarantee your earbuds for five years, but you can extend the original one-year warranty. AppleCare+ costs $29 and protects AirPods for two years.
It doesn’t just cover manufacturing defects. If you accidentally damage your case or earbud, Apple will only charge a $29 replacement fee ($60 less than other customers pay). AppleCare+ also includes technical assistance.
How do I check the health of my AirPods?
The indicator light on an AirPods case doesn’t give you much information. Fortunately, you can use a paired iPad, iPod Touch or iPhone to get more details.
Insert your AirPods into the case and leave it open. Next, put the case near the mobile device. It will show the charging levels of the case and individual earbuds. This may help you determine if one component isn’t charging properly.
You could also take your AirPods to an Apple Store for assistance. In late 2020, it was reported that Apple had developed diagnostic software for these earbuds.
The company distributed this software to stores, but it’s not available for users to download. It has the ability to determine if an AirPod needs repair or cleaning.
Pros
- 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.
- Optimized Battery Charging can be used to keep the charge level below 81 percent until you are likely to use them.
- AppleCare+ can extend the original one-year warranty and provides protection against accidental damage.
- You can check the health of your AirPods using an iPad, iPod Touch or iPhone.
- Apple has diagnostic software in some stores that can determine if an AirPod needs repair or cleaning.
Cons
- It can be difficult to determine the exact lifespan of AirPods, as they have only recently been introduced.
- The batteries will gradually degrade over time, resulting in shorter listening sessions.
- The AirPods should not be exposed to extreme temperatures, moisture, and direct sunlight.
- The AirPods and their case must be cleaned regularly to ensure optimal performance.