Apple AirPods case light: what each colour means

Every AirPods charging case has one status light. Apple uses it for two things: the charge (green or amber) and setup (flashing white when the AirPods are ready to pair, amber then white after a reset). What the charge colour refers to depends on where the AirPods are: in the case with the lid open, it is the AirPods; out of the case, it is the case itself.

The light is on the front of the case on AirPods 3, 4 and 5, AirPods Pro 1, 2 and 3, and the Wireless Charging Case for AirPods 1 and 2. On the Lightning Charging Case for AirPods 1 and 2 it is inside the case, between the two AirPods. AirPods Max are headphones, not earbuds, and are not covered here.

1. Green

   Fully charged. With the AirPods in the case and the lid open, the light is showing the AirPods’ charge; with the AirPods out of the case, it is showing the case’s own charge. On a charging mat, tapping the case of AirPods Pro 1, 2 or 3, AirPods 3, AirPods 4 (ANC) or AirPods 5 with Wireless Charging Case shows green when the AirPods are fully charged.

   Every AirPods charging case. About the earbuds or the case. Apple gives no step for this light.

2. Amber

   Less than one full charge remains: for the AirPods if they are in the case with the lid open, otherwise for the case itself. On a charging mat, tapping the case of AirPods Pro 1, 2 or 3, AirPods 3, AirPods 4 (ANC) or AirPods 5 with Wireless Charging Case shows amber while the AirPods are still charging.

   Every AirPods charging case. About the earbuds or the case. 2 steps from Apple on its page.

3. Pulsing amber, briefly

   The AirPods or the charging case are less than 95% charged.

   AirPods 4 and AirPods 5 (both models of each), AirPods Pro 2 (both models) and AirPods Pro 3, on the latest firmware. About the earbuds or the case. Apple gives no step for this light.

4. Flashing amber, briefly

   The AirPods are less than 95% charged and the charging case is less than 25% charged.

   AirPods 4 and AirPods 5 (both models of each), AirPods Pro 2 (both models) and AirPods Pro 3, on the latest firmware. About the earbuds or the case. 1 step from Apple on its page.

5. Flashing white

   The AirPods are ready to pair. It is the light Apple tells you to wait for after holding the setup button on the back of the case (about 5 seconds), or on AirPods 4, AirPods 5 and AirPods Pro 3 after double-tapping the front of the case, with the AirPods inside and the lid open.

   AirPods 1 to 5, AirPods Pro 1 to 3. About pairing, reset or an error. 2 steps from Apple on its page.

6. Flashes amber, then white

   The reset worked: the AirPods are reset and ready to be set up again. On AirPods 1, 2 and 3 and AirPods Pro 1 and 2 it follows holding the setup button for about 15 seconds; on AirPods 4, AirPods 5 and AirPods Pro 3 it follows three double-taps on the front of the case.

   AirPods 1 to 5, AirPods Pro 1 to 3. About pairing, reset or an error. 2 steps from Apple on its page.

7. No light

   No light at all can mean the AirPods need charging before you can use them again.

   Every AirPods charging case. About the earbuds or the case. 1 step from Apple on its page.

Find a light by colour on any maker’s earbud case →