Owen PalmerBy Owen Palmer

Updated November 2026

To check AirPods battery on iPhone, open the case near your phone with the lid up, or look at the battery widget on your Home Screen or Control Center. Within a few seconds you will see the charge level for each earbud and the case. The same readout is available from the Bluetooth settings page if you prefer that route.

Method 1: Use the Pop-Up Battery Display

This is the fastest method. Keep your AirPods in their case, open the lid, and hold the case close to your unlocked iPhone. A card should appear within a few seconds showing the left earbud, right earbud, and case percentages. If the card does not appear, make sure Bluetooth is turned on and the AirPods are paired to that iPhone.

Shopping for one? See our guide: AirPods Pro 3 Case Review: Features, Pros and Cons.

Method 2: Check the Battery Widget

Widgets let you monitor battery levels without opening any app. To add one, follow these steps:

  1. Long-press an empty area of your Home Screen until the apps jiggle.
  2. Tap the plus (+) button in the top-left corner.
  3. Search for Batteries and select it.
  4. Choose a widget size, tap Add Widget, then tap Done.

The widget lists your iPhone and any connected Bluetooth devices, including AirPods. Widgets refresh periodically, so the number may lag by a minute or two. Open the case again if you need an exact reading.

Method 3: Check Through Control Center or Bluetooth Settings

When your AirPods are connected, you can also check the level from Control Center. Swipe down from the top-right corner (or up on older iPhones), then press and hold the music control panel. Tap the AirPods name to see the battery percentages.

For a more detailed view, open Settings > Bluetooth and tap the blue “i” icon next to your AirPods. This screen shows the left, right, and case levels, along with options for noise control and automatic ear detection.

Factors That Affect the Reading

A few things can make the reported percentage differ from what you expect:

  • Earbud imbalance: Each earbud drains at a different rate, so one may show a noticeably lower charge.
  • Case charge is separate: The case number reflects how much reserve power it holds, not the earbuds.
  • Connection status: If the AirPods are not connected, the iPhone may show the last known level rather than a live reading.
  • Firmware: Outdated software can cause inaccurate or missing battery information. Keep both iOS and AirPods firmware current.

Common Mistakes

  • Checking only one earbud. Always compare the left and right levels, since a single weak earbud can end a call early.
  • Expecting the widget to update instantly. It refreshes on its own schedule, so open the case for a live number.
  • Forgetting Bluetooth is off. Without it, no battery information will appear.
  • Ignoring a sudden drop. If one earbud loses charge much faster than the other, the battery may be wearing out.
  • A protective case: A well-fitted case keeps the hinge and charging contacts in good shape, which supports reliable battery readings. View on Amazon
  • A USB-C charging cable: A dependable cable makes it easier to top up the case quickly when the readout runs low. View on Amazon

FAQ

Why does my AirPods battery widget show the wrong percentage?

Widgets refresh on a delay, so the number may be a few minutes old. Open the case near your iPhone for a live reading.

Can I check AirPods battery on iPhone when the case is closed?

Not directly. Open the lid or use Control Center or the Bluetooth settings while the earbuds are connected to see their current levels.

What if only one AirPod shows a battery level?

That earbud may be out of range, out of charge, or not properly seated in the case. Try reseating it and checking again, and consult Apple Support if the problem continues.

Conclusion

The quickest way to check AirPods battery on iPhone is the pop-up card when you open the case. For ongoing monitoring, add the Batteries widget or use the Bluetooth settings screen. Check both earbuds and the case so you know exactly when a recharge is needed.

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Owen Palmer

About Owen Palmer

Owen Palmer is part of our editorial team and reviews and edits our brand headphones & noise cancelling guides, checking product details against manufacturer specifications and owner feedback.