If your Powerbeats Pro won’t charge, start with the basics: reseat both earbuds so they sit flat on the charging contacts, charge the case with a different cable and power adapter, and gently clean the contacts on the earbuds and in the case. If one earbud still won’t charge, reset the earbuds by holding the system button inside the open case for 15 seconds until the light flashes red and white.
Most charging problems come down to dirty contacts, a poor cable or a case with a drained battery. This guide covers each fix in order, for both the original Powerbeats Pro and Powerbeats Pro 2, and tells you when it’s time to contact Apple for service.
Quick Answer
- Take out both earbuds and place them back in the case so they click into place.
- Plug the case into a wall adapter with a known-good cable (Lightning for the original, USB-C for Powerbeats Pro 2) and leave it 20 minutes or more.
- Clean the earbud contacts and case pins with a slightly damp cotton swab or lint-free cloth, then let them dry.
- Reset: with both earbuds in the open case, hold the system button for 15 seconds until the light flashes red and white.
- Update firmware and check the battery levels on your phone.
In This Guide
- Before you start: which model do you have?
- Basic charging checks
- Clean the charging contacts safely
- Reset your Powerbeats Pro
- Charge a drained case and check battery levels
- Update the firmware
- When to contact Apple
- Troubleshooting
- Frequently Asked Questions
Before You Start: Which Model Do You Have?
This guide reflects Apple’s Beats support pages as of September 2026. Beats is owned by Apple, so official help for Beats products is on support.apple.com.
| Model | Case charging port | Wireless charging |
|---|---|---|
| Powerbeats Pro (original, 2019) | Lightning | No |
| Powerbeats Pro 2 (2025) | USB-C | Yes, on a Qi-certified charger |
Look at the port on the back of the case to tell them apart: a thin, flat Lightning port means the original; an oval USB-C port means Powerbeats Pro 2.
You’ll need a cable that fits your case, a working wall power adapter, a cotton swab and a soft, lint-free cloth. Optional: 70 percent isopropyl alcohol for stubborn residue.
Basic Charging Checks
Work through these quick checks before anything else. Each one rules out a common cause.
- Reseat the earbuds. Take both earbuds out and place them back in the case. They’re held by magnets and should drop firmly into place with the charging contacts touching the pins in the case.
- Check for obstructions. Look in the earbud wells for lint, earwax or debris, and check that ear tips are seated properly on the earbuds so they don’t lift the earbud off the pins.
- Try another cable. Cables fail more often than cases. Use a different Lightning or USB-C cable, ideally one that charges another device reliably.
- Use a wall adapter. Plug the cable into a wall power adapter rather than a computer USB port, keyboard or hub, which may supply little power or turn off when the computer sleeps.
- Try another outlet. A power strip with a switch or a faulty outlet can be the real problem.
- For Powerbeats Pro 2 on a wireless charger: Apple says to place the case with the status light facing up on a Qi-certified charger connected to a compatible power adapter. If it doesn’t charge wirelessly, try a USB-C cable to see whether the issue is the charger or the case.
- Give it time. Leave the case connected for at least 20 minutes before deciding it isn’t charging. A fully drained case can take a while to show a response.
Apple’s Charge Beats headphones, earphones, and speakers page also recommends keeping the earbuds in the case when you’re not using them, which helps maintain their charge.
Clean the Charging Contacts Safely
Sweat, skin oil and earwax build up on the small metal contacts on each earbud and on the pins inside the case. Even a thin layer can stop one earbud from charging. Apple’s cleaning instructions for Powerbeats Pro and Powerbeats Pro 2 are specific, so follow them closely.
Before you start: don’t use sharp objects such as pins, needles or toothpicks, don’t use compressed air or household cleaning products, and don’t let liquid get into any openings. Never put anything into the charging port.
- Take both earbuds out of the case and unplug the charging cable from the case and the power source.
- Clean the charging contacts on each earbud with a cotton swab slightly dampened with warm water.
- Clean the charging pins inside the case with a lint-free cloth slightly dampened with warm water.
- If residue remains, you can slightly dampen the swab or cloth with 70 percent isopropyl alcohol instead.
- Wipe everything else with a soft, dry, lint-free cloth.
- Let everything air-dry completely. Don’t use a hair dryer or other heat source.
- Put the earbuds back in the case and reconnect power. Expected result: the earbuds begin charging; check levels on your phone after a few minutes.
To clean the charging cable, Apple says to use only a soft, dry, lint-free cloth, with no liquids or cleaning products.
If your earbuds got wet, dry them off with a lint-free cloth and let them dry fully before charging. Avoid home remedies such as rice or heat.
Reset Your Powerbeats Pro
A reset clears pairing information and can fix an earbud that shows no charge or won’t sync with the case. After resetting, you’ll need to pair the earbuds with your devices again.
Powerbeats Pro 2
- Place both earbuds in the charging case and leave the lid open.
- Press and hold the system button on the case for 15 seconds, until the light flashes red and white.
- Release the button. Expected result: the earbuds are reset and ready to pair again.
These steps come from Apple’s Reset Beats guide, which also recommends making sure the device they’re paired with is up to date.
Original Powerbeats Pro
The original model has a similar system button inside the case, and the same approach (both earbuds in the open case, hold the system button about 15 seconds until the light flashes red and white) has long been Apple’s recommended reset. Apple’s current reset page lists Powerbeats Pro 2 specifically, so if your case behaves differently, follow the steps shown in Apple Support for your model.
If the case light keeps flashing red instead of white when you try, Apple’s guidance for the original Powerbeats Pro is to connect the case to power, close the lid, wait 20 minutes and then try again.
Pair again after the reset
On an iPhone, open the case lid near the unlocked phone and follow the setup card. If you still see the old entry in Bluetooth settings, remove it first; our guide on deleting a Bluetooth device on iPhone shows how. On Android, use the Beats app to pair.
Charge a Drained Case and Check Battery Levels
If the case itself is empty, it can’t charge the earbuds, even though the earbuds appear to be in place. Charge the case alone first, with the lid closed, then put the earbuds back in.
The status light on the front of the case gives a rough indication, but the most accurate readings come from your phone:
- iPhone or iPad: put both earbuds in the case, leave the lid open and hold the case near the device. Battery levels for each earbud and the case appear on screen. You can also go to Settings, tap your Beats near the top, or add a Batteries widget. See our guide on checking Bluetooth battery levels on iPhone.
- Android: open the Beats app and select your Beats under My Beats. The battery level appears below the image of your Beats.
Light colors can differ by model and state, so treat them as a hint rather than a precise gauge. If the case light doesn’t respond at all when plugged in with a known-good cable and adapter, the case may need service.
If one earbud consistently reads much lower than the other after a full charge, clean that earbud’s contacts again and reset. If the gap persists, that earbud’s battery may be worn.
Update the Firmware
Firmware is the software that runs inside the earbuds and case. Updates can improve charging behavior and battery reporting. According to Apple’s Update Beats guide:
- On iPhone and iPad, updates install automatically over the air. To help one along, make sure Bluetooth is on and your Beats are connected, fully charge them, place the earbuds in the case, and keep them within Bluetooth range of your device for at least 30 minutes.
- On Android, updates appear in the Beats app. If one is available, tap Update on your Beats’ screen and follow the prompts.
To check your firmware version on an iPhone, go to Settings, tap your Beats near the top, then look in the About section. On Android, open the Beats app and scroll to Under the Hood.
When to Contact Apple
Contact Apple Support or visit an Apple Store or Apple Authorized Service Provider if:
- The case shows no light or response with two different cables and adapters.
- One earbud won’t charge after cleaning, a reset and a firmware update.
- The case pins are bent, corroded or damaged, or the port is loose.
- The battery drains far faster than it used to, even after full charges.
Apple can usually service or replace an individual earbud or the case. Your warranty or AppleCare coverage status affects the cost, so check it before you book a repair.
Troubleshooting
Only one earbud charges
Each well in the case fits only one side, so focus on the problem side: clean that earbud’s contacts and its pins in the case, reseat it firmly and reset. If it still won’t charge, the earbud or that side of the case likely needs service.
The case charges but the earbuds don’t
Check the earbud contacts and case pins for residue, and make sure the ear tips aren’t lifting the earbuds off the pins. Then reset.
The case doesn’t charge on a wireless charger (Powerbeats Pro 2)
Place the case with the status light facing up and centered on a Qi-certified charger. Remove thick cases or covers, and test with a USB-C cable to isolate the charger.
The light flashes red when I try to reset
Connect the case to power, close the lid, wait 20 minutes and try the reset again.
Battery levels don’t appear on my iPhone
Make sure Bluetooth is on and the earbuds are paired. Open the case lid near the phone with both earbuds inside. If they still don’t appear, reset and pair again.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why won’t my Powerbeats Pro charge?
The most common causes are dirty contacts, a faulty cable or adapter, earbuds not seated properly and a drained case. Work through the basic checks and cleaning first.
How do I reset Powerbeats Pro?
Put both earbuds in the open case and hold the system button for 15 seconds, until the light flashes red and white.
Can I charge Powerbeats Pro wirelessly?
Powerbeats Pro 2 supports Qi-certified wireless chargers. The original Powerbeats Pro charges only through its Lightning port.
Can I use alcohol to clean the contacts?
Yes, Apple allows a cotton swab or cloth slightly dampened with 70 percent isopropyl alcohol. Keep liquid out of openings.
Do I need the Beats app?
On Android, yes, for pairing, battery levels and firmware updates. On iPhone and iPad, these features are built in.
Should I use a pin to clean the case?
No. Apple says not to use sharp objects or abrasive materials. Use a damp swab or lint-free cloth instead.
Summary
- Reseat the earbuds and check for debris.
- Try another cable, a wall adapter and another outlet.
- Clean contacts and pins with a slightly damp swab or cloth, then let them dry.
- Reset: hold the case’s system button 15 seconds until the light flashes red and white.
- Charge a drained case first and check battery levels on your phone.
- Update firmware, then contact Apple if nothing works.
Next step: clean the contacts and charge the case with a different cable for 20 minutes, then check battery levels on your phone to see whether both earbuds are charging.
Kermit Matthews is a freelance writer based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania with more than a decade of experience writing technology guides. He has a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Computer Science and has spent much of his professional career in IT management.
He specializes in writing content about iPhones, Android devices, Microsoft Office, and many other popular applications and devices.