Why is My AirPods Case Flashing Orange? How to Fix It

AirPods Case Flashing Orange

Your AirPod’s charging case shows an orange flashing light when the AirPods have trouble connecting with your device because of a pairing problem or because they need to be upgraded to the latest firmware to work correctly. There could also be other problems, which we’ll discuss in this guide. 

Nevertheless, a flashing orange light means there is an error with the AirPods. It usually only occurs when the AirPods are inside the case. Here’s a table that explains what the different AirPods status lights mean:

Status Light What it Means
Solid orange (AirPods in) AirPods are on charge.
Solid orange (AirPods out) The case needs to be charged.
Flashing orange There is a connectivity issue with your AirPods.
Solid orange (Case is plugged into a power source) AirPods and the case are on charge.
Flashing white Your AirPods are ready to be paired.
Solid green (AirPods in) AirPods are charged.
Solid green (AirPods out) The case is charged.

Various methods can fix problems associated with a flashing orange light on your AirPods case:

Charge the AirPods and case

A flashing orange light could indicate that your AirPods or the case need to be charged. When you place the AirPods in the case, it’ll show a solid orange light which means it’s charging the AirPods.

Low battery levels can cause connectivity issues which is what causes the AirPods case to flash an orange light. You’ll get a notification on your iPhone or iPad when your AirPods charge is 20, 15, and 5 percent.

You don’t get notifications when the AirPod case’s charging is low. Instead, you can either check the battery on your device or by opening the lid. If you see a solid orange light when the AirPods are out, it means the case’s battery is low.

To check the battery levels of the AirPods and case on iPhone, bring the case near your device, and the battery levels will show on your screen.

Battery Level of AirPods
Check the battery level of your AirPods.

To check them on your Mac, connect your AirPods to your mac and click the Bluetooth icon in the menu bar. You’ll see the battery levels of both AirPods there. To check the case’s battery, keep one AirPod inside the case and keep it open.

Checking AirPods' Battery Level on Mac
Check your AirPods battery on Mac.

Note: There’s no way to see AirPods’ battery on Android and Windows.

Update your AirPods firmware

The flashing orange light could mean that your AirPods aren’t updated to the latest firmware.

To update your AirPods’ firmware, place them in their case and leave the case on charge. Keep it close to your iPhone or Mac, and the firmware will automatically be installed.

Restart your iPhone or Mac

Another way to fix the flashing orange light on your AirPods case is by restarting the device to which they’re connected. 

You can check if the problem is with the device by connecting your AirPods to another device. If you still see the flashing orange light, you’ll know the problem is with the AirPods themselves.

Factory reset your AirPods

This method will factory reset your AirPods and fix most of their issues. 

To reset your AirPods, open the lid while the AirPods are inside the case and press and hold the button on the case for 15 seconds.

Resetting AirPods to Fix Flashing Orange Light
Press and hold the button on your AirPods case for 15 seconds. (Source: apple.com)

When the flashing orange light turns white, your AirPods have been reset. You’ll have to pair and connect your AirPods with your device again.

Phoebe is an HR assistant in her day job, but is also a web blogger that loves writing guides and sharing her experiences. When she is not out with her friends, she enjoys traveling or binge-watching Netflix. She graduated with a BA in Communication and Media Studies from the University of Utah, and is a chief editor at TechObservatory.

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