In today’s fast-paced world, wireless earphones have become an essential accessory for many of us. Among the most popular options available, Apple’s AirPods are known for their sleek design and advanced features. One crucial factor that users often want to keep track of is the battery life of their AirPods. Being aware of the remaining battery charge can help users plan their usage and ensure that they don’t run out of battery at critical times. While the battery status of AirPods is displayed on the iPhone when they are connected, it is possible to add the AirPod battery life to the iPhone’s home screen for quicker access. In this blog post, we will explore different methods to achieve this and provide you with step-by-step instructions.
Video Tutorial:
The Challenge of Adding AirPod Battery Life on iPhone
Although the iPhone automatically displays the battery life of connected AirPods, some users find it inconvenient to access this information. Having to navigate through different screens or control center options to check the battery status can be time-consuming. Additionally, users might want a constant visual reminder of their AirPods’ battery life at a glance, without the need for unlocking their iPhone or launching any apps.
Things You Should Prepare for
Before we delve into the various methods, there are a few prerequisites that you need to have in place:
1. iPhone running on iOS 14 or later: The AirPods battery widget is only available on iPhones with iOS 14 or a newer version.
2. Apple AirPods: Naturally, you need to have a pair of Apple AirPods that you wish to monitor the battery life of.
3. Bluetooth Connectivity: Ensure that Bluetooth is enabled on your iPhone and that it is connected to your AirPods.
Method 1: Using the Batteries Widget
The first method involves utilizing the built-in Batteries widget on your iPhone. This widget allows you to monitor the battery levels of various devices, including AirPods. Here’s how you can set it up:
1. Unlock your iPhone and navigate to the home screen.
2. Swipe right to access the Today View screen.
3. Scroll down to the bottom of the Today View screen and tap on the "Edit" button.
4. In the Add Widgets panel, locate the Batteries widget and tap on the green "+" icon next to it to add it to your Today View.
5. Press the "Done" button in the top-right corner to save the changes.
6. Now, swipe right, and you will see the Batteries widget displaying the battery status for all connected devices, including your AirPods.
Pros:
– Offers a quick and convenient way to track AirPod battery life without launching any apps.
– Provides a consolidated view of the battery levels for multiple devices.
– Can be customized to include or exclude specific devices.
Cons:
– Limited customization options for the Batteries widget.
– Requires swiping right to access the Today View for checking the battery status.
Method 2: Via Siri
Apple’s technical blogger, Siri, can also help you keep tabs on your AirPods’ battery life. Here’s how you can do it:
1. Activate Siri by holding the Side button or saying "Hey Siri."
2. Ask Siri about the battery status of your AirPods, for example, say, "Hey Siri, what’s the battery percentage of my AirPods?"
3. Siri will respond with the battery percentage of your AirPods.
Pros:
– Doesn’t require navigating through different screens or widgets.
– Offers a hands-free approach to know the AirPod battery life.
Cons:
– Requires a working internet connection for Siri to function.
– Can be less reliable if there is any background noise or inaccuracies in Siri’s understanding.
Method 3: Using Control Center
Another way to monitor your AirPods’ battery life is through the Control Center on your iPhone. This method provides quick access to battery information with just a few taps:
1. Open the Control Center on your iPhone. The method for accessing the Control Center varies depending on the iPhone model. For iPhones with a home button, swipe up from the bottom of the screen. For iPhones without a home button, swipe down from the top-right corner.
2. In the Control Center, find the "Hearing" icon, which resembles an ear with sound waves emanating from it.
3. Tap on the "Hearing" icon to expand the controls.
4. You will now see the battery status for your connected AirPods.
Pros:
– Can be accessed from any screen on your iPhone with just a few swipes.
– Provides additional controls, such as audio routing and volume adjustments, alongside the battery information.
Cons:
– Takes a few taps to access the AirPod battery information.
– The battery status is not displayed directly; instead, you need to expand the "Hearing" controls.
Method 4: Using a Third-Party App
If you prefer a more customizable and feature-rich solution, there are several third-party apps available on the App Store that offer detailed battery information for AirPods. One such app is "AirBattery," which provides real-time battery levels and additional features like notifications. Here’s how you can use it:
1. Open the App Store on your iPhone.
2. Search for "AirBattery" and install the app.
3. Launch AirBattery, and it will automatically detect your connected AirPods.
4. The app will display the battery levels of your AirPods, including individual percentages for the left and right earpieces.
5. You can also customize notifications and other settings within the app.
Pros:
– Offers detailed battery information, including individual percentages.
– Provides additional features like notifications and widget customization.
Cons:
– Requires downloading and installing an additional app.
– Some third-party apps may have in-app purchases or ads.
Why Can’t I See My AirPod Battery Life?
1. Software Compatibility: Ensure that your iPhone is running on iOS 14 or a newer version, as the AirPod battery widget is not available on older iOS versions.
2. Bluetooth Connectivity: Check that your AirPods are connected to your iPhone via Bluetooth. If not, make sure to pair your AirPods with your iPhone.
3. Incorrect Settings: Verify that the battery widget is included in your Today View by swiping right from the home screen and accessing the Edit option. Add the Batteries widget if it is not already added.
4. AirPods Not Supported: Confirm that your AirPods model is compatible with displaying battery information on the iPhone. Older AirPods models may not support this feature.
Additional Tips
Here are some additional tips to enhance your experience of monitoring the AirPods battery life:
1. Charging Case Notifications: You can enable notifications on your iPhone to receive alerts when your AirPods need charging or when they are fully charged. This can be done by going to Settings > Bluetooth, tapping on the "i" icon next to your AirPods, and enabling the "Notify when Left or Right AirPod is in Ear" option.
2. Automatic Ear Detection: By enabling automatic ear detection, your AirPods can conserve battery life when not in use. This feature can be enabled by going to Settings > Bluetooth, tapping on the "i" icon next to your AirPods, and turning on the "Automatic Ear Detection" toggle.
3. Resetting AirPods: If you are facing persistent issues with displaying the AirPods battery life on your iPhone, you can try resetting your AirPods. This can be done by going to Settings > Bluetooth, tapping on the "i" icon next to your AirPods, and selecting the "Forget This Device" option. Then, re-pair your AirPods with your iPhone.
5 FAQs About Adding AirPod Battery Life on iPhone
Q1: How can I conserve the battery life of my AirPods?
A: To extend the battery life of your AirPods, you can follow these tips:
– Keep the AirPods in the charging case when not in use.
– Turn off automatic ear detection to prevent unnecessary power consumption.
– Disable features like active noise cancellation or transparency mode when not needed.
– Avoid exposing the AirPods to extreme temperatures.
Q2: Can I check the battery life of my AirPods on other devices?
A: Yes, the battery status of your AirPods can also be checked on other Apple devices like Mac, iPad, and Apple Watch.
Q3: Are there any alternative third-party apps for monitoring AirPod battery life?
A: Yes, apart from AirBattery, there are several other third-party apps available on the App Store, such as "Battery Life" and "Powerful Battery +." These apps offer similar functionality and customization options.
Q4: Is it possible to check the battery life of only one AirPod?
A: Yes, when your AirPods are connected, you can view the battery life of each individual earpiece by accessing the Batteries widget or using a third-party app like AirBattery.
Q5: Can I check the battery life of someone else’s AirPods?
A: No, unless someone has granted you access to their connected AirPods, you cannot check the battery life of someone else’s AirPods.
In Conclusion
Adding the AirPod battery life to your iPhone’s home screen can greatly enhance your user experience and provide convenient access to this critical information. By utilizing the built-in Batteries widget or third-party apps, you can easily monitor the battery levels of your AirPods with just a few taps or at Siri’s command. Remember to ensure that your iPhone is running on iOS 14, your AirPods are connected via Bluetooth, and you have the necessary settings enabled. With these methods and tips, you will never have to worry about running out of battery on your AirPods again.