To add an AirPod battery widget, add the Batteries widget to your iPhone or iPad Home Screen or Lock Screen. This lets you see the charge level of your AirPods at a glance without opening any settings.
How to add the AirPod battery widget to your home screen
Adding the Batteries widget to your Home Screen or Today View takes just a few taps.
- Touch and hold a widget or an empty area on the Home Screen until the apps jiggle.
- Tap the Edit button in the upper-left corner.
- Tap Add Widget.
- Scroll down and select the Batteries widget.
- Choose a widget size (small, medium, or large), then tap Add Widget.
- Tap the Done button.
The Batteries widget now appears on your Home Screen. You can also drag it to the Today View by swiping right from the Home Screen and following the same steps. To remove the widget from the Home Screen, tap the minus sign in the upper-left corner of the widget while the apps are jiggling.
How to add the AirPod battery widget to your lock screen
If your iPhone or iPad runs iOS 16 or later, you can add the Batteries widget directly to the Lock Screen.
- Touch and hold the Lock Screen until the Customize button appears, then tap Customize.
- Tap Add Widgets.
- Tap or drag the Batteries widget to the Lock Screen.
- Tap Done.
The Lock Screen widget shows the battery level of your AirPods, making it even faster to check without unlocking your device.
Requirements for the AirPod battery widget
To use the Batteries widget for your AirPods, you need an iPhone or iPad running iOS 14 or later for the Home Screen widget, or iOS 16 or later for the Lock Screen widget. Your AirPods must be connected to the device via Bluetooth. The widget works with AirPods, AirPods Pro, and AirPods Max, as well as other devices like Beats headphones that support the same battery reporting protocol.
What the AirPod battery widget shows
The Batteries widget displays the battery percentage for the left AirPod, right AirPod, and the charging case. When your AirPods are in the case and charging, the widget also shows a charging icon next to the case’s battery level. The widget can show estimated usage time in addition to battery percentage and charging status. If you have multiple sets of AirPods or other supported devices connected, the widget can show battery information for each one. If you have multiple sets of AirPods connected, you can swipe left or right on the widget to switch between them and view their respective battery levels. This makes it easy to keep track of all your charging wireless earbuds and headphones in one place.
Troubleshooting the AirPod battery widget
If the Batteries widget does not show battery information for your AirPods, try these solutions:
- Check Bluetooth connection: Ensure your AirPods are connected to your iPhone or iPad. Open Control Center or Bluetooth settings to verify.
- Restart your device: A simple restart can refresh the widget’s functionality and resolve temporary connectivity issues.
- Ensure software is up to date: Update your iPhone or iPad to the latest version of iOS or iPadOS. Also make sure your AirPods have the latest firmware installed, as updates often fix battery reporting bugs.
If the problem persists, remove the Batteries widget from your Home Screen or Lock Screen, restart your device, and add the widget again.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I customize the size or position of the Batteries widget?
Yes. When adding the widget, you can choose between small, medium, and large sizes. After adding it, you can rearrange its position on the Home Screen by touching and holding it until the apps jiggle, then dragging it to a new spot.
Can I stack the Batteries widget with other widgets?
Yes. You can stack up to 10 widgets in a single stack on the Home Screen. To create a stack, drag one widget onto another. The Batteries widget can be part of a Smart Stack that rotates based on your usage.
Does the Batteries widget work with other Bluetooth devices like Beats or third-party headphones?
The Batteries widget is designed to show battery levels for Apple and Beats devices that use the same battery reporting protocol. It may show battery information for some third-party Bluetooth devices, but accuracy is not guaranteed and depends on the device’s support for the Apple battery service.
Can I use the AirPod battery widget with other Bluetooth earphones?
It is designed for AirPods; accuracy with other earphones may vary and it's recommended to check the earphone's documentation.
Why does my Batteries widget show “No Data” for my AirPods?
This typically means your AirPods are not connected or are out of Bluetooth range. Open the case near your iPhone or iPad, or put the AirPods in your ears, to re-establish the connection. The widget updates within a few seconds once connected.
Can I see the battery level of each AirPod separately?
Yes. The Batteries widget shows the percentage for the left AirPod, right AirPod, and the charging case individually when they are connected. If one AirPod is in the case and the other is in your ear, the widget still displays separate readings for each.
