Can You Use Someone Else’s AirPod Case?

02 Mar 2022

Can you use someone else’s AirPod case? We’ve all thought about it at some point.

We’ve all wondered what would happen if we used a different case for our AirPods. And really, what’s the worst that could happen?

Maybe you even tried it before. A little experimenting couldn’t hurt, right?

We're not all so brave, especially with our AirPods. If you’re curious but too cautious to experiment, we’ve got you covered.

In this article, we answer the question of whether you can use someone else’s AirPod case. We tell you which cases will work and which won’t.

If you ever end up without your AirPod case, these answers might help.

Can I Charge My AirPods in Someone Else's Case?

If you’re without your AirPods case you might want to know if AirPod cases are interchangeable.

The answer depends on the model of the AirPods and the case. In some instances, yes, you can charge AirPods in a different case.

The battery in the AirPod case is not meant to last forever. If the case stops working, you’ll need a long-term solution.

Of course, you might not have the funds to get a brand new case right away.

Do you need the AirPod case to connect to your device? Not if the AirPods are already paired to said device.

If they aren’t already paired then yes, you need a case for the initial connection. Otherwise, it’s a simple matter of finding your AirPods in the Bluetooth menu on your device.

What happens when the AirPods run out of juice? AirPods can only charge with the case.

So, do AirPods need a case? If the case ever malfunctions, you’re going to have a tough time charging the AirPods.

If this happens, you’ll probably wonder how long you can go without it.

AirPods last between 4 to 6-hours with a single charge. This isn’t a big issue if you use it sparingly and can get a new case soon.

If you’re considering using a friend’s case or getting one secondhand, there are a few considerations. The compatibility will be the main factor.

can i charge my airpods in someone else's case

Which Cases Are Compatible (Or Not) with Each Other?

To charge AirPods in a different case, they need to be compatible with each other.

Let’s say, for example, that a friend has an AirPods Pro, and you do as well. If your case breaks then you can use your friend’s case to charge your AirPods Pro.

This is because their AirPods and case are the same model as yours. But are their different models that are compatible too?

1st and 2nd Generation AirPod Cases

Let’s consider the 1st Generation AirPods. Can Gen 1 AirPods charge in a Gen 2 case? Yes, they can and vice versa. The cases are the same dimensions.

How to tell the difference between AirPods 1 and 2 cases? The Gen 2 wired case is nearly identical to the Gen 1 case. The only visible difference is the serial numbers.

So what makes a Gen 2 better? 2nd Generation AirPods have better sound and a faster connection.

There are other perks too. When the Gen 2 was released, a wireless charging case was its companion. The Gen 2 AirPods can be bought with a wired case or a wireless case.

Now, the wireless case looks quite similar to the original wired case as well. But, it has a status light on the outside.

That’s the only visible difference between the Gen 2 wireless and Gen 1 wired cases.

The wireless case even has a lightning charging port for wired charging. It’s the perfect upgrade for your AirPod 1 case.

This is why Gen 1 and 2 cases are interchangeable. Unfortunately, other AirPod cases are not.

AirPod Case Vs AirPod Pro Case

If we compare the AirPod pro case vs the AirPod case, they’re not interchangeable. The AirPods Pro is only compatible with another case of the same model.

The dimensions of these cases are different because the AirPods are different. The AirPods Pro has a shorter stem and a thicker earpiece.

The AirPods Pro case is wider and slightly thicker too. Since the case needs to be closed to charge, AirPods won’t work in an AirPods Pro case.

The AirPods Pro would also be too short to touch the connection points inside the AirPods case.

The connection points on the AirPods need to touch the points inside the case. If they don’t, the AirPods won’t charge because there’s no connection.

How to Charge Your AirPods in Someone Else’s Case

As we said, it’s possible to charge your AirPods in a different case. As long as the case is compatible with your AirPods, there won’t be a problem.

Yes, AirPods can only charge with a case. But there’s no problem with having multiple cases either. Sure, most of us can’t afford to have even two cases, but we can dream.

When using a different case, you need to connect to it first. Fortunately, connecting the case is quick and easy.

Once the case and AirPods are connected, you can charge your AirPods.

Steps to Connecting Your AirPods to a Different Case

Make sure the case is compatible with your AirPods. Remember, gen 1 and 2 cases are interchangeable but won’t work with AirPod Pro.
Put the AirPods in the compatible case. There should be a magnetic click when the AirPods are inserted.
Close the lid and wait 30-seconds.
Open the lid and then wait for the light to flash amber (orange).
Find the setup button on the back of the case. Press and hold it until the light flashes white.
Unlock your phone and the popup animation will appear on your screen.
Tap ‘connect’ and that’s it! The case is now connected to your AirPods and you can charge it.

Steps to Disconnecting Your AirPods from the Temporary Case

If you’re borrowing a friend’s case, you’ll need to disconnect the AirPods again.

Place the AirPods inside the case and close the lid.
Wait for 30-seconds and open the lid, leaving the AirPods inside.
Find the AirPods in the Bluetooth settings on your device.
Tap the information icon and a menu should appear. Click “forget this device”.
Press and hold the button on the back of the case.
When the light flashes amber, release the button.
The reset is complete and you can now remove the AirPods.

Using a Fake AirPods Case

If you’re considering using a fake AirPods case, don’t.

Yes, AirPods can charge in a fake case, but it could damage the AirPods. Wondering what’s the difference between a real AirPod case vs a fake?

A real case has a built-in charging failsafe. This means that charging slows when the AirPods are almost full. The current stops completely once the AirPods reach 100-percent.

This prevents overcharging and damaging the AirPods’ batteries. A fake case doesn’t have this failsafe.

What's more, a fake case won’t allow you to connect to your device.

The biggest indicator of a fake AirPods case is the color. All AirPods, and their cases, are white. There’s no exception.

Yes, some users do have other color cases. But these are likely AirPod case covers. These are covers that fit over the original AirPod case.

These covers are suitable for wired and wireless charging. They are a fun way to accessorize and you can match them to your custom phone cases.

Another, less obvious difference, is the size. Fake cases are often bigger than real AirPod cases. And like fake AirPods, their cases have cheaper material.

The Verdict

Can you use someone else’s AirPod case?

Yes, in the right circumstance, you can use a different case for your AirPods. If the case is the same model as your AirPods then there shouldn’t be a problem.

This means that if you have an AirPod Pro you can use someone else’s AirPod Pro case. But, you can’t use AirPods in an AirPods Pro case. The dimensions just aren’t the same.

By this same rule, Gen 1 and Gen 2 cases are interchangeable. Gen 1 AirPods will work in a Gen 2 case, and vice versa.

Gen 1 AirPods will even work in the Gen 2 wireless case.

Be wary when using a fake case for your AirPods. Fake cases don’t have a failsafe and can overcharge your AirPods.

If you’re tired of the white AirPod case, don’t get a fake case for the color change.

AirPod case covers have many designs and colors to choose from. They’re a great fashion statement too!

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