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Have you ever plugged in your Powerbeats only for them to start flashing red and white? The flashing light is not only pesky but hints at an underlying problem.
This article will explain what’s going on with your Powerbeats and give you the top 7 solutions to stop those flashing lights.
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Why Are My Powerbeats Flashing Red and White While Charging?
It’s not a good sign if your Powerbeats start flashing red and white while plugged in. That flashing light means that your Powerbeats are not charging.
One look at your paired device, whether iPod, iPhone, or Android using the Beats app, will show you that the battery is not filling up.
If you are tired of no longer being able to listen to your favorite podcast because your Powerbeats won’t charge, you can solve the problem with a bit of troubleshooting.
Reasons Why Powerbeats Won’t Charge
It is incredibly frustrating when you go to charge your Powerbeats, only for them to start flashing red and white. While this flashing LED light indicates that your Powerbeats aren’t charging, it won’t tell you why.
Figuring out the reason is the first step to solving the problem, but troubleshooting may be required to fix your Powerbeats’ charging function.
There are a few different reasons why your Powerbeats won’t charge, including:
- Your charging cable has bent wires or broken.
- The system is glitching.
- Water has damaged them.
- Debris is blocking the connection to charge.
- There are issues with the charging connection spots, such as the case or USB ports.
- The firmware is not up-to-date.
How to Fix Powerbeats That Won’t Charge
1. Change the Charging Cord
It’s no secret that charging cords take a beating- whether in your pocket, purse, backpack or stomped underneath your desk. All of these situations result in pulling wires apart and creating fractures.
One of the first things you should try whenever any device isn’t working is changing the power cord. Powerbeats use a micro USB cable for charging, whether it’s Powerbeats Pro or one of the older editions like Powerbeats 3.
Micro USB is what Apple uses for iPads, iPhones, and other devices, so you likely have a spare lying around your home. If not, you can purchase a replacement cable from various stores like Amazon, Best Buy, or Walmart.
2. Restart Your Powerbeats
Powerbeats may not function correctly or charge well when used for long periods of time. Resetting your device gives the Powerbeats a clean slate.
Here is how to reset your Powerbeats Pro:
- Open up your charging case.
- Place both earbuds into the charging case.
- Locate the system button.
- Press and hold the button for fifteen seconds until the LED flashes red and white.
- Release the button.
If all works, your Powerbeats LED indicator will flash white, which means it is ready to pair with devices near you.
Here are the steps you should follow if you have Powerbeats 3 headphones:
- Locate the power button and the volume buttons.
- Press down both buttons and hold for 10 seconds.
- Release the buttons when the LED indicator on the device flashes.
3. Addressing Water Damage
Powerbeats are water resistant- but not waterproof. They aren’t sweatproof, either. They won’t hold up well around excessive moisture.
Charging cases for Powerbeats Pro are not waterproof or water resistant. Avoid getting any liquid around the case if possible.
If excessive moisture seeps into your charging case or earbuds, do not attempt to charge them. Not only will they not power up, but trying to charge your Powerbeats while wet can create more damage. Instead, wipe the earbuds with a clean, dry, soft, lint-free cloth.
Never use a heat source on your Powerbeats. While a hair dryer might sound like a faster way to dry your device, it can also melt sensitive components inside your earbuds.
If the charging case gets wet, leave it for a few hours to dry. Always check the charging case and earbuds to ensure they are clean and dry before charging.
4. Cleaning the Headphones and Case
Dirt, debris, earwax, sweat- all make themselves at home on your Powerbeats. Regularly cleaning your headphones and their charging case is important to ensure they continue to work properly. Powerbeats Pro users need to ensure that connection points between the case and earbuds are clear of debris.
To clean your Powerbeats Pro, follow these steps:
- Unplug your charging cable from the case.
- Remove the earbuds from the charging case.
- Lightly dab a cotton swab into 70 percent isopropyl alcohol- warm water sometimes will do the trick too, but the alcohol will clean stronger.
- Gently rub the cotton swab around the charging contacts on your Powerbeat Pros.
- Wipe the charging pins inside the case with the cotton swab. Only dab the swab again if it feels completely dry.
- Wipe your case and headphones with a soft, dry lint-free wiping cloth. Unlike with the cotton swab, wipe the entire surface of both devices.
- Let them sit for a little time to ensure they are both dry before trying to charge them.
You should clean and dry your Powerbeats regularly after working out to ensure they continue to work well.
5. Change Cases or Charging Points
Try changing where you plug in the device. Test another USB port if you typically charge it in one specific USB port on your laptop. The lack of charge might be a faulty port on your computer or an outlet that is not working.
This idea also works with changing where you plug in your Powerbeats Pro charging case.
It is unlikely that your charging case for Powerbeats Pro is the problem. If you believe it may be the cause, you can purchase a replacement case from Amazon. We only recommend doing this if no other options work for you, though, since it can get expensive.
6. Updating Firmware
Your wireless Powerbeats utilize software that helps it connect and process information. This software is sometimes called firmware and frequently receives updates. Your device may not have the most recent update.
It will update automatically if your Powerbeats are paired with any Apple device, such as an iPad, iPad Touch, or iPhone. Mac users used to need an app called “Beats Updater” to gain new firmware, but Apple has since retired that system app.
If the updates are not happening automatically, try restarting your Powerbeats and repairing them to your favorite Bluetooth-capable Apple device.
Any Powerbeats paired with Android devices will not automatically update. You will need a special app to keep up-to-date.
To get updates on your Powerbeats with an Android device, download the Beats app from your phone’s app store. The app is free, and you’ll get extra control features for your Powerbeats.
You will also be able to view what version of firmware your device has while using the Beats app.
7. Contact Apple Support
If none of the above suggestions worked for you, your Powerbeats might be experiencing a device failure. If your Powerbeats are defective and still under warranty, you can contact Apple support for replacement or repair services.
You can either schedule an in-person visit with a representative in an Apple Store or an Apple Authorized Service Provider, send them in for repair via shipping, or chat with a representative online.
Apple’s policy does not cover accidental damage or drained batteries from continued usage, so the repair or replacement might cost you money.
Head to their website to check out the cost estimate with their Beats Repair and Service page and connect with a specialist.
Final Thoughts
It’s a great idea to keep a close eye on your Powerbeats as they charge to see if the battery is juicing up.
Getting new updates and regularly cleaning the device may stop that pesky flashing red and white light, but sometimes you may need a deeper solution like restarting or repairs.