Where to Buy an Official Apple Charger

The official Apple charger for AirPods Pro is the Lightning to USB-C cable paired with a USB-C power adapter. You can buy both directly from Apple's website, at an Apple Store, or through authorized retailers like Best Buy, Target, and Amazon. The cable alone costs around $19, and a power adapter runs $19 to $29 depending on wattage.

Buying from Apple or an authorized retailer guarantees you get the genuine product with the correct specifications. Apple's website shows you exactly which cable and adapter work with your AirPods Pro generation — this matters because older AirPods Pro models used a different connector. Check your original box or go to Settings > General > About on your iPhone to confirm your AirPods Pro model number.

If you want the charger fast, an Apple Store can sell it to you the same day. Online orders from Apple typically ship within one to three business days, though delivery time varies by location.

Key Takeaways

  • AirPods Pro use a Lightning to USB-C cable, not the older Lightning to Lightning cable, so confirm your model before buying.
  • Official Apple chargers cost $19 for the cable and $19 to $29 for the power adapter, sold separately or together.
  • Apple, Best Buy, Target, and Amazon all stock official chargers; buying from these sources protects you against counterfeit products.
  • Third-party USB-C cables work with AirPods Pro but carry a small risk of slower charging or compatibility issues if they do not meet Apple's specifications.
  • If your charger stops working under warranty, contact Apple Support to see whether a replacement is covered at no cost.

Third-Party Chargers and What to Watch For

Many third-party USB-C cables and power adapters work with AirPods Pro and cost less than Apple's versions. Brands like Anker, Belkin, and Amazon Basics sell cables for $8 to $15. These chargers are safe to use as long as they meet the USB-C standard and have decent reviews from other users.

The main risk with cheaper third-party chargers is slow or unreliable charging. Some low-cost cables have poor connections inside the connector, which means your AirPods Pro may charge slowly or stop charging partway through. Read the reviews before you buy — if multiple people report charging problems, skip that product.

Avoid chargers with no brand name, no reviews, or prices that seem too good to be true. These are often counterfeit products that may damage your AirPods Pro or stop working after a few uses.

What You Actually Need to Charge AirPods Pro

AirPods Pro charge through a Lightning port on the bottom of the case, not through the earbuds themselves. You need a USB-C to Lightning cable and a USB-C power adapter to plug into the wall. You cannot charge AirPods Pro with an older Lightning to Lightning cable or a USB-A to Lightning cable — those will not fit the case.

If you already own a USB-C power adapter from another device — such as an iPad, newer iPhone, or laptop — you only need to buy the cable. Most USB-C adapters rated 5 watts or higher work fine. You do not need the exact Apple adapter.

If you have a USB-C cable but no USB-C power adapter, you can use any USB-C wall adapter you own, or buy one separately. This gives you flexibility to mix and match products from different brands.

Checking Your AirPods Pro Model Before You Buy

AirPods Pro come in two versions: the original model (released 2019) and the second generation (released 2022). Both use the same Lightning to USB-C cable, so the charger is the same for both. However, confirming your model takes 30 seconds and prevents you from buying the wrong cable by mistake.

To find your model, open the AirPods Pro case and look inside the lid — you will see a small model number printed there. It starts with "A" followed by four digits. You can also check in Settings on your iPhone: go to Settings > Bluetooth, tap the information icon next to your AirPods Pro, and scroll to the Model section.

Once you know your model, search for "AirPods Pro [your model number] charger" to see which cables and adapters other owners recommend. This takes the guesswork out of buying.

Warranty Coverage for Chargers

Apple's standard one-year warranty covers the AirPods Pro case and charger if they stop working due to a manufacturing defect — not if you drop them or damage them physically. If your original charger fails within a year, contact Apple Support through the Apple Support app or at apple.com/support, and they will tell you whether a replacement is covered at no cost.

Third-party chargers usually come with a 30-day to one-year warranty from the manufacturer. Check the product listing or the box to see what the seller promises. If a third-party charger fails, contact the brand directly — most will replace it or refund your money if you have a receipt.

Chargers bought from unauthorized sellers or resellers may not be covered by any warranty, so stick to Apple, major retailers, or well-known third-party brands.

How Long Charging Takes and What to Expect

A fully drained AirPods Pro case takes about 30 to 45 minutes to charge completely using an official Apple charger or a quality third-party USB-C cable. Charging speed depends on the power adapter's wattage — a 5-watt adapter charges slower than a 20-watt adapter, but both will fully charge the case eventually.

You will see a small LED light on the front of the case turn amber while charging and green when fully charged. If the light does not appear or stays red, the charger may not be making a good connection — try cleaning the Lightning port on the case with a dry cloth and plugging in again.

If your charger is working correctly but the case still will not charge, the problem is likely the case itself, not the charger. In that case, contact Apple Support to discuss a replacement case.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use any USB-C cable with AirPods Pro?

Most USB-C cables work, but quality varies. Stick to cables from Apple, Anker, Belkin, or Amazon Basics to avoid slow charging or connection problems. Avoid no-name cables or ones with very few reviews.

Do I need to buy the Apple power adapter or can I use one I already own?

You can use any USB-C power adapter you already own, as long as it is rated 5 watts or higher. You do not need the Apple adapter specifically. If you do not have a USB-C adapter, buying one from Apple or a third-party brand costs $19 to $29.

What if my charger is not charging my AirPods Pro?

First, clean the Lightning port on the bottom of the case with a dry cloth — lint or dirt often blocks the connection. If that does not work, try a different USB-C cable or power adapter to narrow down whether the problem is the cable, the adapter, or the case itself. If nothing works, contact Apple Support.

Is it cheaper to buy the cable and adapter separately or together?

Buying them separately usually costs the same or slightly less than buying a bundle, and it gives you the option to use an adapter you already own. Check the prices at your retailer — sometimes bundles are discounted, sometimes they are not.

Will a counterfeit charger damage my AirPods Pro?

Counterfeit chargers rarely cause when ready damage, but they may charge slowly, stop working after a few weeks, or fail to charge at all. The bigger risk is wasting money on a product that does not work. Buy from Apple, authorized retailers, or trusted third-party brands to avoid counterfeits.