Sennheiser Headphones Not Charging Solved

By Robert Jones · 2021-10-04

Sennheiser is one of the best headphones. Their quality and performance make them a number one choice. Learn how to fix charging issues.

Right, Sennheiser. Excellent kit, most of the time. I've had a fair few pairs come through my workshop over the years, from their proper studio cans to the more everyday wireless stuff. And like anything with a battery, sometimes they just decide to be a bit… difficult. Not charging is one of the more common headaches. Let's get stuck into a few of the things I've found actually work when yours are playing up, based on my twenty-odd years tinkering with this sort of gear.

First Port of Call: Give Those Charging Points a Good Clean

Honestly, you'd be surprised how often this is the culprit. Think about it: your headphones live in your bag, on your desk, maybe even in your pocket. Dust, pocket lint, skin oil – it all builds up. Especially on those little metal contacts, whether it's for a charging cable or the pins in a charging case. I've seen some absolutely filthy USB-C ports in my time, let me tell you.

Grab yourself a dry cotton bud, or even a soft, clean toothbrush. A bit of isopropyl alcohol (the stuff you clean electronics with, not rubbing alcohol – that can leave residue) on the cotton bud can work wonders if it's really grimy. Just be gentle. You don't want to bend any pins or scratch anything. I had a pair of Momentum True Wireless IIs a few years back that refused to charge in their case. Took a tiny brush to the case's pins and the earbud's contacts, and boom, good as new. Worth trying before you go tearing your hair out.

Stick to the Proper Charger, Please!

This sounds obvious, doesn't it? But you'd be amazed how many people just grab any old USB lead and plug it in. Sennheiser headphones are designed to work with specific power inputs. Slap on a dodgy charger or a cable that's on its last legs, and you could be causing more problems than you solve. It might not deliver enough power, or worse, it could be inconsistent, which batteries really don't like.

Always, *always* try the original charger and cable first. If you've lost it, get a reputable replacement. I've got a drawer full of USB cables in my workshop, and I can tell you, they are not all created equal. I once spent an hour troubleshooting a buddy's PXC 550s only to find he was using a cheap knock-off cable he'd bought from a petrol station. Swapped it for a decent one, and it charged right up. Live and learn!

When All Else Fails: Try a Reset

Yeah, I know.