Charging your Voicebuds
Voicebuds charge inside the case. The case charges via USB-C (cable not included — use any standard USB-C cable).
- Place both Voicebuds in the case and close the lid to begin charging.
- Connect the case to a power source using a USB-C cable.
- The case LED shows current battery level when the lid is opened or closed.
You can charge the case and Voicebuds simultaneously — just leave them in the case while it's connected to power.
If your Voicebuds aren't charging, draining faster than expected, or showing uneven battery levels, work through these steps.
Earbuds not charging in the case
- Reseat the earbuds: Remove both earbuds and firmly reinsert them. They need to make firm contact with the charging pins.
- Clean the contacts: Use a dry cotton swab to gently clean the charging contacts on both the earbuds and the inside of the case. Even small amounts of debris can break the connection.
- Check the case charge: If the case battery is depleted, it can't charge the earbuds. Charge the case with a known-good cable and adapter for at least 15 minutes, then check.
- Try a different cable/adapter: Faulty cables are a common culprit. Test with another cable.
Uneven battery (one earbud drains faster)
Some difference between L and R is normal — especially if you use one earbud for calls more than the other. If the difference is extreme (e.g. one is dead while the other is at 80%), try:
- Placing both earbuds in the case and fully charging them together
- Checking Earbud settings after a few hours of normal use to see if the gap persists
Battery draining unusually fast
- Noise cancellation uses more power than transparency mode or off — switch to a less demanding mode if battery life is critical
- Continuous dictation use draws more power than audio playback alone
- Check for a firmware update — newer firmware sometimes includes battery optimisations
Checking battery levels
Open Earbud settings in the Subtle app. You'll see L/R time remaining and the case percentage in real time.
Contact support
If an earbud charges intermittently or not at all after cleaning and reseating, it may be a hardware defect. Contact support@subtle.co with photos of the charging contacts and a screenshot of Earbud settings.