Earbuds Stop Charging from a Power Bank? Check Low-Current Mode

If a power bank charges your phone but stops charging your earbuds, check whether it supports a low-current charging mode. On the Anker 737 Power Bank, double-pressing the power button enables trickle-charging mode for USB-A. This is a feature to check, not proof that every interrupted charge has the same cause.

By DigiDevice Editorial

You put your earbuds on charge during a study break, then return to find that the case has barely gained power. Before replacing the cable or buying another power bank, check the charging mode and the case’s own status indicator.

Why small accessories can need a different mode

Anker describes trickle-charging mode as a setting for low-power accessories such as earbuds. It is designed to bypass automatic shutoff behavior associated with charging larger devices. The manufacturer also cautions that support is model-specific and that some very low-current devices still may not start charging.

That makes the exact model important. A successful phone charge tells you something about that phone’s connection; it does not establish that the same arrangement will work with an earbud case. Check the power bank’s manual and the case manufacturer’s charging instructions together.

How to check the mode on an Anker 737

For the Anker 737 Power Bank (PowerCore 24K), Anker’s model-specific support guidance says to press the power button twice to activate trickle charging. A small green indicator appears near the remaining-power display, and USB-A can show a 0.1W reading.

Use a cable and charging arrangement supported by your earbud-case manufacturer. For this USB-A workflow, the power-bank end of the cable must fit USB-A and the other end must match the case. Do not assume that a USB-C-to-USB-C cable belongs in the same setup merely because your case uses USB-C.

Check the case, not just the power-bank display

The green indicator confirms the selected mode; it does not confirm that your particular earbud case is receiving charge. Look for the case’s documented charging indicator and check its status again during the break.

Anker says a small USB-A reading can remain briefly after a device is disconnected. If you no longer need trickle mode, its 737 guidance says to double-press the button again and allow about two minutes for it to exit. A lingering reading alone is therefore not evidence that something is still charging.

A short check before your next call

• Identify the power bank and earbud-case models.
• Check that the power bank supports the required low-current mode.
• Use the documented port and a compatible charging cable.
• Confirm the case’s charging indicator rather than relying only on the bank’s screen.
• If charging still fails, record the models, cable, port and indicator behavior for manufacturer support.

For work calls or study sessions, try the arrangement before the day you depend on it. If the case also fails with its manufacturer-recommended charging source, investigate that symptom separately rather than assuming a new power bank will solve it. When comparing the Anker 737, consider its documented accessory-charging behavior alongside your devices’ requirements.

Related guide

Need to refill the power bank itself? See how to recharge the Anker 737 between classes or meetings.