Beats Flashing Red & White (FIXED)

Ever since its acquisition by Apple, Beats headphones have gotten the recognition they deserve. Thanks to their impressive features, they are undoubtedly one of my favorite wireless earphones. 

They produce a dominant sound with a dynamic range for the best audio experience. Moreover, a single charge provides over 10 hours of playtime. If you have the Beats Studio over-the-ear headphones, expect up to 40 hours of listening time.

What I like about my Beats headphones is the indicator light that displays its current battery status. It lets me know when my earphones need a charge so I don’t get frustrated during my workout or walking sessions.

Read on to discover what flashing red and white lights mean and how to solve the problem

Beats Flashing Red and White


Key Takeaways

  • Beats flashing red and white might mean the earphones are not charging correctly. Check the charger and replace the charging cable to solve the issue.
  • Your Beats earphones might interchangeably flash red and white light because of a firmware issue. Check for and install the latest software updates to resolve the problem.
  • Software bugs can cause your Beats earphones to malfunction and flash red and white. Resetting the headset to factory defaults can help restore optimal functionality.
  • A deeply discharged Beats headset may flash red and white. Charge the earphones for an extended period to fix the problem.
  • A damaged or clogged charging port might cause your Beats headphones to have charging issues and instead flash red and white. Clean the charging slot and reconnect the charger to solve the issue.

Beats Flashing Red and White – Proven Fixes

There are several reasons your Beats earphones might interchangeably flash red and white. For one, Beats flashing red and white might mean the earphones are not charging correctly. It might also mean battery failure or outdated firmware. Whatever the case, here are proven fixes to this problem.

Restart Beats Earphones

Beats earphones might have a remarkable battery life. However, using them for prolonged hours can cause the internal processor to act up or develop bugs. The system memory might have glitches causing the indicator light to flash red and white continuously.

As with rebooting a computer or a smartphone, restarting the earphones can help fix the problem. It will refresh the internal processor and restore your headphones within no time.

Here are the steps:

  • Locate the power button on your Beats earphones.
  • Press the power button for one or more seconds.
  • Maintain this position until the earphones go off.
  • Wait for a few seconds.
  • Press the power button again to turn the earphones on.
  • Check if the red and white lights are still flashing.

Reset Beats Earphones

I always like to personalize my headset to my preferences. However, your Beats earphones might flash red and white because of a custom setting. They might also develop bugs when you change the configuration or pair the headset with specific devices. If this is the case, a reset is necessary.

Resetting your Beats earphones will restore them to factory defaults and clear the error causing the red and white lights. You may have to configure and pair the headphones with your devices afresh.

Fortunately, resetting Beats earphones is straightforward. Here are the steps:

  • Press the power and volume down buttons simultaneously.
  • Maintain this position for about 10 seconds.
  • Release the buttons when the indicator light flashes.
  • Allow the earphones to reboot.
  • Pair the headphones with your devices OR
  • Plug in the charger to see if the problem still exists.
Note: The above procedure applies to Beats Flex, BeatsX, and Powerbeats (1, 2, and 3). To reset Beats Fit Pro, Beats Studio buds, or Powerbeats Pro, place the buds into the case and press the system button for 15 seconds.

How to Reset BeatsX Earbuds

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Resetting Power Beats Pro

How to Reset PowerBeats Pro | Reset Beats Pro Wireless Earbuds Tutorial | Featured Tech (2021)

Check Your Power Source

Sometimes your Beats might flash red and white when charging because of a faulty power source or a loose connection.

First, confirm that the charging cable is firmly in place. Disconnect and reconnect it to ensure it is secure. Next, test the power outlet or port by plugging in a different device. If the gadget is charging, your headphones are faulty. 

Alternatively, try a different socket to determine if the previous one is defective. If your earphones are charging, they won’t flash red and white. Instead, they will display a solid red light.

Discharge Beats Earphones

Your Beats earphones have an internal processor that controls their operations. Sometimes, the firmware might have challenges determining the battery charge level, causing the headphones to flash red and white instead of charging. 

Aside from resetting the earphones, draining the battery can help solve the problem. You can discharge the headset by using it at maximum volume. Alternatively, let the headphones sit out for several days without charging. Once drained, plug them back in and see if this hack solves the issue.

Update the Firmware

Your Beats earphones might interchangeably flash red and white light because of a firmware issue. Your Beats headphones have an internal processor complete with an operating system. The pre-installed software requires frequent updates to fix bugs and correct minor issues.

Check for and install the latest software updates to resolve the problem. Upgrading the firmware to the latest version is the only way to get the best out of your Beats earphones.

You only need to pair your Beats earphones to an iOS device. Ensure the gadget has the latest software version. Apple will automatically update your headphones. 

For Android devices, download and install the Beats Updater app to upgrade your earphones. 

Note: The headphones must have at least a 20% charge for firmware updates.

Updating Beats Earbuds

How to Update Firmware on Beats Studio Buds!

Unpair Beats Earphones

Beats flashing red and white might result from pairing malfunctions. Your paired device might have Bluetooth connection issues, causing the earphones to act up. Unpairing your headphones can help solve the problem.

Here are the steps:

  • Unlock your smartphone screen.
  • Go to the Settings app.
  • Tap Bluetooth.
  • Activate Bluetooth.
  • Select your earphones from the list of paired devices.
  • Tap the information (i) symbol next to your Beats earphones.
  • Tap Forget this Device.
  • Tap Forget this Device again to confirm your selection.
Forget your Beats earbuds from the list of paired devices

Forget your Beats earbuds from the list of paired devices

  • Connect your Beats earphones to a charger.
  • Verify if this resolves the issue.

Check the Charging Port

Dirt may accumulate and clog the charging port leading to charging issues. If you notice any sediments, unclog the port using a sharp pin or toothpick. You can also use a blower to clear the area. After cleaning the area, connect a charger to see if it clears the red and white flash.

Clean the charging port

Clean the charging port

Charge Beats Earphones for a Prolonged Period

Sometimes your Beats earphones might malfunction because of a deeply discharged battery. Even after connecting a charger, the headphones might take time before picking up a current.

The most effective way to solve this problem is to plug in the charger and let the headphones charge for as long as possible until the indicator glows a steady red light.

Let the headphones/earbuds charge for a prolonged period

Let the headphones/earbuds charge for a prolonged period

Replace the Battery

Your Beats earphones have a rechargeable Lithium-ion battery which requires a recharge after several hours of playtime.

Unfortunately, lithium batteries can only survive 300-500 charging cycles. Anything more than that might require you to replace the battery. This means recharging your headphones frequently can usurp their life expectancy. 

Replacing the battery can be challenging if you’re not a competent technician. You could damage the internal components, further worsening the problem. Consider taking the earphones to an Apple repair shop for assistance

Visit a Service Center

Your Beats earphones might flash red and white because of a technical issue. Most people use their headphones outdoors or during workout sessions. Exposure to sweat, dust, and water makes your earphones susceptible to damage. If you notice visible damage, the only solution is to take them to the nearest service center.

That’s not all. If you’ve had your earphones for a while, do not expect them to last long. Even with proper care and maintenance, Beats headphones can only last about 7 years. If this is the case, replace your earphones.

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Frequently Asked Questions

  • Question: Why are my Beats earphones flashing red and white?
  • Answer: Beats flashing red and white might mean the earphones are not charging correctly. Check the charger and replace the charging cable to solve the issue. If that doesn’t work, restart or reset the headphones. Alternatively, check for and install the latest updates to clear the red and white flashing light.
  • Question: What to do if Beats earphones are flashing red and white?
  • Answer: Beats flashing red and white is often a charging problem. Fortunately, there are several ways to fix this issue. You can restart, reset, or update the earphones to resolve the problem. Charging the battery for an extended period can also help activate your headset. If that doesn’t work, remove and re-attach the battery to see if it clears the flashing lights.
  • Question: How do I reset Beats earphones flashing red and white?
  • Answer: Sometimes, a custom setting can cause your Beats earphones to malfunction and flash a red and white light. Resetting the headphones can solve the problem. Press the power and volume down buttons for 10 seconds to reset your earphones. Release the buttons when the status light flashes and allow the headphones to reboot.
  • Question: How can I tell if my Beats earphones are charging?
  • Answer: Your Beats earphones have a battery indicator that displays their charging status. The LED will glow a steady red light, meaning the headset is charging correctly. In contrast, a red and white flash means the headphones have a charging problem. You can restart, reset, or clean the earphones to solve the problem.
  • Question: Do Beats flashing red and white mean they are dead?
  • Answer: Your Beats earphones flashing red and white does not necessarily mean they are dead. Your earphones have an indicator light that displays their current status. A red and white light might mean they aren’t charging correctly. Resetting the headphones might solve the problem. It might also mean the battery is dead and needs a replacement.

Conclusion

Beats earphones are arguably among the best in the market. However, they are not exempt from malfunctions. Your Beats headset might flash red and white interchangeably to indicate they are not charging correctly. The flashing lights might also result from software bugs, outdated firmware, or battery failure. Do not panic. Use this complete guide to troubleshoot and restore your headphones within no time.

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