How To Fix Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 4 Charging Case Fault?

The Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 4 earbuds are premium audio products that deliver outstanding sound quality. But a charging case fault can turn your daily listening experience into a frustrating ordeal.

Many users have reported issues like the case not charging the earbuds, the case battery stuck at a low percentage, earbuds only charging with the lid open, or the LED indicator behaving strangely.

If your Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 4 charging case is giving you trouble, you are not alone. This is a known issue that has affected a good number of users. The good news is that most charging case faults can be fixed at home without sending the product in for repair.

This guide walks you through every practical solution, from basic cleaning to factory resets and warranty claims. Read every section carefully because the fix for your specific problem might be in a step you have not tried yet.

In a Nutshell

• Dirty charging contacts are the most common cause of charging case faults. The gold pins inside the case and on the earbuds collect dust, earwax, and debris over time. A quick cleaning session with a dry microfiber cloth or isopropyl alcohol often restores normal charging.
• A software reset or factory reset can resolve charging glitches caused by firmware bugs. Place the earbuds in the case for at least 10 seconds for a soft reset. For a factory reset, use the Sennheiser Smart Control app or follow the manual touch surface method.
• Stuck charging pins inside the case can prevent proper contact with the earbuds. Gently press each pin to make sure it moves freely. A stuck pin means the earbud cannot make the electrical connection it needs to charge.
• Firmware updates through the Sennheiser Smart Control app can fix known charging bugs. Always keep your earbuds updated to the latest available firmware version.
• Magnetic interference from third party leather cases or magnetic accessories can disrupt the charging process. Remove any external case or magnetic accessory and test charging again.
• If none of the software or cleaning fixes work, the issue may be a hardware defect. Sennheiser offers warranty support and replacement charging cases. Contact their service portal with your proof of purchase and serial number to start a claim.

Understanding the Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 4 Charging Case

The Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 4 charging case serves two purposes. It protects the earbuds and recharges them between uses. The case itself contains a built in battery that charges via USB C or Qi wireless charging. Inside the case, small spring loaded metal pins make contact with gold charging contacts on each earbud.

The LED indicator on the case communicates battery status and charging activity. A green light means the case and earbuds are fully charged. An orange or yellow light means charging is in progress. A red light signals low battery. If the LED flashes red, the case battery is critically low and needs immediate charging.

The case charge level and the earbud charge level are separate. The orange light with earbuds inserted reflects the earbud charging state, not the case battery. Many users misread this and assume something is wrong. You can check exact percentages through the Sennheiser Smart Control app on your phone for a clear picture of both battery levels.

Common Symptoms of a Charging Case Fault

Before jumping into fixes, it helps to identify exactly what kind of fault you are experiencing. The most reported symptoms fall into a few categories. One or both earbuds do not charge when placed in the case. The case battery is stuck at a certain percentage and does not increase beyond that point.

Another common issue is that the earbuds only charge when the case lid is open but stop charging when the lid is closed. Some users also report that the LED stays orange permanently even when the case should be fully charged. Others see the case drain its battery rapidly without the earbuds even being inside.

In rarer cases, the left earbud specifically refuses to charge while the right earbud works fine. This often points to a contact or seating issue on one side. Identifying your specific symptom will help you focus on the most relevant solution below.

Clean the Charging Contacts on the Earbuds and Case

This is the single most effective fix for charging case faults. The gold charging contacts on the earbuds and the metal spring loaded pins inside the case accumulate dirt, skin oils, and earwax residue. Even a thin layer of grime can break the electrical connection and prevent charging.

Remove both earbuds from the case. Take a dry microfiber cloth and gently wipe the gold contacts on the bottom of each earbud. Then use a cotton swab to clean the small metal pins inside the case. For stubborn residue, lightly dampen the cotton swab with isopropyl alcohol at 70% concentration or higher. Let everything air dry completely before reinserting the earbuds.

Make this a regular habit. Cleaning the contacts after every few uses prevents buildup from becoming a problem. Many users on the Sennheiser community forums confirmed that this simple step resolved their charging issues immediately. Do not use water, compressed air aimed directly at the pins, or any harsh cleaning agents.

Check for Stuck Charging Pins Inside the Case

The charging case has small spring loaded pins that press against the earbud contacts to create a connection. Over time, one or more of these pins can get stuck in the depressed position. A stuck pin will not make contact with the earbud no matter how well you seat it.

Open the case and look at the metal pins on both the left and right sides. Gently press each pin with your fingernail or a soft tool. Each pin should depress smoothly and spring back up when released. If a pin does not spring back, it may be jammed by debris lodged underneath it.

Use a clean, dry cotton swab to gently work around the stuck pin. You can also try carefully pressing and releasing it several times to free it. Do not use sharp metal tools as these can damage the pin or scratch the charging contacts. If a pin is permanently stuck and cannot be freed, the case may need replacement through Sennheiser warranty support.

Ensure Proper Earbud Seating in the Case

A charging fault does not always mean something is broken. Sometimes the earbuds simply are not seated correctly. Each earbud has a specific orientation and must click into its slot with a slight magnetic pull. If an earbud sits even slightly off center, the charging contacts will not align.

Remove both earbuds from the case. Place each one back in by aligning it with the slot and pressing gently until you feel the magnet pull it into position. You should see a brief LED flash confirming the case has detected the earbud. If you do not see this flash, the earbud is not making proper contact.

Also check your ear tips and ear fins. One user discovered that an ear fin installed backwards was causing the earbud to protrude slightly from its slot. This tiny misalignment broke the charging contact. Remove the ear tips and fins, seat the bare earbud in the case, and check if it charges. If it does, reattach the accessories and make sure they face the correct direction.

Perform a Software Reset

A software reset is the simplest way to clear minor glitches in the earbuds. Sennheiser designed the Momentum True Wireless 4 to perform an automatic software reset every time you place the earbuds in the case. The key is to leave them in the case for at least 10 seconds with the lid closed.

This action reinitializes the earbud software without deleting any of your settings or Bluetooth pairings. It clears temporary bugs that might be preventing the earbuds from accepting a charge. Try this step first before moving to a factory reset, because it is quick and does not require re pairing your devices.

After the 10 second wait, remove the earbuds, close the case, and reopen it. Place the earbuds back in and check if the LED indicators and the Smart Control app show charging activity. For many users, this simple reset was all it took to get their case and earbuds working normally again.

Perform a Factory Reset

If a software reset did not fix the issue, a factory reset is the next step. A factory reset deletes all Bluetooth pairings and custom settings and returns the earbuds to their original state. You will need to pair the earbuds with your phone and other devices again afterward.

The easiest way to factory reset is through the Sennheiser Smart Control app. Open the app, go to Settings, and select the factory reset option. Follow the on screen instructions. If you cannot connect to the app, you can perform the reset manually.

For a manual factory reset, first disconnect the earbuds from all Bluetooth devices. Take one earbud out of the case and close the lid with the other earbud still inside. Press and hold the touch surface of the outside earbud for at least 15 seconds. Release when the LED flashes alternately green and red. Then remove the second earbud and repeat the same 15 second hold. When both LEDs flash blue and red, the reset is complete and the earbuds have re paired with each other. Remember to delete the old “MOMENTUM TW4” pairing from your phone’s Bluetooth settings before reconnecting.

Update the Firmware Through the Smart Control App

Outdated firmware can cause charging issues and other unexpected behavior. Sennheiser regularly releases firmware updates that fix bugs and improve performance. Always keep your Momentum True Wireless 4 earbuds on the latest firmware version.

Open the Sennheiser Smart Control app on your phone. Connect your earbuds and navigate to the settings or update section. If an update is available, the app will prompt you to install it. Make sure both earbuds and the case have at least 50% battery before starting a firmware update. A failed update due to low battery can create additional problems.

Keep the earbuds close to your phone during the update process. Do not close the app or let your phone go to sleep. If the update fails or gets interrupted, place both earbuds back in the case for at least 10 seconds, then reconnect to the app and try again. Firmware version 5.6.1 and later addressed several known issues including Bluetooth reconnection problems on certain phones.

Remove Magnetic Accessories and Third Party Cases

Several users discovered that magnetic accessories interfere with the charging case. The Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 4 uses magnets and sensors to detect when the earbuds are in the case and when the lid is open or closed. External magnets can confuse these sensors.

The official Sennheiser vegan leather case, which has a magnetic closure, has been specifically reported as a trigger for this problem. Users found that the earbuds stopped charging with the lid closed while the leather case was attached. Removing the leather case and cleaning the contacts fixed the issue. However, putting the leather case back on triggered the fault again.

If you use any third party magnetic case, sleeve, or clip, remove it and test the charging function without it. Also avoid placing the charging case near strong magnets, magnetic phone mounts, or magnetic wallet cases. This interference issue appears to be a design sensitivity in the way the case detects earbud presence and lid position.

Try a Different Charging Cable or Wireless Charger

Sometimes the problem is not the case itself but the power source. A faulty USB C cable, a low output charger, or a misaligned wireless charging pad can all cause the case to charge slowly or not at all. Rule out these possibilities before assuming the case is defective.

Try a different USB C cable that you know works with other devices. Use a wall adapter that outputs at least 5V/1A. Avoid charging from a laptop USB port, as these sometimes provide insufficient power. If you use Qi wireless charging, make sure the case is centered on the charging pad. A slight misalignment can prevent the wireless coils from connecting.

Also check the USB C port on the case for lint, dust, or debris. A compressed air canister can clear out particles lodged in the port. If the case charges fine with USB C but not wirelessly, or vice versa, that narrows down the issue. Qi wireless charging is generally slower than USB C, so allow more time for a full charge through the wireless method.

Reinstall the Sennheiser Smart Control App

A corrupted app installation can cause inaccurate battery readings and communication errors between the app and the charging case. One user reported that their case appeared stuck at 30% in the app but was actually charging normally. Reinstalling the app and leaving the case on a charger overnight resolved the display issue.

Uninstall the Sennheiser Smart Control app from your phone. Restart your phone. Then download and install the app fresh from the App Store or Google Play Store. Open the app and reconnect your earbuds. Check if the battery percentages now display accurately.

Clear the app cache as well if your phone allows it. On Android, go to Settings, then Apps, find Sennheiser Smart Control, and tap Clear Cache. On iPhone, uninstalling and reinstalling the app automatically clears cached data. An accurate app reading is important because it helps you determine whether the charging case is actually faulty or just displaying incorrect information.

Address the “Only Charges With Lid Open” Problem

This is one of the most frequently reported faults with the Momentum True Wireless 4 case. Users find that the earbuds charge when the case lid is open but stop receiving charge the moment the lid closes. The LED turns off shortly after closing, and the battery level remains unchanged.

This issue is often caused by a combination of dirty contacts and sensor glitches. Start by cleaning all contacts and pins thoroughly. Then perform a factory reset using the manual method described earlier. Multiple users confirmed that this combination of cleaning and resetting fixed the lid closed charging problem.

If the issue returns, check for magnetic interference from accessories. The case uses a sensor related to lid position, and external magnets can trick it into misreading the lid state. Remove all external accessories and test again. If the problem persists after cleaning, resetting, and removing accessories, contact Sennheiser support because it may indicate a sensor defect that requires case replacement.

Check the Case Battery Health

If your charging case battery drains rapidly or fails to hold a charge above a certain percentage, the internal battery may be degraded. Lithium ion batteries lose capacity over time, especially if they are frequently drained to zero or exposed to high temperatures.

Check the case battery percentage in the Smart Control app. Charge the case fully using a USB C cable and a reliable wall adapter. Leave it charging for at least 2 to 3 hours. If the battery still does not reach 100%, or if it drops from 100% to below 50% within a day without the earbuds inside, the battery is likely failing.

Unfortunately, the Momentum True Wireless 4 case battery is not user replaceable. If the battery has degraded beyond acceptable levels, the case will need to be replaced. Sennheiser sells replacement charging cases through their spare parts store. If the product is still under warranty, you may qualify for a free replacement.

Contact Sennheiser for Warranty or Replacement

If you have tried every fix in this guide and the charging case still does not work, the problem is likely a hardware defect. Sennheiser offers a standard warranty on the Momentum True Wireless 4. You can file a warranty claim through their service portal.

Gather your proof of purchase such as a receipt or order confirmation email. Locate the serial number, which is printed inside the charging case lid or on the product box. Visit the Sennheiser service support page and select Repair Service or Warranty Claim. Fill out the form with your contact details, serial number, and a clear description of the fault. Upload a photo of your receipt.

After submission, you will receive an RMA email with shipping instructions. Sennheiser also sells replacement charging cases separately. The order numbers are 700368 for Black Graphite, 700369 for White Silver, and 700370 for Black Copper. Visit spares.sennheiser-hearing.com to order. Keep in mind that a replacement case will need to sync with your existing earbuds, which the product instructions explain.

Prevent Future Charging Case Faults

Prevention is always better than repair. A few simple habits can keep your Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 4 charging case working reliably for years. Clean the charging contacts on both the earbuds and the case at least once a week. Use a dry microfiber cloth for routine cleaning and isopropyl alcohol for deeper cleaning.

Store the case in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and heat sources. Extreme temperatures accelerate battery degradation. Avoid letting the case battery drain completely to zero. Charge it before it drops below 10% to preserve long term battery health.

Keep the USB C port free of lint by storing the case in a clean pouch or pocket. Avoid using magnetic accessories unless you have confirmed they do not interfere with charging. Finally, keep the firmware updated through the Smart Control app. Sennheiser pushes updates that improve charging stability and fix bugs. Taking these small steps will significantly reduce the chances of encountering a charging case fault again.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does my Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 4 case only charge earbuds with the lid open?

This is typically caused by dirty charging contacts, stuck pins, or magnetic interference from an external case or accessory. Clean the gold contacts on the earbuds and the metal pins inside the case. Perform a factory reset. Remove any third party magnetic case from the charging case. These three steps resolve the issue for most users.

How do I know if my Sennheiser MTW4 charging case battery is faulty?

Charge the case fully with a USB C cable for at least 2 to 3 hours. Check the battery level in the Sennheiser Smart Control app. If the case never reaches 100%, drops quickly without earbuds inside, or stays stuck at a low percentage even after reinstalling the app, the battery or internal circuitry may be faulty. Contact Sennheiser support for a warranty evaluation.

Can I buy a replacement charging case for the Momentum True Wireless 4?

Yes. Sennheiser sells replacement charging cases through their spare parts store at spares.sennheiser-hearing.com. The case is available in Black Graphite, White Silver, and Black Copper color options. After receiving a replacement, place your existing earbuds inside the new case and allow them to sync automatically.

Will a factory reset fix my Sennheiser MTW4 charging case fault?

A factory reset fixes charging faults caused by software glitches, firmware bugs, or corrupted Bluetooth settings. It will not fix hardware problems like a damaged battery, broken charging pins, or a defective sensor. Try a factory reset as one of your first troubleshooting steps since it is effective in many cases.

Does wireless Qi charging work differently than USB C for the MTW4 case?

Qi wireless charging is slower than USB C charging for the Momentum True Wireless 4 case. If your case charges fine with USB C but not wirelessly, make sure the case is properly centered on the Qi pad. A slight misalignment can prevent charging. Also verify that your Qi charger supports the correct output wattage for the case.

How often should I clean the charging contacts on my Sennheiser earbuds?

Clean the charging contacts at least once a week if you use the earbuds daily. Use a dry microfiber cloth for routine cleaning. For deeper cleaning, use a cotton swab lightly dampened with isopropyl alcohol. Regular cleaning prevents residue buildup and keeps the electrical connection strong between the earbuds and the case.