AirPods are amazing, but they aren’t completely protected against water. While some models are water-resistant, none are fully waterproof. If your AirPods or their charging case get wet, it’s important to act fast and handle them carefully to prevent damage.
In this guide, we’ll show you simple steps to remove water from your AirPods and what to do if you notice any signs of water damage. These tips work for all Apple AirPods and AirPods Pro models.
Are AirPods Waterproof?
Here’s a quick rundown of how various AirPods models compare when it comes to water resistance:
- AirPods (1st Gen) – No sweat or water resistance (no IP rating).
- AirPods (2nd Gen) – No water or sweat resistance (no IP rating).
- AirPods (3rd Gen) – Rated IPX4, so they’re splash-resistant from any direction.
- AirPods (4th Gen) – Rated IP54, providing dust and water splash protection.
- AirPods Pro (1st Gen) – Rated IPX4 for splash resistance.
- AirPods Pro (2nd Gen) (both Lightning and USB-C models) – Rated IP54 for dust and water resistance.
- AirPods Max – No water or sweat resistance (no IP rating).
What Happens If Water Gets on AirPods?
If you catch it early, you might simply wipe off the moisture and continue using your AirPods. However, water damage can cause serious issues. Here are some signs your AirPods may be water-damaged:
- No sound output
- Failure to connect to devices
- Buzzing, vibrating, or crackling sounds
- Static noise during use
- Charging issues with the AirPods or their case
If you see any of these issues, it’s time to act quickly.
Read also:- Can You Wear AirPods in the Shower?
Best Ways to Remove Water from AirPods
Be very careful and follow these steps to give yourself the best chance of saving your AirPods.
1. Remove the Ear Tips (if applicable)
If you have AirPods Pro, first remove the silicone ear tips carefully. Water can get stuck behind them easily, so make sure to dry them separately as well.
2. Dry Your AirPods using a Lint-Free Cloth
Gently dab and wipe your AirPods using a clean, dry, lint-free cloth. Don’t use microfiber cloths, as they will just circulate the water rather than absorb it.
Tip: Handle them gently! Applying too much pressure might force water further in.
3. Dry the Charging Case
If water has entered the charging case, roll a good quality paper towel into a pencil and carefully blot the interior. Make sure the paper towel doesn’t leave behind lint or particles, which can interfere with the case’s charging mechanism.
4. Air Dry Them Overnight
Put both the AirPods and the open charging case face down in a dry, warm location for at least 24 hours. Try indirect sunlight, as direct heat or intense sunlight might harm the sensitive electronics.
Important: Keep the case lid open at all times to allow moisture to escape.
5. Utilize Desiccant Packs
Put your AirPods and case in a little bag or an airtight container with a few packs of silica gel. These desiccants, which usually come in bottles of vitamins, are great at sucking up moisture. Keep them sealed together for 24 hours.
Note: Don’t use rice. While it’s a popular DIY solution, rice leaves starch particles that might harm your AirPods.
6. Use a Water Eject Shortcut (iPhone Users)
iPhones have a smart shortcut known as Water Eject that employs sound frequencies to assist in the ejection of water from your AirPods.
Here’s how to access it:
- Open the Shortcuts app on your iPhone.
- Go to Settings > Shortcuts > Private Sharing.
- Download the “Water Eject” shortcut from trusted sources.
- Go to My Shortcuts > Water Eject > Begin Water Ejection.
This does the job with a particular low-frequency noise made to shake and force water away from your AirPods’ speaker grills.
7. Play a YouTube Water Removal Video
In another option, you can identify YouTube videos crafted to force out water through analogous sound frequencies. Plug your AirPods in your device, turn up the volume high (with caution), and play the video. Not as efficient as the Shortcut but might be worth a try.
Surprisingly, there are stories of AirPods surviving a trip through the washing machine. However, do not count on it. If your AirPods go through a wash cycle, immediately follow the drying steps outlined above. The quicker you act, the better your chances.
Read also:- Why Is My AirPod Beeping After Getting Wet?
Does AppleCare Cover Water Damage?
Apple’s basic one-year warranty does not include liquid damage. But if you had bought AppleCare+, you are entitled to lower service fees for accidental damage occurrences. Remember that each AirPod is treated as an individual item when making claims, so you might exhaust two incidents if both AirPods are damaged.
How to Replace Your AirPods or Charging Case
If your AirPods or charging case are damaged beyond easy repair, replacement is possible. Apple offers a one-year limited warranty that includes manufacturing defects. With AppleCare+, it also includes accidental damage — for a service fee of $29, but only once per year over the two-year coverage period.
Repair and replacement fees will differ based on model and if you do it through Apple itself or an approved service provider. Remember that deliberate damage is not covered.
If you want your AirPods or case replaced, you can go to an Apple Store, call an approved Apple service provider, or order a prepaid shipping box in which to send your damaged product for assessment and repair.
Final Thoughts
Water exposure doesn’t have to mean the end for your AirPods. By acting quickly and following the correct drying methods, you can often save them from serious damage. However, prevention is always better — keep your AirPods away from pools, showers, and washing machines whenever possible.
All You Need to Know
If your AirPods are wet, begin by drying them gently with a lint-free cloth. If you have AirPods Pro, take off the ear tips and dry them separately. Keep the AirPods and charging case open in a warm, dry location to air dry.
It’s safer not to use rice. Rice may leave dust and particles that could harm your AirPods. Otherwise, you may use silica gel packets or just let your AirPods air dry in a secure place.
You can leave your AirPods dry for a period of at least 24 hours. If it’s been really wet, it should be allowed to dry off completely for 48 hours or more.
If you dry your AirPods correctly, they should be okay. But, if there was water inside that harmed the inner components, you may experience crackling noises, connectivity issues, or the charging not functioning.
No, Apple’s standard warranty does not protect against water damage. But if you do have AppleCare+, you are eligible for a replacement at a low cost, but only for one incident of accidental damage once a year.
If your AirPods remain problematic in the form of no sound, warped sound, or difficulty in charging despite drying, they might be beyond repair. It would be best to contact Apple Support or an approved service center to assist you.
Yes, it can! The Water Eject shortcut plays special sounds that help shake water out of the speaker grills. While it isn’t always a perfect solution, it can be helpful when used with drying methods.
No, you should stop using your AirPods right away. Using them while they’re still wet can make things worse by pushing the moisture deeper inside. Let them dry fully before trying to use them again.
Related Posts: