It can be hard to protect your electronics from water damage, especially when they're as small and sleek as the Apple AirPods. It's easy to forget your AirPods in your pocket and send them through the washing machine. If your AirPods got wet, follow these steps to preserve them and limit the chance of water damage.
Are My AirPods Waterproof?
Although the original AirPods aren't waterproof, the AirPods Pro are water-resistant. The AirPods Pro have in ingress protection rating of IPX4. The 4 means that splashing from any direction won't harm your AirPods. However, they may get damaged if submerged in water for any amount of time.
It's important to keep in mind that water-resistance wears down over time. The risk of water damage increases the longer you have your AirPods Pro.
Like the original AirPods, AirPods Max are not water proof or water-resistant. Even when in their Smart Case, many important components, such as the Lighting port, are completely exposed to the elements.
Dry Off Your AirPods
It's important to act as quickly as possible when your AirPods get wet. Begin by wiping them off with a microfiber cloth, anything more abrasive may damage them. If your AirPods were exposed to a liquid other than water, slightly wet the cloth before wiping. After wiping them down, leave them out to dry in an open area.
We also recommend grabbing any desiccants lying around and putting them in a Tupperware with your AirPods. They'll help absorb the liquid your AirPods came into contact with. Desiccant packets can be found in vitamin bottles or shoe boxes. Don't put a lid on the container, otherwise the liquid cannot escape.
If your AirPods Max get wet, we suggest laying them on their side on a flat surface. If you have any desiccants on-hand, place them around and on your AirPods Max. Even if you just cleaned them with a damp rag, Apple encourages users to leave AirPods Max out to dry for at least 24 hours.
Do Not Put Them Back In The Case
Putting AirPods back in the case, without fully drying them, only leads to more damage to your electronics. No airflow means the water has no way to escape. By putting them back prematurely, the water will spread to your case as well. Like your AirPods, the case is not water-resistant!
Do My Airpods Have Water Damage?
Unlike iPhones, AirPods don't have a Liquid Damage Indicator. The best way to tell if your AirPods are damaged is to try connecting them to your iPhone after drying them out for a day or two. Test them out to make sure your headphones aren't distorting your audio.
If the audio is distorted, or if they won't connect to your device at all, it's more likely than not that your AirPods have liquid damage.
Get AirPods Repaired Or Replaced
Apple offers a warranty plan for AirPods, including their charging cases. If you have AppleCare+, the charges range from free to $29. Out-of-warranty fees jump to $89 per damaged AirPod. On the bright side, both options are cheaper than buying a brand new pair.
Some issues may come at no charge to you under Apple's One Year Limited Warranty and AppleCare+. However, water damage is not fully covered. Because there is no Liquid Damage Indicator on the AirPods, it's unlikely that an Apple technician can tell there's been water damage.
Check out Apple's website for more information about AirPods repairs and to set up a service appointment.
Protect Your AirPods With Waterproof Covers
Waterproof AirPods covers are a good safety net in case they get exposed to water. Get ahead of the curve and secure a waterproof case now to prevent more damage from future accidents.
Catalyst Protective AirPods Cases seals your charging case with a waterproof silicon layer. It also offers military-grade shock resistance, which will help protect the charging case in the event that you drop it.
Wet AirPods: Fixed!
You're now an AirPods expert Make sure to share this article on social media to teach your friends and family about AirPods and their water-resistance. If you have any other questions, leave them in the comments section below!
My experience with 1st generation airpods is pretty good, that why i dont wanna change em. Ive been using em more than 4y I put em in the washer/dryer at least 4 times, i went in the shower with em sometimes too, might have dropped em, accidentally at first ofc, around 1000 times, as i found out they didnt broke i just didnt care anymore and throw em around if i dont find the case, didnt expect thst level of endurance from apple product really happy with em, theyve some cracks around but actually after putting em in the washer… Read more »
After spending 5 years as a senior Apple Care advisor, I can confirm that iPhones, iPads, iPods, MacBooks, and iMacs include liquid damage sensors. On iPhone, if you take out the SIM tray and take a look into the SIM dock You can clearly see the sensor. If the sensor is red, its liquid damage.
Mine went in the wash and then the dryer. Sound breaks up after 5 seconds. Luckily they were under warranty. I sent them off and they repaired them within a week!
There’s a water eject shortcut.
My FULL AirPods got wet in the pool and I found out like half an hour later, I’m panicking
My toddler dunked my AirPods case (with just the left AirPod inside) into my gardening watering can. I discovered it about an hour later, it was completely submerged. I followed your directions, using a Pyrex container and about 15 silica packets (I had been hoarding them for exactly this type of event). Decided to cover with a layer of basmati rice (figured it couldn’t hurt). Left on the patio for 2 days. Voila!! They charged right up and worked perfectly. I am shocked but thankful. Just placed an order for that Catalyst waterproof case.
Awesome! I’m glad that we were able to help!
I accidentally put my AirPods in the washer but I forgot they were in my clothes pocket. I just want to know what I can do. How much will it cost so get them fixed?
I did the same thing wondering how to fix them aswell