Got your AirPods Washed Out: What to Do if They Get Wet?

Needless to say, AirPods cost a fortune. Right from the very first generation, Apple’s wireless earbuds have stood out with absolute audio quality and integration with the Apple ecosystem. However, one sure factor that still seems to be undercooked is water and sweat resistance. But hey, if your AirPods got wet because they plunged into the pool, and now you’re worried about what to do, how to get water out without damaging them, and whether will they work, this article is here to answer your queries.

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Are AirPods Waterproof?

AirPods are so comfortable that they hardly make you feel that something has been hanging to your ears for hours. However, accidents do happen. Panic indeed sets in when they fall into the water and you are clueless about what would happen, whether they’re waterproof or not.

Unfortunately, no. AirPods are not officially labeled as waterproof by Apple, but they’re somewhat sweat and water-resistant. Currently, only AirPods Pro and AirPods (3rd generation) have a rating of IPX4 under EIC standard 60529, which means they are resistant to water and sweat for non-water sports and exercise.

When a device is termed waterproof, it means that the device can operate, unharmed, when submerged entirely in water.
When called water resistant, it means that the device can withstand minor contact with water such as in light rain or splashing. However, they are not meant for submersion in water or exposure to high-velocity water.

Moreover, the water resistance of earbuds and charging cases can diminish over time. They cannot be rechecked or resealed for protection against sweat, water, or dust.

What to Do if Your AirPods Get Wet?

Step 1: Dry out the Excess Water

Even though it’s worth panicking about, trust us, it is important to stay calm and act mindfully. Handling electronic gadgets with moisture inside requires proper attention to prevent excessive damage.

Start with a clean, lint-free microfiber cloth to gently wipe out the outside of your AirPods to prevent any more water insertion to the inside. Make sure to absorb all the water on the surface. Gently shake the earbuds to draw out water droplets from the inside. Be cautious around the speaker area and blot the earbuds to draw excessive water.

If the charging case is wet as well, place it upside down with the lid open. Make sure it is not put to charge. Also if you have a cleaning kit with a cotton swab, you can use it as well to absorb liquid.

If the sun is not scorching high, put both AirPods and the case out in the sun. You can also use a hairdryer, but excessive heat can do more damage. So, be considerate about it.

Also Read: How to Tell If Your Computer has Water Damage

Step 2: Use the Water Eject Shortcut (iOS Devices)

Apple offers a Water Eject shortcut feature designed to expel water from the device’s speakers and other openings to prevent damage caused by water ingress. You can use it to remove water droplets inside the AirPods.

Note: You need to connect your turn on your AirPods and connect them to the device, which might pose the risk of circuit damage in the earbuds.

If you want to use it:

1. Access the Water Eject Shortcut on your iPhone and tap on Add Shortcut to add it.

2. Now open Shortcuts.

3. Tap on Water Eject and select Start.

Wait until you receive a notification about the completion of the process.

Also Read: Can Alcohol Damage Touch Screen?

Step 3: Leave AirPods with Desiccant

Desiccant or drying agents such as Silica help absorb all the moisture around and rescue gadgets from liquid damage. If you have packets of Silica gel, follow the steps below:

1. Place the AirPods in a container.

2. Add silica gel packets or a similar desiccant to the container. Make sure the AirPods are surrounded on all sides, including the bottom.

3. Leave the container in a dry place at room temperature for at least 2 days or more. This allows the desiccant enough time to absorb the remaining moisture.

Step 4: Visit an Authorised Apple Service Center

Lastly, if your AirPods do not work or you feel there is still the presence of water inside the earbuds, we suggest you contact Apple Support or visit an authorized service center. They would open up and clean your AirPods from inside and also check for water damage, if any.

Also Read: How to save your phone from water damage?

What Not to Do When AirPods Get Wet?

What not be done is as important as what needs to be done, in order to prevent further damage to your AirPods when they get washed away or fall in water. Here are the things you need to keep in mind:

Do not put them in the charging case or use them immediately as that can lead to permanent damage. Let them dry completely.
Avoid using high-heat sources such as hair dryers, ovens, or anything else to dry out your Airpods. High temperatures can warp or melt delicate components and cause irreparable damage.
Don’t shake them excessively as this may drive water deeper into the device.
Contrary to popular belief, placing your wet AirPods in a bag of rice can be more damaging. Rice does not absorb moisture quickly or efficiently. Moreover, broken grains can harm the grill or enter the buds.
Give your AirPods enough time to dry. Leave them unused in the silica gel box for two days or more.

Will AirPods Work If They Get Wet?

Now the answer is uncertain as this depends upon whether the earbuds are water-resistant or not, how they got wet, the type of liquid they were exposed to, and the intensity. As we know AirPods 3 and AirPods Pro have a secured IP rating for water resistance, little splashes might affect their working. However, other models of AirPods might have an issue.

Generally, AirPods can still work if they get wet, but their functionality and performance may be compromised. Here’s what you can expect:

Reduced Sound Quality: The presence of moisture in AirPods can result in low-quality audio playback or even distortion. Get your phone checked for water damage in the speakers.
Intermittent Connection: Wet AirPods might have trouble maintaining a stable Bluetooth connection with the device, which could lead to call & audio dropouts or disconnections.
Microphone and Sensor Issues: Not just audio from speakers, but water can also affect the mic or other sensors, impacting functions like auto-ear detection, plug and play, etc.
Battery Drain: If moisture has entered the charging case or AirPods, it might damage the battery and lead to severe drain.
Long-Term Damage: Prolonged exposure to water or immersion can lead to corrosion of internal components.

While AirPods offer a premium audio experience, they are not invulnerable to water damage. We hope our guide helped you understand what to do if your Airpods get wet. If you have any queries or suggestions for us, do let us know in the comments box below. Stay connected to TechCult for more such tips.