Insider Scoop: Are AirPods Waterproof?

What You Need to Know

• AirPods are not waterproof
• AirPods (3rd Generation) and AirPods Pro are water resistant
• Use a soft, dry, lint free cloth to dry the outside of your AirPods if they get wet
• Use the Water Ejection Shortcut to get water out of the speakers on your AirPods

Introduction

In this blog, we’ll clarify a crucial question: Are AirPods waterproof? The straightforward answer is no. However, some models like the AirPods (3rd generation) and AirPods Pro offer water resistance, not to be confused with being fully waterproof. Water resistance can handle splashes or light rain, but prolonged or intense exposure to water can be damaging. We’ll discuss the importance of drying your AirPods if they get wet and introduce you to the Water Ejection Shortcut on your iPhone, a handy feature for protecting your AirPods from water damage. Read on to learn how to keep your AirPods safe and functioning in wet conditions!

Are AirPods Waterproof?

No, your AirPods are not waterproof!  And while there are a number of videos on YouTube showing people getting their AirPods wet and then using them, this does not provide a realistic picture of the situation.

Waterproof devices can be completely submerged in water without any damage.  However, water resistant devices, like AirPods, can only stand up to some light rain or splashing.  Over time, they begin to lose their water resistance when repeatedly exposed to liquid.

Remember, water has a corrosive effect on electronic components over an extended period of time.  So, it is critical that you dry your AirPods as soon as possible if they do get wet!

How Water Resistant are AirPods?

Water resistance is determined by product testing and a value is assigned based on the Ingress Protection Rating, otherwise known as the IP Rating.  AirPods have a rating of IPX4.  This means that they do not have any protection for dust or solid particles, but they are water resistant to some moisture and sweat.  Once again they are not waterproof!

The AirPods models that are covered by this rating include the 3rd Generation of AirPods as well as the 1st and 2nd Generations AirPods Pro.  Other AirPods models are not water resistant at all!

What You Should do if Your AirPods Get Wet

Now that we know that AirPods are NOT waterproof and water can have a permanent corrosive impact on these expensive devices, the question is what do we do if your AirPods get wet?  Maybe you left them in your pocket and they went through the laundry, or you forgot they were in your swimsuit pocket before you jumped in the pool.  (Side note, I have made both these mistakes!)  So what’s next?

There are 4 steps you should take to get the water out of your AirPods as soon as possible!

Step 1: Remove the Ear Tips and use a lint free cloth to dry them.

If you have AirPods Pro, first remove the ear tips from your AirPods.  (AirPods Gen 3 do not have ear tips). Then use a clean, lint free cloth to dry the exterior of your AirPods.  You should also use the cloth to dry the interior of the case if needed.  It’s important to make sure the charging leads are dry so that corrosion occur over an extended period of time.

Do not attempt to charge your AirPods or the case when they are wet!  This can damage the hardware inside.

Step 2: Use the Water Ejection Shortcut to expel water from inside the speakers.

Beginning with the release of the Apple Watch, Apple introduced the concept of water ejection to prevent water damage inside the watch.  Likewise, there is a water ejection shortcut you can use to eject water from the speakers on your AirPods.

Before we begin, make sure to disable Reduce Loud Sounds under Haptics > Headphone Safety in Settings on your iPhone.  If the volume level is not at full volume, you will not get the full benefit of the water ejection shortcut. Complete instructions to disable this setting can be found in our article titled Why Are My AirPods So Quiet?

Once that setting has been disabled, you can proceed with setting up the water ejection shortcut:

The shortcut will run for about 30 seconds.  You may need to run this process several times until you no longer see water being ejected from the speakers.  You can dab the water with a lint free cloth as it is being expelled.

Step 3:  Let your AirPods continue to air dry.

After completing the water ejection process let your AirPods continue to air dry for up to 24 hours.  Do not charge your AirPods!

Step 4:  Let your AirPods dry in a container with desiccants overnight.

If you have any desiccants available, place them with your AirPods in an uncovered container for 24 hours.  They will assist with absorbing any remaining moisture in your AirPods.

Do not use rice for this process! The dust from the rice can damage your AirPods. Remember, your AirPods have no protection from dust or solid particles based on their IP Rating.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while AirPods provide excellent audio quality, it’s crucial to remember they are not waterproof! Models like the AirPods (3rd generation) and AirPods Pro are water-resistant, but this doesn’t mean they can survive prolonged water exposure. If they get wet, dry them immediately with a lint-free cloth, use the Water Ejection Shortcut to expel water from the speakers, and avoid charging them until fully dry.

Understanding their IPX4 rating is key to managing expectations about their water resistance. For detailed care instructions and information on AppleCare Plus coverage, consult the Apple Support website. Remember, with proper care, your AirPods can continue to deliver high-quality audio while avoiding water damage.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How do I clean my AirPods?

Clean your AirPods with a soft, dry, lint free cloth.  Do not run your AirPods under water and make sure to not get any liquid in the speakers.  You can use a cotton swab to clean the speaker mesh and microphone.  For complete cleaning instructions visit the Apple Support website.

What do IP Ratings mean?

Ingress Protection Ratings have been developed by the International Electrotechnical Commission.  These ratings grade the resistance an enclosure has against dust or liquids. In the case of this article the “enclosures” are the AirPods and the case.

The IP Rating has two numbers – the first number is the rating against dust and the second number is the rating against liquid.  As an example, AirPods are rated IPX4.  The “X” indicates that they have no protection for dust and a rating of “4” for liquid.  This means they are rated water resistant for water and sweat.  A full table of all IP Ratings can be found here. 

What models of AirPods are water resistant?

The only AirPods that are water resistant are AirPods (3rd Generation) and AirPods Pro (1st and 2nd Generation)

Does AppleCare Plus cover water damage?

AppleCare Plus does not cover water damage.  However, this coverage does allow you to purchase a replacement AirPod at a reduced price.  You can get an estimate of the charge on Apple’s Support site.

Can I order a replacement AirPod if one is damaged?

Yes, you can replace your AirPods if they are damaged. The cost will depend on your current service plan (i.e. do you have AppleCare Plus), and if you need to replace one or both AirPods.