Your AirPods fell into the water? Then you should act quickly. Because none of the AirPods models are waterproof. This means: There is no guaranteed protection if you fall into the water. You can now find out what you should do (and not do) in this article. Finally, we answer frequently asked questions. For example, whether or not you should jog with AirPods in the rain.
What happens if an AirPod falls into water?
The AirPods are not considered waterproof, but some of the models are water-resistant. Namely the AirPods Pro and the AirPods 3rd generation. According to
Fortunately, according to some users, the AirPods and AirPods 2 are also relatively resistant to water. It is important to note, however, that this is not official manufacturer information. Water, liquids and sweat should therefore be avoided as much as possible.
But what happens if the AirPods have fallen into the water?
If you're unlucky, your AirPods could now be defective. With a bit of luck, however, you can still save them. Let's now look at how this works.
Guide: What to do if AirPods fell into water?
Now quickly follow these instructions to save your AirPods with a bit of luck:
Step 1: Carefully dry the charging case and the AirPods with a soft cloth. Alternatively, you can also use kitchen paper.
Step 2: Then carefully shake any water out of the AirPods. Be careful not to blow into the AirPods, as this may cause the water to get deeper into the device.
Step 3: Now check the connections and inspect them for possible dirt. If necessary, you can carefully clean the charging contacts with a cotton swab and then carefully pat them dry with new cotton swabs.
Step 4: Now place your AirPods with the opening facing down on a dry cloth or kitchen paper so that excess liquid can drain away better. If you have AirPods Pro, also remove the silicone ear pads. If the charging case also gets wet, leave it open and upside down to dry on a dry cloth or kitchen paper.
Our recommendation: Ideally let the AirPods dry for at least 24 hours. However, we recommend a drying time of 2-3 days, preferably 3 days. It is important to note that while drying under no circumstances should you attempt to charge it to avoid short circuits.
Attention: What you shouldn't do if your AirPods have fallen into the water
- Do not use again immediately: Avoid using AirPods immediately or trying to turn them on if they have been dropped in water. This could lead to further damage.
- Do not dry with heat: Likewise, you should not blow-dry it, place it on a heater or treat it with other heat sources, as this could damage the sensitive electronic components. It is crucial to let them dry first and only then carefully inspect and use them.
- Do not open the housing: It is also not advisable to open the housing yourself to drain the liquid. The AirPods are not designed to be opened by the user and attempting to do so could likely damage them.
- The “rice trick” doesn't work: You read every now and then on the internet that you can place the AirPods on dry rice because the rice would absorb the moisture. This is not true and should therefore not be attempted.
Now it's important: test your dried AirPods
First, try charging your AirPods by placing them in the charging case. When the LED light is on, it indicates they are charging. This is initially a positive signal.
Then pair the AirPods with your iPhone and test different functions individually:
Does music playback work?
- Can you make phone calls?
- Does noise cancellation work?
If the headphones restore normal sound with these functions? Congratulations, then everything seems to be fine again!
Important: Test multiple functions as some users report that the AirPods worked properly again with some functions, but not others.
What can you do if the AirPods sound strange or are defective?
If your AirPods are making noise, scratching, or have a muffled sound that seems like it's coming from far away, there's a chance that allowing them to dry for a long time will solve the problem.
If this procedure does not bring any improvement, they may have suffered water damage and are possibly defective. It is important to note that even with a warranty in place, water damage caused by improper handling is not covered.
In such a case, it makes sense to think about buying new AirPods. If only one of the AirPods does not work, it is possible to replace only the affected individual AirPod instead of purchasing a complete AirPods bundle.
What to do if AirPods got just a little wet?
If the AirPods didn't fall into the water, but just got a little wet, you can follow the same steps we described above. You just don't have to wait that long for it to dry.
Even though AirPods are not considered waterproof (some models are only “waterproof”), according to user reports, they are relatively resistant to a little water
Frequently asked questions
Is it bad if AirPods get wet?
Yes, it's bad if AirPods get wet. Moisture can cause damage and should therefore be avoided. However, if your AirPods get just a little wet, it's usually not that bad. By the way, some users also report that their AirPods still worked after they fell into the water. However, this is only because they dried them as quickly as possible.
How to get water out of AirPod?
To remove excess water from the AirPods, gently shake them without blowing to prevent deep water penetration. Avoid blow drying as this can cause damage. It is often recommended to place the AirPods on rice to dry them, but this doesn't work. Instead, place the AirPods face down on a dry cloth so that they dry well.
AirPods Pro fell into the water: What to do?
Here's how to save your AirPods Pro:
- Switch off
- Dry with a soft cloth or kitchen paper
- Shake gently to remove excess water
- Check connections and clean with a cotton swab if necessary
- Place AirPods Pro with the opening facing down on a dry cloth and ideally let it dry for at least 24 hours. Better 2-3 days
Important: Do not dry with heat or attempt to charge immediately.
How long are AirPods waterproof?
The AirPods are not officially classified as waterproof.
Are the AirPods 2 waterproof?
The 2nd generation AirPods are not officially rated as waterproof or water-resistant.
Are the AirPods 3 waterproof?
The 3rd generation AirPods offer sweat and water protection for sports and training sessions that do not take place in water. They are classified according to IPX4. It is important to note that protection against sweat and water is not permanent
Are the AirPods Pro waterproof?
The AirPods Pro (1st Generation) offer sweat and water resistance according to the IPX4 standard according to IEC standard 60529. This feature allows their use in sports and activities that do not involve water take place. These are the official details of
The 2nd generation AirPods Pro provide protection against dust, sweat and water according to the IP54 standard according to IEC standard 60529.This property allows its use in sports and activities that do not take place in water.
How long to let AirPods dry?
Let AirPods dry for at least 24 hours before attempting to turn them on or use them again. It might take longer depending on how wet they were. We recommend that you let them dry for 2-3 days.
