Your AirPods fell into water? Then you should act quickly. After all, none of the AirPods models are waterproof. That means there is no guaranteed protection if they have fallen into water. In this article, you'll find out what you should (and shouldn't) do now. At the end, we answer some frequently asked questions, for example whether you should go jogging in the rain with AirPods or not.
What happens if an AirPod falls into water?
AirPods are not considered waterproof, but some models are water-resistant, namely the AirPods Pro and the AirPods 3rd generation. According to Apple, drips and splashes can't harm these models. However, this does not apply to their charging cases.
Fortunately, according to some users, the AirPods and AirPods 2 are also relatively resistant to water. It's 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 water?
If you're unlucky, your AirPods may now be defective. With a bit of luck, however, you can still save them. Let's take a look at how that works.
Guide: what to do if your AirPods have fallen into water?
Now quickly follow this guide to hopefully still save your AirPods:
Step 1: Carefully dry the charging case and the AirPods with a soft cloth. Alternatively, you can also use kitchen paper.
Step 2: Then gently shake any water out of the AirPods. Make sure not to blow into the AirPods, as this may cause the water to get deeper into the device.
Step 3: Now check the ports and inspect them for any dirt. If necessary, you can gently clean the charging contacts with a cotton swab and then carefully pat them dry with fresh 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 more easily. If you have AirPods Pro, also remove the silicone tips. If the charging case has also gotten wet, let it dry open and upside down on a dry cloth or kitchen paper.
Our recommendation:
Caution: what you shouldn't do if your AirPods have fallen into water
- Don't use them again right away: Avoid using the AirPods again right away or trying to switch them on if they have fallen into water. This could cause further damage.
- Don't dry them with heat: Likewise, you shouldn't blow-dry them, put them on the radiator or expose them to other heat sources, as this could damage the delicate electronic components. It's crucial to let them dry first and only then check and use them carefully.
- Don't open the housing: It's also not advisable to open the housing yourself to let the liquid drain out. AirPods are not designed to be opened by the user, and trying to do so will very likely damage them.
- The “rice trick” doesn't work: Every now and then you read on the internet that you can put AirPods in dry rice because the rice supposedly absorbs the moisture. This isn't true and therefore shouldn't be tried.
Now it counts: test your dried AirPods
First, try charging your AirPods by putting them in the charging case. If the LED light comes on, it shows that they are charging. That's a positive sign to begin with.
Then pair the AirPods with your iPhone and test different functions one by one:
Does music playback work?
- Can you make phone calls?
- Does noise cancellation work?
Do the earphones produce normal sound again with these functions? Congratulations, then everything seems to be fine again!
Important: Test several functions, as some users report that their AirPods worked perfectly again with some functions but not with others.
What can you do if your AirPods now sound strange or are defective?
If your AirPods hiss, crackle or have a muffled sound that seems to come from far away, there is a chance that drying them for longer can fix the problem.
If that doesn't bring any improvement, they may have suffered water damage and may be defective. It's important to note that even with an existing warranty, water damage caused by improper handling is not covered.
In that case, it makes sense to consider buying new AirPods. If only one of the AirPods isn't working, you have the option of replacing only the affected single AirPod instead of buying a complete AirPods bundle.
Apple doesn't sell single AirPods, but in our online shop you can buy original replacement parts, including single AirPods. We buy complete AirPods bundles, split them up and sell the individual parts separately. So whether you need a single new left or right AirPod, you can find it with us, save money and do something good for the environment.
What to do if your AirPods only got a little wet?
If your AirPods didn't fall into water but only got a little wet, you can follow the same steps we described above. You just don't have to wait quite as long for them to dry.
Even though AirPods are not considered waterproof (only some models are considered “water-resistant”), according to user reports they are still relatively resistant to a little water.
Expert tip:
Conclusion: acting fast can save your AirPods
Even though no AirPods model is completely waterproof, a drop into water doesn't automatically mean the end for your earphones. What matters is that you react quickly and correctly: dry them immediately, don't blow-dry them, don't charge them and, above all, be patient. With a drying time of 2-3 days and a little luck, your AirPods will work as usual again.
If an AirPod still remains defective after drying, you don't have to buy a complete new set right away. At OneEarPod, you'll find original replacement AirPods sold individually, which is easier on both your wallet and the environment.