Have your AirPods fallen into water? Then you should act quickly. Because none of the AirPods models are waterproof. This means that there is no guaranteed protection if they fall into water. You will now find out what you should (and should not) do in this article. Finally, we answer frequently asked questions. For example, whether you should jog with AirPods in the rain or not.
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 these are not official manufacturer specifications. Water, liquids and sweat should therefore be avoided as much as possible.
But what happens if the AirPods fall 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 look at how to do that now.
Instructions: What to do if AirPods fall into water?
Now quickly follow these instructions to save your AirPods with a bit of luck:
Step 1: Carefully dry the charging case and AirPods with a soft cloth. Alternatively, you can use kitchen paper.
Step 2: Then gently shake any water out of the AirPods. Be careful not to blow into the AirPods as this may cause the water to penetrate deeper into the device.
Step 3: Now check the connections and inspect them for possible dirt. If necessary, you can gently clean the charging contacts with a cotton swab and then carefully dab them dry with new cotton swabs.
Step 4: Now place your AirPods with the opening facing downwards 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 ear pads. If the charging case has also become wet, let it dry unfolded and turned over on a dry cloth or kitchen paper.
Our recommendation: Ideally, leave the AirPods for at least 24 hours. However, we recommend a drying time of 2-3 days, preferably 3 days. It is important to note that during drying under no circumstances attempt should be made to charge them to avoid short circuits.
Warning: What you should not do if your AirPods have fallen into water
- Do not reuse immediately: Avoid using your AirPods immediately or attempting to turn them on if they fall into water. This could cause further damage.
- Do not dry with heat: Likewise, you should not blow-dry them, place them on a radiator or treat them with other heat sources as this could damage the delicate electronic components. It is crucial to let them dry first and only then carefully examine and use them.
- Do not open the case: It is also not advisable to open the case yourself to drain the liquid. The AirPods are not designed to be opened by the user and attempting to do so could very likely damage them.
- The “rice trick” doesn’t work: You sometimes read on the internet that you can put 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 time to test your dried AirPods
First, try charging your AirPods by placing them in the charging case. If the LED light is lit, it indicates that they are charging. This is initially a positive signal.
Then pair the AirPods with your iPhone and test different functions individually:
Does the music playback work?
- Can you make phone calls?
- Does the noise cancellation work?
Do the headphones restore normal sound when using these functions? Congratulations, everything seems to be fine again!
Important: Test multiple features, as some users report that AirPods worked fine again for some features but not for others.
What can you do if the AirPods sound strange or are defective?
If your AirPods are making a noise, scratching, or have a muffled sound that seems like it's coming from far away, there's a chance that letting them dry for a while will fix the problem.
If this does not help, they may have suffered water damage and may be defective. It is important to note that even if the warranty is in place, water damage caused by improper handling will not be covered.
In such a case, it makes sense to think about buying new AirPods. If only one of the AirPods is not working, there is the option of replacing only the affected individual AirPod instead of buying a complete AirPods bundle.
What to do if AirPods get a little wet?
If the AirPods didn't fall into the water but just got a little wet, you can follow the same steps as described above, but you won't have to wait quite as long to dry them.
Even though AirPods are not considered waterproof (some models are only “waterproof”), user reports say they are relatively resistant to a little water
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it bad if AirPods get wet?
Yes, it's bad when AirPods get wet. Moisture can cause damage and should be avoided. However, if your AirPods only get a little wet, it's usually not that bad. Some users also report that their AirPods still worked after falling into water. However, this is only because they dried them as quickly as possible.
How do you get water out of AirPods?
To remove excess water from the AirPods, gently shake them without blowing into them to prevent water from penetrating deeply. Avoid blow-drying as this can cause damage. It is often recommended to place the AirPods on rice to dry them, but this does not work. Instead, place the AirPods on a dry cloth with the opening facing down to allow them to dry thoroughly.
AirPods Pro fell into water: What to do?
Here's how to save your AirPods Pro:
- Turn 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 let it dry for at least 24 hours. Better 2-3 days
Important: Do not dry with heat and do not attempt to charge immediately.
How long are AirPods waterproof?
The AirPods are not officially rated 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 protection against sweat and water for sports and workouts that do not take place in water. They are rated IPX4. It is important to note that the 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 take place in water. These are the official specifications of
The 2nd generation AirPods Pro offer protection against dust, sweat and water according to the IP54 standard according to IEC standard 60529.This property allows their use in non-water sports and activities.
How long should I let AirPods dry?
Let the AirPods dry for at least 24 hours before attempting to turn them back on or use them. It might take longer depending on how wet they were. We recommend that you let them dry for 2-3 days, ideally.
