Dropped AirPods in Water: What can I do?
What can you do if the Airpods got wet? If you own the wireless headphones from Apple, you might have the problem that the Airpods dropped into the water or you accidentally washed them. In this situation, the question usually arises: What should I do if the Airpods got wet? Are the wireless headphones waterproof? What should I do if the headphones have fallen into water?
Apple Airpods dropped in water: What to do?
First of all, the Apple Airpods are not waterproof. Although many tests have shown that the Airpods can withstand quite a bit of water and are also slightly water-repellent, you cannot shower or even dive with the headphones. If you accidentally wash the Airpods in the washing machine or they otherwise get damp or wet, there are a few things to keep in mind.
- Do not turn on or charge. Under no circumstances should you try to turn on or charge the Airpods shortly after. The headphones should first be left to dry for several hours or, even better, at least 24 hours.
- Allow Airpods to dry. It is advisable to place the headphones with the grille facing downwards so that the moisture can get out of the headphones better. When technical devices get wet, sometimes it also helps to put them in rice so that the moisture can be absorbed better.
- When the Airpods have dried sufficiently, by the way, it’s better to let them dry for too long than too short, then you can try turning the headphones back on. With any luck, the Airpods will work as before after that and won’t bear any damage.
Every now and then, however, water damage leads to more serious problems and you have a permanent tinny sound or the headphones no longer work at all. Apple or the nearest Apple Store might be able to do something about the water damage and get the Airpods working again.
Are there any differences in water protection between different AirPod models?
Apple’s AirPods are very popular headphones. Apple has now launched four different models of wireless headphones: AirPods, AirPods 2, AirPods Pro and AirPods 3. None of the models is waterproof.
This means that there is no guaranteed protection against submersion and water jets for any of the models. However, the AirPods Pro and AirPods 3 are water-resistant. Thus, dripping and splashing water cannot harm these headphones. However, this does not apply to the corresponding charging cases. Jogging in the rain is therefore possible with these models without any problems. However, you should not put the AirPods Pro or AirPods 3 in the shower or under running water. Tests in practice have shown that the AirPods and AirPods 2 are also very resistant to water, but these are not official manufacturer specifications. Therefore, try to keep water, sweat or other liquids away from these headphones as much as possible.
Here’s the whole thing in summary:
- AirPods 1st and 2nd generation: not waterproof, not water-resistant.
- AirPods Pro: not waterproof, but water-resistant.
- AirPods and AirPods Pro charging case: not waterproof, not water-resistant.
FAQs
What is the difference between waterproof and water-resistant?
Waterproof means that a device is protected from large amounts of liquid such as jets of water and you can also submerge it. Water-resistant, on the other hand, means that a device is safe from dripping and splashing water and can also withstand sweat, which occurs during sports, for example. However, you cannot submerge it and it is not protected against water jets.
Water-resistant AirPods Pro: What is allowed and what should you avoid?
According to Apple, your AirPods Pro can withstand a few drops of rainwater. So a walk in light rain shouldn’t be a problem either. Wiping the in-ears with a damp cloth shouldn’t be a problem either.
However, you should definitely not take a shower with the headphones or clean them under running water, since the AirPods Pro are not waterproof. Also, you must not use them for swimming or diving. In addition, water vapor, like in a sauna or steam room, is also harmful to the headphones. Therefore, it is better to keep them outside.
If you do drop the AirPods Pro in water, you should never turn them on shortly after. The AirPods Pro are not waterproof and may suffer damage from such an incident. It’s best to let them dry for a few hours and then check if they still work. Also, the AirPods Pro should be completely dry before you put them back into the charging case. The case could be damaged by possible moisture.
How do I clean my AirPods?
When cleaning your in-ear headphones, there are a few points that you should definitely keep in mind. This way, you can be sure that no damage will be done to them.
- You should never clean your headphones under running water, as the AirPods are not waterproof.
- It is best to use a soft and dry cloth. Make sure that it does not lint.
- You can also dip a cloth in fresh water beforehand, squeeze it, and then wipe the AirPods. After that, use the dry cloth again. Wait a bit until the headphones are completely dry before putting them into the charging case.
- You are not allowed to use certain products. This includes for example: Shampoos, hair conditioners, soaps, various lotions, strong solvents or detergents or acidic liquids.
- When cleaning, make sure that no liquids get into the openings. Use a dry cotton swab for the mesh and microphone.