Dropped Your AirPods in Water?Here's What to Do
Ran them through the wash? Soaked them in sweat? Dropped one in the pool? Here's your step-by-step guide to fixing wet AirPods and preventing it from happening again.
Key Takeaways
- Each Apple device has different water resistance. AirPods Pro: IPX4, Apple Watch: WR50, MacBook: none
- Apple Watch has built-in water ejection. Other devices need manual drying
- Universal rule: power off, wipe dry, air dry. Never use rice or hair dryers
Table of Contents
1. How Water-Resistant Are AirPods, Really?
Only the 3rd Gen has an IPX4 rating. The 1st and 2nd Gen have zero water resistance. None of them can survive being submerged.
They can handle sweat and light rain, but not a swim or a spin cycle.
These have zero water resistance. You've gotta be careful even with sweat.
Heads Up
Real talk: IPX4 means "splash-resistant," not "waterproof." Every model of AirPods is seriously vulnerable to being fully submerged in water.
2. First Aid for Wet AirPods
What to Do Right Now
Get Them Out, Fast
Pull them out of the water immediately. The longer they're submerged, the worse the damage gets.
Wipe Everything Down
Gently wipe the surface of the AirPods and the charging case with a soft, dry cloth.
Point the Speakers Down
Place them with the speaker mesh facing down so gravity can help drain any water out.
Don't Put Them in the Case
Putting them back in the case to charge can cause a short circuit. Keep them out until they are 100% dry.
Bring in the Silica Gel
Stick your AirPods in a Ziploc bag with some silica gel packets for at least 24 to 48 hours to draw out moisture.
3. The Washing Machine Nightmare
It's the most common AirPods tragedy: forgetting them in your pocket on laundry day.
There's Still Hope
Plot twist: A surprising number of AirPods actually survive a trip through the washing machine. The water flow is usually pretty gentle and the temperature isn't extreme, so the internal parts often escape total destruction.
But here's the catch: detergent residue can cause corrosion over time. It's a good idea to gently rinse them with fresh water before you start the drying process.
4. Repair vs. Replace: Your Options
You're in luck. Water damage is covered as "accidental damage," so you can get a replacement for a small service fee.
This is where it gets pricey. The out-of-warranty cost varies by model, and if you need to replace both buds and the case, you might be better off just buying a new pair.
If the total replacement cost is more than 60% of a brand new set, it's probably time to just upgrade.
5. How to Prevent Water Damage
- The Pocket Check — Make it a habit before you do laundry. This is your number one defense.
- Wipe Down After Workouts — The salt in sweat is corrosive and can cause damage over time.
- Use a Case with a Lanyard — A simple strap can prevent drops and loss.
- Get a Waterproof Cover — It's a cheap way to add an extra layer of protection for the charging case.
Got Your iPhone Wet, Too?
If your iPhone got soaked along with your AirPods, use WaterKick to blast the water out of its speakers.
🚀 Download for FreeFor iOS 17+ ・ Free ・ No Ads
6. Frequently Asked Questions
Nope. WaterKick is specifically tuned for the iPhone's built-in speakers, so it won't work on AirPods. For your AirPods, the best bet is always the "air dry and silica gel" method.
That's really bad news. The high heat likely damaged the internal battery and adhesives, making recovery pretty much impossible. There's also a real risk of the battery swelling, so stop using them immediately and contact Apple.