The short version: Pull them out immediately, wipe with a dry cloth, and leave them out of the charging case until completely dry. Don't use a hairdryer. Don't put them in rice. Don't try to play audio through them while wet. If they went into saltwater or a toilet, skip the home steps and go straight to Apple.
Can dropped AirPod in water be saved? Luckily, here are 8 first-aid steps if your AirPods fell in water accidentally.
Neither Airpods nor Airpods cases are waterproof. Even worse, Apple Care+ doesn’t cover water damage. Now is the time to take calculated steps and save the life of your beloved AirPods instead of losing your AirPods forever or paying Apple for repairs.
I sorted out and tried free methods on the Internet. Facts have proved that most of the measures taken online lack caution. I set out to fix it. Each method below has some caveats.
Here are the 8 first aid steps:
- 1. Use a Microfiber Cloth to Dry the Exterior
- 2. Use a Cotton Swab to Dry the Inside of the Charging Case
- 3. Turn Them Upside Down
- 4. Turn on the Fan or Air Conditioner
- 5. Place Them in a Warm Environment
- 6. Use Silica Gel Packets
- 7. Use the Water Eject Shortcut From Siri
- 8. Sanitize Them Before Use
8 First Aid Tips to Save Your AirPods
Now that you dropped airpods in water, carefully follow these instructions and save them from doom.
How to Dry Wet AirPods Safely
1. Use a Microfiber Cloth to Dry the Exterior
Gently pat the wet surface of your AirPods with a soft, dry microfiber cloth. This helps to soak up the moisture without applying too much pressure. Avoid using a rough fabric that might scratch the surface. More importantly, resist the urge to place the AirPods into their charging case if they’re still wet.
Wet electronics and charging ports don’t mix well and might cause damage or short-circuiting. Therefore, avoid charging your AirPods until they are completely dry.
2. Use a Cotton Swab to Dry the Inside of the Charging Case
Carefully dab the inside of the charging case with a dry cotton swab to absorb any moisture. Be gentle and avoid using anything sharp that could scratch or damage the delicate components.
Never insert sharp objects inside the case, as they may damage the charging contacts or internal components. Use a soft cotton swab and handle the interior carefully.
3. Turn Them Upside Down
Turn the AirPods upside down instead of shaking them aggressively. Gravity helps water drain out naturally. Gently tap the AirPods with the speaker grille facing downward to encourage water droplets to fall out.
Avoid vigorous shaking, as it may damage internal components.
4. Turn on the Fan or Air Conditioner
Place your AirPods near a fan or in an air-conditioned room to allow them to dry naturally. Circulating air helps speed up the drying process without causing heat damage.
Avoid direct heat sources such as hair dryers, as excessive heat can damage the internal electronics.
5. Place Them in a Warm Environment
Place your AirPods in a mildly warm environment to help remove remaining moisture. Avoid extreme heat sources such as microwaves or direct sunlight, which may damage internal components.
6. Use Silica Gel Packets
Place your wet AirPods in a sealed container with silica gel packets to absorb moisture. Keep them there for an extended period to allow the desiccant to work effectively.
Avoid using rice, as it is less effective and may leave residue inside the AirPods.
7. Use the Water Eject Shortcut From Siri
The Water Eject function is not built directly into Siri. It works through Apple's Shortcuts app. You can download a Water Eject shortcut or create one manually in the Shortcuts app.
When activated, it plays a low-frequency tone through the speaker to help push out trapped water droplets. Avoid wearing wet AirPods immediately afterward, as some moisture may remain.
8. Sanitize Them Before Use
Before using your AirPods again, sanitize them to help prevent potential ear infections. Use a soft, slightly damp cloth with mild soap to gently clean the exterior.
Make sure your AirPods are completely dry before placing them back into your ears.
Are AirPods Waterproof?
AirPods aren't entirely waterproof, but they have water-resistant qualities. Knowing the differences between waterproof and water-resistant is vital.
Waterproof means that the device completely resists water and stays safe when submerged. On the other hand, water resistance means that the device can tolerate water submersion up to a certain level and will not stay protected beyond those levels.
Different AirPods models vary in their water resistance capabilities. For example, the AirPods Pro 2 (USB-C, 2023) carry an IP54 rating — the "5" covers dust resistance, the "4" means they handle water spray from any direction. That's enough for gym sessions and getting caught in rain, but not submersion. Earlier AirPods Pro models were rated IPX4, which covers water spray only, with no dust rating. Neither version is designed to survive being dropped in water.
AirPods Pro 3 step up to IP57. The "5" still covers dust, and the "7" adds submersion resistance — rated for up to one meter of still water for 30 minutes. That's a meaningful upgrade over previous models, and it means a sink slip or a rain-soaked run is unlikely to cause lasting damage. Apple still doesn't recommend using them for swimming, though. Pool chemicals, saltwater, and pressurized streams are a different category from the controlled lab conditions the IP57 rating is based on, and none of those are covered.
Tips to Reduce Damage if AirPods Fell in Water
Most people spend a lot of time panicking when their AirPod fell in water but that is the last thing you should do. Here are some tips that will help reduce water damage on your AirPods.
- Act Quickly: Time is of the essence, and you should take your AirPods out of the water quickly. The longer they stay submerged, there is greater the chance of water seeping into critical components.
- Power off Immediately: If your AirPods are still powered on after contact with water, switch them off immediately. This helps prevent potential short-circuiting or electrical damage caused by the presence of moisture.
- Avoid Testing: Resist the temptation to check if your AirPods are working by attempting to play music or make a call. Continued use while wet can cause significant damage to internal components.
- Follow Drying Steps: Gently pat dry with a microfiber cloth, avoid placing wet AirPods into their charging case, and use methods like turning them upside down or using a fan to expedite drying.
- Seek Professional Help if Needed: If your AirPods have been submerged in saltwater or any liquid other than freshwater, you need professional assistance.
Remember, immediate action is critical to reduce the potential damage caused by water exposure.
Recommended Product
You can’t make AirPods truly waterproof, but a good case with a secure clip or lanyard makes it much less likely that they’ll end up in a sink or toilet in the first place.If you’re the type who carries AirPods everywhere, a shock‑absorbing case from brands like ESR can add grip, drop protection, and a carabiner to keep them off the floor—and out of the water.
AirPods Pro 3 Pulse Magnetic Lock Case (HaloLock) – $19.99 (With 20% Off Code: BLOG20)
This exceptional case doesn’t just safeguard your AirPods Pro against drops; it also provides a shield against water exposure. Crafted with a water-resistant design, it adds an extra layer of protection, ensuring your AirPods remain safe from unexpected encounters with moisture. Here are some of the other features that it offers:
- Drop-Proof Lid Lock: Engineered with strong magnets boasting 700 g of holding force and an internal latch, this case securely locks your AirPods in place.
- Slide to Open Mechanism: The smart rubber slide on the front initiates a smart mechanism, reversing the magnet polarity to effortlessly spring open the lid.
- MagSafe Compatibility: This case allows for swift, convenient wireless charging, enabling you to charge your AirPods Pro without the hassle of removing the protective case.
All in all, the AirPods Pro Pulse Magnetic Lock Case (HaloLock) isn't just a protective cover; it's your AirPods'shield against drops and water exposure, ensuring they remain secure and functional in various environments.
Wrapping Up
Those first moments after an AirPod hits the water set the tone for whether it bounces back or not. If you’ve pulled it out right away, skipped the heat and rice traps, and given it time to dry properly with the openings facing down, you’ve already stacked the odds in your favor. Electronics and moisture don’t mix well, but rushing the recovery often does more harm than good—think warped contacts from forced charging or hidden shorts that surface later.
Watch for the telltale signs that trouble’s brewing down the line: one bud draining faster than the other, faint distortion in calls, or a case that only connects when you nudge things into place. When that starts, no amount of home tweaks will reverse the corrosion inside. That’s your cue to weigh Apple’s repair options against grabbing something tougher for the long haul.
AirPods Pro 3: Built a Little Tougher
A water mishap like this might nudge you toward AirPods Pro 3, which handle splashes and sweat with more confidence than what came before. The earbuds and MagSafe case both hit IP57 for dust and water resistance—good enough for 30 minutes in up to a meter of still water under lab conditions, and reliable for gym sessions, downpours, or the odd sink slip. It’s a step beyond the old limits, where a quick puddle could end things.
Keep It Real Though:
Engineering Hurdle: Hitting IPX5 means surviving lab tests with high-pressure water jets (12.5L/min from 3ft away) – crazy hard for tiny earbuds.
So, no AirPods are waterproof—only “water-resistant,” and that resistance wears off over time.
Bottom Line:Don’t take that as a green light for showers or swims, though. Pressurized streams, pool chemicals, soaps, or prolonged soaking still push past the seals and degrade performance over time. Got them wet anyway? Stick to the basics you’d use here: soft cloth wipe-down, air dry at room temp, and hold off on the case until everything’s bone dry. They’re rugged daily drivers, not dive buddies.
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