While Apple AirPods are water-resistant, they are not waterproof. They won’t suffer any lasting damage from light water contact; however, they’re unlikely to survive a shower. If you already wore your AirPods in the shower or a swimming pool, Apple recommends drying the earbuds and charging case with a microfiber cloth. After this, place both the earbuds and the charging case upside down on the cloth. The charging case should face down and open. Please wait at least four hours before testing them.
Light Water Contact vs. Fully Submerged in Water
Apple AirPods and AirPods Pro are designed to get wet; therefore, they will be fine if you wear them on a rainy walk or during a workout when you’re all sweaty. They can withstand more than a little moisture without being catastrophically damaged. On the other hand, if your AirPods have been fully submerged in water for more than a few seconds, they’re likely in trouble. Unlike iPhones, AirPods aren’t designed to go underwater and can be severely or permanently damaged if they do. Drying the AirPods might be useless because when fully submerged, they will short-circuit and lose some or all functionality. If you accidentally dropped your AirPods in water or wore them in the shower, get them out as soon as possible because the faster you remove them from the water, the better your chances are that you can save them. Your AirPods should be fine if they’re only exposed to water for a few seconds—however, any time longer than 10 to 15 seconds can be disastrous.
How to Dry AirPods That Have Been Used in the Shower
If you’ve used your AirPods in the shower, you can dry them out using this procedure:
First, get a dry microfiber cloth. Wipe the earbuds completely. Wipe the charging case completely. Place the earbuds and the charging case upside down on the cloth. This means that the earbuds are “face down,” and the charging case is open.
With time, your AirPods should dry out. However, it’s best to wait at least four hours or longer before testing them if the AirPods are submerged for more than 15 seconds. You can also place a bamboo charcoal packet next to your AirPods as they dry. The tiny packets are great at soaking up moisture and can make a small but important impact on your AirPods as they dry.
Does Apple Warranty Cover Water-Damaged AirPods?
AppleCare+ is Apple’s extended warranty, which covers much more than the standard one-year warranty. It’s available when you first purchase your AirPods for an added fee. AppleCare+ covers “accidental damage,” including water damage, drops, and heat damage. Unfortunately, the coverage is only good once per year; therefore, if you shower or swim with your AirPods twice a year, you’ll be out of luck. If you have AppleCare+ for your AirPods, you can have them replaced. You will have to pay a $29 service fee, but that’s much better than paying $200+ for a brand-new set!
Does the Apple Warranty for AirPods Cover Water Damage?
The standard warranty for Apple AirPods does not cover water damage or any other accidents that might damage your AirPods. It only covers problems that are the fault of Apple or the retailer you bought it from, such as a charging case that is broken out of the box. You can get AppleCare+ if you want your AirPods and other Apple devices to be fully covered in case of accidents.
How Do You Protect AirPods from Water Damage?
Ensuring that your AirPods never get water damaged can prolong their life. Here are some tips to protect your AirPods from water damage:
Don’t Wear Your AirPods in the Shower
AirPods are water resistant, not waterproof; therefore, never take them in the shower.
Get a Water-Resistant AirPods Case
If you live in an area with a wet or humid climate, a water-resistant AirPods case will come in handy. It will keep moisture away from sensitive electronics and keep your AirPods in great shape for a long time.
Clean Your AirPods After Workouts
You sweat while working out, leaving water and salt in your AirPods. The longer you wait to clean or dry them after a heavy workout, the more you risk water getting inside them and damaging the electronics. After every workout, take your AirPods out and wipe down both earbuds and the charging case with a paper towel or a dry cloth.
Always Check Your Pockets Before Doing Laundry
Checking your pockets before doing laundry should always be part of your laundry routine, no matter what. Ensure you check your pockets every time to ensure that you don’t run them through the washer.
If You Love Music, Try a Waterproof Speaker Instead
If you enjoy listening to music in the shower, you should get a waterproof speaker instead. There are many waterproof speakers; you can connect them via Bluetooth to your phone or computer. Using a waterproof speaker ensures you can still listen to your favorite songs in the shower without worrying about ruining your AirPods. Of course, the experience won’t be the same, but it’s a safer option. Water can damage your AirPods if you let it. Do not wear your AirPods in the shower or while swimming; dry them out as quickly as you can if you do.
