Are AirPods Waterproof Or Water Resistant?

Before buying an AirPod or giving someone an AirPod set, you must know how it might be used. Water resistance is one of the most searched characteristics of AirPods. There is a question that arises, ‘Are AirPods Waterproof?’. What if you drown in the rain or misplace your AirPods in the laundry? Hence, you need to know about the water resistance properties of AirPods.

In this article, we will cover the waterproof and water resistance properties and levels of each type of AirPods. We will also examine how these levels can impact your daily activities.

Are AirPods Waterproof?

No, AirPods are not waterproof. As a result, you can’t wear them while swimming or taking a shower because they don’t protect you from being submerged in water.

For instance, if you accidentally put your AirPods through the wash, they could suffer significant damage.

It’s a genuine bummer, particularly if you’re into water sports since it’s not great for your AirPods to be in contact with water even for a while.

Waterproof Vs Water Resistant: The Difference

A device that is water resistant can withstand the adverse effects of getting wet, typically limited to being splashed or sprayed, for a predetermined amount of time and water volume. The AirPods’ IP rating indicates their resistance to water. Currently, only some of the AirPods are resistant to water. However, over time, the water resistance of AirPods reduces, so it is advised to keep the AirPods away from water.

When a device is waterproof, water cannot enter the device and cause damage. This holds regardless of how deep or how long that device is submerged. None of the AirPods made by Apple are waterproof.

Are AirPods Cases Waterproof?

Your AirPod charging case should be kept as far away from water and moisture as possible, just like your AirPods. These are not Waterproof either. However, a few models are intended to be water-resistant.

Your AirPod case coming in contact with water can also damage your AirPods. In this case, you must get a Waterproof case for the type of AirPods you own.

Waterproof Levels For various AirPods

An object’s level of protection against water is categorized by its IP rating, also known as the Ingress Protection (IP) rating. Specifically, an IP rating indicates that the item is resistant to water splashes from any direction, such as rain or a faucet.

Higher the IP rating, the greater the resistance offered by the AirPods against water.

The latest Apple AirPods have an IPX4 rating. Here, ‘X’ implies that no information about protecting against solid obstacles like dust and dirt is available. IPX4 rating implies your Apple AirPods and Apple AirPods Pro are considered safe from sprinkles, drips, and water showers.

What To Do If Your AirPods Get Wet?

Currently, none of the AirPods are Waterproof. This is why; if they come into severe contact with water, there is a high chance of them being completely damaged.

If your AirPods get wet by accident, you can follow any of the steps mentioned below to dry them and use them like before:

1. Dry your AirPods using a soft, lint-free cloth to wipe off the water. Further, leave them until the interior of the AirPods dries out on their own.

2. If your AirPod case has also become wet, wipe it all over using a cloth and keep it for drying, turning it upside down by keeping the lid open. Leave the case and the AirPods alone for 24 hours. Do not charge them during this time.

3. You can try keeping your AirPods and their case in a box along with packets of Silica gel. These small sachets with a ‘Do not Eat’ tag, are found in boxes of shoes, along with electronic gadgets or with some medicines to prevent moisture from getting into the item. Keeping wet AirPods and their case in between silica gel will aid in drying by absorbing the moisture.

These are the different methods that you can use to dry your AirPods.

What Not To Do While Drying The Wet AirPods?

Contrary to the common belief, do not use rice grains for drying your wet AirPods. Keeping your AirPods inside rice might aid in drying. But there is a high chance of rice grains, starch, and dust particles getting stuck inside your AirPods and their parts. Hence it is highly not recommended.

Note that Apple does not recommend using methods that can fasten the drying process. For example, using hairdryers and heat radiators to increase the heat and fasten drying is strictly prohibited. Using such methods can further damage these devices due to excessive heat.

What To Do If Your AirPods Do Not Work Properly Even After Drying?

You must always wait for a day or two so that the wet AirPods can dry completely. Further, try charging them completely. Once the AirPod battery is completely charged, you can try and connect your AirPods to your mobile. Most often, they will work fine by holding a sufficient charge.

However, if your AirPods have suffered complete water damage and are not connected, the only option left is to buy a new pair. If you are an eligible student through the Apple Back to School program, you can receive a free pair of AirPods when you purchase an iPad or Macbook.

How To Prevent Water Damage To Your AirPods?

How much ever you try to keep your AirPods safe, you might accidentally get them wet once or twice, which might be inevitable.

Whatever occurs, you’ll have to pay extra to get a replacement for your AirPods if they quit working. Apple’s warranty does not cover water damage, even for water-resistant AirPods. Because of this, adding a layer of protection, such as a case cover for your AirPods, is beneficial.

The majority of case covers are made of a waterproof silicone material. Besides basic dust and scratch security, a case cover helps seal your AirPods, keeping them from getting wet and harmed by water.

Along with buying case covers, you can follow these other steps to prevent your AirPods from getting wet.

1. Do not intentionally place your AirPods on wet surfaces.
2. Do not use AirPods in the rain.
3. Thoroughly check your clothes and pockets while putting them in for washing because you might have forgotten your AirPods in your pockets.
4. While not in use, keep the AirPods in the case.
5. If any other liquid other than water gets on the AirPods, remove it completely as soon as possible.
6. Avoid dropping your AirPods. A fall might damage the water-resistant seal of your AirPods.

Conclusion:

Apple AirPods are some of the best earbuds available today because they are wireless, small, and simple. They function well, are portable, and offer high-quality audio. However, you will want to know if your AirPods are waterproof.

Currently, there are no waterproof AirPod models. The qualities of AirPods are only beneficial until you accidentally get your AirPods wet and they suffer from water damage. Only the 2nd and 3rd generation AirPods have an IPX4 rating that offers some water resistance.

In this article, we have discussed the Waterproof and water-resistance properties of AirPods. We have also listed the methods you can consider to dry your AirPods if they get wet and how to Prevent water damage to your AirPods. We hope this article was informative for you. You can comment with your feedback and queries!!