Are AirPods waterproof or water resistant?
Right, lets answer the big question. Are AirPods waterproof? No, they’re not, but they are water resistant. What’s the difference though? Well, it means they can handle getting a little bit of water on them. They just can’t be submerged in it. So, if you’re going for a paddle on the beach, remember to take them out first!
Water resistance of different AirPods
There are a few types of AirPods out there now. And their level of water resistance is different between the generations:
AirPods (1st and 2nd Gen) – These have little to no water resistance and they won’t cope well with moisture or water. So, you’ll have to be extra careful.
AirPods Pro – They’re rated as IPX4 water resistant. Making them suitable for a little bit of rain and your workouts at the gym.
AirPods (3rd Gen) – They’ve also got an IPX4 rating, giving you the same amount of protection as the AirPods Pro.
IPX4 rating: what it means for AirPods
IPX4 is just a fancy way of saying that your AirPods can shake off light rain, sweat and accidental splashes. Anything more than that and they’re likely to break.
How to get water out of AirPods
Dropped them in the sink while you’re washing up? You’re going to have to be quick to stop any damage. Here’s how to get water out of AirPods:
Turn them off – Switch them off to save the electrics.
Take out the tips and clean – If you’ve got the AirPods Pro, remove the silicone tips, and clean them. Wipe down the earbuds and case with a dry cloth.
Shake gently – Give them a little shake to get rid of any trapped water.
Let them air dry – Leave your AirPods and case to air dry for at least 24 hours. Don’t use anything like a hairdryer on them either, because lots of direct heat can actually make them worse.
Test your AirPods – Try them out when they’re dry to see if they’re working properly.
How to prevent water damage to your AirPods
With a bit of planning and care ahead of time, you won’t have to deal with water damage later on. Here’s a few top tips to help protect your AirPods:
Be careful near water – Take them out before you have a bath or go swimming. And leave them on the sun lounger when you’re on holiday. Otherwise, you could be in for a pricey accident!
Use a waterproof case – If you want to be extra careful, grab a case that can handle a dunking.
Wipe them down – Got a proper sweat on? Dry them off with a clean cloth when you’re done with your workout.
Store them properly – Keep your AirPods in the charging case when you’re not using them. It’ll help to protect them from moisture and dust.
Check the weather – Before heading out to the shops, look at the weather forecast to see if any rain is on the way. If it is, it’s probably worth leaving them at home.
FAQ
Can I wear AirPods in the shower?
No, it’s definitely not a good idea taking them for a quick dip. They’re not made to handle any water or steam for long. If you love a good shower singalong, get yourself a waterproof portable speaker to pop on the side instead.
Can I wear AirPods in the rain?
AirPods Pro and any 3rd gen AirPods with an IPX4 rating can put up with a light shower. But we definitely wouldn’t keep them in when it’s absolutely chucking it down. Just put them back in your pocket until it stops.
Can AirPods survive the washing machine?
AirPods really aren’t built to go for a spin. If they accidentally end up in the drum, they probably won’t survive. So, make sure you check (and double check) any pockets before you put a wash on!
Lost your AirPods down the back of the sofa? We’ve got you. Here’s how to find lost AirPods. And if you’re running out of juice, make sure you know how to charge Apple AirPods too.
