Dropped Your AirPods in Water? Here's What You Need to Do

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Dropped your AirPods in water? We’re sorry to hear that! Fortunately, our team has outlined some helpful recommendations for preventing water damage and getting them back safe and sound.

As you’ve probably learned the hard way, AirPods are not waterproof. First and Second generation AirPods and the over-the-ear AirPods Max offer zero waterproof or water-resistant capabilities. Only the AirPods Pro is IPX4 water-resistant – but only to a certain degree. This means if you accidentally dropped your AirPods in water or they became super sweaty from working out, you should dry them immediately.

We’re sure you’re wondering, “but doesn't Apple cover any damages?” Good question. But unfortunately, in this case, the answer is no. AirPods and Apple AirPods accessories typically come with a one-year warranty. But this warranty does not cover accidents or modifications. This means if you dropped your AirPods in water or accidentally washed them in your jeans pocket, you’re plain out of luck. So it’s up to you to know what to do to keep your AirPods in working order. Read along to discover our top tips for preventing water damage to your AirPods.

Dry Your AirPods Immediately

As soon as you have dropped your AirPods in water, try to retrieve them quickly. Dry them off immediately as best as you can, wiping away any visible moisture or droplets. Dry the AirPods case too if necessary. To avoid scratching the AirPods and the case, stick to a gentle microfiber cloth. 

Once your AirPods are dry, allow them time to air dry. You may not see water on them, but it doesn’t mean there couldn’t be moisture trapped inside. Do the same with the charging case, leaving the lid open and the AirPods removed so any excess moisture can escape. Rest them on a dry countertop or table and let them dry naturally. Be patient and don’t use products to force dry them like a high temperature blow dryer, as this can overheat and permanently damage your AirPods. And be sure to remove the AirPods case cover to avoid any trapped moisture (go ahead and clean your case cover while you’re at it!).

Learn How to Clean an AirPods Case Here

Furthermore, avoid using your AirPods or turning them on until they have had time to dry. We recommend giving them at least two to three hours, but overnight is better. A few days’ time is more than sufficient, if you want to be thorough. 

Skip the Rice – Use Desiccant Packets Instead!

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When you drop your phone in water, a bag of rice does the trick in absorbing any remaining moisture. However, AirPods are not exactly the same as phones. They have larger holes and ports where smaller rice granules can become stuck and lodged inside, so for this reason alone, we say skip the rice method. So what can you use? Desiccant packets offer the perfect solution!

Desiccant packets are those paper packets that contain silica gel beads found in new products like shoe boxes and electronics. They are added to the box to absorb any moisture and they can do the same for your AirPods. So, you can upcycle these useful packets for times like this when you have dropped your AirPods in water. Simply add a few desiccant packets and your AirPods to a sealable bag and let the packets work their magic. 

Test Your AirPods’ Sound Quality

Once you have left your AirPods to dry out for a good period of time, test them! Connect them via Bluetooth to your iPhone and make sure they still have a good sound quality and that nothing sounds distorted. Hold a call with them and listen to music, testing them through various methods. 

One tried and true testing method is to use the Clear Wave app. While this Apple app is primarily used for phones, it can work to test your AirPods just as well. However, it’s best to use this app immediately after dropping your AirPods in water. Open the Clear Wave app and play the ultra-low, high frequency sound waves to vibrate the water out of each AirPods speaker. Wipe away the water as it comes out and repeat several times. It’s that easy!

Shop AirPods Cases and Phone Cases

Featured: Green AirPods Pro Case

Sadly, unlike many Apple products, AirPods lack a water damage indicator. So how can you determine if your AirPods are caput? One telltale sign of permanent damage is that your AirPods will have a hard time connecting to your iPhone or other Apple devices or even turning on or charging. If this is the case, you might need to replace them. 

One way to prevent damage to your AirPods is to keep them protected in a covered case. Just like we protect iPhones with phone cases, so must you protect your AirPods with an AirPods case. Check out Pela Case’s sustainable AirPods cases to protect your earbuds. With a soft plant-based material, it can wick away moisture and offer grip so they stay in your hands and out of puddles. Shop Pela Case AirPods cases today!

Choose a Sustainable AirPods Case Cover to Keep Your Earbuds Safe and Sound