If your AirPods fell in water, take them out right away, turn them so the speaker mesh faces down, and gently shake out any water. Dry the outside with a soft, lint-free cloth, then leave the AirPods and the charging case to air-dry separately, with the case lid open, for at least a few hours and ideally 24 hours. Don’t put them back in the case or charge them until everything is completely dry, and don’t use heat, compressed air, or rice. Many AirPods survive a quick dunk, especially newer water-resistant models, but they aren’t waterproof.
This guide covers what to do in the first few minutes, how to dry the case, how to test your AirPods afterward, what the water resistance ratings mean, and your repair options if they stop working.
How water-resistant are AirPods?
| Model | Rating (per Apple) |
|---|---|
| AirPods (1st and 2nd generation) | No water resistance rating |
| AirPods (3rd generation), AirPods Pro (1st generation) | IPX4 sweat and water resistant (earbuds) |
| AirPods 4, AirPods Pro 2 | IP54 dust, sweat, and water resistant (varies by case) |
| AirPods Pro 3 | IP57 (earbuds) |
| AirPods Max | No water resistance rating |
Even rated models are designed for sweat, rain, and splashes, not swimming or a wash cycle, and resistance can decrease over time. Check Apple’s website for your exact model’s rating.
Step 1: Get them out and shake out water
- Remove the AirPods from the water immediately.
- If they’re connected and playing, stop playback.
- Hold each AirPod with the speaker mesh facing down and tap it gently against your palm to let water drain.
- Wipe the outside with a soft, dry, lint-free cloth.
Step 2: Let them air-dry
- Place the AirPods on a dry cloth, mesh side down, in a dry spot with good airflow. A fan blowing gently nearby can help.
- Leave them for at least 2 hours for a quick splash, and up to 24 hours after being submerged.
- Don’t press on the mesh or poke it with cotton swabs, which can push water deeper.
Step 3: Dry the charging case
- If the case got wet, wipe it with a lint-free cloth and leave it with the lid open, upside down, so water drains out.
- Don’t charge the case or put the AirPods inside until the case is completely dry, including the charging port.
- Most AirPods cases aren’t water resistant, so a soaked case is more likely to be damaged than the earbuds.
What not to do
- Don’t use a hair dryer, oven, microwave, or heater. Heat can damage the battery and parts.
- Don’t use compressed air, which can force water inside.
- Don’t put them in rice. It doesn’t dry electronics faster and can leave dust and starch in the openings; Apple also advises against it.
- Don’t charge them while wet.
Step 4: Test your AirPods
- After they’re completely dry, put the AirPods in the case and charge it.
- Open the lid near your iPhone and check the battery levels.
- Play music in each AirPod and listen for muffled or crackling sound.
- Test the microphone with a call or voice memo, and check controls like the stem press.
If sound is muffled, water may still be inside. Let them dry longer. Some people use apps or websites that play low tones to push out water, but results vary, and time is usually what helps most.
If your AirPods stop working
- Reset them – put them in the case, open the lid, and hold the setup button (or double-tap the front of the case on some newer models) until the light flashes amber, then white. Reconnect.
- Check coverage – water damage isn’t covered by Apple’s standard warranty, but AppleCare+ for Headphones covers accidental damage for a service fee.
- Replace one AirPod or the case – Apple sells replacements for individual earbuds and cases, so you may not need a whole new set.
- Contact Apple Support or book an appointment at an Apple Store.
AirPods went through the washing machine
Follow the same drying steps, but expect a higher chance of damage from detergent, heat, and long exposure. If you put them through the dryer as well, stop using them and check for battery swelling or heat before charging.
Frequently asked questions
Can I swim with AirPods?
Apple doesn’t recommend it for any AirPods model, and Bluetooth doesn’t work well underwater anyway.
How long should I wait before charging wet AirPods?
Wait until they’re completely dry, ideally at least a few hours after a splash and up to a day after submersion.
What about salt water or chlorinated water?
Wipe them with a cloth lightly dampened with fresh water, then dry as above. Salt and chemicals can corrode parts over time.
Kermit Matthews is a freelance writer based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania with more than a decade of experience writing technology guides. He has a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Computer Science and has spent much of his professional career in IT management.
He specializes in writing content about iPhones, Android devices, Microsoft Office, and many other popular applications and devices.