Last Updated on May 28, 2022 by Markeyus Franks
So, you’ve washed your AirPods and are looking for a bit of help on your next step? Don’t worry, it can happen to the best of us! Sometimes we forget to take them out of our pockets and before we know it the washing machine has finished and we’ve just found them… But what next?
If you washed your AirPods by accident, the best and fastest fix is to wipe any visible water off and let the AirPods dry for a few hours. Please note, there is no guarantee that your Airpods will function correctly after being washed.
Are Apple AirPods WaterProof?
Unfortunately, Apple AirPods are not waterproof. They have been tested to see what grading they fall under with water contact, but they only rate as water-resistant, not waterproof. With that said, not all hope is lost. They can still withstand a fair amount of water contact over their use and will most likely work normally.
Apple AirPods are resistant to minor contacts, like sweat and rain. They can still be used just fine outside, regardless of the weather, and sometimes this can mean that they’ll be able to survive a journey in the washing machine too. It really depends on how much water actually came into contact with the AirPods – if they were well submerged in the pocket, they might very well survive!
How To Dry Apple AirPods
If you have noticed that they’ve picked up a fair amount of water after the wash, you’ll want to get to work with drying them as quickly as possible. The quicker you can work to get the water out of the potentially damaging areas, the more likely your AirPods will be recovered and working at full force again.
First, you’ll want to get your hands on a dry, lint-free cloth to wipe away the water you can visibly see. Cotton swabs are also recommended to get into the smaller areas, like the bit between the body and the pod.
It’s also encouraged that you leave your AirPods out to dry for at least two hours after you’ve cleaned whatever water out of them that you can see. Don’t use them while you are leaving them to dry, as this could have an adverse effect on the water inside them and cause them to shut down completely.
There really are no better ways to dry your Apple AirPods than open-air drying. If they still don’t work after two hours, it’s a good idea to leave them overnight to get the best result.
How Long Can AirPods Stay Submerged Under Water In The Washing Machine?
Okay, this one is a tricky question, but one that you might find yourself asking if you’re worried about the functionality of your AirPods after that fateful washing machine cycle. There is no straight answer that can be given. Some people report that their AirPods went through a full cycle and came out fine, others will say that they went through and were damaged beyond repair.
If your AirPods were loose and floating around underwater in the washing machine, you’ll most likely find that they are damaged beyond repair. If they are tucked away in a pocket you might find that your AirPods work just fine after being washed (a pair of jeans or inside a jacket pocket can be very tight and could do a great job of keeping water away from AirPods).
Either way, we encourage you to at least dry the surface that you can see and leave them alone for two hours to make sure the circuitry inside isn’t drowned and useless.
Apple Airpods Water ratings by version
Are Apple AirPods 2 Waterproof
Apple second generation Airpods are rated at IPX4, which means they are not water-proof, but are water resistant. They can handle a simple splash and sweat, but anything more than that can seriously damage this gadget.
Are Apple AirPods 3 waterproof?
Apple third generation AirPods has the same IPX4 water resistant rating as the others. They can sustain small amounts of water such as a splash are sweat, but anything more than that will damage the unit.
Are Apple AirPods Pro waterproof?
Apple AirPods Pro has a water-resistant rating of IPX4 which means only slight water splashes and sweat is acceptable. If you choose to take a shower or go swimming with your AirPods, you risk ill reversible damage.
Does Apple’s one year warranty cover wet Airpods?
So what happens if my AirPods are destroyed due to water damage? Does my one year warranty cover water damage? Unfortunately, Apple does not cover water-damage on any of their products. They deem this as a non-mechanical issue, but user inflicted.
Should I put my Airpods in rice?
There is no physical benefit to putting your AirPods in rice. You will have a better chance of placing them out in the open with decent airflow. The old rice trick may work with smart phones, but does nothing with AirPods.
Apple Airpod Covers for sweat
If you’re an athlete chances are you will run into issues with listening to music while sweating. As stated before AirPods are water resistant and can withstand sweat, but may cause your AirPods to slip out of your ear. There are many AirPods accessories that prevent AirPods from falling out. Here is a good one on Amazon.
Headphones that can survive a washing machine
The chances of your AirPods surviving a washing machine cycle is most likely 50/50. Here are a few headphones that will have a better chance of survival in a wash machine.
- Jaybird Vista True Wireless Bluetooth – IPX7 Waterproof. This headset can sustain any weather condition) Here is a cheaper
- TOZO T12 Wireless Earbuds – IPX8 waterproof (Waterproof up to 1 meter deep for 30 minutes)
- Bone Conduction headphones– IP68 Waterproof (Workout, Running, Hiking, Cycling, and swimming)
FAQS
Can I Take A Shower With My AirPods?
This is not something you should consider doing if you value your AirPods and don’t fancy buying a new pair. While they are water-resistant and capable of standing up against outside rain, the force of a shower is usually too much for AirPods to bear. It’s better to have your phone playing out loud in the bathroom if you really like listening to music.
Can I Wear My AirPods In The Rain?
Yes, AirPods are water-resistant and can be worn outside just fine, even while it’s raining. The rain tends to drip off of the outside surface of the pods and usually causes no damage to the inner circuitry. You’re safe to do this.
Conclusion
So, if you’ve accidentally taken your AirPods through a wash and are looking for the best solution, you have to remember it’s best to act as fast as possible. Dab any water you can see with a dry cloth and then leave them out to dry for a few hours to ensure the most effective process. You might just be able to save your AirPods. A washing machine isn’t a death sentence for them!
