Dropped AirPods in Water (Do This QUICKLY)

Uh-oh! Did your AirPods take an unexpected plunge into water, just like mine? Unfortunately for us, Apple AirPods are not waterproof, and dropping them into water is such a big nightmare!

Based on my experience AND research, I’ve got you covered with a quick rescue plan when you’ve accidentally dropped AirPods in water and how you can prevent it from happening again.

Dropped AirPods in Water

If you’ve accidentally dropped AirPods in water, you should immediately dry them using a microfiber cloth. Now, open the charging case and place it beside the earbuds upside down on that cloth, and wait for a minimum of four hours before testing the pair.

Is Apple AirPods Water Resistant?

The first and second-generation AirPods, the smart case, and AirPods Max are not water resistant. So, it’s better to use a water-resistant cover and keep them away from any moisture.

On the other hand, the third-generation AirPods, the AirPods Pro, and the MagSafe charging case are water resistant. These devices are safe for running and workouts. But, if you drop them in a swimming pool or washing machine, they will lose functionality.

Light Contact With Water

Apple AirPods work fine if you decide to wear them for your workout. The same is true for those who love wearing them on rainy walks.

Apple designed AirPods in such a way that they can handle a little bit of moisture when you expose them to various elements. So, you don’t have to panic when the pair is a little bit wet, as you can dry them out using a microfiber cloth.

Fully Submerged or Doused in Water

If you fully submerged or dropped AirPod in water and don’t take them out immediately, they are not likely to survive.

Apple didn’t design AirPods like an iPhone that can go underwater and still survive. If the earbuds or the charging case gets completely wet from the inside, the game is over. Here, drying out can’t help you much, as the pair will short circuit once submerged in water and eventually lose functionality.

The only thing that you can do is to get the pair out as fast as you can when you’ve accidentally dropped them in the water. Here, time plays a crucial role. The faster you take it out, the better your chances of saving your AirPods.

It can be disastrous if you let your AirPods get doused or submerged in water for more than 10 seconds.

One more thing: always check your pockets before doing laundry. If you let the earbuds go into your washing machine, you’ll eventually end up buying a new one. If the pair survived, they would not produce good sound.

What Should You Do if You Drop Your AirPods in Water?

Here are some proven methods to help you know what to do if you drop your AirPods in water.

1. Dry AirPods Using a Microfiber Cloth

If you’ve dropped your AirPods in water, dry them out using a microfiber cloth. Follow these steps to dry your AirPods:

• Take a microfiber cloth.
• Clean the charging case and earbuds completely.
• Now, open the charging case and place it beside the earbuds upside down on that cloth.
• Wait for a minimum of 4 hours and then test them.

If the pair remained in the water for 20 seconds or more, you should wait longer.

2. Use Desiccant Packets

Once you dry out your AirPods using a microfiber cloth, place the AirPods in a container with desiccant packets. These packets will absorb any remaining moisture from your AirPods.

Usually, you can find these in boxes of new electronics, shoes, or handbags, and they are labelled as “Do not eat packets.”

Once you put both AirPods and desiccant packets in the container, wait for at least 3 hours before opening it.

You can also use bamboo charcoal packets instead of desiccant packets, as these also do a great job of soaking up any remaining moisture.

3. Test Your AirPods’ Sound Quality

I remember the time when I dropped my AirPods in water. It’s the worst feeling ever. I dried out my AirPods and tested them, and they sounded terrible.

So, I did some research and came across the Clear Wave app. This app lets you play low-frequency sound waves to eject the water out of your AirPods speaker. Although the app is for the iPhone, it does a great job for AirPods too.

All you have to do is to install the app on your iPhone and connect the AirPods. Now, play the ultra-low, high-frequency sound waves and wait for a few seconds. Once the water comes out, wipe it away with a cloth and do it several times.

4. Use the Water Eject Shortcut From Siri

Another way of ejecting water from your AirPods is by using airwaves. It is a similar feature that Apple watches use to remove water.

Follow these steps to eject water from your AirPods:

• Take your iPhone and connect the AirPods.
• Press the volume up button up on your iPhone.
• Install the Siri Shortcuts app on your iPhone.
• Start the app, cover the AirPods sensors and activate the water eject shortcut.
• Your AirPods should start to vibrate, and you’ll see the water slowly coming out. Repeat the process 3–4 times to completely dry out the earbuds.

You can use this process for AirPods Pro for ejecting water.

If you’ve tried drying out using a microfiber cloth, used desiccant packets, and Airwaves for ejecting water, and still the pair isn’t working, it’s time to take advantage of your AppleCare+ warranty.

5. Make the Most of Your AppleCare+ Warranty

Apple provides an extended warranty to their users named AppleCare+, which covers accidental damage like heat damage, drops, and water damage.

So, if you’ve got an AppleCare+ warranty, all you have to do is pay $29 and get the old one replaced. Believe me, it’s far better than paying a whopping $150+ to get a new one.

This additional warranty only covers replacement for one time in a year. If you’ve dropped your AirPods in the water (for the second time), and wants a replacement, you’ll not be get it.

6. Purchase New AirPods

If you haven’t subscribed to the AppleCare+ warranty, the only option you have is to buy the brand new one.

The latest Apple AirPods are the AirPods (3rd generation), which are comparatively better than the AirPods Pro. The pair offers six hours of listening time on one charge and up to thirty hours of battery life with both the light and MagSafe Charging cases.

Although you may have to spend some money, it will be worth it.

How Do You Protect Your AirPods From Water Damage?

We all know that prevention is better than cure. It is always better to protect your AirPods first rather than searching for ways to fix them after they get damaged.

So, here are some tips that will help you to protect your AirPods and prevent water damage from occurring again.

1. Dry Your AirPods After Workouts

Once you finish your workout, take out your AirPods and clean the pair and charging case with a microfiber cloth.

It’s because, after a heavy workout, your sweat leaves salt and water in the AirPods. So, there’s a good chance that it could damage the electronics.

The longer you wait to dry your AirPods, the more you risk damaging them.

Also, if you’re wearing your AirPods on a rainy day, you should dry both the pair and the charging case once you reach a safer place.

2. Empty Your Clothes Before Doing Laundry

Another thing you should keep in mind is to empty your clothing pockets before doing laundry.

You never know what’s inside those pockets. It could be your wallet, phone, AirPods, or a random $10-dollar bill.

So, it’s always better to check your pockets every time you do laundry.

3. Shop for Water Resistant AirPods Cases

Sometimes, we all learn things the hard way. I learned something the day my AirPods fell in water. It is to protect them at any cost. So, I’ve got myself a water-resistant AirPods case.

So, if you’re living in a humid or wet climate area, get yourself a pair of water-resistant AirPod cases. The cover will keep the moisture away and protect your earbuds from accidental water damage. These cases come in many styles and are not expensive, and you can find them from any online store.

Frequently Asked Questions

The Bottom Line

There’s nothing worse than dropping AirPods in water, and if you let the pair stay there for a while, the earbuds will lose their functionality.

So, it’s always best to protect your AirPods by using preventive measures like using a water-resistant cover and drying them out using a soft cloth when necessary.

If you’ve accidentally dropped your AirPods in water, always remember to follow these proven methods.

1. Clean AirPods with a microfiber cloth
2. Dry AirPods using desiccant packets
3. Use the Clear Wave app to test the sound quality
4. Use the Water Eject Shortcut from Siri
5. Take Benefit of Your AppleCare+ Warranty

Hopefully, one of these methods has worked for you. Were you able to save your AirPods from water damage? If so, let us know in the comments below what worked for you!