If you’re one of the millions of people who own a pair of AirPods, then you know that they can be a bit slippery and prone to falling out of your ears. Unfortunately, I learned this the hard way when I dropped mine in the water. If this happens to you, don’t panic! There are a few things that you can do to try and save them. This blog post will discuss what to do if you drop your AirPods in water and how to get water out of AirPods before turning them on again.
I dropped my AirPod in water: The horror!
Imagine this scenario: You’re near a swimming pool on holiday mode and hear your phone ringing. It’s an important call, so you take out your AirPods to answer it, but as soon as they come out of your pocket, one falls into the pool. If this has ever happened to you, you know the panic that sets in.
Another common (embarrassing) scenario is when you’re listening to music and go to the bathroom and take your AirPods out of your ears to wash your hands but then accidentally drop them in the toilet.
Dropping your AirPods in water is a panic-worthy moment, but don’t worry – we’re here to help!
How to get water out of AirPods
The first thing you should do if you drop your AirPods in water is DON’T TURN THEM ON OR CHARGE THEM. This could potentially damage them even more.
Unless you dropped them in a small pond and you’re sure just a bit of water got in, you must dry them off as much as possible. You can do this in different ways.
1. Clean them with a dry cloth and put them upside down
Get a dry, microfibre cloth, and wipe them off as much as possible. Avoid using your shirt or other rugged fabric, which could damage the AirPods’ surface. It would be best to put them upside down with their speakers facing the ground so that gravity will help get water out of AirPods.
Wait for at least 24 hours before trying to use them again. Be patient. It might be the difference between a working pair of AirPods and a dead one.
2. Turn on your fan or AC unit
If you can access a fan or an air conditioner unit, that will also help! Just ensure the environment is not dusty so your AirPods don’t get dirty.
Leave them near the airflow for a few hours, and then try to dry them off with a cloth.
3. Place them in a warm environment
If you’re near an oven or a radiator, place your AirPods there for an hour or so. Again, leave them upside down and exposed to the airflow of these appliances. This will help dry out any moisture that might have gotten into their interiors.
The most important thing about this is not to let them heat up too much because it could damage the battery inside! So make sure they aren’t baking in extreme temperatures – just warm enough to get water out of AirPods fast!
Don’t put them straight under the sun or in a microwave – that could kill them for good.
4. Use desiccant packets or good old rice
If none of the options above are available, another way to dry out your AirPods is by using desiccant packets or rice. Just leave them in a small container with the packets/rice for 24 hours.
Remember to be patient, as it could be the difference between a working pair of AirPods and a dead one.
Use the water eject shortcut from Siri.
You might not know developers have created a shortcut to help you get water from AirPods. It’s called the ‘Water Eject’ shortcut, and you can find it on your iPhone’s Shortcuts app.
If you have an Apple Watch, you might be familiar with this feature as it’s already built-in.
The Water Eject shortcut will play a sound to help push the water out of your AirPods. It won’t work for every case, but it’s worth a try! There are also apps in the App Store that do the same thing.
This option is recommended for AirPods that barely touch the water (you need to do it fast), and it’s not as effective if submerged.
However, if you have dried them out properly and are about to test them, this could be an excellent time to try this shortcut!
Are AirPods waterproof?
There’s a misunderstanding about AirPods and water. People think they’re automatically waterproof because of their iPhones and Apple Watches. Some people even try to wear AirPods in the shower to realize they’re not waterproof later.
AirPods are only sweating and water-resistant, meaning they’re not meant to be submerged in water for an extended period. The IPX rating for AirPods is IPX4, meaning they can resist light rain and accidental splashes – but nothing more than that.
The fact is that AirPods are NOT WATERPROOF, and you should never try to submerge them in water or any other liquid. If this happens, you can turn off your AirPods, dry them as much as possible, and hope for the best.
Apple won’t cover water damage under warranty.
Get a new AirPod (singular) and avoid paying full price
Yes, you read that correctly. If just one AirPod fell in the water and it’s not working, you can get a new Airpod for $69. Go to an Apple Store or contact their support, and they’ll help you.
If something happens to them, this is a much better option than paying the total price for a new pair of AirPods.
You can also buy a new pair of AirPods ($69×2) without the charging case or the charging case alone ($59) if it’s the only part that got wet.
Sometimes the AirPods still work, and you can hear things, but the microphones don’t work. In that case, you should contact Apple support, who’ll help you. Remember that microphones can be damaged if the liquid enters through their tiny holes.
Dropped AirPod in water – The bottom line
Dropping your AirPods in water can be a disaster, but it doesn’t mean they’re completely dead and gone. There are a few ways to try and save them – some easier than others. You can always get a new AirPod for $69 if all else fails.
Remember to be patient and dry them out as much as possible. The last thing you want to do is turn them on or charge them when the water’s still inside!