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Dropped AirPods In Water: What To Do?

Accidents happen from time to time, for instance dropping your AirPods in a bathtub or a pool. If you are that person that dropped AirPods in water and want to salvage them as soon as possible, keep reading to see a few methods that can help you do just that. 

Table of Contents

Are AirPods Waterproof?

Before we begin, let’s see first if AirPods are waterproof. 1st and 2nd generation of AirPods are neither waterproof nor water resistant. This applies to sweat too. But when we talk about 3rd generation and onwards of AirPods, we can say that they are water and sweat resistant. However, you have to be aware that they are NOT waterproof. That means they can survive a bit of rain or sweat but they need immediate action if they get completely drenched in water.

Dropped AirPods In Water

Dropped AirPods In Water: What To Do?

Firstly, make sure you get them out of the water immediately. Don’t shake them because it can lead to some damage. Next, try the methods listed below.

Dry Them With Microfiber Cloth

When you dropped AirPods in water and got them out as fast as you could, you probably thought to wipe them. Your instinct was right but you should not wipe them with just anything because you can damage them. Try using the microfiber cloth to wipe them. After wiping them, put them ‘face down’ on the cloth for about 4 hours so they can completely dry. If you dropped the case in the water as well, wipe it and put it upside down on the cloth with the open lid. Make sure not to use them and connect them to anything in that period. Do not put them in the case before they are fully dried.

Use Silica Gel

You know how when you drop the phone in water, you want to put it in rice so it absorbs the moisture and liquid. Well, do not do this with your AirPods because rice can get inside, get stuck and cause problems. Instead of rice, you can use Silica Gel which can be an even better solution than rice because it can absorb water faster and more effectively. Put the silica gel in a container with your AirPods and let them sit closed like that for a few hours. 

Use Water Eject On AirPods

Another thing you can do to help your AirPods is use a water ejector. This app uses air waves that eject water through the speakers. Here is what you need to do:

  1. Download Water Eject on your phone 
  2. Turn the volume up to maximum levels
  3. Take your AirPods and cover its sensors
  4. Start the water ejecting

If you think you should, repeat the process several times.. Make sure to wipe the water that comes out of the earphones with the microfiber cloth.

Replace The AirPods

If none of the methods listed above work for your AirPods, maybe it’s time to get them replaced. Unfortunately, you might have left them in the water too long or didn’t use any of the methods on time and your AirPods are unsalvageable anymore.

AppleCare+ users can have their AirPods replaced which is a much better option than buying a new pair. AppleCare+ covers accidents like water damage but you can only use it once a year. So, if you still don’t have this option, think about it.

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3 Ways To Protect Your AirPods From Water Damage

Here are some things you can do to prevent water damage if you ever drop them in water.

  1. Is your AirPods case water-resistant? If it isn’t, get one as soon as possible. If you ever manage to drop them in water while they are in a case, you should rest easy knowing that they are in a water resistant case.
  2. In case you wore them while working out and you sweat too much, make sure to wipe them after you finish the workout.
  3. Make sure to check your pockets before doing the laundry. It is always possible that you have left them inside. Washing them by accident is definitely something you want to avoid.

These are some elementary things you can do to reduce the chance of your AirPods getting wet. If it does happen, make sure to act fast and find the method that works best for you and your AirPods.

Conclusion

What to do if you dropped AirPods in water? We answered this question in this article, but you must act fast if you want to save your AirPods from permanent damage. You can wipe them and let them dry, put them in silica gel or use a water ejector app. We also offered some advice on how to prevent your AirPods getting wet. Unfortunately, if none of these things work, you will probably have to buy a new pair or get them replaced if you have AppleCare+ for your AirPods.