What to Do If AirPods Get Wet

Water resistant isn't waterproof. Apple says AirPods Pro, AirPods 3, AirPods 4 and AirPods 5 resist sweat and water but are "not waterproof or sweatproof", and AirPods Max aren't water resistant at all. That resistance also wears: Apple says it "can diminish over time", and AirPods and their cases can't be rechecked or resealed, so drying them completely comes first.

If one AirPod stays quiet or silent once it's dry, use the steps for a right AirPod not working. If they got dirty as well as wet, for example with soap or sunscreen, our cleaning guide shows how to clean the AirPods charging case and the earbuds with Apple's method.

What to Do Right After AirPods Get Wet

If your AirPods get wet, wipe them, keep them out of the case and wait at least two hours:

1. Wipe your AirPods clean with a soft, dry, lint-free cloth.
2. Keep them out of the charging case, and don't use heat or compressed air to dry them.
3. Let them dry completely, for at least two hours, before you use them or put them in the charging case.

Apple gives these steps for AirPods Pro, AirPods 3, AirPods 4 and AirPods 5 after exposure to liquid in any of the situations it warns about, such as a shower, a swim, a washing machine or a sauna.

What Not to Do

Apple's AirPods articles warn against each of these:

• Don't dry them with heat or compressed air.
• Don't put them under running water, such as a shower or faucet.
• Don't get liquid in the charging ports, or put anything into them.
• Don't clean them with sharp objects or abrasive materials.
• Don't put them back in the charging case until they're completely dry.
• Don't submerge them if you have AirPods Pro 1, AirPods Pro 2, AirPods 3 or AirPods 4.

Apple's articles don't mention rice, silica gel or other drying tricks, so this guide sticks to Apple's steps.

If the Charging Case Got Wet

Apple has no separate procedure for a wet charging case. Its case-cleaning steps are the closest match: wipe the case with a soft, dry, lint-free cloth, keep liquid out of the charging ports, and let the case dry. Keep the AirPods out of it until they've dried for at least two hours. Case ratings differ by model: the MagSafe Charging Case and Wireless Charging Case for AirPods Pro 1 aren't water or sweat resistant, while the AirPods Pro 3 MagSafe Charging Case (USB-C) and the AirPods 5 cases are rated IP57.

If AirPods Max Got Wet

If AirPods Max or the Smart Case come in contact with liquid, wipe them down with a dry microfiber cloth. Apple says AirPods Max and the Smart Case "aren't waterproof or water resistant", so keep moisture out of every opening. If your AirPods Max are damaged after they get wet, Apple says you can order a replacement.

If They Touched Soap, Shampoo or Sunscreen

Clean them with Apple's method: wipe them with a cloth slightly dampened with fresh water, dry them with a soft, dry, lint-free cloth, then wait at least two hours. Apple says soaps, shampoos, conditioners, lotions, perfumes, solvents, detergent, acids or acidic foods, insect repellent, sunscreen, oil and hair dye can all negatively affect water seals and acoustic membranes.

Which AirPods Are Water Resistant?

AirPods Pro, AirPods 3, AirPods 4 and AirPods 5 are sweat and water resistant for non-water sports and exercise; AirPods Max aren't water resistant. Not sure which you have? First identify your AirPods model.

Model	Rating (Apple)	Case
AirPods Pro 1	IPX4	MagSafe and Wireless Charging Case: not water or sweat resistant
AirPods Pro 2 with MagSafe Charging Case (Lightning); AirPods 3 (Lightning or MagSafe case)	IPX4	Case also IPX4
AirPods Pro 2 with MagSafe Charging Case (USB-C); AirPods 4; AirPods 4 (ANC)	IP54, also dust resistant	Case also IP54
AirPods Pro 3; AirPods 5 (both models)	IP57, maximum depth of 1 meter up to 30 minutes	Case also IP57
AirPods Max	Not waterproof or water resistant	Smart Case: not waterproof or water resistant

Every rating is under IEC standard 60529. Apple says the rated models aren't designed for water sports like swimming, or for showering. AirPods 1 and AirPods 2 don't appear in Apple's water resistance article, so Apple publishes no rating for them there.

AirPods Went Through the Washing Machine?

Apple lists the washing machine and dryer among the things to avoid, and it gives no separate steps for a wash cycle. Follow the same three steps above: wipe them, keep them out of the case, and let them dry for at least two hours. Then run the checks below. If they still don't work once they're dry, get service from Apple (see Still not working?). Apple's cleaning article adds that if your AirPods become damaged, you can order a replacement.

How to Check Your AirPods Once They're Dry

Once at least two hours have passed, check the case light, the battery levels and the sound:

1. Put the AirPods in the charging case and open the lid. The status light on the case then shows the charge status of your AirPods: green for fully charged, amber for less than one full charge remaining. If no light appears, you may need to charge them first.
2. With the lid open, go to Settings on your iPhone, tap Bluetooth, tap the name of your AirPods, then tap the Info button next to them to see the battery levels.
3. Put your AirPods in your ears and make sure they're connected to your iPhone or iPad. If one side stays quiet or silent, use the fixes below.