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How to get water out of AirPods
Published onFebruary 14, 2025
Have you accidentally soaked your AirPods? Don’t panic. Some AirPods models are water-resistant and most can endure a fair amount of abuse. In this article, we’ll show you how to get water out of AirPods quickly.
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To get water out of your AirPods, first dry the exterior with a lint-free cloth. Then, remove water from the interior with the Water Eject shortcut on iOS. Finally, place them in a container of silica gel to absorb any remaining moisture.
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We updated this article on February 15, 2025, to include a list of AirPods models that are water-resistant.
Are AirPods waterproof?
Some models of AirPods are water-resistant, meaning they can handle light splashes of water. Keep in mind though that AirPods are not waterproof, so you shouldn’t submerge them in a pool. Here’s the list of the Ingress Protection water-resistance ratings of every model of AirPods:
- AirPods (1st Gen) – No IP rating (Not water or sweat-resistant)
- AirPods (2nd Gen) – No IP rating (Not water or sweat-resistant)
- AirPods (3rd Gen) – IPX4 (water-resistant)
- AirPods (4th Gen) – IP54 (Dust and water-resistant)
- AirPods Pro (1st Gen) – IPX4 (water-resistant)
- AirPods Pro (2nd Gen) (Lightning & USB-C) – IP54 (Dust and water-resistant)
- AirPods Max – No IP rating (Not water or sweat-resistant)
How to fix your water-damaged AirPods
Follow these steps to save your water-damaged AirPods:
Dry the exterior of your AirPods using a lint-free cloth
To properly dry your AirPods and charging case, get a clean lint-free cloth. Start by carefully wiping and dabbing the AirPods with the cloth to remove as much water as possible. If you own a pair of AirPods Pro, remove the ear tips and wipe off any moisture trapped inside the plastic.
Roll a high-quality paper towel into a pointed shape and use it to dab the inside of the charging case if it was exposed. Don’t use a brand that flakes or leaves behind particles.
After cleaning, place both the AirPods and charging case face down in a warm area or in indirect sunlight (direct sunlight may damage the device, especially in hotter climates) for about a day. Leave the charging case lid open to allow any residual moisture to evaporate.
Dry the interior of your AirPods with the water eject shortcut
Once you’ve removed as much water as possible from your AirPods, connect them to your iPhone or iPad. Open the Water Eject Shortcuts Gallery page on your mobile browser and navigate to Get Shortcut > Get Shortcut > Add Shortcut.
Launch the iOS/iPadOS Shortcuts app, tap Water Eject > Start, and choose the intensity. Water will likely start coming out of the AirPods. Repeat the process until the water stops. Then, disconnect the AirPods to turn them off.
If you don’t have an iOS device, there are videos on YouTube that can produce similar sound and water ejection effects. You may need to manually increase your volume to the maximum to get the desired results. While many people have reported success using this method, it’s risky because you have to turn on the AirPods. You may damage the circuitry if there’s too much water inside. You can reduce the risk by shaking out as much water as possible before turning them on.
Leave the AirPods in a desiccant
Once you’re done removing as much water as possible from the interior of your AirPods, toss them in a container with a few packets of silica gel for about a day. This should clear out any bits of water left in the devices and hopefully get them working again. Rice is another desiccant that may help, but we don’t recommend it as the starch can cause problems.
Does AppleCare cover water-damaged AirPods?
Apple’s one-year limited warranty does not cover liquid-damaged AirPods, as it’s difficult to ascertain if the damage was caused by fluid or misuse. However, AppleCare+ lets you pay reduced service fees for up to two yearly incidents. It’s worth noting that an incident claim applies to one AirPod. So, if you have damage issues with both AirPods, you’d have used up your yearly damage protection.
How to replace your AirPod buds or case
Apple covers manufacturing issues for one year after purchase. AppleCare+ covers accidental damage for $29, but only once a year during its two-year term. Repair/replacement costs vary with authorized providers and don’t include intentional abuse. To repair/replace broken AirPods, take them to an Apple Store or authorized provider, or use a prepaid shipping box.