Do you like listening to music in the shower? Did you wash your AirPods pro with your clothes by mistake? Do you prefer wearing your AirPods Max while working out but sweat profusely?
As a proud owner of the AirPods, you know how conveniently you can use them while working out, running, traveling, shopping, and so on. However, if you are planning to use your AirPods in water, for example, while swimming, you must want to know if they are waterproof. After all, the last thing you want is to damage your expensive and precious AirPods.
In this post, we’ll discuss whether AirPods are waterproof or not. So let’s get to it!
Are AirPods and Their Charging Case Waterproof?
| No. The AirPods (1st, 2nd, and 3rd generation) and their charging cases, AirPods Pro (1st and 2nd generation) and their charging cases, and AirPods Max Headphones are not waterproof. |
However, per Apple’s official website, the AirPods Pro (1st and 2nd generation) and AirPods (3rd generation) are sweat- and water-resistant for exercises and non-water sports. Therefore, you cannot use them while swimming or showering.
Other sweat- and water-resistant AirPods’ accessories include:
- MagSafe charging case for AirPods Pro (2nd generation)
- MagSafe charging case for AirPods (3rd generation)
- Lightning charging case for AirPods (3rd generation)
How Water-Resistant Are the AirPods Pro (1st and 2nd Generation) and AirPods (3rd Generation)?
The AirPods Pro (1st and 2nd generation) and AirPods (3rd generation) are IPX4 rated. This means they are protected from liquids striking them from any direction. However, only for brief periods. For example, light water sprays that can be wiped off immediately.
Quick Snapshot — Which AirPods and Charging Cases Are Waterproof?
| AirPods/Charging Case Model | Waterproof or Water-Resistant |
| AirPods (1st Generation) | None |
| AirPods (2nd Generation) | None |
| AirPods (3rd Generation) | Water-Resistant |
| AirPods (3rd Generation) MagSafe charging case | Water-Resistant |
| AirPods (3rd Generation) Lightning charging case | Water-Resistant |
| AirPods Pro (1st Generation) | Water-Resistant |
| AirPods Pro (1st Generation) Wireless Charging Case | None |
| AirPods Pro (2nd Generation) | Water-Resistant |
| AirPods Pro (2nd Generation) Wireless Charging Case | Water-Resistant |
| AirPods Max | None |
Can AirPods Survive a Drop in Water?
Only the AirPods (3rd generation) and AirPods Pro (1st and 2nd generation) may survive a drop in water. Even though these AirPods are IPX4 rated, which only protects them against water splashes for brief periods, if you drop your AirPods Pro or AirPods (3rd generation) in water and remove them from the water immediately, they will work fine.
Excess water trapped inside the AirPods or AirPods’ case can lead to issues such as:
- Frequently disconnecting AirPods
- One AirPod sounding quieter than the other
- AirPods connecting but sound coming from phone
We tested this with our AirPods Pro (2nd generation). We dropped them in a bucket full of water with their charging case and removed them from the bucket in about 10 seconds. Then we tested them and their charging case after drying them using a lint-free cloth and leaving them on the table overnight to dry completely, and they worked perfectly.
Nevertheless, it’s best to avoid dropping your AirPods in water. Your luck will not give you a chance again and again!
How to Remove Water From Wet AirPods and Charging Case?
Follow these quick steps to remove water from your AirPods and their charging case:
- Wipe your AirPods and their charging case using a soft, lint-free, and dry cloth, such as a microfiber cloth.
- Allow them to dry for some time after wiping them.
- Avoid using a blow dryer immediately. Blow drying can lead to overheating in your AirPods and may damage their internal circuitry.
For example, we came across a Reddit user’s post where they mentioned that one of their AirPods melted slightly upon blow drying.
Use Our Water Ejection App to Remove Excess Water Trapped in Your AirPods
You can also make the most of our water-ejection solution to remove water trapped in your AirPods.
Simply tap the button as shown below on this page to eliminate excess moisture or water from your AirPods.
Please note: This method can only help you remove water from your AirPods and not their charging case.
How to Prevent Your AirPods From Getting Wet?
Even though the AirPods (3rd generation) and AirPods Pro (1st and 2nd generation) are sweat- and water-resistant, it’s best to prevent them from getting wet to avoid damaging them in any way.
Here are some quick tips to save your AirPods and their charging case from water and moisture:
- Avoid submerging your AirPods in water.
- Avoid using your AirPods in and around swimming pools.
- Ensure you don’t leave your AirPods in the washing machine or dryer.
- Keep your AirPods and their charging case away from running water.
- Avoid wearing your AirPods in a steam room or sauna.
- Avoid wearing your AirPods while river rafting, kayaking, water skiings and indulging in other water sports.
- Use a protective case to store your AirPods and their charging case when you are not using them.
- Remember that your AirPods’ and their charging case’s ability to resist sweat and water can decrease with the AirPods age, and wear-and-tear caused by regular use.
Final Words
Now that you know none of the AirPods models are waterproof, and some of them are only sweat- and water-resistant, avoid using your AirPods in and around water. Even if you are using them near water, handle them carefully.
Remember that even Apple does not cover water damage for the AirPods, AirPods Pro or their charging case under the normal one-year warranty.
However, if your AirPods are protected by AppleCare+ for headphones, you only need to pay a minimal AppleCare+ customer service fee (about $29) for each incident.
Without AppleCare+, you may have to pay different out-of-warranty fees for the AirPods and wireless charging case depending on their model to replace them.
You can check the AirPods Replacement, Service and Repair page for more information.
If your AirPods are working fine, and the charging case is damaged, you can also consider getting a replacement charging case.
