Water damage to your earbuds: what to do when they get wet

Dropped your earbuds in the toilet or accidentally put them through the wash? Panic is understandable, but acting quickly and correctly can still save your earbuds. Here you'll read exactly what to do.

What is the problem?

Water and electronics don't mix. When moisture gets into your AirPods, it can cause a short circuit and damage internal components. The damage is often not immediately visible but can cause problems later.

What to do right away

  1. Take the AirPods out of the water immediately.
  2. Gently shake them out with the speakers facing down.
  3. Pat them dry with a soft, lint-free cloth.
  4. Do NOT put them in the charging case - it may be wet too.
  5. Place them in a dry spot at room temperature.
  6. Wait at least 24-48 hours before testing them.

What you should definitely NOT do

  • ✕Don't put them in rice - this can push dust and starch into the speakers.
  • ✕Don't dry them with a hairdryer - the heat can damage components.
  • ✕Don't charge them right away - moisture and power together cause short circuits.
  • ✕Don't shake them with the speakers facing up - this pushes water deeper inside.
  • ✕Don't put them in the microwave or oven - this destroys your AirPods completely.

The type of water matters

Clean tap water gives the best chance of survival. Salt water (sea), soapy water (washing machine) and toilet water are more aggressive and can cause corrosion faster.

With salt or soapy water: rinse briefly with distilled water to remove residue, then dry as described above.

After drying

After 48 hours, first test one AirPod in the case. Check whether it charges and produces sound. Then test the other one.

Watch for these symptoms of water damage:

  • No sound or muffled sound
  • Crackling or distorted sound
  • AirPod won't charge
  • Connection problems with iPhone
  • Microphone not working properly

When replacement is needed

Apple's warranty doesn't cover water damage. The liquid contact indicator inside your AirPods changes colour on contact with moisture and is checked by Apple.

If your AirPods still show problems after 48-72 hours of drying, the internal damage is probably permanent.

In that case you can replace a single left AirPod, right AirPod or charging case - much cheaper than a whole new set.

Are AirPods water resistant?

AirPods Pro (1st and 2nd generation) and AirPods 3 have an IPX4 rating. This means splash resistant, not waterproof. They survive sweat and light rain, but not submersion.

AirPods 1 and 2 have no official water resistance. Any form of moisture is a risk.

All charging cases are NOT water resistant, regardless of generation.

Replacement parts per generation

Need to replace a part after water damage? Choose the right model:

Not sure which AirPods you have? Check our model identification guide.

Frequently asked questions

Can my AirPods still be saved after water damage?

That depends on the duration and the type of water. With quick action and proper drying there's a good chance. Always wait 48 hours before testing.

Does Apple's warranty cover water damage?

No, water damage falls under 'accidental damage' and is not covered by the standard warranty. AppleCare+ with accidental damage coverage possibly does.

How do I know if my AirPods have water damage?

Symptoms include no sound, distorted sound, not charging or connection problems. Apple can check the liquid indicator inside.

Can I replace one damaged AirPod?

Yes, you can buy single left or right AirPods from us for all generations. Much cheaper than a completely new set.

Do AirPods still work after the washing machine?

Sometimes, but the chance is small. The combination of water, soap, temperature and mechanical pressure is very damaging. Follow the drying process and test after 48 hours.

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