It happens in an instant.
Maybe you were washing dishes and your AirPod slipped from your ear. Perhaps your AirPods case tumbled from your pocket directly into a puddle. Or maybe—in that stomach-dropping moment we all dread—you heard that distinctive “plop” as your AirPod fell into the toilet.
Whatever the scenario, the panic is the same when your AirPods fell into water.
I understand that sinking feeling. And I’m here to tell you that all hope is not lost.
Despite Apple’s claims about water resistance (or lack thereof), there are effective steps you can take when your AirPods fell in water that could save your precious audio companions from a watery grave.
In this comprehensive guide, I’ll walk you through exactly what to do—and equally important, what NOT to do—when dealing with water-exposed AirPods. Let’s turn this potential disaster into a success story.
The Critical First 60 Seconds After Your AirPods Get Wet
When disaster strikes and you’ve dropped AirPod in water, those first moments are absolutely crucial. Here’s your emergency protocol:
- Retrieve Them Immediately
This might seem obvious, but every second your AirPods spend submerged increases the damage. Don’t hesitate or panic—retrieve them from the water source immediately.
- Power Off Connected Devices
If your AirPods are currently connected to your iPhone or other device, disconnect them immediately. Active electrical components and water are a dangerous combination that can cause short circuits.
- Remove Excess Water – BUT CAREFULLY
Gently shake the AirPods to remove visible water droplets. DO NOT blow into the openings—this can actually force moisture deeper into the device.
- Wipe External Surfaces Only
Use a soft, lint-free cloth to carefully dry the external surfaces. Microfiber cloths work best as they won’t leave fibers behind.
- Do NOT Do These Things
In your panic, avoid these common mistakes that make water damage worse:
- Do NOT use a hair dryer (even on cool setting)
- Do NOT put them in rice (more on this myth later)
- Do NOT press any buttons or try to test them
- Do NOT place them in their charging case
- Do NOT attempt to charge them
Following these initial emergency steps gives your water-exposed AirPods the best chance of survival. Now let’s move to the critical drying phase.
Understanding Water Damage in Different AirPods Models
Before we continue with recovery steps, it’s important to understand that different AirPods models have different levels of water vulnerability. When someone asks “what to do if AirPods get wet,” the answer partly depends on which model they own:
AirPods (1st, 2nd, and 3rd Generation)
Standard AirPods have no official water resistance rating. They are the most vulnerable to water damage, with multiple openings where water can easily enter and damage internal components.
AirPods Pro (1st and 2nd Generation)
AirPods Pro have an IPX4 rating, meaning they’re resistant to water splashes from any direction. However, this is far from waterproof. They can handle sweat and light rain but not submersion or heavy water exposure.
AirPods Max
AirPods Max have no official water resistance rating and contain fabric elements that can absorb and trap moisture, potentially causing long-term damage to the internal electronics and metal components.
Charging Cases
No AirPods charging case—standard or Pro—has any water resistance rating. The charging contacts and Lightning/USB-C port make these particularly vulnerable to water damage.
Understanding your specific model helps set realistic expectations for recovery. Now, let’s continue with the proper drying process.
Also Read: Are your AirPods Dying Quickly? Top Reasons and Easy Fixes
Saving Your Water-Exposed AirPods
After those critical first minutes, you’re now in for a waiting game. Patience is your best ally when your AirPods fell in water.
The Optimal Drying Environment
Place your AirPods in a location with these characteristics:
- Dry air (low humidity)
- Room temperature (not hot, not cold)
- Good air circulation
- Away from direct sunlight
- Safe from dust or other contaminants
The ideal setup is simply placing them on an absorbent surface like a paper towel in a well-ventilated room.
The Rice Myth: Why It Doesn’t Work
Despite popular belief, placing electronics in rice is ineffective and potentially harmful:
- Rice dust can get into openings
- Rice provides minimal dehumidifying effect
- Rice can leave starchy residue
- The false security of using rice may prevent you from taking more effective measures
Better Alternatives to Rice
If you want to accelerate the drying process, consider:
- Silica Gel Packets: These desiccants are far more effective than rice. Place your AirPods near (not touching) several silica gel packets in a sealed container.
- Uncooked Instant Oatmeal: Surprisingly effective and less dusty than rice, instant oatmeal can help draw out moisture when placed in a sealed container with (but not touching) your AirPods.
- Commercial Drying Solutions: Products like Bheestie Bags or similar electronics rescue kits use industrial-grade desiccants and are specifically designed for this purpose.
The Waiting Period
This is the hardest part: you must wait at least 24-48 hours before attempting to use or charge your AirPods. Patience here often makes the difference between permanent damage and full recovery.
Special Considerations for AirPods That Fell in Salt Water, Chlorine, or Other Liquids
The recovery process changes somewhat depending on what type of liquid your AirPods were exposed to:
Salt Water Exposure
Salt water is particularly damaging as it leaves conductive salt residue when it evaporates:
- Gently dampen (not soak) a cloth with fresh, distilled water
- Very carefully wipe external surfaces to remove salt residue
- Follow with the standard drying protocol, but extend drying time to 72 hours
Chlorinated Pool Water
Chlorine can corrode metal components:
- Similar to salt water, gently wipe externally with a slightly dampened cloth with distilled water
- Dry thoroughly and follow the standard 48-hour drying protocol
Sugary Drinks, Coffee, or Other Liquids
These liquids leave behind residue that can cause stickiness and corrosion:
- Use a very slightly damp cloth with distilled water to carefully clean external surfaces
- Be extremely careful not to introduce additional moisture into openings
- Follow with at least 48 hours of drying time
Testing Your AirPods After Water Exposure
After patiently waiting the full recommended drying period, it’s time to carefully test your AirPods:
- Visual Inspection
Look closely for:
- Residue or discoloration
- Water spots in the mesh
- Any visible moisture in openings
- Initial Connection Test
Before placing in the charging case:
- Attempt to connect the AirPods to your iPhone
- Listen for the connection sound
- If they connect, play audio at low volume
- Test each AirPod individually
- Check All Functionalities
If basic connection works, systematically test:
- Audio quality in both AirPods
- Microphone functionality
- Touch/force sensors
- Noise cancellation (for AirPods Pro)
- Transparency mode (for AirPods Pro)
- Spatial audio (if applicable)
- Charging Test
Only after confirming they’re completely dry and functioning:
- Carefully inspect the charging case for moisture
- Ensure charging contacts are clean and dry
- Place AirPods in case and check if charging indicator lights function normally
Also Read: Why Aren’t My AirPods Connecting? The Complete Troubleshooting Guide for 2025
Signs of Permanent Water Damage
Unfortunately, not all water-exposed AirPods can be saved. Here are signs that water damage might be permanent:
Audio Problems
- No sound from one or both AirPods
- Distorted or muffled sound
- Volume significantly lower than normal
- Static or crackling during audio playback
Connection Issues
- Inability to connect to devices
- Frequent disconnections
- One AirPod connects but not the other
- Device doesn’t recognize AirPods
Battery/Charging Problems
- AirPods won’t charge
- Battery drains extremely quickly
- Charging case not recognizing AirPods
- Overheating during charging
Physical Indicators
- Visible corrosion on charging contacts
- Discoloration inside speaker mesh
- Water detection sensors triggered (visible on some models)
If you notice several of these issues, your AirPods may have suffered permanent damage.
Repair vs. Replace Decision Guide
If your rescue attempt wasn’t completely successful, you’ll need to make a repair-or-replace decision:
Apple’s Official Stance on Water Damage
It’s important to understand Apple’s position:
- Water damage is not covered under standard Apple warranty
- AppleCare+ covers up to two incidents of accidental damage, including liquid damage (subject to service fees)
- Apple doesn’t repair water-damaged AirPods—they replace them
Replacement Costs Without AppleCare+
In 2025, out-of-warranty replacement costs per component:
Standard AirPods (3rd Gen):
- Single AirPod: $69
- Charging case: $59
- Complete set replacement: $179
AirPods Pro (2nd Gen):
- Single AirPod Pro: $89
- Charging case: $99
- Complete set replacement: $249
AirPods Max:
- Out-of-warranty service: $299
- Complete replacement: $549
Replacement With AppleCare+
If you have AppleCare+ (which costs $29-$59 depending on model):
- Accidental damage incident fee for AirPods/AirPods Pro: $29
- Accidental damage incident fee for AirPods Max: $59
Third-Party Repair Options
While Apple doesn’t repair water-damaged AirPods, some specialized third-party services can sometimes salvage them. These typically cost 40-60% of the replacement price, with no guarantee of success.
The Environmental Consideration
Before automatically replacing damaged AirPods, consider the environmental impact. Apple’s recycling program accepts damaged AirPods to recover materials, minimizing electronic waste.
Preventing Future Water Accidents
Now that you’ve experienced the stress of water-exposed AirPods, here are ways to prevent future incidents:
Protective Cases
Water-resistant cases for your AirPods charging case provide an additional layer of protection. Look for cases with:
- IPX5 or higher water resistance
- Secure closure
- Port covers for the charging port
- Lanyard or clip attachment options
Habit Changes
Simple behavioral adjustments can dramatically reduce risk:
- Remove AirPods before entering bathrooms
- Keep AirPods in their case when not in use
- Be mindful around sinks, pools, and other water sources
- Avoid storing AirPods in exterior pockets where they could fall out
Consider Water-Resistant Alternatives
If you frequently use headphones in wet environments, consider:
- PowerBeats Pro (IPX4 rated)
- Specialized waterproof wireless earbuds designed for swimming
- AirPods Pro (IPX4 rated) instead of regular AirPods
AppleCare+ Investment
For new AirPods purchases, consider AppleCare+. At $29-$59, it provides significant savings if you experience water damage, covering two accidental damage incidents with much lower service fees.
Also Read: Estimated Cost to Repair AirPods – Detailed Guide
Frequently Asked Questions About Water-Exposed AirPods
Let’s address some common questions that arise when AirPods fell in water:
Q: Can AirPods survive being washed in a washing machine?
A: Surprisingly, some AirPods do survive washing machine cycles, though it’s rare. The key factors are how long they were submerged and whether the machine was in a spin cycle (which can cause physical damage). If this happens, retrieve them immediately, dry them thoroughly, and wait at least 72 hours before testing.
Q: Is it safe to use AirPods in the rain?
A: Standard AirPods have no water resistance rating and should be protected from rain. AirPods Pro have an IPX4 rating, making them resistant to water splashes including light rain, but not heavy downpours or submersion.
Q: Will rice really not help dry out wet AirPods?
A: Rice is largely ineffective for drying electronics. Its moisture-absorbing capacity is minimal compared to proper desiccants, and rice particles can cause additional problems. Silica gel packets, proper airflow, and patience are far more effective.
Q: How long after water exposure can damage appear?
A: Water damage can manifest immediately or develop over days or weeks as corrosion progresses. You might think your AirPods survived only to have them fail a week later as internal components corrode. This is why proper drying is so important.
Q: Can I use a vacuum to suck water out of AirPods?
A: While creative, this approach risks damaging delicate internal components and can actually pull water deeper into the device. It’s not recommended.
When to Seek Professional Help for Water-Damaged AirPods
If your DIY recovery efforts haven’t been successful but you’re not ready to replace your AirPods, professional assistance might be worthwhile:
Signs It’s Time for Professional Help:
- AirPods partially work (suggesting potential salvageability)
- The exposure was to high-value AirPods Max or new AirPods Pro
- You have important audio stored on AirPods Max that you want to recover
- The liquid was something other than water (coffee, soda, etc.) that might require specialized cleaning
What Professionals Can Offer:
- Ultrasonic cleaning equipment
- Specialized drying chambers
- Microscopic component inspection
- Precision disassembly and reassembly
- Component-level repairs (for some models)
While Apple doesn’t offer repair services for water-damaged AirPods, specialized third-party repair shops sometimes can help, particularly with higher-end models like AirPods Max.
Hope Is Not Lost When AirPods Get Wet
When your AirPods fell in water, it doesn’t automatically mean they’re destined for the recycling bin. With immediate action, proper drying techniques, and a good dose of patience, many water-exposed AirPods can be saved.
Remember these key takeaways:
- Act quickly—every second counts
- Properly dry for at least 24-48 hours (longer for salt water)
- Avoid common mistakes like using rice or hair dryers
- Test thoroughly before returning to regular use
- Consider preventative measures to avoid future incidents
Water and electronics will never be good friends, but with the right approach, you can often turn a potential disaster into nothing more than a temporary inconvenience.
Has this guide helped you rescue your water-exposed AirPods? Or perhaps you have your own successful recovery story? Either way, I hope this information gives you the knowledge and confidence to handle this all-too-common modern crisis.
Here’s to keeping your AirPods high and dry from now on!
P.S. If your rescue attempts weren’t successful and you need replacement AirPods, consider visiting CellularPort in Houston. They offer both official Apple products and high-quality alternatives at competitive prices, along with expert advice on protecting your new investment from future water damage!
