Does AppleCare Cover Water Damage to AirPods? Unpacking the Truth

The short answer? It’s complicated, but generally, standard AppleCare does not cover accidental damage, including water damage, to your AirPods. However, with AppleCare+, you do get coverage for accidental damage from handling (ADH), which includes water damage, but this is subject to a service fee. Let’s dive deep into this topic to fully understand AppleCare and how it applies to your precious AirPods.

Understanding AppleCare and AppleCare+

It’s crucial to distinguish between the two tiers of Apple’s protection plans: AppleCare and AppleCare+. They offer different levels of coverage and benefits.

AppleCare: The Basics

Think of AppleCare as the foundation. It extends your limited warranty to two years from the original purchase date of your AirPods. This covers manufacturing defects and hardware failures that occur under normal use. For example, if your AirPods suddenly stop charging or one earbud loses audio without any apparent reason or external influence, AppleCare likely has you covered. Crucially, it does not cover accidents, such as dropping your AirPods in water or crushing them underfoot.

AppleCare+: The Enhanced Protection

AppleCare+ takes things to the next level. It extends the standard warranty to the same two years but adds a critical layer of protection: coverage for accidental damage from handling (ADH). This is where the magic happens concerning water damage. AppleCare+ provides a specific number of incidents (typically up to two) of accidental damage coverage, each subject to a service fee. This means if you accidentally submerge your AirPods in water, spill coffee on them, or any other unfortunate accident occurs, you can get them repaired or replaced for a significantly reduced cost compared to paying for the entire repair out-of-pocket. The service fee varies depending on the specific AirPods model.

Water Damage and Your AirPods: A Closer Look

Water damage is a common enemy of electronics, and AirPods are no exception. Even though some AirPods models are advertised as water-resistant, they are not waterproof. This is a significant distinction.

Water Resistance vs. Waterproof

Water resistance means the device can withstand splashes, sweat, and light rain. However, it’s not designed to be submerged for extended periods or exposed to high-pressure water. Waterproof, on the other hand, implies a device can be fully submerged in water without damage. Most AirPods, even the Pro models, are water-resistant, not waterproof.

How Water Damage Affects AirPods

Water can wreak havoc on the delicate internal components of your AirPods. It can cause short circuits, corrosion, and ultimately, complete failure. Even if your AirPods seem to function normally immediately after water exposure, the long-term effects of corrosion can lead to problems down the line.

Signs of Water Damage

Pay attention to these signs that your AirPods may have suffered water damage:

• Distorted audio: Crackling, muffled, or absent sound.
• Charging issues: AirPods not charging or charging intermittently.
• Connectivity problems: Difficulty pairing or maintaining a Bluetooth connection.
• Visible corrosion: Look for green or white residue on the charging contacts or inside the case.
• Unusual behavior: AirPods behaving erratically or not responding at all.

Claiming Water Damage Coverage with AppleCare+

If you have AppleCare+ and your AirPods have suffered water damage, here’s what to do:

1. Contact Apple Support: You can initiate a repair claim through the Apple Support app, online, or by calling Apple directly.
2. Describe the Incident: Clearly explain how the water damage occurred. Be honest and accurate.
3. Understand the Service Fee: Apple will inform you of the applicable service fee for your specific AirPods model.
4. Choose Your Repair Option: You can typically choose between mailing your AirPods for repair, bringing them to an Apple Store, or using an authorized service provider.
5. Get Your Repaired or Replaced AirPods: Once the repair is complete or a replacement is issued, you’ll be back in business (hopefully avoiding future aquatic mishaps).

FAQs: Your Burning AirPods Questions Answered

Here are some frequently asked questions to further clarify AppleCare coverage and water damage to AirPods:

1. Are all AirPods models water-resistant?

Not all AirPods are created equal in terms of water resistance. The AirPods (3rd generation) and AirPods Pro (all generations) are rated IPX4 for water and sweat resistance. This means they can withstand splashes and sweat, but are not designed for submersion. The original AirPods (1st and 2nd generation) have no official water resistance rating.

2. What does IPX4 rating mean?

IPX4 signifies protection against water splashing from any direction. It’s a decent level of protection for everyday activities like working out or getting caught in a light rain, but not suitable for swimming or showering.

3. Can I purchase AppleCare+ after my AirPods have already suffered water damage?

Unfortunately, no. You must purchase AppleCare+ within 60 days of the original purchase date of your AirPods. Trying to purchase it after damage has occurred would be considered insurance fraud.

4. If I lose one AirPod, does AppleCare+ cover the replacement?

No, AppleCare+ typically does not cover lost or stolen AirPods. It focuses on accidental damage and hardware failures. However, you can purchase a single replacement AirPod directly from Apple.

5. What happens if I have AppleCare+ but have already used both of my accidental damage incidents?

If you’ve already used your two allotted accidental damage incidents under AppleCare+, you’ll have to pay the out-of-warranty repair cost, which can be substantial. It’s essential to be extra careful after using your incidents.

6. Is the charging case water-resistant?

The charging case for the AirPods (3rd generation) and AirPods Pro is also IPX4 rated, meaning it offers the same splash and sweat resistance as the earbuds themselves. The charging case for the older AirPods models is not water-resistant.

7. Can I clean my AirPods with water?

While the AirPods (3rd generation) and AirPods Pro are water-resistant, you should avoid submerging them in water or using excessive amounts of water to clean them. Use a soft, dry, lint-free cloth. If necessary, you can slightly dampen the cloth with water, but be careful not to get any moisture inside the openings.

8. How long do I have to file a claim for water damage under AppleCare+?

There’s no specific time limit to file a claim, but it’s best to do so as soon as possible after the incident. Delaying the repair could worsen the damage.

9. Is there a deductible for AppleCare+ repairs?

Yes, there is a service fee (deductible) for each accidental damage incident. The amount varies depending on the AirPods model. Check the AppleCare+ terms and conditions for the exact fee.

10. Does AppleCare cover battery replacement?

AppleCare and AppleCare+ both cover battery service if the battery’s capacity drops below 80% of its original capacity within the coverage period (two years). This is separate from water damage.

11. Can I transfer AppleCare+ to someone else if I sell my AirPods?

In some cases, AppleCare+ can be transferred to a new owner if you sell or give away your AirPods, but you must meet certain requirements. Contact Apple Support to initiate the transfer.

12. What are my options if I don’t have AppleCare+ and my AirPods are water damaged?

If you don’t have AppleCare+, your options are more limited. You can attempt to repair the AirPods yourself (not recommended unless you have extensive electronics repair experience), seek a third-party repair service, or purchase a new pair of AirPods. Repairing water-damaged electronics is often complex and costly, so buying a new pair may be the most economical option.