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What To Do If Your AirPods Take a Swim: A Survival Guide

So, your AirPods took an unexpected detour through the washing machine? Don’t panic! It happens to the best of us. While it’s not ideal, there’s a chance you can salvage them. The immediate action is crucial: Immediately remove the AirPods (and the charging case, if it was also in the wash) from the washing machine. Next, power them off if possible. Proceed with a careful drying process. Don’t use heat. Instead, air dry them thoroughly for several days, and consider using a desiccant like silica gel packets to absorb moisture.

Drying Your AirPods: The Key to Revival

The single most important factor in saving your waterlogged AirPods is drying them out completely before attempting to use or charge them again. Water and electronics are a disastrous combination, leading to corrosion and short circuits. Here’s a step-by-step guide to maximize your chances of success:

Step 1: Immediate Removal and Initial Drying

Act fast: The longer the AirPods sit in water, the more damage they’ll sustain.
Power Down (If Possible): While waterlogged, AirPods may not respond. However, if they do, immediately power them off to prevent short circuits.
Gently Shake: Carefully shake out any excess water. Avoid vigorous shaking that could force water further inside.
Wipe Down: Use a clean, lint-free cloth to wipe down the exterior of the AirPods and the charging case. Pay close attention to crevices and openings.

Step 2: The Desiccant Approach

The Silica Gel Savior: The best option is to place the AirPods (and the charging case, if applicable) in a sealed container filled with silica gel packets. These packets are commonly found in new electronics and shoe boxes. If you don’t have any, you can purchase them online or at most craft stores.
Rice as a Last Resort (But Beware!): While often recommended, rice isn’t as effective as silica gel. It can also leave starch residue that can cause further problems. If you must use rice, use the driest, uncooked rice you can find.
Patience is a Virtue: Seal the AirPods and silica gel (or rice) in an airtight container or zip-lock bag for at least 48-72 hours. The longer, the better.

Step 3: Ventilation and Air Drying

After the Desiccant: After the desiccant treatment, remove the AirPods and let them air dry in a well-ventilated area for an additional 24-48 hours.
Position Matters: Position the AirPods so that any remaining moisture can easily drain out. Consider propping them up at an angle.

Step 4: The Charging Case Conundrum

Treat the Case Separately: If the charging case also took a bath, treat it with the same drying process as the AirPods.
Open the Case: Leave the case open during the drying process to allow for maximum ventilation.
Avoid Powering On: Do not attempt to charge the AirPods or the case until you are absolutely certain they are completely dry.

What NOT to Do

No Hairdryers or Ovens: Applying heat will likely cause irreparable damage to the delicate internal components.
No Direct Sunlight: Similar to hairdryers, direct sunlight can generate excessive heat.
No Charging Prematurely: Charging before the AirPods are completely dry is a recipe for disaster.
No Compressed Air (Usually): While compressed air can be used carefully to blow out loose debris after thorough drying, it’s risky when the device is still wet. It can force water further inside.

Testing and Evaluation

After the extensive drying process, it’s time to test your AirPods.

Visual Inspection: Before plugging anything in, carefully inspect the AirPods and charging case for any signs of corrosion, water damage, or debris.
Attempt to Charge: Try charging the AirPods. If they don’t charge, don’t force it. It could indicate further damage.
Pairing and Functionality: If they charge, attempt to pair them with your device and test all functions, including audio playback, microphone, and noise cancellation (if applicable).
Listen Carefully: Pay close attention to the sound quality. Look for distortion, crackling, or reduced volume.
Troubleshooting: If you experience any issues, consult the troubleshooting section in your AirPods user manual or contact Apple Support.

When to Seek Professional Help or Replacement

Sometimes, despite your best efforts, the damage is irreversible. Consider these scenarios:

Visible Corrosion: If you see visible signs of corrosion, the AirPods are likely beyond repair.
Persistent Issues: If the AirPods charge but exhibit persistent sound quality issues, microphone problems, or connectivity issues, replacement may be necessary.
No Response: If the AirPods don’t charge or respond in any way after the drying process, they are likely dead.

Unfortunately, Apple’s warranty typically doesn’t cover water damage. However, you might consider AppleCare+ for accidental damage coverage, which could help offset the cost of replacement.

Prevention is Key

The best way to avoid this situation is to take preventative measures:

Be Mindful of Pockets: Always remember to remove your AirPods from your pockets before doing laundry.
Use a Case: A protective case can provide some level of protection against water damage.
Avoid Water Exposure: While some AirPods models are water-resistant, they are not waterproof. Avoid wearing them in the shower, swimming, or during intense workouts where they might be exposed to excessive sweat.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

FAQ 1: Are AirPods Waterproof?

No, most AirPods models are not waterproof. Some newer models (like AirPods 3 and AirPods Pro) have an IPX4 water resistance rating, meaning they can withstand splashes and light rain. However, they are not designed for submersion.

FAQ 2: What does IPX4 water resistance mean?

IPX4 means the device is protected from splashing water from any direction. It’s resistance to water splashes, not submersion.

FAQ 3: Can I use a hairdryer to dry my AirPods faster?

Absolutely not! Hairdryers generate heat, which can damage the delicate internal components of the AirPods. Heat can warp plastic and melt solder joints.

FAQ 4: Is rice really effective at drying electronics?

Rice is a last resort and not as effective as silica gel. Rice absorbs some moisture, but it’s a slow process and can leave starch residue. Silica gel is a much better desiccant.

FAQ 5: How long should I wait before trying to turn on my AirPods after they get wet?

Wait for at least 72 hours (3 days), after using silica gel to dry your AirPods. Patience is key to ensuring the AirPods are completely dry.

FAQ 6: Can water damage void my AirPods warranty?

Yes, water damage typically voids the standard warranty. However, if you have AppleCare+ with accidental damage coverage, it might cover the cost of repair or replacement.

FAQ 7: What if only one of my AirPods got wet?

Dry both AirPods using the same method described above. Even if only one was submerged, moisture can still affect the other.

FAQ 8: Will Apple repair water-damaged AirPods?

Apple may offer repair services for water-damaged AirPods, but it will likely be an out-of-warranty repair, meaning you’ll have to pay for it. The cost can be significant.

FAQ 9: How much does it cost to replace a single AirPod?

The cost to replace a single AirPod varies depending on the model. Check the Apple Support website for the most up-to-date pricing.

FAQ 10: My AirPods still aren’t working after drying. What are my options?

If the AirPods still aren’t working after a thorough drying process, your options are limited. You can contact Apple Support for repair options (likely out-of-warranty), consider replacing them, or check with third-party electronics repair shops (though success is not guaranteed).

FAQ 11: Can I prevent this from happening again?

Absolutely. Use a case for your AirPods, always check your pockets before doing laundry, and be mindful of water exposure.

FAQ 12: Are there any apps that can help diagnose water damage in AirPods?

Unfortunately, there are no apps that can directly diagnose water damage in AirPods. Diagnosis typically requires physical inspection and testing. However, after they’ve dried, using the “Find My” app to test connectivity can provide information about whether the damaged AirPod can even connect to your device.