AirPods Max are Apple’s premium over-ear headphones that offer high-fidelity audio, active noise cancellation, spatial audio, and more. But can they handle sweat exposure during workouts or in humid environments? Here’s what you need to know.
Sweat Resistance of AirPods Max
The short answer is: no. AirPods Max are not sweat resistant at all. They have no IPX rating, which means they offer no protection against water or sweat ingress. Exposure to sweat or moisture can result in internal damage to the headphones, affecting their sound quality, battery life, or functionality.
Apple’s Recommendations for AirPods Max
Apple does not provide any specific recommendations or guidelines for using AirPods Max during sweaty workouts or in humid environments. However, they do state the following in their support document:
- “Don’t expose your AirPods Max to liquids such as water (including saltwater), oil, household chemicals, or other substances that can cause corrosion.”
- “Don’t use your AirPods Max in extreme temperatures or humidity.”
- “Don’t use your AirPods Max if they’re wet. If they get wet with water or other liquids, wipe them with a soft, dry cloth and let them dry completely before using them again.”
Risks and Consequences of Sweat Exposure
If you ignore Apple’s warnings and use your AirPods Max during sweaty workouts or in humid environments, you may face some serious risks and consequences. Here are some of them:
- Sound distortion: Sweat or moisture can get inside the drivers or the ear cushions of the headphones, affecting their sound reproduction and causing distortion, crackling, or popping noises.
- Ear detection problems: Sweat or moisture can interfere with the sensors that detect when you put on or take off the headphones, affecting their automatic play/pause feature or noise control mode.
- Battery drain: Sweat or moisture can cause short circuits or corrosion in the battery or the circuit board of the headphones, affecting their battery performance and lifespan.
- Malfunction: Sweat or moisture can damage the internal components of the headphones, such as the H1 chip, the microphones, the buttons, or the Digital Crown, affecting their functionality and features.
- Warranty void: Sweat or moisture damage is not covered by Apple’s warranty or AppleCare+ for AirPods Max. If you send your headphones for repair or replacement due to sweat or moisture damage, you may have to pay out-of-pocket fees.
Precautions and Maintenance Steps
If you want to avoid or mitigate the risks and consequences of sweat exposure for your AirPods Max, you should follow some precautions and maintenance steps. Here are some of them:
- Avoid using AirPods Max during sweaty workouts or in humid environments: This is the best way to prevent sweat or moisture damage to your headphones. Use other headphones that are designed for sports or fitness activities and can handle sweat better than AirPods Max.
- Wipe down your AirPods Max after use: If your AirPods Max get wet with sweat or other liquids, wipe them with a soft, dry cloth and let them dry completely before using them again. Do not use any cleaners or solvents on your headphones.
- Remove and clean the ear cushions regularly: The ear cushions of your AirPods Max are removable and washable. You should remove them from time to time and clean them with a soft cloth dampened with soapy water. Rinse them with clean water and let them air dry completely before attaching them back to your headphones.
- Store your AirPods Max in a dry place: When not in use, store your AirPods Max in a dry place away from heat sources or direct sunlight. You can also use the Smart Case that comes with your headphones to preserve their battery charge.
AirPod Max and Sweat: Can They Coexist?
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Are AirPod Max waterproof or sweatproof? | No, they have no IPX rating and offer no protection against water or sweat.12 |
| Can AirPod Max be damaged by sweat or moisture? | Yes, exposure to sweat or moisture can result in internal damage and is not covered under warranty.12 |
| Can AirPod Max be used for exercise or outdoors? | It is not advised to use them for exercise or outdoors in rainy weather, as they can trap heat and air and cause condensation.34 |
| How to prevent or remove sweat or moisture from AirPod Max? | After workouts, heavy sweating, or water splashes, wipe down the headphones with a soft, dry, lint-free cloth. Pop out the cushions and wipe down the metal interior as well. Don’t use heat or compressed air to dry them |
