AirPods are one of the
most popular wireless earbuds in the market, but they are also prone to
accidents. Many people have reported washing their AirPods by mistake, either
by leaving them in their pockets or dropping them in the laundry basket. But
can AirPods survive being washed, and what should you do if it happens to you?
Here are some facts and tips to help you deal with this situation.
How
Water-Resistant Are AirPods?
The first thing to know
is that AirPods are not waterproof, but they are water-resistant. This means
that they can withstand some exposure to water, such as sweat, rain or
splashes, but they are not designed to be submerged in water for long periods
of time.
The water-resistance of
AirPods depends on the model and the condition of the earbuds. The original
AirPods and the second-generation AirPods have no official IP rating, which
means that they have not been tested for water or dust resistance. However,
some users have reported that they can survive a short wash cycle or a drop in
the sink without any damage.
The AirPods Pro and the
third-generation AirPods have an IPX4 rating, which means that they can resist
water splashes from any direction. They are more likely to survive a wash cycle
than the previous models, but they are still not waterproof. The
water-resistance of these models can also diminish over time, especially if
they get wet often or if they are exposed to detergents or other chemicals.
What
Are the Risks of Washing AirPods?
Washing AirPods can cause
various damages or risks to the earbuds and their components. Some of the
possible consequences are:
·
Short circuit: If water gets inside the electronics of the
AirPods, it can cause a short circuit that can damage or destroy the earbuds.
This can happen if the AirPods are turned on or charged while wet, or if they
are exposed to high temperatures or voltages.
·
Corrosion: Water can also cause corrosion of the metal parts of
the AirPods, such as the contacts, the microphone or the speaker. This can
affect the sound quality, the battery life or the connectivity of the earbuds.
·
Mold: Water can also create a favorable environment for mold
growth inside the AirPods. Mold can cause health problems, such as allergies,
infections or irritation, if it gets in contact with your ears.
·
Warranty void: Washing AirPods can also void your warranty or
your AppleCare+ coverage. Apple does not cover any damage caused by liquid
contact, so you may not be able to get a free or discounted repair or
replacement if your AirPods are washed.
What
Parts of the AirPods Are More Susceptible to Water Damage?
The parts of the AirPods
that are more susceptible to water damage are:
·
The charging case: The charging case is not water-resistant at
all, and it can easily get damaged by water. The charging case contains a
battery and a circuit board that can short out if wet. The charging case also
has metal contacts that can corrode if exposed to water or detergents. If your
charging case is damaged, you may not be able to charge your AirPods or pair
them with your devices.
·
The speaker: The speaker is one of the most delicate parts of
the AirPods, and it can be affected by water in several ways. Water can block
the sound output, reduce the volume, distort the sound quality or damage the
speaker membrane. If your speaker is damaged, you may not be able to hear
anything from your AirPods or only hear static noise.
·
The microphone: The microphone is another sensitive part of the
AirPods that can be damaged by water. Water can block the sound input, reduce
the sensitivity, distort the sound quality or damage the microphone membrane.
If your microphone is damaged, you may not be able to use your AirPods for
phone calls or voice commands.
How to
Save Your AirPods After Washing Them?
If you accidentally wash
your AirPods, there are some steps you can take to try to save them. However,
there is no guarantee that these steps will work, and you may still end up with
damaged or non-functional earbuds. Here are some recommended steps to take if
you wash your AirPods:
·
Remove them from the washer immediately: As soon as you realize
that your AirPods have been through the washer, remove them from the washer and
your wet clothing immediately. Do not leave them in the washer for longer than
necessary, as this can increase the chances of water damage.
·
Remove them from the charging case: If your AirPods were washed
inside their charging case, take them out of the charging case as soon as
possible. This will prevent the case from charging your AirPods while they are
wet, which can cause a short circuit. It will also allow both the AirPods and
the case to dry separately.
·
Dry them with a lint-free cloth: Use a soft and lint-free cloth,
such as a microfiber cloth, to dry your AirPods and blot all water droplets.
You can also use a cotton swab to dry the inside of the case or hard-to-reach
areas of your AirPods. You can also try shaking the AirPods to loosen any water
droplets on the inside.
·
Place them in a dry environment for 12 hours: Ideally, you
should put them in a dry area with low humidity that has a natural breeze. A
window sill is a good place to put them, as long as it’s sunny and dry. Avoid
leaving them in direct sunlight for too long, or in hot or humid places. Leave
them in a dry area for at least 12 hours, or longer if possible.
·
Seal them in a container with a packet of silica gel: You can
also try to speed up the drying process by placing your AirPods in a sealed
container with a packet of silica gel. Silica gel is a substance that absorbs
moisture and is often found in electronic packaging or vitamin containers. You
can buy silica gel packets online or at some stores, or reuse the ones you have
at home. Make sure the silica gel packets are not expired or wet before using
them.
· Test them after they are completely dry: After you have dried your AirPods for at least 12 hours, you can try to test them and see if they work. Do not turn them on or charge them before they are completely dry, as this can cause more damage. To test your AirPods, pair them with your device and check the sound quality, the battery level, the connectivity and the microphone. If everything works fine, you are lucky and your AirPods have survived the wash. If something is wrong, you may need to contact Apple or a repair service for help.
Can You Repair or Replace Washed AirPods?
If your AirPods are
damaged by water, you may be able to repair or replace them, depending on the
extent of the damage and your warranty status. Here are some options you can
consider:
·
Apple warranty: If your AirPods are still under the one-year
limited warranty from Apple, you may be able to get a free repair or
replacement if the damage is not caused by liquid contact. However, Apple does
not cover any damage caused by liquid contact, so you may not be eligible for
this option if your AirPods are clearly washed. You can check your warranty
status online or at an Apple store.
·
AppleCare+: If you have purchased AppleCare+ for your AirPods,
you may be able to get a discounted repair or replacement if the damage is
caused by accidental damage, including liquid contact. AppleCare+ covers up to
two incidents of accidental damage per year, with a service fee of $29 for each
incident. You can check your AppleCare+ status online or at an Apple store.
·
Third-party repair service: If you are not covered by Apple
warranty or AppleCare+, you may be able to find a third-party repair service
that can fix your water-damaged AirPods. However, this option may be more
expensive, less reliable or void your warranty further. You should do some
research and compare prices and reviews before choosing a third-party repair
service.
·
Buy new AirPods: If none of the above options work for you, or
if your AirPods are too damaged to be repaired, you may have to buy new
AirPods. This is obviously the most expensive option, but it may be worth it if
you love your AirPods and want to enjoy their features and benefits again.
How to
Prevent Washing Your AirPods?
The best way to avoid
washing your AirPods is to prevent it from happening in the first place. Here
are some tips to help you prevent washing your AirPods:
·
Store them in their charging case: The charging case is not only
useful for charging your AirPods, but also for storing them safely when you are
not using them. The charging case is more visible and noticeable than the small
earbuds, so you are less likely to forget about it or lose it. The charging
case also protects your AirPods from dust, dirt and other damages.
·
Keep them away from water sources: Even though AirPods are
water-resistant, they are not waterproof. You should avoid exposing them to
water sources that can damage them, such as sinks, showers, pools or oceans. If
you use your AirPods near water sources, make sure they are securely fitted in
your ears and do not fall off.
·
Check your pockets before doing
Can AirPods Survive Being Washed? Debunking the Myth
|
Factor |
AirPods |
AirPods Pro |
AirPods 3rd Gen |
|
Water Resistance |
No official rating |
IPX4 (splash-proof) |
IPX4 (splash-proof) |
|
Survival Time in Washer |
Up to 60 minutes |
Up to 60 minutes |
Up to 60 minutes |
|
Survival Time in Dryer |
Not recommended |
Not recommended |
Not recommended |
|
Detergent Damage |
Possible |
Possible |
Possible |
|
Drying Method |
Air dry or silica gel |
Air dry or silica gel |
Air dry or silica gel |
|
Drying Time |
At least 12 hours |
At least 12 hours |
At least 12 hours |
|
Warranty Coverage |
No water damage coverage |
No water damage coverage |
No water damage coverage |
|
AppleCare+ Coverage |
$29 per earbud replacement |
$29 per earbud replacement |
$29 per earbud replacement |
|
Volume Loss After Wash |
Minimal or none |
Minimal or none |
Minimal or none |
|
Battery Life After Wash |
May decrease slightly |
May decrease slightly |
May decrease slightly |
