It is of course very annoying if your AirPods have fallen into the water, but that does not immediately mean the end of your earphones. Here’s what you can do to save your AirPods.
AirPods fell into water
Did your AirPods fall into water? Or did your earbuds accidentally end up in the washing machine? Fortunately, that does not immediately mean that your AirPods can no longer be used. There are a few more options you can try to save your AirPods.
Read also: Explanation: are AirPods waterproof or not?
According to Apple, a number of (parts of the) AirPods are at least water resistant. That means that the AirPods can withstand a certain amount of water, such as against sweat and rain. The earphones are therefore not waterproof, so there is always a risk of water damage. According to Apple, these are the AirPods that are at least water resistant:
- AirPods Pro (first generation)
- AirPods Pro (second generation)
- AirPods (third generation)
- Charging case of the AirPods 3
- Charging case of the AirPods Pro 2
Water damage on your AirPods: what you can do
Your AirPods can therefore withstand water to a certain extent, but are not suitable for keeping completely submerged. If your AirPods have fallen into the water or gone in the wash, chances are your earbuds have suffered some water damage. With these tips, the damage will be limited.
1. Dry the AirPods with a cloth after contact with water
If your AirPods have come into contact with water, it is of course the most important thing that you dry the AirPods as soon as possible. This is best done with a soft, dry, lint-free cloth. Consider, for example, the cloth with which you normally clean glasses. In any case, it is important that it is a fabric without fluff, so you prevent the AirPods from getting even dirtier.
Don’t try to dry your AirPods faster with a hair dryer or by placing the earbuds in the oven. This will damage the earphones even more. By wiping the AirPods with a dry cloth, you often remove most of the water. It is smart to remove the attachments from the AirPods, so that you can also dry the hard-to-reach places.
2. Run Water Eject through Commands
You can dry the outside of the AirPods with the cloth, but it is quite possible that there is still water on the inside of the earphones. A handy shortcut has been devised for this, which ensures that your ears vibrate to remove the water. To run this command, go to the page of Water Ejection and install the shortcut on your iPhone.
Once you’ve downloaded Water Eject, you’ll find the shortcut in Assignments. To run the command, your AirPods must be connected to your iPhone. You do this by taking the earbuds out of the case and placing them on the table. So do not place the AirPods in your ears when performing the shortcut, but manually connect the AirPods to your iPhone via the Bluetooth settings.
Also read: Charging AirPods: you really need to pay attention to these 5 functions
When the connection is successful you can start the shortcut. For best results, set the volume on your iPhone to maximum. You will then hear a soft vibration coming from the AirPods, causing water to slowly flow out of the ears. This way you (partially) remove the moisture from your AirPods.
3. Let the AirPods dry out of the case
It is often difficult to get your AirPods completely dry right away. That is why it is wise to let the ears dry for a few days. This is best done outside the case. Did the box get wet? Let it dry for a few days with the lid open. It is important not to charge the case during this period, because the charging box may still be wet on the inside.
Even now it is important that you do not try to speed up the drying process. So don’t put the earphones on the heating or in the dryer. When drying, you can place the AirPods in a container with rice, because rice absorbs the moisture in the environment. Not sure if this actually helps, but it’s definitely worth a try. Let the AirPods dry for at least two days without using them.
AirPods beyond saving? Have them fixed
Is the sound of your AirPods still not restored after this? Then the earphones have suffered irreparable water damage. In that case, Apple offers a service to repair water damage to AirPods. First check whether you have Apple Care Plus, because then Apple will replace the parts at a lower price. Then check how much you have lost to you Have AirPods repaired after contact with water.
Also read: AirPods Pro 2 vs AirPods Pro 1 – the differences at a glance
Are your AirPods beyond saving after falling into water? Or do you think the repair price is too high? Then it’s time to look at a new pair of AirPods. The AirPods Pro 2 are currently the most advanced earphones Apple has to offer. You have the AirPods 3 for a much lower price. Be sure to check our price comparison, so that you know that you are not paying too much for the new earphones!