How To Get Water Out Of AirPods?
QUICK ANSWER
Use the 'Water Eject' shortcut from the Apple Shortcuts app (free download). Shake AirPods gently with speakers pointing down. Place in a cool, dry place for 24 to 48 hours. DO NOT use rice (myth; can damage AirPods further). DO NOT use hair dryers or heat.
Water-exposed AirPods (sweat, rain, accidental drops in water) can fail or have muffled audio. AirPods have some water resistance (later models are IPX4 rated for sweat and splashes) but not waterproof. The right response: gentle ejection, patient drying, and avoiding common myths that actually cause damage. Here is the method that works plus what to avoid that can make damage permanent.
What water resistance do AirPods have?
Different models have different ratings. AirPods Pro (2nd generation) and AirPods (3rd generation): IPX4 rating; resistant to sweat and water splashes; not waterproof; not designed for submersion. AirPods Max: similar IPX4 rating. AirPods (1st and 2nd generation) and original AirPods Pro: no official water resistance rating; more vulnerable to water damage. Charging cases: most NOT water resistant; the case is more vulnerable than the AirPods themselves. IPX4 means: protected against water splashes from any direction; NOT protected against immersion (dropping in water, swimming with them). Common water exposures: sweat during exercise (usually fine for rated models); rain (usually fine for short exposure); washing machine accidents (problematic); pool/ocean drops (very problematic). The damage from immersion isn't always immediate; AirPods may work initially then fail days later as corrosion develops.
What is the Apple Shortcut method?
The most effective technique. Apple's Shortcuts app (free, comes with iOS) has a 'Water Eject' shortcut that uses sound waves to push water out of speaker grilles. Setup: open Shortcuts; search the gallery for 'Water Eject'; add. Use: place AirPods in your ears (even with water); run the shortcut; it plays tones that vibrate water out; takes about 1 minute. Third-party apps work similarly. Less effective for water in deeper components or the charging case.
What about manual drying methods?
Patient drying handles most situations. Remove AirPods from the case. Gently shake each with speaker grille down to drain. Absorb moisture with a dry microfiber. Tip the case upside down; gently shake; dry with microfiber. Place AirPods (out of case) and case (open) in a cool dry place; not direct sun; not on a heater. Wait 24 to 48 hours minimum before using or charging. Don't return to the case before fully dry (damages charging contacts). After waiting: test; if not working, Apple Store may help.
What should you absolutely avoid?
Common methods that make damage worse. Don't use rice (myth; clogs grilles and leaves starch residue). Don't use a hair dryer or any heat (damages components and battery). Don't freeze (condensation creates more moisture). Don't shake vigorously (dislodges components). Don't use immediately after exposure (lets water short circuits). Don't charge wet AirPods. Don't use rubbing alcohol (damages speaker mesh). For salt water: rinse with fresh water briefly FIRST to remove salt.
Water-exposed AirPods often recover with patient drying; the key is avoiding common myths (rice, heat) that cause additional damage. The Apple Shortcut 'Water Eject' is genuinely effective for water in speaker mesh. For severely water-damaged AirPods (submersion, salt water, washing machine), recovery is less likely; Apple's out-of-warranty replacement (around 89 dollars per AirPod, 59 dollars per case for 2nd gen Pro) is sometimes the practical solution. AppleCare+ covers accidental damage with deductibles. For AirPods that work after drying, monitor for delayed failures over the following week; some water damage develops slowly as components corrode.
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