Dropped AirPod in Water? 8 First Aid Steps!

Can dropped AirPod in water be saved? Luckily, here are 8 first-aid steps if your AirPods fell in water accidentally.

Neither Airpods nor Airpods cases are waterproof. Even worse, Apple Care+ doesn’t cover water damage. Now is the time to take calculated steps and save the life of your beloved AirPods instead of losing your AirPods forever or paying Apple for repairs.

I sorted out and tried free methods on the Internet. Facts have proved that most of the measures taken online lack caution. I set out to fix it. Each method below has some caveats.

Here are the 8 first aid steps:

8 First Aid Tips to Save Your AirPods

Now that you dropped airpods in water, carefully follow these instructions and save them from doom.

1. Use a Microfiber Cloth to Dry the Exterior

Gently pat the wet surface of your AirPods with a soft, dry microfiber cloth. This helps to soak up the moisture without applying too much pressure. Avoid using a rough fabric that might scratch the surface. More importantly, resist the urge to place the AirPods into their charging case if they’re still wet.

Wet electronics and charging ports don’t mix well and might cause damage or short-circuiting. Therefore, curb your urge to charge the AirPods until the very end. This will keep you and your AirPods safe.

2. Use a Cotton Swab to Dry the Inside of the Charging Case

Carefully dab the inside of the charging case with a dry cotton swab to absorb any moisture. Be gentle and avoid using anything sharp that could scratch or damage the delicate components. Be patient and do not rub vigorously as you may cause more harm than good and permanently damage any of the components.

It’s crucial to handle the interior delicately to prevent further harm. Never insert sharp objects inside the case as it might harm the charging contacts or the internal components. Use a blunt cotton swab and make sure it’s padded enough so the stick does not come in contact with the interior of the charging case.

3. Turn Them Upside Down

Instead of vigorously shaking the AirPods to get rid of water, a simpler alternative is to turn them upside down. Shaking anything to get rid of the water is like second nature to us but if you want to save your AirPods you need to maintain composure and follow the right protocol.

Turning the AirPods upside down allows gravity to help the water drain out naturally. Gently tap the AirPods against your hand with the speaker grille facing downward to encourage water droplets to fall out. Avoid aggressive shaking at all costs, as it might damage internal components.

4. Turn on the Fan or Air Conditioner

Let the AirPods dry naturally by placing them near a fan or in a room with air conditioning. The circulating air will help speed up the drying process without the risk of heat damage. You need to maintain patience and don’t opt for shortcuts.

Avoid using direct heat sources like hairdryers as they can damage the delicate electronics within the AirPods. Most DIY videos show the use of hairdryers but a direct source of heat may dry up the water but it will still damage other components.

5. Place Them in a Warm Environment

Consider placing your AirPods in a controlled, warm environment, like a room with mild warmth. This gentle heat helps in drying out any remaining moisture. However, avoid extreme heat sources like microwaves or direct sunlight, as they can damage the internal components.

6. Use Silica Gel Packets

An effective method to absorb moisture is using desiccants or silica gel packets. Place your wet AirPods in a sealed container with these packets to help draw out moisture. The gel packets will completely absorb all of the moisture but you have to keep your AirPods in it for a longer time.

Avoid using rice as it’s not as effective and might leave residue inside the AirPods, causing further damage.

7. Use the Water Eject Shortcut From Siri

Activate Siri and ask her to ‘Eject Water.’ This initiates a special water expulsion mode that plays a specific sound to remove any water that might be trapped in the speaker or microphone. However, avoid inserting wet AirPods into your ears immediately after this process, as there might still be residual moisture.

8. Sanitize Them Before Use

While we are taking all precautions to keep your AirPods safe, it is important to consider your safety as well. Before using your AirPods again, it's crucial to sanitize them to prevent any potential ear infections. Use a soft, slightly damp cloth with mild soap to clean the exteriors gently. Ensure they’re completely dry before placing them back into your ears to avoid discomfort or infections.

Are AirPods Waterproof?

AirPods aren't entirely waterproof, but they have water-resistant qualities. Knowing the differences between waterproof and water-resistant is vital.

Waterproof means that the device completely resists water and stays safe when submerged. On the other hand, water resistance means that the device can tolerate water submersion up to a certain level and will not stay protected beyond those levels.

Different AirPods models vary in their water resistance capabilities. For example, the AirPods Pro, with an IPX4 rating, are designed to resist sweat during workouts and light exposure to moisture. However, despite this resistance, they aren’t invincible against heavy exposure to water.

Tips to Reduce Damage if AirPods Fell in Water

Most people spend a lot of time panicking when their AirPod fell in water but that is the last thing you should do. Here are some tips that will help reduce water damage on your AirPods.

• Act Quickly: Time is of the essence, and you should take your AirPods out of the water quickly. The longer they stay submerged, there is greater the chance of water seeping into critical components.
• Power off Immediately: If your AirPods are still powered on after contact with water, switch them off immediately. This helps prevent potential short-circuiting or electrical damage caused by the presence of moisture.
• Avoid Testing: Resist the temptation to check if your AirPods are working by attempting to play music or make a call. Continued use while wet can cause significant damage to internal components.
• Follow Drying Steps: Gently pat dry with a microfiber cloth, avoid placing wet AirPods into their charging case, and use methods like turning them upside down or using a fan to expedite drying.
• Seek Professional Help if Needed: If your AirPods have been submerged in saltwater or any liquid other than freshwater, you need professional assistance.

Remember, immediate action is critical to reduce the potential damage caused by water exposure.

Recommended Product

You can’t make AirPods truly waterproof, but a good case with a secure clip or lanyard makes it much less likely that they’ll end up in a sink or toilet in the first place.If you’re the type who carries AirPods everywhere, a shock‑absorbing case from brands like ESR can add grip, drop protection, and a carabiner to keep them off the floor—and out of the water.

AirPods Pro 3 Pulse Magnetic Lock Case (HaloLock) – $19.99 (With 20% Off Code: BLOG20)

This exceptional case doesn’t just safeguard your AirPods Pro against drops; it also provides a shield against water exposure. Crafted with a water-resistant design, it adds an extra layer of protection, ensuring your AirPods remain safe from unexpected encounters with moisture. Here are some of the other features that it offers:

• Drop-Proof Lid Lock: Engineered with strong magnets boasting 700 g of holding force and an internal latch, this case securely locks your AirPods in place.
• Slide to Open Mechanism: The smart rubber slide on the front initiates a smart mechanism, reversing the magnet polarity to effortlessly spring open the lid.
• MagSafe Compatibility: This case allows for swift, convenient wireless charging, enabling you to charge your AirPods Pro without the hassle of removing the protective case.

All in all, the AirPods Pro Pulse Magnetic Lock Case (HaloLock) isn't just a protective cover; it's your AirPods'shield against drops and water exposure, ensuring they remain secure and functional in various environments.

Wrapping Up

Those first moments after an AirPod hits the water set the tone for whether it bounces back or not. If you’ve pulled it out right away, skipped the heat and rice traps, and given it time to dry properly with the openings facing down, you’ve already stacked the odds in your favor. Electronics and moisture don’t mix well, but rushing the recovery often does more harm than good—think warped contacts from forced charging or hidden shorts that surface later.

Watch for the telltale signs that trouble’s brewing down the line: one bud draining faster than the other, faint distortion in calls, or a case that only connects when you nudge things into place. When that starts, no amount of home tweaks will reverse the corrosion inside. That’s your cue to weigh Apple’s repair options against grabbing something tougher for the long haul.

AirPods Pro 3: Built a Little Tougher

A water mishap like this might nudge you toward AirPods Pro 3, which handle splashes and sweat with more confidence than what came before. The earbuds and MagSafe case both hit IP57 for dust and water resistance—good enough for 30 minutes in up to a meter of still water under lab conditions, and reliable for gym sessions, downpours, or the odd sink slip. It’s a step beyond the old limits, where a quick puddle could end things.

Keep It Real Though:

Engineering Hurdle: Hitting IPX5 means surviving lab tests with high-pressure water jets (12.5L/min from 3ft away) – crazy hard for tiny earbuds.

So, no AirPods are waterproof—only “water-resistant,” and that resistance wears off over time.

Bottom Line:Don’t take that as a green light for showers or swims, though. Pressurized streams, pool chemicals, soaps, or prolonged soaking still push past the seals and degrade performance over time. Got them wet anyway? Stick to the basics you’d use here: soft cloth wipe-down, air dry at room temp, and hold off on the case until everything’s bone dry. They’re rugged daily drivers, not dive buddies.

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