What to Know
- While they are not waterproof, the 3rd gen AirPods and 2nd gen AirPods Pro are water-resistant.
- Despite being water resistant, you should avoid exposing your AirPods to water.
- If your AirPods get wet, wipe them down with a dry cloth and let them dry out completely before using them again.
Because of how well they stay in your ears, AirPods are a great earbud choice for when you’re working out. But what if you’re out for a run and it starts to rain? Or perhaps you want to go for a swim without interrupting your music. Should you still wear your AirPods? Find out for sure below.
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Are AirPods Water Resistant?
AirPods (3rd generation) and AirPods Pro (2nd generation), as well as their charging cases, all have a rating of IPX4 under IEC standard 60529. This means that they are resistant to water and sweat. It does not mean they are waterproof. Previous AirPods models do not have any water resistance.
If you wear your AirPods and it starts to rain, they’ll probably be fine. They’ll also be fine if you happen to wear them while working out and sweat gets on them. For more AirPods tips and advice, sign up for our free Tip of the Day newsletter.
How to Get Water out of AirPods
So can you get AirPods wet? Sure, but don’t submerge them in water, and do not wear them in saunas or the shower. You should also avoid wearing your AirPods when participating in any high-velocity water sports, like water skiing. The seals that make them resistant can wear down over time, so repeated exposure to water can make them more susceptible to damage.
If they happen to get wet, Apple advises that you wipe down your AirPods with a soft, dry, lint-free cloth. Then let them dry out completely before placing them back in the case or using them again.
Additionally, your AirPods should not come into contact with substances like soaps, shampoos, lotions, bug sprays, or sunscreens, as these can also contribute to the weakening of the water-resistant seals.
If you get any of the above substances on your AirPods, wipe them down with a cloth that has been slightly dampened with fresh water. Then, follow the same instructions as above, drying them with a cloth and then letting them sit out until they have dried completely.
Next, find out if your Apple Watch is waterproof.
FAQ
- Are AirPods Pro waterproof? No, none of the current AirPods models are waterproof. Both the 1st- and 2nd-generation AirPods Pro are water-resistant. The 2nd-generation AirPods Pro case is also water-resistant. You should still take care to avoid getting your AirPods wet, regardless of model. If they do get wet, be sure to follow the instructions above to dry them.
- Can you wear AirPods in the shower? No. Since AirPods are not waterproof, exposure to water can still damage them, especially if they are not the 3rd-generation model or the 2nd-generation AirPods Pro. Additionally, the steam from a shower can penetrate the water-resistant seals and wear them down faster.
