If you’re alarmed to find condensation or water droplets on your Apple AirPods Max, you’re not alone. Several users on Reddit and Apple’s discussion forum have reported this issue. The problem seemed to occur after several hours of use, regardless of the temperature. Besides, the issue might also disrupt the experience during the Active Noise Cancellation or Transparency mode.
Since these headphones aren’t water-resistant, it’s causing even more panic. Although I have not personally experienced this, I did some digging and found some workarounds to help you out. I’ll explain the possible causes and show you how to check for water in the ear cups, along with how to fix and precautions to prevent this. Keep scrolling!
What causes the condensation in AirPods Max and how to check it?
While Apple hasn’t officially responded to the issue, it could possibly be a design flaw.
Condensation or water droplets appear on cold surfaces when exposed to warm or humid air, for instance, on the outside of a glass full of a cold drink. So, if your AirPods Max are exposed to temperature or humidity changes, they may collect condensation in the ear cups. This is exacerbated because they are primarily made of aluminum, more prone to getting cold or warm than other materials.
To check if there’s condensation in your AirPods Max, just pop off the magnetic ear cushions and see if there’s any moisture inside the ear cup. If yes, here’s how you can fix the condensation issue and prevent it from recurring.
How to fix AirPods Max condensation problem?
This is straightforward. Use a soft, dry, lint-free cloth to wipe off the water droplets from the drivers gently. Leave the ear cups exposed in a ventilated room for a few minutes to dry them out entirely. Then, pop the cushions back in and follow the below tips to reduce moisture forming in your AirPods Max again.
Tips to prevent AirPods Max condensation or water in the ear cups
1. Try to avoid sudden temperature changes
For instance, if you’re using them outside on a cold day and then step into a heated room, water droplets might form due to the temperature change. So, try to take them off and give them time to acclimatize to the warmer environment before using them again.
2. Avoid wearing your AirPods Max in humid conditions
Humidity in the environment causes condensation, so try not to wear your headphones on a foggy day, in the bathroom, or in other humid places.
3. Avoid long hours of continuous use
It’s good to give your headphones periodic breaks to give them time to air out after using them. For instance, take them off for a few minutes throughout the workday to give them a rest and reduce the risk of moisture buildup.
4. Know when to use the AirPods Max case
You should keep your headphones in their case when not in use to protect against extreme cold and reduce the risk of condensation. However, in warm environments, it’s advisable to keep them outside the case for sometime after each use to let the ear cushions air out. Apart from their original case, you also try some other AirPods Max cases.
Are you seeing condensation in your AirPods Max?
I know it can be incredibly frustrating and inconvenient to experience this moisture buildup on your premium Apple headphones. But with a little care, you can avoid it and prevent any damage to your premium headphones.
Let me know in the comments below how you’re dealing with this problem or any other questions that I can help you out with. You might also like to check out some AirPods Max tips and tricks to make the most of them.
Read more: