Are AirPods waterproof? Here’s what you need to know

AirPods are among the most popular wireless earbuds worldwide, offering high-quality sound and great battery life. But that doesn’t mean they’re built for every environment. Before exposing them to wet conditions, it’s important to understand whether your AirPods are waterproof or water-resistant.

Whether you get caught in the rain, work up a sweat while exercising, or accidentally drop your earbuds in the sink, knowing how much moisture your AirPods can handle can help you avoid costly damage. Check out the complete guide below for all the details.

Water resistance ratings of AirPods

The terms “waterproof” and “water-resistant” are often used interchangeably, but they have different meanings:

Waterproof means a device is completely unaffected by water, even when fully submerged, typically up to a certain depth and duration.

However, “water-resistant” means a device can withstand some exposure to water, such as light splashes or sweat. It cannot handle prolonged water exposure and may be damaged by wet conditions.

Most AirPods are water-resistant to some extent but not waterproof. So, they can usually handle a little moisture, such as sweat, but should not be submerged or exposed to flowing water, such as heavy rain.

The table below summarizes the water resistance of all AirPods models.

As for your AirPods case, all AirPods charging cases are not water-resistant except for these four models:

• MagSafe Charging Case for AirPods (3rd generation)
• Lightning Charging Case for AirPods (3rd generation)
• MagSafe Charging Case (Lightning) for AirPods Pro (2nd generation)
• MagSafe Charging Case (USB-C) for AirPods Pro (2nd generation)

Can you wear AirPods in the shower or pool?

While AirPods are designed for convenience and portability, they are not built for heavy water exposure. Therefore, you should never wear them in the shower or in the pool. Here’s what you need to know about using AirPods in wet conditions:

Light rain and sweat: Some protection, but not waterproof

If you own AirPods (3rd or 4th Gen) or AirPods Pro (1st & 2nd Gen), they come with an IPX4 rating, meaning they can withstand light splashes, sweat, and minor exposure to rain. This makes them suitable for workouts or jogging in drizzly weather. However, IPX4 does not mean they are fully waterproof. Exposure to too much moisture can still cause damage over time.

Shower and swimming: Not recommended for any AirPods model

No AirPods model, including AirPods (1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 4th Gen), AirPods Pro (1 and 2), and AirPods Max, is designed to handle direct water exposure like showers, swimming, or full submersion.

Even models with an IPX4 rating are only resistant to splashes, not continuous water flow or immersion. Steam from a shower can also seep into the internal components, potentially affecting performance.

Water damage and warranty: No coverage from Apple

Apple does not cover water damage under warranty, meaning if your AirPods stop working due to moisture exposure, you’ll have to pay for a replacement. To avoid costly repairs, it’s best to keep your AirPods dry and away from high-moisture environments.

Bottom line: While AirPods can handle small splashes and sweat, they are not waterproof and should never be used in the shower, pool, or any situation where they could be submerged in water.

Tips to protect your AirPods from water damage

To keep your AirPods safe and functioning properly for a long time, follow these essential tips:

1. Use a waterproof case

While AirPods themselves aren’t waterproof, you can buy waterproof protective cases for the charging case. These covers add an extra layer of defense against accidental spills, rain, and humidity, helping to keep your AirPods safe when not in use. Some great options include:

• Catalyst waterproof case for AirPods 3
• Catalyst waterproof case for AirPods Pro 1 and 2
• SUPCASE AirPods 4 waterproof case
• Catalyst waterproof case for AirPods 1 and 2

2. Never use AirPods in wet environments

Keep your AirPods away from water sources like showers, swimming pools, or saunas. Even if you have an IPX4-rated model, prolonged exposure to steam or splashes can cause internal damage over time.

3. Store them in a dry place

When not in use, store your AirPods in their charging case in a cool and dry place. Avoid leaving them in humid areas like bathrooms or in places where they might be exposed to accidental spills, such as kitchen countertops.

4. Be cautious when exercising

Sweat can affect your AirPods over time, especially if it seeps into the speaker mesh or charging contacts. If you use AirPods during workouts, wipe them down with a dry, soft cloth after each session to prevent moisture buildup. It’s also a good habit to regularly clean your AirPods and charging case to remove any buildup.

What to do if your AirPods get wet?

Accidents happen, and if your AirPods get wet, it’s important to act fast.

• Dry them immediately with a lint-free cloth.
• Do not use heat (like a hairdryer) to dry them, as excessive heat can damage internal components.
• Let them air dry in a well-ventilated area for at least 24 hours before using them again.
• Avoid charging them until they are completely dry.

By taking these precautions, you can extend your AirPods’ lifespan and avoid costly replacements due to water damage. But if you’ve already dropped them in water, don’t panic! Check out our guide on what to do next.

Signing off

I hope this guide has answered all your questions about your AirPods’ water resistance levels. If there’s anything else you’d like to know, leave a comment, and I’ll get back to you.

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