How to Fix: Dropped AirPod in Water
Key Takeaways
Using a dry microfiber cloth, or desiccant packets are the two quickest and most functional ways to save your AirPods after dropping them in water.
Apple’s well-known earbuds, the AirPods, are one of the best products on the market of this sort.
Even though the product is quite pricey, the earbuds are high-quality, with over 100 million units sold, as of 2021.
However, Apple’s earbuds are quite delicate, which means users need to be extremely cautious when using them. They are easily breakable, and the AirPods are not waterproof or water-resistant.
So, what should you do if you accidentally dropped the AirPods in the water? The earbuds were not designed to be submerged in water, which might consequently make the AirPods stop working. This stands for any type of water damage - washing machine included.
However, unless you noticed that your Apple AirPods are completely dead, we have some tips and tricks you can try to dry your AirPods before you give up on them. Check the methods below.
You might also like: How to Fix: AirPods Pro Sound Delayed When Answering Calls.
How do I fix it if I dropped the AirPods in water?
As we said, currently there aren’t any water resistant AirPods on the market. However, we have a few solutions to try and save your earbuds if they got wet. Besides putting your AirPods in rice, we have a few more fixes.
Fix 1: Using a dry microfiber cloth
According to Apple, if your earbuds come in contact with any type of liquid, sweat included, the first thing you should do is to gently clean them with a dry microfiber cloth. If there’s any liquid in the charging case as well, open the lid, and place it upside-down.
Let both the AirPods and the charging case dry out for an hour or two, and check them later. If they work normally, you can continue using them.
Note: Do not put the earbuds in their charging case after you got them wet. This can cause unnecessary additional damage to the case as well.
Fix 2: Using desiccant packets
If your earbuds are still showing water damage signs, you can open several desiccant packets, put them in a container, and let them soak up all the remaining moisture in the following couple of hours.
The desiccant packets are usually found in electronics or shoe packages, so you surely have some at home. Put the earbuds inside, and you can put the AirPods case as well if the case got wet too.
Try connecting your AirPods to your iPhone. However, double-check if the sound coming out of the earbuds is normal since water damage can cause them to sound distorted.
Note: Even though this process is quite similar to the good old ‘put them in rice’, avoid doing so, since rice can get into the earbuds, and since their speakers are quite delicate, you might cause more damage trying to take the rice out.
Fix 3: Contacting Apple and replacing the AirPods
If none of the fixes seem to be resolving the issue, consider contacting Apple and replacing your earbuds.
Besides AirPods Pro, no other model is water-resistant. Hence, wearing AirPods that are not the Pro model even when you’re exercising, might cause some damage, so make sure to protect your AirPods.
Note: Water-resistant and waterproof are quite different terms. The Apple warranty does not cover water damage.
Also read: Quick Fix: Why is One of my AirPods Louder Than the Other?.
Wrapping up
Unfortunately, the Apple Warranty does not cover water damage or any type of modifications made to their products.
Since their earbuds are quite fragile and delicate, consider buying a case to protect them from any unwanted damage.
Additionally, if you own multiple Apple products, you’re surely familiar with their water indicator, which is a part of nearly every Apple device. However, the AirPods are the only Apple product that does not have a water damage indicator. Hence, you need to be extremely precautions when it comes to this gadget.
If you liked this article, check out: How to Fix: Why is my AirPods Case not Charging and How to Fix: AirPods Mic Not Working.
