Can You Wear AirPods in the Shower? (All You Need to Know)

Discover whether it's safe to wear AirPods in the shower. We explore the water resistance of AirPods and provide insights on how to protect your favorite earbuds from potential damage. Find out more now!

You can wear AirPods and listen to your favorite audio in the bathroom but not in the shower. Even though AirPods are water-resistant, they aren’t waterproof! Read on to learn more about wearing your AirPods in the shower and how to enjoy music while showering.

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Can You Wear Airpods In the Shower?

AirPods have a certain degree of water resistance. The regular AirPods (1st and 2nd generation) are not officially rated for water resistance. The 3rd AirPods and the AirPods Pro have a higher water resistance rating but, it is not safe to wear them in the shower.

AirPods Water Resistance

Apple offers AirPod models that have varying water-resistant levels. The water-resistant feature makes it hard for water to penetrate the internal components of the earbuds. An earbud's level of protection is denoted by IP, which means Ingress Protection. Here are different AirPods models with their IPX ratings;

1st Generation AirPods: Released towards the end of 2016, the first generation has no official IPX ratings. This model is not advertised as water or sweat resistance nor certified for dust. Even though the model can withstand a few drops of water or sweat, it's not designed to be fully waterproof or submersibl

2nd Generation AirPods: This model was released in early 2019, and like its predecessor, the 2nd generation AirPods don't have an official IPX rating. They are not advertised as water nor dust resistant. Keep them away from excess moisture and dust environments.
3rd Generation AirPods: Released in late 2021, the 3rd generation of AirPods come with IPX4 rating. This model can resist water splashes from various angles. AirPods in this generation are also sweat-resistant but not water or sweat-proof! Thus, do not use them in any water sport activity, including swimming and showering.
AirPods Pro: AirPods Pro boasts high water and sweat resistance and has an IPX4 rating. These earbuds can withstand water splashes from any direction and still perform optimally.
AirPods Max: Even though AirPods Max is the most high-end earbuds in the AirPods line made by Apple, this model is not water resistant. If you are in a moist environment such as a steam room or get caught up in the rain when using these earbuds, storing them away is safe. Do not engage in any water activity while wearing your AirPods Max.

Risks of Wearing AirPods While Showering

There are several risks associated with wearing AirPods in the shower. They include;

1. Electrical Hazards

AirPods are electric equipment that doesn’t go well with water. Wearing AirPods while showering increases the risk of damaging the inner circuits when they come into contact with water. Additionally, water conducts electricity; if it comes into contact with the charging port or other electrical components of the AirPods, it can cause a short circuit or electrical shock to the wearer. Do not expose electronics to humid environments!

2. Damages to the Internal Components

The 3rd generation AirPods and AirPods Pro have an IPX4 rating meaning they can handle water splashes from different angles to some degrees. However, these two models are not waterproof; using them in a steamy environment, like a shower, may expose the internal parts to moisture. This moisture can impair the internal parts. The 1st and 2nd AirPods generations have no official IPX ratings, meaning water can easily penetrate and damage the internal components.

3. Reduced Battery Life

Frequent exposure to water and steam can abuse your AirPods’ battery life. Consequently, the battery will lose the capacity to hold a power charge for an extended time. Thus, if you notice your AirPods battery life is no longer giving adequate service without recharging, check out for damages.

4. Reduced Audio Quality

Even if the AirPods survive the exposure to water, traces of water can penetrate your AirPods’ grills and mesh, significantly affecting their audio quality. The delightful sounds you used to enjoy will now turn to muffled sounds, squeaking noises, or distorted audio making it difficult for you to hear properly or enjoy music.

Apple explicitly states that their AirPods are not waterproof and should not be exposed to moisture. To protect your AirPods and ensure their longevity, avoid wearing them when they may come into contact with water, such as during showering or swimming.

How to Listen to Music in the Shower without AirPods?

Wearing your AirPods in the shower is not a good idea due to the abovementioned risks. However, if you still want to enjoy music while showering, here are alternative ways to do so without compromising your AirPods:

1. Waterproof Bluetooth Speakers

The best alternative to wearing AirPods in the shower is to invest in a waterproof Bluetooth speaker specifically designed for shower or bathroom use. These speakers are designed to withstand moisture and provide good sound quality. Some bathroom speakers come with suction cups for easy attachment to bathroom walls or doors. When buying waterproof Bluetooth speakers, consider;

IPX rating
Sound quality
Battery life
Bluetooth range
Design

2. Shower Headphones or Earbuds

Shower headphones are waterproof headphones for music enthusiasts who want to listen to music while showering, swimming, or jogging in the rain. There’s a wide variety of waterproof headphones or earbuds in the market that you can invest in. When buying shower headphones or earbuds, consider the following;

IPX rating
Wireless connectivity option
Sound quality and durability
Battery life

3. Shower Radios

If you want to avoid investing in waterproof speakers or shower headphones/earbuds, shower radios are your best option for listening to music while showering. Shower radios are similar to waterproof speakers but with integrated radio functionality.

4. Put Your Smartphone in a Waterproof Ziplock Bag

This is the most inexpensive alternative to wearing your AirPods in the shower. Get a reliable ziplock bag, place your music-playing smartphone in the bag, seal it, hang it safely in your bathroom, and enjoy your favorite music as you shower.

Conclusion

The thought of using water-resistant AirPods in the shower is tempting! However, do not take the risk. AirPods are not waterproof! Wearing them in the bathroom can easily damage them, cause electrical hazards, reduce the device’s battery life, and lower the audio quality of your AirPods. Instead, invest in waterproof Bluetooth speakers, shower headphones, or shower radios and enjoy listening to music or your favorite audio while showering.