Dropped Airpod In Water? Here's How to Fix It!

We've all been there - that heart-stopping moment when your beloved AirPods take an unexpected plunge into the watery abyss. It's a nightmare scenario for any tech enthusiast or music lover. But fear not. We're here to help you navigate this mishap and get your precious earbuds back on track.

In today's fast-paced world, we rely heavily on our gadgets, and one essential accessory for many is the popular AirPods. These sleek wireless earbuds have become integral to our lives, providing us with a seamless audio experience. However, accidents happen, and if you find yourself in a situation where your AirPods take an unexpected dive into water, panic may set in.

But before you start mourning the loss of your prized audio companions, take a deep breath and keep reading. In this guide, we'll show you 10 ways to fix those water-drenched AirPods and bring them back to life.

Table Of Contents

How to Fix Your Airpods Dropped in Water?

Now let's move on to solutions for fixing your dampened AirPods.

1. Clean Them with a Microfiber Cloth

When fixing water-damaged AirPods, the first step is to grab a trusty microfiber cloth. These soft microfiber cloths are perfect for removing moisture from your precious earbuds. Start by carefully removing the AirPods from their charging case.

Gently wipe them down with the microfiber cloth, paying particular attention to any visible water droplets or dampness. Remove any excess water from the surface, paying attention to the charging case. Remember, the key here is to be thorough but gentle – you don't want to cause any further damage.

2. Tip the Airpods and the Charging Case Upside Down

Tipping them upside down allows any excess water to drain out, minimizing the chances of further damage. To do this, gently remove the AirPods from your ears and place them on a clean surface. Then, open the charging case and carefully turn it over so the opening faces downwards.

By tipping your AirPods and their charging case upside down, you're allowing gravity to assist in draining away any excess water. However, remember that this method may not work if there is severe water damage or other components have been affected.

3. Eject water from AirPods using Siri or other tools

If your AirPods have been dropped in water, you should first turn off automatic ear detection. It can be done by going to the Bluetooth settings on your iPhone

Step 1: Tap the "i" button next to your AirPods.

Step 2: Scroll down to the Automatic Ear Detection section and toggle it off. Once that's done, you can use Siri or another tool to eject water from your AirPods.

To eject water from your AirPods using Siri, you can use the Shortcuts app to eject water from your AirPods. To do this,

Step 1: Open the Shortcuts app from the Shortcuts gallery page

Step 2: Tap the Add Shortcut” button in the top-right corner of the screen.

Step 3: From the shortcuts tab, select the "Water Eject" shortcut.

Step 4: Select the Begin Water Ejection option.

Once that's done, wait until you hear a beeping sound.Then, it will start to eject water.

Alternatively, simply say, "Hey Siri, eject water from my AirPods." Siri will then ask you to confirm that you want to eject water from your AirPods. Once you confirm, Siri will start a short countdown and then eject water from your AirPods.

4. Dry the AirPods with desiccant/silica gel packets

The desiccant or silica gel will work magic by absorbing excess moisture in the air within the container. Leave it undisturbed for at least 24-48 hours to allow sufficient time for drying. Be patient during this process, as rushing could cause more harm than good.

Once you feel confident enough time has passed, cautiously open the container and check for any visible signs of moisture on your AirPods. If they appear dry, you can reconnect them and test their functionality before fully putting them back into use.

Remember, utilizing desiccant or silica gel packets is not an effective way to aid in drying out your wet AirPods; therefore, it’s crucial not to rely solely on this method.

5. Put Them under a Fan or Slightly Warm Environment

Placing your wet AirPods under a fan or in a slightly warm environment may assist in expediting the drying process and preventing potential water-related issues. Remember not to apply excessive heat and exercise caution throughout the procedure.

6. Remove Your AirPods from Water Immediately

As soon as you realize that your AirPods have taken an unexpected dip, time is of the essence. Act swiftly and remove them from the water immediately. The longer they stay submerged, the higher the chances of irreversible damage.

Gently retrieve your AirPods from the water, careful not to shake or jostle them too much. It's essential to handle them with care to prevent any further harm. Once out of the water, resist the urge to test them immediately. I know how tempting it can be to see if they're still working.

7. Remove Ear Tips

These small silicone attachments can trap moisture and prevent proper drying, so taking them off is essential. Gently twist and pull them away from the AirPods until they come loose. Once you've removed the ear tips, set them aside to dry separately.

You can lightly pat them with a clean cloth or towel to remove excess moisture. Removing the ear tips allows air circulation around your AirPods, which helps speed up the drying process. Moisture trapped within these tiny crevices can cause malfunctions or even short circuits, so letting everything dry thoroughly is crucial.

8. Allow the Airpods to Dry Completely

One crucial step in fixing your water-damaged AirPods is to allow them to dry completely. It may seem obvious, but it's essential to emphasize the importance of patience during this process. Once you've removed your AirPods from the water, gently shake off any excess liquid.

Give them ample time to air dry naturally. It's recommended to leave them untouched for at least 24-48 hours. During this period, avoid putting any pressure on or attempting to use them. Rushing could lead to further damage and potentially render your AirPods irreparable.

9. Rice Bowl Technique

An old trick that works for various water-damaged devices is placing them in a bowl of uncooked rice. Let them sit for at least 24 hours. The longer they sit, the better. Rice naturally absorbs moisture, aiding in the drying process. However, remember that this method may not be as effective as others mentioned here.

10. Replace AirPods if still not working

If you've tried all the previous methods and your AirPods still refuse to work, it may be time to consider replacing them. While this isn't the ideal solution, sometimes water damage can cause irreparable damage to electronic devices. Before rushing out to buy a new pair, it's worth checking if your AirPods are still under warranty. Apple offers a one-year limited warranty that covers manufacturing defects.

However, the warranty doesn't cover accidental water damage. You'll have to weigh the cost of purchasing new AirPods against repairing the damaged ones. While repairs might seem more budget-friendly, initially, there's no guarantee that all functionalities will be restored.

Water Resistance Vs. Waterproof

Waterproof means the device is completely impervious to water, while water-resistant implies that the device can handle some exposure to moisture without being damaged. In terms of Airpods, a few ones fall under the water-resistant category.

Apple AirPods Third Generation
Apple AirPods Pro
MagSafe Charging Case for AirPods Third Generation

On the other hand, The AirPods 1st and 2nd and the AirPods Max do not possess an IP rating. An IP rating indicates the product's ability to resist dust and wateApple officially labeled r at various levels. Unfortunately, none of the AirPods versions are officially labeled as waterproof by Apple. That means accidental encounters with H2O could potentially spell trouble for your trusty audio companions.

Conclusion

Water damage doesn't have to spell the end for your cherished AirPods. Act swiftly, drying thoroughly, and utilizing effective methods are essential. With patience and creative solutions, you'll have your AirPods back in working order, allowing you to enjoy your favorite tunes wirelessly once again. Taking precautions such as keeping your AirPods away from water sources or investing in waterproof accessories can go a long way in preserving their functionality.