Are Apple AirPods waterproof? Everything you need to know

So, you just bought yourself a nice new pair of AirPods, or you’re thinking about it because they’re among the best wireless earbuds you can buy, and you’re wondering if they’re waterproof. The answer is no, AirPods are not waterproof and you should not wear them while swimming or in the shower or during a water balloon fight. Butif the pair of AirPods you’ve got (or got your eye on) is either the third-generation AirPods or the first or second-generation AirPods Pro, then you’re in luck as they are water resistant.

We’re going to get into what all that means and break down how water resistant each AirPods model is and what their water-resistance ratings mean for your daily activities. Let’s go.

Water resistant vs. waterproof

As we mentioned above, none of Apple’s AirPods — AirPods, AirPods Pro, or AirPod Max — are waterproof. But what is “waterproof” anyway? From an electronic device standpoint, being waterproof means that the device is watertight and can be completely submerged in water. There’s a common ratings system designed for electronics to measure this (as well as dust and dirt resistance) known as the IP (Ingress Protection) rating, which we cover in our post on the water-resistance rating system.

Water resistance, on the other hand, is much more limited and means that the device can only withstand things like sweat or splashes or sprays of water at different intensities for different periods of time. These are also identified on the Ingress Protection scale, so it’s good to know what the levels are before you buy.

In the case of Apple’s AirPods, they are not created equal. Let’s get into them now.

AirPods 1 and 2: No water resistance

The AirPods 2 updated a number of technologies, but one thing they didn’t change from the first generation was water resistance: they have none. You aren’t going to want to take these AirPods out in the rain or any place they can get wet. Encounters with splashing water, like raindrops or sweat from exercise, can damage these AirPods. There are some AirPod accessories that can help waterproof your charging case, but not the AirPod earbuds themselves.

AirPods 3: IPX4 sweat and water resistance

For the AirPods 3, Apple made a slew of updates to both the audio features and design. But one very important update was adding water resistance to the line at last.

The AirPods 3 have an IPX4 water-resistance rating. This is a rating type created by the IEC (International Electrotechnical Commission) and is commonly used for all types of headphones and earbuds, among other electronics.

IPX4 specifically means that the AirPods 3 are resistant to “water splashes from any direction.” That’s somewhat technical, but it basically means that the AirPods 3 are fine to use in the rain, while sweating, while cooking, etc. If you are looking for AirPods that you can safely use while jogging or working out in any kind of weather, here’s where that becomes feasible.

However, IPX4 does not mean these AirPods are entirely waterproof. You cannot submerge them safely for any length of time (that kicks in at IPX7), so don’t even think about wearing them swimming. You won’t be able to take a shower with them on, either, and it’s not a great idea to wear them near a body of water like a river or lake.

AirPods Pro 2: IPX4 sweat and water resistance

With the debut of the improved AirPods Pro 2 (adding better noise cancellation and slide touch controls for volume, among other upgrades), Apple decided to discontinue the AirPods Pro first-gen. These more advanced AirPods Pro come stacked with the latest earbud technology Apple has, and it’s no surprise that water resistance was included. The second-gen AirPods Pro come with an IPX4 rating, which means they can withstand splashes of water from any direction. While you wouldn’t want to take them swimming — as some headphones are designed for — you don’t have to worry about rain. Apple doesn’t suggest putting them under running water or wearing them in the shower, but incidental contact with water shouldn’t be a problem.

Interestingly, for the AirPods Pro 2, Apple has extended this water resistance to the case as well, which means you can use it in the rain without worrying about causing long-term damage. We still don’t advise getting water on the inside of the charging case, though.

AirPods Max: No water resistance

The AirPods Max are in a slightly different category, as they are over-ear headphones instead of wireless earbuds. However, they lack any type of water resistance at all. Combine that with their over-ear design that makes them more susceptible to getting wet from rain or other sources, and you really don’t want to risk these AirPods. Keep them indoors whenever possible.

What about AirPods charging cases?

Up until recently, there were no AirPods charging cases that were water resistant, but that changed with the latest third-generation of AirPods, which now gets an IPX4 rating for its MagSafe and Lightning cases, and the second-gen AirPods Pro, which enjoys the same rating for their MagSafe case.

What should you do when your AirPods get wet?

Accidents happen, and a quick spill can get an AirPod wet or submerge it entirely. That doesn’t spell instant doom for the hardy AirPods, but you’ll need to act fast for the best results:

Step 1: Get them out of the water or rain ASAP. Shut them off and disconnect them from your device.

Step 2: Wipe down the AirPods with a soft, clean cloth until you have removed all visible water. It’s OK to give them some gentle shakes to encourage water to leave any crevices.

Step 3: Set your AirPods in an open, dry spot where they are safe. Make sure you leave them out of the case (never put AirPods that might be wet back in the charging case). Leave them out to fully air dry for at least 12 hours: If it was a thorough dunking, you’ll want to wait at least a full day. Do not use compressed air, a hair dryer, or any kind of heat/heated air to dry the AirPods, as this may cause further damage.

Step 4: Once you are done waiting, place the AirPods back in the charging case and charge them again, then attempt to reconnect.

About the sweat and water resistance of AirPods Pro and AirPods (3rd generation)

The article provides information about the sweat and water resistance of Apple’s AirPods Pro (1st and 2nd generation) and AirPods (3rd generation). Here’s a summary:

• AirPods Pro (1st and 2nd generation), AirPods (3rd generation), and their respective charging cases are water and sweat resistant, but they are not waterproof or sweatproof. However, the MagSafe Charging Case and Wireless Charging Case for AirPods Pro (1st generation) are not water or sweat resistant.
• These AirPods are not designed for water sports, swimming, or showering. After exposure to sweat or water, they should be wiped down with a soft, dry, lint-free cloth before placing them in the charging case. They should not be exposed to heat or compressed air.
• Sweat and water resistance can diminish over time and cannot be rechecked or resealed. To avoid damage, users should not expose their AirPods to running water, submerge them, put them in a washing machine or dryer, wear them in a sauna or steam room, expose them to high-velocity water, or drop them.
• If the AirPods come into contact with soaps, shampoos, lotions, perfumes, solvents, acids, insect repellents, sun creams, oils, or hair dyes, they should be cleaned with a cloth dampened with fresh water and dried with a soft, dry, lint-free cloth.
• The AirPods and their charging cases have a rating of IPX4 under IEC standard 60529, which means they are sweat and water resistant for non-water sports and exercise. However, this resistance may decrease due to normal wear.

Thought-Provoking Questions/Insights:

1. Understanding IPX4 Rating: The IPX4 rating indicates that the AirPods are resistant to splashing water from any direction, but how does this translate to real-world scenarios like heavy rain or accidental spills?
2. Longevity and Care: If sweat and water resistance diminish over time, how can users ensure the longevity of their AirPods, especially if they frequently use them during workouts or in humid environments?
3. Comparative Analysis: How does the water and sweat resistance of Apple’s AirPods compare to other leading earbuds in the market?