You may have heard that you can leave a water-damaged device in a bowl of rice to dry it out. While the science behind this does work, rice is certainly not the best desiccant to use in this situation. Instead, you can use silica gel.
Let the AirPods dry before placing them back into the charging case. If it's a dry, sunny day, place the AirPods in the sun (as long as it's not sweltering outside) to speed up the process. If not, any low-humidity area will do. Wait a few hours for your AirPods to dry completely before trying them again.
No, you shouldn't put your AirPods in rice if they get wet. This is not an effective method but rather something that'll damage the AirPods. Bits of rice may get stuck in various ports and holes which can damage the device.
As soon as you can, use a soft, dry, lint-free cloth, such as a microfiber cloth, to dry them off. Then, place them in a safe spot to dry. Depending on how wet they were, it might take a day or longer for them to fully dry out. Cases dry best when the lid is open and they are stored upside down.
Your AirPods Pro (1st and 2nd generation), AirPods (3rd generation), MagSafe Charging Case for AirPods (3rd generation), Lightning Charging Case for AirPods (3rd generation), and MagSafe Charging Case for AirPods Pro (2nd generation) are water and sweat resistant, but they are not waterproof or sweatproof.
Make sure to leave your AirPods in a drying solution for at least 12 hours. Use electric heaters to dry Airpods – Airpods are not designed to withstand extreme temperatures, especially after they've been exposed to excess water.
Fixing water-damaged AirPods cost $89 per AirPod in case you do not have an AppleCare+ subscription. With AppleCare+, the replacement fee jumps down to $29 every time you bring your device for service.
Do My Airpods Have Water Damage? Unlike iPhones, AirPods don't have a Liquid Damage Indicator. The best way to tell if your AirPods are damaged is to try connecting them to your iPhone after drying them out for a day or two. Test them out to make sure your headphones aren't distorting your audio.
How do you dry out earbuds? First, remove the earbuds from your ears and gently shake them to remove any excess water. Next, use a soft, dry cloth to wipe down the earbuds and remove any moisture that's left. If the earbuds are still wet, you can try using a hairdryer on the lowest setting to help dry them out.
For waterlogged earbuds, try the rice method by letting them sit in some uncooked rice for a day or two to absorb excess water and water droplets. This is a tried-and-true method for any electronic device.
Using AirPods in very hot conditions can permanently shorten battery life. Store your AirPods where the temperature is between -10º and 45º C (14º to 113º F). Don't leave your AirPods in your car, because temperatures in parked cars can exceed this range.
There are a few simple steps you can use to dry them off. Immediately use a soft, dry cloth, preferably microfiber because it attracts water and dries quickly. Placing the AirPods upside down will also speed up drying. Afterward, place them in a safe spot to dry for up to several days depending on how wet they were.
Can your Airpods survive the washing machine? You'd be amazed to know that these little bundles of electronics are tougher than they look. In fact, Airpods can survive up to 60 minutes in the washing machine, according to Tech Geek Base. But they recommend you dry them out for at least 12 hours afterward.
The answer is Yes. AirPods can still “survive” after mixing in the washing machine and dryer. After the washing tests, the volume of the airport was still decent. But, the music was not as crisp as before, and the audio recording from the microphone was still muffled.
Do you think throwing a wet electronic device into a bag of rice restores it to a working state? Unfortunately, that technique won't do anything for it. It's time that we end this misconception and embrace the real solution. If you take the right steps, you can avoid further damage and save your gadget.
The brief exposure to water is not overly concerning. But if your earphones get submerged in deep water for a significant period of time, it may take about 24 – 48 hours for them to dry out completely. Then, test the earphones if it works. If it doesn't work, give it more time to dry, about 24 hours.
Even if your earbuds are water-resistant, they shouldn't be kept wet for long periods because moisture can slip into the inner workings. If they do become quite wet, allow them to air-dry away from direct heat. Don't keep your earbuds in your gym shorts or tucked in your sports bra where they are exposed to sweat.
Dry your AirPods with a lint-free cloth.
Use a cloth to dry your AirPods and blot all water droplets. It is recommended you use a microfiber cloth, such as the kind that is found in eyeglass cleaning kits. You can also use a cotton swab to dry the inside of the case or hard-to-reach areas of your AirPods.
AirPods typically last about 2-3 years before most users feel the need to replace them. This short lifespan is because of their lithium-ion batteries. AirPods have proven tough in several durability tests and have shown that they can withstand pressure.
If your AirPods need servicing for a manufacturing defect and not for any physical damage, there is no fee, so long as Apple's One-Year Limited Warranty covers the issue. Before paying for repairs, you should check the details of your warranty and see if you might be able to get a replacement for free!
You can replace a single AirPod (left or right AirPod) or a Charging Case for a fee. Use our “Get an Estimate” tool to review potential costs if you get service directly from Apple. If you go to another service provider, they can set their own fees, so ask them for an estimate.
Leave AirPods with desiccant
While the science behind this does work, rice is certainly not the best desiccant to use in this situation. Instead, you can use silica gel. This will prevent your AirPods from getting damaged by starch and small particles of rice.