How To Safely Remove Water From Inside Your AirPods Charging Case

Water exposure is one of the most common yet stressful accidents for AirPods users. Whether it’s a spilled drink, a rain-soaked commute, or accidental submersion in a sink, moisture trapped inside the charging case can interfere with functionality, cause corrosion, or prevent your AirPods from charging properly. While Apple designs its products with durability in mind, no version of the AirPods or their cases is fully waterproof—only water-resistant to varying degrees. If water has made its way into your charging case, acting quickly and correctly is essential. This guide walks you through safe, effective techniques to remove moisture without damaging sensitive electronics.

Understanding Water Resistance vs. Waterproofing

It's crucial to clarify a common misconception: water resistance does not mean waterproof. The latest AirPods Pro (2nd generation) have an IP54 rating, meaning they’re protected against dust and splashes from any direction. However, this rating applies only to the earbuds themselves—not the charging case. Older models like AirPods (1st, 2nd, 3rd gen) and AirPods Pro (1st gen) offer no official water resistance. The charging case, across all models, lacks meaningful water protection. Any liquid ingress—even a few drops—can pool around charging contacts, speakers, or internal circuitry.

Moisture doesn’t need to be visible to cause problems. Condensation from humidity, sweat during workouts, or damp hands transferring water into the case over time can gradually degrade performance. Symptoms of water exposure include:

• Failure to charge the AirPods or the case itself
• Unresponsive buttons or erratic LED behavior
• Foggy appearance under the lid or near the hinge
• Corrosion on metal contacts (visible as white or green residue)
• Strange sounds or connectivity issues after drying

Immediate action reduces long-term damage risk. But improper drying methods—like using heat sources—can do more harm than good.

Step-by-Step Guide to Safely Remove Moisture

The goal is to extract moisture gently while avoiding thermal stress or physical damage. Follow this timeline-based approach for best results.

1. Power Down Immediately: Open the case and remove the AirPods. Do not attempt to charge them or close the lid. Place everything on a dry surface.
2. Wipe Excess Liquid: Use a lint-free microfiber cloth to gently dab the exterior and interior surfaces. Avoid rubbing, which can push water deeper into crevices.
3. Drain Positioning: Hold the case upside down with the lid open at a 45-degree angle. Gently shake to dislodge trapped droplets. Repeat several times over a towel.
4. Air-Dry in a Ventilated Area: Place the case and AirPods separately in a dry, room-temperature location with good airflow. Keep them away from direct sunlight or heat sources.
5. Use Desiccants (Optional but Recommended): After 12–24 hours of air drying, place the case in a sealed container with silica gel packets for 24–48 additional hours.
6. Test Functionality: Reinsert the AirPods only after confirming complete dryness. Monitor charging behavior and sound quality closely.

This process typically takes 24 to 72 hours. Rushing it increases the chance of short circuits when power is reintroduced.

Tip: Never use compressed air cans—they may contain propellants that leave residue or force moisture deeper into components.

Do’s and Don’ts: What to Avoid When Drying Your Case

Many well-intentioned actions can worsen the situation. The table below outlines safe practices versus risky ones.

Do’s	Don’ts
Use silica gel packets to absorb moisture	Place the case in rice—ineffective and messy
Dry in a cool, ventilated space	Use a hairdryer, oven, or microwave
Wipe contacts with isopropyl alcohol (70%) using a cotton swab	Submerge in liquids or cleaning solutions
Wait at least 24 hours before testing	Rush the process by plugging in too soon
Inspect for visible corrosion regularly	Shake aggressively or drop the case

Rice, often recommended online, is outdated advice. Studies by experts at iFixit and Consumer Reports show that rice absorbs moisture poorly compared to silica gel and can introduce starch particles into ports. Heat sources like hairdryers exceed safe temperature thresholds for lithium-ion batteries and plastic housings, risking warping or fire hazards.

Expert Insight on Electronics and Moisture Damage

“Even small amounts of moisture can create conductive paths between circuits, leading to corrosion or short circuits days after exposure. Passive drying with desiccants is far safer than aggressive methods.” — Dr. Lena Torres, Electronics Reliability Engineer at MIT Media Lab

Corrosion begins within hours of water contact, especially if the liquid contains minerals (like tap water). Over time, this degrades metal contacts and solder points. Isopropyl alcohol (70% concentration) is a safe solvent for cleaning affected areas because it evaporates quickly and displaces water without leaving residue. Apply sparingly with a cotton swab only after the case has been air-dried for at least 12 hours.

Real-World Scenario: Recovering From a Gym Bag Spill

Consider Mark, a fitness instructor who left his AirPods case zipped in a gym bag after class. A water bottle leaked overnight, soaking the compartment. By morning, the case was damp, and his AirPods wouldn’t charge. Instead of panicking, he followed these steps:

• He removed the case immediately and wiped it down with a dry towel.
• He positioned it lid-down on a windowsill with indirect airflow for 18 hours.
• He placed it in a sealed jar with four silica gel packets (saved from old shoeboxes) for two full days.
• After inspection, he noticed minor fogging near the hinge but no corrosion.
• Upon reassembly, both AirPods charged normally and maintained connection.

Mark avoided heat, didn’t use rice, and waited patiently. His proactive care preserved the device. Had he plugged it in prematurely, he might have triggered irreversible damage.

Checklist: Emergency Response to Water Exposure

Keep this checklist handy for quick reference if your AirPods case gets wet:

• ✅ Remove AirPods from the case immediately
• ✅ Wipe exterior and interior with a microfiber cloth
• ✅ Drain by holding case upside down at an angle
• ✅ Air-dry in a warm, ventilated area for 24+ hours
• ✅ Use silica gel packets for enhanced moisture absorption
• ✅ Inspect charging pins for residue or discoloration
• ✅ Clean contacts gently with alcohol-dampened swab if needed
• ✅ Test charging only after full drying period
• ✅ Contact Apple Support if issues persist beyond 72 hours

This structured response minimizes guesswork during stressful moments and maximizes recovery odds.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a vacuum to suck out moisture?

No. Household vacuums generate static electricity and lack precision suction. They may damage delicate components or fail to reach internal cavities. Stick to gravity-assisted draining and passive drying instead.

Will Apple repair my case if it was exposed to water?

Apple’s warranty does not cover liquid damage, even for water-resistant models. Out-of-warranty replacements cost $59–$99 depending on model. Third-party repair shops may offer lower-cost options, but success varies due to proprietary design and sealing.

How can I prevent water from entering the case in the future?

Store the case in a protective sleeve or waterproof pouch when traveling. Avoid placing it near drinks, sinks, or humid environments like bathrooms. Consider investing in a silicone case with improved seal integrity for added peace of mind.

Final Recommendations and Preventative Care

Safely removing water from your AirPods charging case hinges on patience and precision. Speed is tempting, but haste risks permanent malfunction. Natural evaporation combined with desiccant use offers the highest success rate without introducing new hazards. Remember: there is no “quick fix” for electronic moisture damage—only measured, informed responses.

Prevention remains the best strategy. Treat your AirPods case like any sensitive electronic device: keep it clean, dry, and protected. Regularly inspect the charging port and hinge area for debris or early signs of moisture buildup. If you frequently exercise, commute in rain, or live in a humid climate, consider carrying a small pack of silica gel as part of your daily essentials.

💬 Have you successfully recovered a wet AirPods case? Share your experience or tips in the comments—your insight could help others avoid costly replacements!