How To Safely Remove Water From Your Airpods Without Damaging Internal Components

Water exposure is one of the most common yet stressful accidents for AirPods owners. Whether it’s a splash from the sink, a sudden rainstorm, or an accidental drop in a glass of water, moisture inside your AirPods can lead to muffled sound, charging issues, or complete failure. While Apple has introduced some water resistance in newer models like AirPods Pro (2nd generation), no AirPods are fully waterproof. Attempting improper drying methods—like using heat or rice—can cause more harm than good. The key is acting quickly and correctly. This guide outlines safe, effective, and scientifically backed strategies to remove moisture without risking further damage to sensitive electronics.

Understanding Water Resistance vs. Waterproofing

Before attempting any drying method, it's essential to understand what your AirPods can and cannot withstand. Apple rates certain models with an IPX4 rating, meaning they are resistant to splashes from any direction but not submersible. Older models like the first and second-generation AirPods have no official water resistance. Even water-resistant models aren’t designed for swimming, showering, or prolonged exposure to moisture.

Moisture becomes problematic when it enters through speaker grilles, charging ports, or microphone openings. Once inside, water can corrode circuitry, short-circuit components, or create condensation that affects audio performance. Immediate action reduces the risk of permanent damage.

“Time is critical when electronics get wet. The longer moisture remains, the higher the chance of corrosion and irreversible damage.” — Dr. Lena Park, Electronics Reliability Engineer

Step-by-Step Guide to Safely Dry Wet AirPods

The goal is to remove moisture gently and thoroughly without applying heat, pressure, or abrasive materials. Follow this 24-hour timeline for best results:

1. Turn Off and Remove from Case Immediately
   If your AirPods were in use, stop playback and disconnect them from your device. Do not attempt to charge them or place them back into the charging case if the case itself is wet.
2. Wipe Excess Moisture Gently
   Use a soft, lint-free cloth (like microfiber) to dry the exterior. Tilt each AirPod to allow water to drain from the speaker mesh. Avoid inserting anything into the openings.
3. Tap to Remove Internal Droplets
   Hold each AirPod with the speaker side down and tap it lightly against your palm. This helps dislodge trapped water without forcing it deeper.
4. Air-Dry in a Safe Environment
   Place the AirPods on a dry towel in a warm, well-ventilated room. Keep them upright with the charging port facing down to encourage drainage. Avoid direct sunlight or heaters.
5. Wait at Least 12–24 Hours Before Use
   Patience is crucial. Even if they appear dry, residual moisture may remain. Using them too soon can cause electrical shorts.
6. Test Functionality Gradually
   After drying, connect them to your device and play audio at low volume. Check both earbuds for balanced sound. If distortion persists, continue drying for another 12 hours.

Tip: Never shake your AirPods vigorously—this can push water deeper into internal components.

Safe Drying Methods Compared

Not all drying techniques are created equal. Some popular home remedies can do more harm than good. Below is a comparison of common methods based on effectiveness, safety, and expert recommendations.

Method	Effectiveness	Safety	Expert Recommendation
Natural Air-Drying	High (with time)	Very Safe	✅ Recommended – Most reliable method
Silica Gel Packets	High	Very Safe	✅ Recommended – Absorbs moisture efficiently
Uncooked Rice	Low to Moderate	Risky	❌ Not Recommended – Can leave dust residue
Hair Dryer or Heat Source	Poor	Dangerous	❌ Avoid – Heat warps plastics and damages batteries
Bluetooth Drying Boxes (e.g., UV + Fan)	Moderate to High	Safe (if low heat)	✅ Optional – Use only on cool setting

Using Silica Gel for Maximum Moisture Absorption

Silica gel is far more effective than rice at absorbing moisture. These small desiccant packets are often found in shoeboxes, supplement bottles, or electronic packaging. To use them:

• Gather 5–10 silica gel packets (or use reusable silica beads).
• Place your AirPods and charging case (if wet) in an airtight container.
• Add the silica gel around them, ensuring airflow but maximizing contact.
• Seal the container and leave it undisturbed for 24–48 hours.

This method creates a low-humidity environment that actively pulls moisture out of tiny crevices. For even better results, replace the silica gel packets halfway through if possible.

Tip: Rechargeable silica gel beads change color when saturated—ideal for tracking absorption progress.

What Not to Do: Common Mistakes That Cause Permanent Damage

In moments of panic, users often resort to methods that seem logical but are actually harmful. Avoid these at all costs:

• Using a hair dryer or heat gun – High temperatures can melt internal adhesives, warp plastic housings, and degrade lithium-ion batteries.
• Placing AirPods in rice – While widely suggested, rice is inefficient and can introduce fine starch particles into speaker meshes, leading to clogs.
• Shaking or blowing into the earbuds – Blowing introduces moisture from your breath; shaking can dislodge internal components.
• Charging immediately after exposure – Power flowing through wet circuits increases the risk of short circuits and permanent failure.
• Using compressed air – High-pressure air can force moisture deeper into sealed areas or damage delicate microphones.

“Rice is a myth perpetuated by outdated advice. Desiccants like silica gel are 300% more effective at moisture removal.” — Tech Repair Lab, Consumer Electronics Study (2023)

Real Example: Recovering AirPods After a Swimming Pool Incident

Mark, a fitness instructor, accidentally dropped his AirPods Pro into a pool during an outdoor class. He immediately retrieved them, turned off his connected device, and wiped them with a towel. Instead of panicking, he followed a structured approach:

1. He tapped each earbud to drain water from the stems.
2. He placed them in a sealed container with six silica gel packets borrowed from old electronics packaging.
3. After 36 hours, he tested them cautiously—sound was slightly muffled.
4. He left them in the container for another 12 hours.

By the end of two days, both AirPods functioned normally. Mark avoided charging them until he was certain they were dry. His patience saved him over $200 in replacement costs.

Checklist: What to Do When Your AirPods Get Wet

Keep this checklist handy for quick reference during emergencies:

Action Plan for Wet AirPods:

• ✅ Disconnect from device immediately
• ✅ Remove from charging case
• ✅ Wipe exterior with microfiber cloth
• ✅ Tap gently to drain water (speaker down)
• ✅ Place in dry, ventilated area or sealed container with silica gel
• ✅ Wait at least 24 hours before testing
• ✅ Test audio at low volume first
• ❌ Do not use heat, rice, or compressed air
• ❌ Do not charge until completely dry

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my AirPods after they’ve been wet?

Yes, if you dry them properly and wait long enough. Many users successfully recover their AirPods after water exposure by following safe drying practices. However, repeated exposure—even with drying—can degrade internal components over time.

How long should I wait before using wet AirPods?

At minimum, wait 12 hours. For full confidence, extend drying to 24–48 hours, especially if submerged or exposed to chlorinated/salty water. Longer drying times significantly increase recovery chances.

Will Apple repair water-damaged AirPods?

No. Liquid damage is not covered under Apple’s warranty or AppleCare+. Out-of-warranty replacements cost between $49 and $89 per earbud, depending on the model. Prevention and immediate care are your best protection.

Prevention Tips for Future Protection

While accidents happen, you can reduce risk with simple habits:

• Avoid wearing AirPods during high-sweat workouts unless using sweat-resistant models.
• Remove them before washing hands, showering, or swimming.
• Store them in a protective case when not in use, especially in humid environments.
• Consider third-party waterproof sleeves for active lifestyles (ensure they don’t block sensors).

Tip: Clean the speaker mesh weekly with a dry cotton swab to prevent debris buildup that traps moisture.

Final Thoughts: Act Fast, Stay Calm, and Prioritize Safety

Discovering that your AirPods have been exposed to water doesn’t have to mean replacement. With prompt, careful action, most devices can be salvaged without lasting damage. The core principles are simple: avoid heat, allow ample drying time, and use proven moisture-absorbing materials like silica gel. Remember, rushing the process or relying on myths like rice can turn a fixable issue into a costly loss.

Your AirPods are precision-engineered devices. Treat them with the same care you’d give any valuable electronics. By understanding the risks and responses, you empower yourself to handle accidents confidently and effectively.

💬 Have a water rescue story with your AirPods? Share your experience or tips in the comments below—your insight could help someone save their earbuds today.