Are AirPods Waterproof or Just Water-Resistant?
Apple AirPods are truly wireless, easy to use, and stylish. They fit well with any ear size and you won’t feel a thing even when you wear them throughout the day.
However, one question remains unanswered. Are AirPods waterproof and suitable for a walk on a rainy day or swimming?
If you’re also asking the same question, you’ve discovered the appropriate article. Read on to get an in-depth understanding of the water safety of Apple AirPods.
Are AirPods Waterproof?
AirPods of any model like AirPods (3rd generation), AirPods Pro, and their charging cases aren’t waterproof. However, the earphones come with a certain level of water resistance.
The MagSafe Charging Case for AirPods (3rd generation) is also sweat and water resistant. On the contrary, AirPods Pro Wireless Charging Case and MagSafe Charging Case aren’t water or sweat-resistant.
The water and sweat resistance rating of AirPods (3rd generation) and AirPods Pro is IPX4. Hence, the earbuds will withstand a little water splash. They should also withstand heavy workouts or rains. However, these devices are not meant for water sports or sweat-breaking exercises.
Water Resistance Vs. Waterproof
Water resistance is the device’s capability to resist water and other liquids. Manufacturers like Apple use advanced technologies to make the device surface resistant to liquids. If water or liquid gets inside the device and comes in contact with the circuitry, there’ll be water/liquid damage.
Furthermore, the water resistance feature highly depends on the cosmetic condition of the device. Normal wear and tear reduce water resistance capacity.
Waterproof, on the other hand, is a feature that enables specialized electronic devices to work at a certain depth of water. You can submerge the device into water, take it out, and it will still function.
There are advanced sealing materials around the device circuitry that works as a barrier between water and the internal hardware. Apple AirPods don’t come with such a design to protect them from water submersion or dunks.
To better understand these limits, let’s break down the IP rating system (Ingress Protection), which is an international standard used to define how resistant a device is against solids (like dust) and liquids (like water).
- IP stands for Ingress Protection.
- The first digit refers to protection against solids (dust, dirt, small particles). Ratings go from 0 to 6, with 6 being the highest protection.
- The second digit refers to protection against liquids (water). Ratings go from 0 to 9, with 9 meaning the device can withstand powerful jets or immersion.
- If a digit is replaced with an X, it means the device hasn’t been tested for that type of protection.
For example:
- IP67 means dust-tight (6) and can survive immersion in up to 1 meter of water for 30 minutes (7).
- IPX4 (like on AirPods 3rd Gen and Pro) means no dust rating (X) and water-resistant to splashes from any direction (4).
Understanding this system helps explain why AirPods can handle light exposure but shouldn’t be treated as waterproof gadgets.
Keeping Your AirPods Safe From Water
If you take the following precautions, your AirPods will last longer:
- Use a lint-free cloth to wipe clean and dry the AirPods after water splashes, rain exposure, or heavy sweating.
- Don’t put the wet AirPods inside the charging case.
- The MagSafe Charging Case for AirPods (3rd generation) will provide water resistance when the lid is closed. So, keep out of water splashes when the lid is open.
- Don’t wear AirPods when showering or swimming.
- AirPods aren’t suitable for sauna or steam baths.
- Never place the earphones under the shower or running water.
- AirPods are also not suitable for high-speed water sports or adventures like waterskiing or rafting.
- Take maximum precaution not to put the AirPods into the washing machine.
Final Words
Apple AirPods (3rd generation), and AirPods Pro are some of the most expensive earphones on the market. Hence, you may want to take extra precautions to keep them safe for long-term use.
Knowing whether or not AirPods are waterproof will help you increase the longevity of your precious AirPods. These wireless earbuds are somewhat water resistant but not waterproof. And if you ever run into pairing problems after keeping them dry, you can follow our troubleshooting guide on why won’t my AirPods connect to get them working again.
You may also be interested in how to connect AirPods Pro and smartly enjoy music.
