What happens if AirPods Pro get wet?

Answered by John Hunt

As an expert, I strongly advise against intentionally getting your AirPods Pro wet, despite their water-resistant capabilities. While the third-generation AirPods and AirPods Pro are designed to withstand some exposure to water, it’s important to note that the water-resistant seals can deteriorate over time. This means that even a small splash of water could potentially cause damage to your AirPods in the future.

Water damage can have various negative effects on your AirPods Pro. The most common issue is a decrease in sound quality or complete audio failure. Water can seep into the internal components of the AirPods, causing corrosion and short-circuiting. This can result in distorted sound, muffled audio, or complete loss of sound. In some cases, water damage may also affect the functionality of other features, such as the touch controls or microphone.

It’s worth mentioning that accidental exposure to water doesn’t always spell disaster for your AirPods Pro. There have been instances where users have accidentally dropped their AirPods in water and they still functioned properly after drying out. However, this is not a guarantee, and it’s always best to take precautions to prevent water damage in the first place.

If your AirPods Pro do get wet, here are some steps you can take to minimize potential damage:

1. Remove them from water immediately: If your AirPods Pro come into contact with water, quickly remove them from the water source to prevent further exposure.

2. Dry them off: Use a soft, absorbent cloth or towel to gently wipe away any visible moisture. Be careful not to apply excessive pressure or insert anything into the charging port or microphone openings, as this could cause further damage.

3. Let them air dry: After wiping off the visible moisture, leave your AirPods Pro in a dry environment at room temperature. Avoid using heat sources like hairdryers, as excessive heat can also damage the internal components.

4. Wait patiently: Give your AirPods Pro ample time to dry out completely. This process may take anywhere from a few hours to a couple of days, depending on the extent of the water exposure.

5. Test functionality: Once you’re confident that your AirPods Pro are thoroughly dry, test their functionality. Check if the sound quality is normal and ensure that all features, including touch controls and the microphone, are working as expected.

It’s important to note that even if your AirPods Pro appear to be functioning fine after getting wet, there could still be underlying damage that may manifest later. If you notice any issues with your AirPods Pro, such as persistent audio problems or connectivity issues, it’s advisable to contact Apple Support or visit an authorized service provider for further assistance.

To summarize, while AirPods Pro are water-resistant, intentionally exposing them to water is not recommended due to the potential deterioration of the water-resistant seals. Accidental exposure to water may result in various issues, such as audio distortion or complete audio failure. If your AirPods Pro do get wet, follow the steps mentioned above to minimize potential damage, but keep in mind that there could still be hidden damage that may only become apparent later on.