What to do If I Washed My AirPods
8 mins read

What to do If I Washed My AirPods

Washed AirPods! What? Have you left your AirPods in your jacket or jeans pocket and put the clothing in the washing machine?

Don’t get panic! We are here to tell you tips & tricks on what to do if AirPods get damaged after being washed.

As we know, Apple AirPods are the most expensive wireless Earbuds released on the market and Apple’s most frequently sold-out products. They are comfortable to wear, provide good sound quality, and are stunning.

Unfortunately, none of the Apple AirPods are waterproof. It is said that electronics and water are the worst combinations. If you have rectified your disaster, let’s explore how you can prevent your AirPods from water damage.

Difference Between Water-Resistant Vs. Waterproof

A waterproof device makes it impossible to get water inside or cause any damage. It means no matter how long that device is underwater or how deep it goes; it won’t damage the device. Unfortunately, none of Apple’s AirPods are waterproof.

On the other hand, a water-resistant device only prevents water from getting inside for a limited time or at limited depths. Hence, we measure water-resistant by using the IP rating system.

Moreover, AirPods third-generation and AirPods Pro have a water-resistant rating of IPX4, which is quite low. It means Apple only designed the AirPods Pro to withstand small water splashes, including rain or seat.

Which AirPods Are Water Resistant?

Currently, Apple sells four different AirPods models: AirPods (second generation), AirPods (third generation), AirPods Pro (1st and 2nd generation), and AirPods Max. There are no waterproof AirPods, but only AirPods “(1st and 2nd gen) and AirPods (3rd gen) are water and sweat-resistant. They have IPX4 rated that can withstand non-water sports and exercise. But they are not designed for water sports like swimming or showering. Before putting your AirPods into the charging case after workouts, wipe down your AirPods with a soft, dry, lint-free cloth.

In contrast, the original AirPods or AirPods 2 aren’t waterproof or water-resistant. Therefore, don’t ever let your AirPods washed.

Dos & Don’ts – Water-Resistant AirPods or AirPods Pro

Even though your third-generation AirPods or AirPods Pro are water-resistant, you still mustn’t get wet them on purpose because the water-resistant seals will deteriorate eventually. It means even a splash of water could damage your AirPods in the future. Therefore, it will ruin your AirPods after being washed.

Here are the tips you need to do.

  • Put your AirPods away when the rain starts.
  • Keep your AirPods away from any liquid.
  • Check your pockets properly before putting clothes in the washing machine.
  • Always keep your AirPods in case after using them.
  •  Immediately remove makeup, perfume, lotion, and other substances from your AirPods.
  • Avoid dropping and crushing your AirPods.

Since a lot of people frequently ask these questions, here are the things not to do with your water-resistant AirPods;

  • Swim with AirPods X
  • Shower with AirPods X
  • Wear AirPods in heavy rain X
  • Use AirPods in water sports X
  • Put your AirPods into the washing machine X
  • Take AirPods into a steam room X

Precaution: Your AirPods Pro will be fine in light rain or if you sweat after workouts. But still, you must ensure to dry them properly before putting them back in their case. You should write down the serial number which is needed for Apple to replace your AirPods.

What to Do After Being Washed Your AirPods

Washed Your AirPods
Washed Your AirPods

Below are the steps you need to do to rescue your water-soaked AirPods and prevent them from damage.

1.     Dry AirPods While Using a Lint-Free Cloth

  • Wipe the cloth gently to the surface of the AirPods and make sure to absorb all the water from the surface, especially from the speaker, to suck the water from beneath the grill.
  • Make sure to dry your case if wet. Go through your case’s corners, including its nooks, crannies, charging port, and holes.

2.     Use the Water Eject Shortcut

The water ejection system in Apple AirPods makes the speakers vibrate at a frequency that results in the water being pushed out. So, this is the best tip for your washed AirPods. Here’s how to use this feature on iOS:

  • First, allow untrusted shortcuts on your iPhone. Open Settings>Shortcuts. Now toggle on Private Sharing.
  • Open Shortcutsgallery.com from your phone and tap Get Shortcut, then Add Shortcut.
  • Now the shortcut will show in your My Shortcuts section. Click on the shortcut and select Begin Water Ejection.
  • Repeat the shortcut until no more water comes out, and you are good to go.

3.     Leave Your AirPods with Silica Gel Desiccant

Silica gel is the best desiccant to absorb water from your device. It would be best if you did the following steps;

  • Put the AirPods in a container and add your desiccant. Make sure that the desiccant surrounds the AirPods on all sides, which helps in absorption to work.
  • Now leave them in a dry place at room temperature for at least 24 hours.

4.     Use Rice Overnight

At last but not least, many AirPods users have reported that their wet AirPods managed to function finely after they left their AirPods in a bowl of dry rice overnight. But we recommend you try the above solutions before attempting to use rice.

Try To Reset Your Washed AirPods If It Starts Work

If your AirPods will work after following the above-mentioned tips. You need to reset your AirPods. First, you need to open your iPhone Settings and then to the Bluetooth setting. You will see a list of devices connected to your iOS iPhone. Scroll down until you see your AirPods. Tap on Forget this device sign beside them. You are ready to pair them with your iPhone again.

Moreover, remember that you can only do this if your AirPods are working. Otherwise, go with the opt of replacement policy

Replacement Policy – Sign Up For AppleCare+ To Insure Your Washed AirPods

AppleCare+ is Apple’s program that safe your gadget. You need to pay $29 for AirPods for each earbud and $29 for the case.

Apple Care is a repair and replacement service that is absolute to Apple consumers while saving them a reasonable amount of redundant fixing costs.

Through this Apple Policy, consumers can easily access means of maintaining, repairing or replacing in case of any breakage of their AirPods or malfunction.

Under AppleCare, you can replace your AirPods at $29, whereas, without the policy, you need to pay a replacement cost of around $89.

Conclusion of Washed AirPods

Not to worry if you accidentally wash your AirPods in the machine or fall in the water. We recommend you buy a waterproof charging case or AirPods hooks to protect them.

Whereas the charging case keeps your AirPods dry, and the ear hooks stop them from falling out of your ears and into a puddle.

Moreover, there is a list of great AirPods accessories to improve your AirPods in other ways, including a charging dock, a wireless transmitter, and a strap that helps your AirPods connect to one another.

Which AirPods accessories do you have at your place? Let us know while commenting below

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