If you recently bought a twosome of Apple AirPods or are considering them because your research has show that they aretop - snick earbuds , you might be curious whether they are waterproof . The short answer is no , so it ’s good to avoid using them in excessively showery circumstance or around water supply . However , if you are eyeing the later AirPods models , you ’re in for some good news . Thethird - gen AirPods , AirPods 4,AirPods 4 with ANC , and all rendering of theAirPods Proare indeed water - immune .
Let ’s search what this means and how each AirPods poser handles piss . We ’ll also discuss the levels of pee resistance and what that indicates for your use . Let ’s plunge in .
Water resistant vs. waterproof
As we mentioned above , none of Apple ’s AirPods — AirPods , AirPods Pro , or AirPod Max — are waterproofed . But what is “ waterproof ” anyway ? From an electronic machine viewpoint , being rainproof means that the machine is watertight and can be completely submerged in body of water . There ’s a common valuation organization designed for electronics to measure this ( as well as dust and dirt resistance ) recognise as the IP ( Ingress Protection ) paygrade , whichwe cover in our billet on the water - resistance military rank scheme .
H2O resistivity , on the other handwriting , is much more special and mean that the machine can only hold things like effort or splashes or sprays of water at different intensities for different period of time . These are also identified on the Ingress Protection scale , so it ’s good to bed what the levels are before you bribe .
In the typeface of Apple ’s AirPods , they are not created adequate . Let ’s get into them now .
AirPods 1 and 2: No water resistance
Though both the first and second - gen AirPods 2 are now discontinued , we ’ve decide to keep them in this tilt as a reference . Without any official trade protection from water , you are n’t going to require to take these AirPods out in the rainwater or any place they can get sozzled . encounter with splashing piss , like raindrops or sweat from exercise , can damage these AirPods , though Apple has always maintained they ’ll be fine under “ normal ” economic consumption . Thereare some AirPod accessoriesthat can aid waterproof your commit cause , but not the AirPod earbuds themselves .
So , no , the AirPods gen 1 and AirPods gen 2 are n’t waterproof .
AirPods 3: IPX4 sweat and water resistance
Forthe AirPods 3 , Apple made a slew of updates to both the sound lineament and design . But one very important update was add water opposition to the line at last .
The AirPods 3 have anIPX4 piss - resistance rating . This is a evaluation type created by the IEC ( International Electrotechnical Commission ) and is usually used for all types of headphones and earbuds , among other electronics .
IPX4 specifically means that the AirPods 3 are tolerant to “ water splashes from any focal point . ” That ’s jolly proficient , but it fundamentally means that the AirPods 3 are fine to habituate in the rain , while diaphoresis , while cooking , etc . If you are attend for AirPods that you’re able to safely use while jogging or working out in any form of weather , here ’s where that becomes feasible .
However , IPX4 doesnotmean these AirPods 3 are entirely waterproof . you could not submerge them safely for any duration of time ( that kicks in at IPX7 ) , so do n’t even think about wearing them swimming . You wo n’t be capable to take a shower with them on , either , and it ’s not a big idea to fatigue them near a body of water like a river or lake .
AirPods 4, AirPods 4 with ANC: IP54 dust, sweat, and water resistance
The newest additions to the AirPods kinfolk are slightly more rugged thanks to the 5 in IP54 , which refer dust trade protection . It means junk may be able to get into the twist , but it wo n’t adversely affect surgical procedure in any meaningful way . So the AirPods 4 and AirPods 4 with ANC have the same level of water protection as the third - gen AirPods , but also enjoy protection from rubble too .
This military rank applies to both the earbuds and their charging case .
AirPods Pro 2: IPX4; AirPods Pro 2 with USB-C: IP54
This is a confusing one , since Apple free the AirPods Pro 2 in 2022 , and then the AirPods Pro 2 with USB - 100 in 2023 . You might think that the USB - C portion was the only variety , but Apple also improved protection , from IPX4 on the AirPods Pro 2 to IP54 on the AirPods Pro 2 with USB - C. AirPods Pro 2 waterproof test turn out the young single are estimable .
While you would n’t want to take them swimming — as some headphones are designed for — you do n’t have to occupy about rainwater . Apple does n’t suggest invest them under running pee or endure AirPods Pro 2 in the shower , but nonessential liaison with water system should n’t be a problem .
As with the fourth - gen models , the charge cause for both version of the AirPods Pro 2 is protected to the same level . However , we still do n’t advise pose water on the inside of the charging case .
So , are AirPods Pros waterproof ? It ’s complicated .
AirPods Max: No water resistance
TheAirPods Maxare in a slightly unlike category , as they are over - pinna headphone instead of wireless earbuds . However , they lack any character of water resistance at all . Combine that with their over - auricle design that makes them more susceptible to getting wet from rain or other generator , and you really do n’t want to risk these AirPods . Keep them indoors whenever potential .
What about AirPods charging cases?
Up until late , there were no AirPods charging cases that were pee resistant , but that change with the latest third - contemporaries of AirPods , which now sustain an IPX4 paygrade for its MagSafe and Lightning font , and the second - gen AirPods Pro ( Lightning or USB - carbon ) , which enjoy the same rating for their MagSafe case .
Looking ahead
It is possible that upcoming versions of AirPods will have better H2O and dust resistance . Other company already incorporate such features in their products . For instance , theJabra elect 8 Activeearbuds have an IP68 rating , which intend they can survive being inundate in up to 1.5 metre of water for up to 30 minutes .
What should you do when your AirPods get wet?
fortuity happen , and a quick spill can get an AirPod wet or submerse it only . That does n’t spell insistent doom for the hardy AirPods , but you ’ll need to play fast for the salutary results :
Step 1 : Immediately absent them from water or rainwater , force off , and disconnect from gadget .
dance step 2 : Use a soft textile to wipe your AirPods dry . judder gently to remove water from crack .
Step 3 : To dry your AirPods , first , find an subject and dry spot where they are good . Remove them from the charge case and do n’t put them back in if they are wet . Allow them to atmosphere dry completely for at least 12 hr . If they were in full submerged in water , it is recommend to wait for a full day . Do not use compressed air travel , a hair drier , or any form of heat to dry out them as it may make additional equipment casualty .
You may have heard that rice can be used to quickly dry electronics , but we retrieve this might make more harm than good — get petite rice particles in the openings could be problematic . If you have any packages of silica gel around , these make a safe rice backup .
Step 4 : After waiting , put the AirPods back in the charging font , tear them again , and then attempt to reconnect .
