It is not recommended to wear AirPods in the shower as they are not designed to be water-resistant. Exposing AirPods to water can damage the electronics and lead to malfunctions or permanent damage. If you need to use headphones while showering or swimming, it’s best to look for a waterproof or water-resistant option specifically designed for this purpose.
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Are AirPods Waterproof?
Understand that being water-resistant doesn’t mean your AirPods are waterproof. AirPods (3rd generation) and AirPods Pro have an ingress protection (IP) rating of IPX4. The IP rating measures how resistant an electronic device is to liquids. The IPX4 rating means that AirPods (3rd generation) and AirPods Pro are sweat-resistant and can withstand water splashes from different directions.
The AirPods may withstand a slight exposure to a drizzle as you dash through the distance between the car to your house. Exposing your AirPods to large volumes of water will damage them. Don’t walk in the rain while wearing your AirPods. There will be water ingress, and your AirPods will almost certainly get damaged. Waterproof devices have a rating of IPX7 or higher.
Related: How to Listen to Music in the Shower (Creatively)
What If I’m Careful While Taking a Shower?
Wearing your AirPods to the shower puts them at risk of getting damaged, however careful you might be. The water-resistance property of AirPods allows them to withstand tiny splashes of water from any direction. They also won’t get damaged when exposed to beads of sweat. Any exposure to more than that becomes risky.
Many think using the AirPods in conditions that are likely to make them wet without fully submerging them cannot damage them. That’s not true.
Even if you use a handheld showerhead without washing your hair or pointing it to your head, it is still risky. Water splashes in the shower are usually intense, and your AirPods will get wet enough for water ingress. Remember that Apple warns that age and usage weaken the water protection ability of your AirPods. With time, your AirPods become more susceptible to damage caused by water.
Regardless of your carefulness, water intrusion will occur and damage your AirPods. Therefore, please do not wear them in the shower.
Related: Why Are My AirPods So Quiet? 6 Reasons & The Corresponding Solutions
Can You Wear AirPods in the Shower with a Shower Cap?
Most shower caps are waterproof and will prevent water from getting to the AirPods. Ensure that the shower cap is pulled down over your ears to prevent the AirPods from coming in contact with water or soap. This method, however, has not been proven to offer the required protection to your AirPods. Leaks may happen at any time.
What to Do if the AirPods Get Wet
When your AirPods get wet, the first action is to dry them. Do not attempt to charge or use wet AirPods. Charging them can only cause further damage. The method you use to dry your AirPods after getting wet will depend on how they got wet and the extent of the wetness.
Your AirPods can get wet when you exercise while wearing them. You may also briefly get exposed to a drizzle, making your AirPods wet. Apple directs that your AirPods can withstand such exposure, and you don’t need to panic. Wipe your AirPods dry using a dry, lint-free cloth and place them in their charging case.
Some situations may leave your AirPods exposed to excess liquid. Such situations include:
- Coming in contact with running water
- Getting submerged underwater
- Wearing them in a sauna or steam room
- Wearing them in the shower
Try as much as possible to avoid these situations because they will make it harder to dry your AirPods. Use a dry lint-free piece of cloth to wipe them, but don’t put them in their charging case immediately. Let them stay out for a longer period to dry out.
Before you charge the AirPods after this experience, try shaking them for a while. If additional moisture appears, you may need to use silica gel to ensure that the AirPods dry out completely. Place the AirPods in a plastic bag with packets of silica gel and leave them for about 24 hours.
If the AirPods don’t work even after using silica gel, you may need to contact Apple to find a replacement. Don’t use rice in place of the silica gel. Rice contains particles that may damage your AirPods.
Related: Why Do My AirPods Keep Disconnecting? Reasons & Solutions
How Do I Know if My AirPods Have Water Damage?
Whether you are using AirPods Pro, the 1st generation, AirPods 2, or AirPods (3rd generation), they can get damaged from exposure to water. The AirPods don’t have to be submerged in water to get damaged. It can happen due to sweat or splashes of water.
A distorted sound is one of the surest signs of water damage to your AirPods. You may notice an unnecessary increase or decrease in volume when using your AirPods. It may even go silent for a few seconds, then continue playing. That is a clear indicator of water on the circuitry.
Find ways to dry your AirPods immediately.
Don’t Wear AirPods to the Shower
The best way to protect your AirPods is to avoid any situations that may expose them to water or other liquids. If you want to listen to music while showering, the best option is to buy a Bluetooth speaker. It will save you from expensive replacements for your AirPods.
Related: One AirPod Not Working? A Step-by-Step Guide on How to Fix It
Can You Wear AirPods in the Shower? FAQs
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Does Apple cover AirPods’ water damage?
Apple covers water damage to your AirPods, but it has to be accidental. Under warranty, an Apple technician will repair the damaged AirPods or even replace them. The warranty does not cover intentional damage.
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Can I wear AirPods after taking a shower?
Yes, you can wear AirPods after taking a shower. Ensure you’ve cleared any water from your ear canal before wearing the AirPods.
