Are Apple AirPods waterproof? Everything you need to know

There is one question that arises when it comes to Apple AirPods. Are AirPods waterproof? Whether you’re considering AirPods as a birthday gift or as a wireless accessory update for yourself, it’s crucial to consider how you’ll use them so you can figure out if they’ll be able to weather your usage accordingly. For instance, I wouldn’t deem it a smart idea to wear AirPods in the rain or while sweating during power yoga as water resistance varies across early Apple AirPods, AirPods Max, and AirPods Pro versions. We’re not here to confuse you, so without further ado let’s find out if you own waterproof AirPods. 

Can I put my AirPods in water?

We hope you aren’t here rushing for an answer since you’ve dropped AirPods Pro in water. Below you’ll find everything you need to know about the waterproof AirPods along with an extended view of each AirPods generation. You will find out which AirPods are waterproof and how you can handle them in order to keep them working perfectly.

AirPods 1 (Nay)

Many people wonder about the AirPods 1 waterproof ability. We need to say that these AirPods are not waterproof. They do not have any water resistance and that is why you cannot wear them when doing sports or when you are taking a shower. It is important to mention that the AirPods 1 are the first generation of the AirPods and you cannot easily find them on the market. 

There are some offers from some retailers or you can buy them on eBay, but these AirPods are not water-resistant. 

AirPods 2 (Nay)

The AirPods 2 are the upgraded variant when compared to AirPods 1, but there is still one characteristic that the AirPods 2 keep with this model. These are not water-resistant. You cannot wear them in the rain or anyplace where they can get wet. 

AirPods 3 (Yay!)

With AirPods 3, Apple made many improvements when it comes to design and sound features. At the same time, Apple added the waterproof feature that will make the users happier when it comes to the usage of these AirPods in different environments. These AirPods come with IPX4 water-resistance rating and these can be used while you workout or in the rain. They are resistant to water splashes and you can comfortably use them while sweating or when you do any kind of activity that includes water. 

The IPX4 water-resistance rating is created by the IEC (International Electrotechnical Commission) and this rating is used in all earbuds and headphones. However, the IPX4 rating does not mean that the AirPods 3 are entirely waterproof. You cannot submerge them in the water and expect these will work fine. You cannot swim with these AirPods and there are limitations when it comes to water resistance. 

AirPods Pro (Nay)

With the new technologies that Apple included in these AirPods Pro, you can also find the IPX4 rating. This is the same rating that fits AirPods 3. This means that you cannot swim with these AirPods and you cannot submerge them in water. Next time when you ask “Are AirPods Pro water resistant?” you will need to consider the limitations of the water-resistance rating. 

Apple offered new features with these AirPods and you can notice the improved design and controls. However, the water resistance rating remained the same as with AirPods 3. 

AirPods Max (Nay)

AirPods Max have a different design and these are not earbuds. These are over-ear headphones and they have no water resistance rating. You do not want to risk damaging them by using them in the rain or water conditions. You should keep them indoors and use them only in dry conditions. 

If you have dropped AirPod pro in water or if you accidentally submerged them, you should react fast and get them out of the water. Turn them off and disconnect them from the device. The next step should be very detailed. Wipe them with a clean cloth and remove the visible water. Put them in a dry place and wait for at least 12 hours to fully air dry. If you can wait for 24 hours, that would be an ideal situation. 

Once you are sure that the AirPods are dry, charge them again and connect them to the device. They should work normally after this procedure. Always try to protect the Airpods from wet conditions if they are not water-resistant. This will increase their life and you will use them for a longer period of time.