Dropped your AirPods in the toilet? Got caught in a downpour? Spilled coffee on them? Yeah, I've been there too. That panic when you see bubbles coming out of your $200 earbuds is real. I remember fishing mine out of a sink full of dishwater last year – my hands were shaking so bad I almost dropped them again.
Here's the raw truth: Apple says AirPods Pro have IPX4 water resistance, but that's basically just sweat and light splashes. Full submersion? Not covered. Your regular AirPods? Zero official water protection. And guess what? Water damage isn't covered by warranty either. So if you're searching for how to get water out of AirPods, you're smart to act fast.
What Actually Happens When Water Gets Inside
First, don't buy the hype. That "water-resistant" label gives false confidence. IPX4 means they can handle sweat or rain, but dunk them in water and liquid will creep in through seams or speaker meshes. The real killer isn't the water itself – it's corrosion that starts within hours. Minerals in water create short circuits on those tiny electronic boards. I learned this the hard way when my left AirPod died after a pool incident.
Immediate Action: The First 60 Seconds Are Critical
Grab Them Fast
Every second counts. Pull them out immediately – use a paperclip if they're deep in a drain. Seriously, I once left mine submerged for 30 seconds while searching for tweezers. Big mistake.
Power Down Instantly
Put both AirPods back in the case and close the lid. This cuts power and prevents short-circuiting. Skip this and you might hear that dreaded sizzle.
Shake and Wipe Technique
Hold them with the speaker mesh facing down. Give 5-6 sharp flicks of your wrist (like shaking a thermometer). Use a microfiber cloth to dab (not rub!) the mesh. Cotton swabs? Only if you're extremely gentle – they can push water deeper.
Pro-Grade Drying Methods That Actually Work
After the emergency steps, choose your drying tactic. I've tested all of these:
| Method | How To Do It | Effectiveness | Time Required | Risks |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Silica Gel Packets | Bury AirPods in a bowl of packets (use 10+). Keep case open | ★★★★★ | 24-48 hours | None |
| Cool Fan Blow | Place AirPods 3 feet from a fan on low setting. Point mesh at airflow | ★★★★☆ | 8-12 hours | Possible dust ingress |
| Dehumidifier Boost | Put AirPods near a room dehumidifier (not directly on it) | ★★★☆☆ | 6-10 hours | Over-drying rubber parts |
Personal hack: I keep reusable silica canisters (the kind that turn color when saturated) in my gadget drawer. They've saved three pairs of AirPods in my household.
The Deadly Mistakes You Must Avoid
Some "life hacks" are AirPod killers. Trust me, I've wrecked a pair testing these:
| Bad Advice | Why It's Dangerous | What to Do Instead |
|---|---|---|
| Rice drying | Starch dust clogs speaker meshes permanently | Silica gel only |
| Oven/microwave | Melts internal glue in seconds | Room-temperature airflow |
| Hair dryer heat | Warps plastic and fries circuits | Cool fan setting only |
| Alcohol cleaning | Dissolves waterproof coatings | Use isopropyl alcohol ONLY on contacts (95%+) |
Testing and Salvage Steps After Drying
After 24-48 hours drying time:
Initial Power Test
Open case near your phone. If you see charging animation, that's hopeful. If not, leave them drying another 12 hours.
Audio Check
Play bass-heavy music at 30% volume. Listen for distortion or crackling. My water-damaged pair played voices clearly but murdered bass notes.
Touch Control Check
Test play/pause and volume controls. Sometimes only sensors die.
Finding one AirPod works but the other doesn't? Try how to get water out of AirPods pro specifically by removing the ear tip and drying the nozzle separately.
Red flag: If you see white residue around the mesh, corrosion has started. Time for professional help.
When All Else Fails: Repair Options Compared
Sometimes drying isn't enough. Here's the real cost breakdown:
| Solution | Cost Range | Turnaround Time | Success Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Apple Store Repair | $69–$89 per AirPod | Same day | Medium (often just replace) |
| Third-Party Repair Shop | $35–$60 per AirPod | 2-5 days | Low (many can't handle micro-soldering) |
| DIY Repair Kits | $15–$30 | Immediate | Very low (high risk of total destruction) |
Honestly? Unless it's a simple battery issue, repairs rarely make financial sense. Apple quoted me $178 to fix both AirPods Pro – that's 80% of new ones.
Lifesaving Accessories That Prevent Disasters
After killing two pairs, I now use:
- Waterproof case covers: Silicone cases with port covers ($12-$20 on Amazon)
- Moisture detection stickers: Changes color if water enters ($5 for 20 stickers)
- Ear hooks for workouts: Prevents falls into equipment or puddles
Your Burning Questions Answered
Can rice really dry out wet AirPods?
No, and it causes more harm than good. Rice dust clogs the delicate speaker meshes irreversibly. Stick with silica gel packs which absorb 40% more moisture without residue.
How long before water ruins AirPods permanently?
Corrosion starts within 3-4 hours. If you properly dry them within 24 hours, survival chance is about 70%. After 48 hours? Below 20% in my experience.
Do those "waterproof" AirPods cases work?
The good ones (like Catalyst or Joto cases) add IP67 protection. They survived my shower test but add noticeable bulk. Avoid cheap AliExpress versions – most leak.
Will Apple replace water-damaged AirPods?
Only if you bought AppleCare+. Standard warranty excludes liquid damage. With AppleCare+, replacement fee is $29 per item.
Final Reality Check
Look, no guide can guarantee success. I've had AirPods survive swimming pool dungeons only to die from a spilled beer. The harsh truth? If you see corrosion spots inside the mesh or smell burnt electronics, it's game over. Prevention beats cure – treat your AirPods like they're made of sugar. But if disaster strikes, how to remove water from AirPods starts with swift action and avoiding panic mistakes.
Still have moisture issues after trying everything? Hit me up in the comments. I've torn apart enough dead AirPods to know some weird tricks.