We’ve all been there – that heart-stopping moment when your beloved AirPods dip in water unexpectedly. Whether it’s a spilled drink, a sudden rainstorm, or an accidental laundry cycle, getting water in your AirPods can be a real panic-inducing experience. But fear not! You can quickly get your AirPods working again with a few easy steps by removing water from them.
Act Fast to Prevent Damage
The first and most important thing to remember when your AirPods get wet is to act quickly. The longer you let moisture sit inside the earbuds, the higher the risk of permanent damage. Here are some methods you can use to remove water from your AirPods and prevent long-term harm:
Dry the Exterior
- Immediately remove your AirPods from the water source
- Please give them a gentle shake to dislodge any visible water droplets
- To clean your earbuds, use a soft and lint-free cloth to wipe down each earbud’s exterior carefully.
- For AirPods Pro, remove the silicone ear tips and dry them separately
- Don’t forget to dry the charging case inside and out with a cloth or paper towel
Use Water Eject Sounds
Playing certain low-frequency sounds can help push water out of your AirPods. Here’s how:
- Visit the website iFixMySpeakers.com on your phone or computer
- Connect your wet AirPods to the device
- Play the water eject sound at maximum volume
- Hold your AirPods with the speakers facing down to let the water drip out
This method uses sound waves to vibrate the water out of the tiny speaker holes. Just be careful not to play the sound too long, as extended exposure could cause more damage.
Try the Water Eject Siri Shortcut
If you’re an iPhone or iPad user, you can use a handy Siri shortcut to eject liquid from your AirPods. Here’s what to do:
- Connect your AirPods to your iOS device
- Download the “Water Eject” shortcut from the Shortcuts Gallery
- Temporarily disable the Headphone Safety and Automatic Ear Detection features in your settings
- Run the shortcut and choose your AirPods from the list
- The shortcut will play a low-frequency tone to push out the water
- Let it run until no more water comes out, then re-enable your safety features
This shortcut is a quick and easy way to dry out wet AirPods without searching for the right sound frequency. Follow the instructions carefully and revert any settings changes when you’re done.
Use Desiccant Packets
If you want to be extra thorough in removing moisture from your AirPods, use silica gel desiccant packets. These little pouches contain beads that absorb moisture from the air. To use them:
- Place your AirPods in a sealed container like a Ziploc bag or Tupperware
- Surround the earbuds with a few desiccant packets
- Leave them to sit for 24-48 hours so the silica gel can draw out any remaining liquid
- Avoid using uncooked rice, as the starch can get inside your AirPods and cause more problems
While this method takes the longest, it’s an excellent way to ensure your AirPods are completely moisture-free before using them again. Plus, you probably have some silica packets lying around from other electronics or shoe boxes.
The Bottom Line on Saving Wet AirPods
Whether you dropped them in the toilet or forgot them in your pocket during a wash cycle, getting water in your air Pods doesn’t have to mean game over. By acting fast and using these proven methods to eject water, you can often rescue your soaked earbuds and get back to jamming out in no time.
It’s easier to prevent water damage than to deal with it afterward. Consider investing in a waterproof case or looking into water-resistant earbud alternatives if you’re prone to accidents. And if all else fails, don’t be afraid to contact Apple Support or seek professional repair rather than junking your AirPods and shelling out for a new pair.
With these tips, you’ll be ready to tackle any AirPods water crisis confidently. Stay dry out there!