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Can You Wear AirPods in the Shower? The Truth

can you wear airpods in the shower?

Do you ever wish you could listen to your favorite tunes or take phone calls while taking a shower? Are you curious about whether your AirPods are safe to use in wet environments like the shower? 

If so, you’re not alone. Many people want to know if AirPods are waterproof or water-resistant and if they can withstand exposure to water without getting damaged. 

In this blog post, we’ll explore the truth about wearing AirPods in the shower and the potential risks. 

We’ll also provide you with tips for protecting your AirPods from water damage, and discuss other headphone options for those looking for waterproof or water-resistant headphones. So, let’s dive in and discover the facts about using AirPods in the shower.

Can you wear AirPods in the shower?

No, you should not wear AirPods Pro or AirPods in the shower because they weren’t created for use in wet environments like swimming or showering.

According to information on Apple’s website, only the AirPods Pro 1st and 2nd generations, the AirPods 3rd generation, and their cases are rated IPX4 for water resistance. However, this rating isn’t enough for activities like swimming or showering in water.

What happens if you wear airpods in the shower?

When you take a shower with your AirPods Pro (1st and 2nd generations) or AirPods (3rd generations), they will be exposed to water for a long time. And even though their seals are water-resistant, water will eventually seep through and damage the electronic parts of your AirPods. For this reason, it is not recommended to wear AirPods in the shower.

It is not recommended to use AirPods 1st and 2nd generations and their charging cases in wet environments as they are neither water-resistant nor waterproof.

Water-resistance rating of Apple AirPod models and their charging cases

AirPod and Charging case modelWater-resistance rating
AirPods Pro 2nd GenerationIPX4
AirPods Pro 1st GenerationIPX4
AirPods 3rd GenerationIPX4
AirPods 2nd GenerationNo water resistance rating
AirPods 1st GenerationNo water resistance rating
MagSafe Charging Case for AirPods 3rd generationIPX4
Lightning Charging Case for AirPods 3rd generationIPX4
MagSafe Charging Case for AirPods Pro 2nd generationIPX4
MagSafe Charging Case for AirPods Pro 1st generationNo water resistance rating
Wireless Charging Case for AirPods Pro 1st generationNo water resistance rating
Lightning Charging Case for AirPods 1st and 2nd generationNo water resistance rating
Wireless Charging Case for AirPods 1st and 2nd generationNo water resistance rating
AirPod and Charging case models and their water resistance rating

What does the IPX4 water rating of AirPods indicate?

The IPX4 water resistance rating for AirPods and AirPods Pro indicates how much water they can handle. 

This rating means that your AirPods and AirPods Pro can resist water only at splash level and cannot be submerged. 

The X in IPX4 stands for the amount of water that AirPods can handle, with X4 being the lowest level. 

Therefore, you can use AirPods 3rd generation and AirPods Pro 1st and 2nd generations during light water splashes, such as on a rainy day, but they are not waterproof and should not be used for water sports like swimming or showering.

As for the 1st and 2nd generations of AirPods and their charging cases, they are neither water resistant nor waterproof. So you shouldn’t use them in wet environments at all.

Are AirPods and AirPods Pro waterproof/ sweatproof?

AirPods and AirPods Pro are not waterproof or sweatproof because they are not completely impervious to water, and it is not recommended to submerge them in water.

What is the meaning of waterproof?

Waterproof means that a material or product is impervious to water and will not allow any water to penetrate, even when submerged or exposed to water for an extended period.

Are AirPods and AirPods Pro water-resistant/ sweat-resistant?

Yes, AirPods Pro (1st and 2nd generations) and AirPods (3rd generation) are water-resistant and sweat-resistant. This means that they can withstand some exposure to water. However, they are not completely impervious to water and can eventually allow water to penetrate if they are exposed to it for a long enough time.

What is water-resistant?

Water-resistant means that a material or product can resist the penetration of water to some degree, but it is not completely impervious to water. 

A water-resistant material or product can withstand some exposure to water but will eventually allow water to penetrate if it is exposed to enough water or for a long enough time.

Will Apple replace Water-Damaged AirPods?

Regrettably, if your AirPods take an unexpected plunge into liquid, Apple will not offer a replacement. 

The confines of Apple’s one-year limited warranty prohibit any compensation for accidental damage, including water damage. 

This policy is outlined in the latest edition of Apple’s legal documentation for their One Year Limited Warranty.

How can you keep your AirPods safe from water damage?

The AirPods Pro (1st and 2nd gen) and AirPods (3rd gen) have an IPX4 water rating, but their resistance to sweat and water is not a permanent feature and may decrease with time. 

As such, all the water-resistant AirPods and their cases (in the table above), cannot be resealed or retested for their sweat and water resistance capabilities.

Therefore, precautions must be taken to prevent their exposure to water, which could harm internal parts and impair performance. Follow the guide below to keep your water resistant AirPods Pro and AirPods safe from water damage

  1. Avoid placing your AirPods under running water, such as a shower or faucet, and don’t swim with them or submerge them in water. This will help prevent water from penetrating the delicate electronic components inside.
  2. Don’t put your AirPods in the washing machine or dryer. The high-pressure water and heat can damage the AirPods, rendering them unusable.
  3. Avoid wearing your AirPods in a sauna or steam room, where the high humidity and heat can damage the AirPods’ internal components.
  4. Don’t expose your AirPods to high-velocity water, such as while water skiing, which could force water into the AirPods.
  5. Be careful not to drop your AirPods or subject them to other impacts that could damage the delicate electronic components inside.
  6. Don’t expose your AirPods to soaps, shampoos, conditioners, lotions, perfumes, solvents, detergent, acids or acidic foods, insect repellent, sunscreen, oil, or hair dye. All of these can negatively affect water seals and acoustic membranes, which could allow water to penetrate the AirPods’ internal components.

What to Do If Your AirPods or AirPods Pro Get Wet or submerged in water?

If your AirPods Pro or AirPods (3rd generation) are exposed to liquid in any of the scenarios above, follow these steps:

  1. Wipe them clean with a soft, dry, lint-free cloth.
  2. Allow them to completely dry before using them or placing them in the charging case. 
  3. Don’t use a hairdryer or other heating device to dry them, as this could damage the AirPods.
  4. Find a secure location for the AirPods to dry, away from direct sunlight.
  5. Another option is to place the AirPods inside a jar filled with dry, uncooked long-grain rice. The rice is hygroscopic, meaning it attracts moisture, and can assist in removing any moisture from the AirPods.

Here’s what to do if your AirPods Pro or AirPods 3rd generation are exposed to substances like: soaps, shampoos, conditioners, lotions, perfumes, solvents, detergent, acids or acidic foods, insect repellent, sunscreen, oil, or hair dye

  1. Wipe them clean with a cloth slightly dampened with fresh water.
  2. Dry them with a soft, dry, lint-free cloth.
  3. Allow them to completely dry before using them or placing them in the charging case.
  4. Don’t use a hairdryer or other heating device to dry them, as this could damage the AirPods.
  5. Find a secure location for the AirPods to dry, away from direct sunlight.
  6. Another option is to place the AirPods inside a jar filled with dry, uncooked long-grain rice. The rice is hygroscopic, meaning it attracts moisture, and can assist in removing any moisture from the AirPods.

How to Recognize Water Damage in Your AirPods and AirPods Pro?

Water damage can cause noticeable music distortion in your AirPods or AirPods Pro. Moisture on the circuitry can cause the volume to fluctuate erratically. 

It’s important to note that even excessive sweating can lead to moisture entering your Apple AirPods or AirPods Pro, so be mindful of your ear’s tendency to sweat.

Which headphones are suitable for swimming and showering?

If you’re looking for headphones that are suitable for activities like swimming and showering, it’s important to note that AirPods and AirPods Pro are not water-resistant enough. 

However, there are headphones that are specifically designed to be water-resistant and can be used underwater. Here’s a list of some water-resistant headphones you can consider.

  • JBL Reflect Aero
  • H2O Audio Sonar
  • Zygo Solo
  • H2O Audio Tri Multi-Sport
  • Naenka Runner Diver
  • Sony Walkman NW-WS413
  • Shokz OpenSwim
  • Finis Duo
  • Sony NW-WS623 – waterproof headphones with integrated mp3 player

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