Mandy PhillipsIf music is your absolute indulgence, you may wonder if you can wear your Apple AirPods or AirPods Pro in the shower.
Since AirPods are expensive to replace, it is a good idea to know exactly what environments you can expose them to.
AirPods and AirPods Pro are not entirely waterproof. While they are splashproof and water-resistant, AirPods won’t survive being immersed in water or exposed to running water. This means no showering or swimming or sitting in saunas with your AirPods.
But what if I told you there were some hacks that would let you use your AirPods in the shower without damaging them?
Read on to learn how you can safely use AirPods in the shower.
Are AirPods & AirPods Pro Waterproof?
Apple is constantly updating its products, and their AirPods have seen three generations of upgrades.
The 1st generation Apple AirPod was a brilliant product, but not at all waterproof or even water-resistant. Even sweat could damage these.
Compare this to the 2nd generation Apple AirPods that have a laminate coating over the internal circuitry to help improve water-resistance.
While we were all waiting for a waterproof upgrade in the 3rd generation Apple AirPod Pros, we were disappointed as these are also not waterproof.
AirPods & AirPods Pro IP Rating
The ingress protection (IP) rating is a quality tested standard applied to electronic devices. The IP rating tests the resistance a product has to liquids.
The Apple AirPods 1st and 2nd generation have no IP rating, meaning they have little to no water-resistance and are definitely not waterproof.
The Apple AirPods Pro (3rd generation) has an IP rating of X4. This means AirPods Pro have a water resistance level 4, which is quite low.
AirPods Pro can resist water, but they can’t be immersed in water or exposed to running water—bad news for those who love to shower while listening to some in-ear tunes.
Are AirPods & AirPods Pro Safe to Use in the Shower?
While using Apple AirPods and AirPods Pro in the shower won’t cause you any electric shock or damage your ears, these products aren’t likely to survive being soaked with water.
Most likely, the internal circuitry will short, become damaged, and the device will stop working.
How to Use AirPods & AirPods Pro in the Shower
But what if you insist on using your Apple AirPods and AirPods Pro in the shower?
Is there a hack that can help you enjoy the best of your in-ear music without damaging your expensive devices?
There sure is!
Hacks for Using Your Apple AirPods and AirPods Pro in the Shower
Shower Cap
Since it’s water exposure you want to avoid, you can use a shower cap that is pulled low over your ears so the AirPods are protected from direct contact with water or soap or other liquids.
Cotton Wool
It may seem silly, but covering your AirPods with some cotton wool before you shower can help reduce the inflow of water into the ear.
While this is not foolproof, you can sneak a quick shower while still protecting your AirPods from water damage.
Saran Wrap And Elastic Bands
While you may know Saran wrap or cling film as something you use in the kitchen to cover leftover food, it is also great for wrapping up your AirPods toting ears for a quick shower.
Simply take a section of wrap (for each ear), double it over, then place it against your ears (with the AirPods in your ears), folding the excess around the ears.
Secure the Saran wrap with some elastic bands, and your Apple AirPods are good to go.
What to Do if Your AirPods & AirPods Pro Get Wet
So disaster strikes, and your Apple AirPods get exposed to a little more than a splash of water. What do you do?
You can possibly still save them. Immediately dry your AirPods off as soon as you can with a clean lint-free cloth after the water exposure.
If you have nothing else on hand, then placing the AirPods on some kitchen toweling may also help.
How to Tell if Your AirPods & AirPods Pro Have Water Damage
One of the best signs of water damage to AirPods and AirPods Pro is distorted music.
If the volume of your AirPods increases or decreases randomly, it indicates there is water on the circuitry.
Remember that even a sweaty ear can lead to moisture (sweat) penetrating your Apple AirPods or AirPods Pro.
How to Get Water Out of AirPods & AirPods Pro
After wiping your AirPods dry with a lint-free cloth, it is a good idea to further dry out the interior without having to open the AirPods casings.
Place the AirPods in a safe place (but not in direct sunlight) to dry out.
It may also help to place them in a container filled with dry uncooked regular rice. Rice is hygroscopic, meaning it attracts moisture, so it can help to draw the moisture out of the AirPods.
Wait at least 24 hours before you attempt to charge your AirPods and switch them on.
Alternatives to Using AirPods in the Shower
If you really can’t use your AirPods in the shower and none of the earlier hacks have worked for you, then it’s time to consider some other methods of still listening to your favorite tunes without your AirPods.
Waterproof Speaker
A waterproof speaker is a great option as it is encased in a completely waterproof housing that will keep moisture out while still delivering great sound.
These come in makes and models specially designed for the shower and even have special straps to hang them from the taps or shower head.
Simply pair the speaker to your smartphone via Bluetooth and enjoy.
Shower Phone Holders
If you want to use your smartphone in the shower but it’s not waterproof either, using a waterproof shower phone holder is a great alternative.
These holders can range from a hardened sealed case to a special pocket in a shower curtain.
You can even opt for a Ziploc bag to place your phone in.
FAQ
After taking a shower, be sure to dry off properly before you wear your Apple AirPods and AirPods Pro. As long as you remove any water from your ear canal before inserting the AirPods, it is safe to wear them after a shower.
If it comes down to repairing your water damaged AirPods, be prepared to really shake your wallet. If your AirPods are still under warranty, you will pay an additional fee of $29 per pod. Should your AirPods be out of warranty, you will pay an additional fee of $69 per pod.
The warranty of Apple AirPods covers the user for two accidental damage instances. If your AirPods aren’t obviously and intentionally exposed to water, Apple may still repair the damage or replace the damaged AirPods. However, it is not advisable to intentionally shower with your Apple AirPods in as Apple may not cover this specific kind of water damage under the warranty.
While it’s not advisable to launder your AirPods, there have been several reported cases of people putting their AirPods through the washing machine and the AirPods not suffering any damage. Apple officially doesn’t recommend laundering AirPods, but it does seem that your AirPods may actually be okay after being through the wash.
A dryer may seem like a safer place to put your AirPods than the washing machine, but the higher temperatures and physical punishment that comes from being through a dryer can potentially damage your AirPods. Dryers can reach temperatures of over 150℉, which can easily melt the delicate circuitry of your AirPods.
The sauna is a hot and steamy space where condensation and water vapor is prolific. When your AirPods are exposed to this environment, the AirPods will absorb the moisture from the atmosphere in the sauna room, resulting in water damage. You should not wear your AirPods in the sauna.
