Are my AirPods waterproof?

Are my Airpods waterproof? 

Can you without any worry walk through the rain or sweat while exercising with your AirPods in? Won't this damage the earbuds and will they continue to work as they should? These are questions related to the water resistance of all AirPods models. From the AirPods 1st generation to the AirPods Max. So what is the actual level of water resitance for these AirPods? You can read it in this blog by SB Supply

Waterproof or water resistant? 

First of all, let's talk about the difference between waterproof and water resistant. Knowing this information is important when it comes to AirPods. The difference between water resistance and water resistance is as follows: Waterproof provides a complete barrier to water and water resistance makes it difficult for water to get through, but it is still possible. We also have to look at the IPX code of the AirPods. Items with an IP certificate are tested against very precise criteria, so you know exactly how waterproof / water resistant your AirPods are. The value of the IPX code goes from 0 to 9K. In the table below you can see what these values ​​mean:

Water resistance - IPX code 0 to 9K

 Value 

 Description

 Test

0

No protection -

1


No damage when subject to verticle falling drops

Time: 10 minutes

2


No damage if subject to falling drops on a 15° tilted device

Time: 10 minutes

3

No damage when sprayed at an angle -60° up to 60°
Time: 10 minutes
Water: 0.07 liters
per minute per nozzle

4


No damage when sprayed at any angle

Time: 10 minutes

5

No damage if sprayed at any angle, 6.3mm gap

Time: 15 minutes
Water: 12.5 liters per minute

6

No damage if sprayed at any angle, opening 12.5mm

Time: 3 minutes

Water: 100 liters per minute

7

No water ingress if submerged one meter deep in water

Time: 30 minutes
8

Remains usable under water under conditions specified by the manufacturer. The maximum depth is probably more than one meter, but other factors such as temperature and environment can also play a role.

Time: as agreed with
manufacturer

9K

Remains usable at more than 90% humidity or high pressure spraying water

Time: 2 minutes
Water: 14-16 liters per minute

Pressure: 8-10 MPa
Distance: 10-15 cm
Temperature: 80 °C

Are AirPods waterproof? 

Currently there are four different models of AirPods: AirPods 2 (from 2019 and 1st generation from 2017), the AirPods 3 (2021), Airpods Pro (2019) and the AirPods Max (2020). Unfortunately, none of these models are 100% waterproof. That is simply not possible because of the speakers and the air passages of the ears. But, are there any AirPods that are water resistant? Yes there are! The AirPods 3 and AirPods Pro are water resistant. These have an IPX4 certification which means that they will not be broken by a few drops of water or sweat. So you can go to the gym or walk in the (light) rain with these AirPods without any worry. The AirPods 2 from 2019 and the 1st generation from 2017 and the AirPods Max are not water resistant either. So also watch out if you have these in/on when it starts to rain. So to summarize: 

  • AirPods 2 (2019 and the first AirPods from 2017): not water resistant.
  • AirPods Max (2020): not water resistant.
  • Airpods 3 (2021): water resistant with IPX4 certification.
  • Airpods Pro (2020): water resistant with IPX4 certification.

What if AirPods get wet?

It can of course happen that your AirPods get wet accidentally. The AirPods 3 and Pro can handle a little sweat during exercise. But if you drop them in water and they get really soaked, don't turn them on for a few days and see if you can do one of the following: 

  • Are your AirPods wet? Put them in a dry place in your house for a few days. Do not use heat sources such as a stove or hairdryers to speed up the drying process.
  • Is the case wet? Open the case and turn it upside down, so that the case can dry and the moisture can drip out. Do not use heat sources here either to speed up the drying process.
  • Use a a soft, dry, lint-free cloth, such as a microfibre cloth, to dry them.
  • Wrap your AirPods in paper towels and place them in a container of dry rice. This may take a few days. 

If your Airpods still can't connect to your phone after a few days, then it's time to get new AirPods. We also recommend that you protect your AirPods properly against water! Catalyst offers waterproof cases that can easily help you avoid water damage.with which you can easily avoid the above problem. Shop the Catalyst Waterproof Cases now at SB Supply!

Also for general AirPod protection & accessories can be found at SB Supply!

Want to know more about the water resistance of your iPhone? Then read this blog: Is my iPhone waterproof?

Want to know more about the water resistance of your Apple Watch? Then read this blog: Is my Apple Watch waterproof? 

Posted By Ambar de Ruijter