Web Desk — In case you just bought yourself a nice new pair of AirPods and you’re wondering if they’re waterproof. The answer is a Big NO. AirPods are not waterproof and you cannot wear them in the shower, swimming, or during a water balloon fight. But the third-generation AirPods or the first or second-generation AirPods Pro, are water resistant.

Difference between Water resistant and waterproof?

None of the Apple AirPods – AirPods, AirPods Pro, or AirPod Max are waterproof. Here, it should be clear that waterproof means being watertight and can be completely submerged in water.

On the other hand, water resistance is much more limited which means that the device can only withstand things like sweat or splashes or sprays of water at different intensities.

Let’s check Apple’s AirPods

AirPods 1 and 2

The AirPods 2 did update a number of technologies but they are not water resistant. You should not use these AirPods out in the rain or any place they can get wet. Splashing water, raindrops, or sweat from exercise, can be damaging for these AirPods. Some AirPod accessories can help waterproof your charging case, but not the AirPod earbuds themselves.

AirPods 3: IPX4 sweat and water resistance

In addition to some updates to both audio features and design for the AirPods3, Apple didn’t forget to make it water resistant.

The AirPods 3 have an IPX4 water-resistance rating which is a standard rating type worldwide. IPX4 is commonly used for all types of headphones and earbuds, among other electronics.

IPX4 specifically means that the AirPods 3 are resistant to “water splashes from any direction.” AirPods 3 are fine to use in the rain while sweating while cooking, etc. If you want AirPods to safely use while jogging or working out in any kind of weather, here’s where that becomes feasible. But IPX4 does not mean these AirPods are entirely waterproof. Don’t you even think about wearing them when swimming or taking a shower.

AirPods Pro 2: IPX4 sweat and water resistance

AirPods Pro 2 are more advanced with the latest earbud technology Apple has, including water resistance. The second-gen AirPods Pro comes with an IPX4 rating, withstanding splashes of water from any direction. But, you can’t wear them while swimming. However, you don’t have to worry about rain. Apple doesn’t advise putting them under running water or wearing them in the shower, but incidental contact with water shouldn’t be something to worry about.

For the AirPods Pro 2, Apple has extended this water resistance to the case as well but we still don’t advise getting water on the inside of the charging case though.

AirPods Max: No water resistance

The AirPods Max is slightly a different category. Instead of wireless earbuds, they are over-ear headphones lacking any type of water resistance at all. With their over-ear design, they are more vulnerable to water and you really don’t want to risk these AirPods. Keep them indoors whenever possible.

What about AirPods charging cases?

There were no water-resistant AirPods charging cases up until recently, but that changed with the latest 3rd-generation of AirPods. There is an IPX4 rating for MagSafe and Lightning cases and the 2nd-generation AirPods Pro with the same rating for their MagSafe case.

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What to do when AirPods get wet?

1: Get them out of the water or rain immediately. Shut’em off and disconnect them from your device.

2: Use a soft and clean cloth to wipe down the AirPods until you have removed all visible water. Give them some gentle shakes to encourage water to leave any crevices.

3: Put AirPods in an open but safe dry place. Never put wet AirPods back in the charging case. Leave them out to fully air dry for at least 12 hours. Avoid compressed air, a hair dryer, or any kind of heat/heated air to dry the AirPods.

4: Once you are done waiting, place the AirPods back in the charging case and charge them again, then attempt to reconnect.