Wet AirPods? Here's What to Do.
Dropped your AirPods in water, washed them in the laundry, or caught in the rain? Don't panic. Professional-grade moisture removal can save your earbuds.
Act Fast. Every Minute Counts.
Follow these steps immediately to maximize your chances of recovery.
Remove & Shake
Take AirPods out of the case. Gently shake with speaker holes facing down to remove excess water.
Dry the Exterior
Use a soft, lint-free cloth to dab dry. Don't insert anything into the ports or speaker mesh.
Skip the Rice
Rice leaves dust and starch that can damage speakers. Use a proper desiccant or drying pouch instead.
Use DryBUDDY
Place in Redux DryBUDDY overnight. It actively pulls moisture out—faster and safer than air drying.
Important: Don't Use Them Wet
Don't put wet AirPods in the charging case or try to use them. This can cause electrical shorts and permanent damage. Wait at least 48 hours (or overnight with DryBUDDY) before testing.
Myth vs Reality
What actually works for wet AirPods
"Put them in rice overnight"
Rice is ineffective and can leave dust, starch particles, and debris in the speaker mesh—causing more damage.
Use silica gel or desiccants
Professional desiccant-based solutions like Redux DryBUDDY are clinically proven to absorb moisture safely and effectively.
"Use a hair dryer to speed things up"
Heat can warp plastic components and damage the battery. Never use direct heat on electronics.
Use a professional desiccant
Redux DryBUDDY actively pulls moisture out overnight—far faster and more thorough than air drying alone. No heat, no risk.
"AirPods Pro are waterproof"
They're water-resistant (IPX4), not waterproof. They can handle sweat and light splashes, but not submersion.
All AirPods need drying after water exposure
Even "water-resistant" models can be damaged by moisture inside. Proper drying prevents long-term corrosion.
Professional Drying Solutions
The same technology trusted by 2,000+ professionals worldwide
Redux DryBUDDY uses advanced desiccant technology to actively remove moisture—not just wait for it to evaporate. Works overnight while you sleep.
Redux DryBUDDY™
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Veri-Dry™ Hearing Aid Dryer Case + Reusable DryBUDDY™
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Works With All Wireless Earbuds
AirPods
AirPods Pro
Galaxy Buds
Sony / Jabra
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do if my AirPods got wet?
+Immediately remove them from water and shake gently with speaker holes facing down. Dry the exterior with a lint-free cloth. Don't put them in the charging case while wet. Place them in a dry location—ideally with a desiccant like Redux DryBUDDY—for at least 48 hours before attempting to use them.
Can AirPods survive water damage?
+Yes, many AirPods can be saved if you act quickly. AirPods Pro and AirPods 3rd gen have some water resistance (IPX4), but they're not waterproof. The key is not using them while wet and allowing them to dry completely with a proper desiccant.
How long should I wait before using wet AirPods?
+Wait at least 48 hours, though 72 hours is safer. Apple recommends allowing them to dry completely before placing in the charging case or using. With a Redux DryBUDDY, moisture is removed more quickly and completely than air drying alone.
Does the Water Eject shortcut work for AirPods?
+The Water Eject shortcut is designed for Apple Watch, not AirPods. While some people try playing low-frequency tones through AirPods to push water out, this isn't officially supported and may not be effective. Physical drying with a desiccant is more reliable.
Are AirPods Pro waterproof?
+No, AirPods Pro are water-resistant (IPX4 rating), not waterproof. This means they can handle sweat and light splashes, but shouldn't be submerged or exposed to heavy water. The charging case has no water resistance rating at all.
Does Apple warranty cover water damage?
+No, Apple's standard warranty and AppleCare+ do not cover water or liquid damage to AirPods. This makes proper drying even more important—replacement AirPods can cost $89-$249 depending on the model.
Save Your AirPods Today
Don't risk permanent damage. Get professional-grade drying that actually works.