Despite being costly, AirPods continue to rank among the best wireless earphones on the market. But what happens if you drop them in water unintentionally or get them wet?
Is it a good idea to mend your AirPods by placing them in rice? Then, you’re at the right place if you’re looking for ways to dry your moist Airpods.
Although possible, it is not advisable to place Airpods in rice. Even though some Owners of AirPods utilize this technique to drain water, it is sadly less dependable than simply letting your AirPods air dry. Users should considerably disprove the rice method because it is both a myth and a fact.
Can You Put Airpods In Rice?
Although you could, you shouldn’t. Your AirPods’ tiny outlets and apertures could become blocked with rice.
Additionally, some researchers believe that rice may speed up the rusting of your AirPods.
No of the model, it is best to keep your AirPods as dry as you can. The best option is to keep the AirPods charging cases dry, as none of them are currently waterproof.
Even if you clean them with a wet rag, Apple advises users to leave AirPods Max out to dry for at least 24 hours.
The best way to repair water damage to your AirPods is not with rice. Why you shouldn’t put Airpods in rice is so for the reasons listed below:
#1. Grains Getting Stuck
The rice grains can become stuck in the speaker grills or charging port when they expand after absorbing wet.
Your AirPods may sustain more significant harm, and charging them may become more complex.
#2. Attracts Bugs
Bugs eat rice as a food source. Therefore, there is a potential that bugs will be drawn to the rice and enter your AirPods if you leave them in a bowl of rice.
#3. It Does Not Absorb All Moisture
Your AirPods can still be damp after being placed in rice since rice does not wholly absorb moisture. The use of Airpods in rice has both advantages and disadvantages.
Here are the disparities in the table below.
| Benefits | Drawback |
|---|---|
| It is a more convenient option for most users | It is not an acknowledged option to rid of water |
| It gets out almost all the moisture stored in the wet Airpods | There’s a possible chance of rice grains getting into the Airpods |
How Should Long Leave Airpods In Rice?
For 48 hours, put your headphones in a rice bag. A word of caution: Wait until the 48-hour waiting period has passed before using or operating your earbuds.
The minute rice grains or other particles could become stuck in your AirPods and do more harm than good.
If you do and they stop working, they are lost forever, and you will need to buy new ones. When electronics come into contact with water, people scramble to find a means to dry them off.
Is there a chance to save them? Maybe. What to do if your AirPods become wet is listed below. However, several points require clarification.
Apple notifies owners of the AirPods Pro that their device has an IPX4 classification, making it sweat- and water-resistant.
Therefore, even if AirPods Pro gets wet from splashing water or sweat, it won’t spoil. However, it would help if you were mindful that it loses some waterproofing over time.
With regular use of the Airpods, you can diminish their water resistance. Some AirPods users assert that rice or desiccant in silica gel packets works effectively to draw out any moisture.
You’ll notice that most tips for fixing wet Airpods on Google suggest soaking them in rice. Despite what others may claim, it would help if you did not put your AirPods in rice.
It is not superior to air drying. However, your Airpods may be repairable if they do get wet.
Quickly pat them dry with a soft cloth with a microfiber cloth. After that, set the Airpods apart to dry.
What to Look Out for Before Putting Airpods In Rice?
Before you consider placing your Airpods in rice, do the following.
- To fit your AirPods, locate a big container and fill it with rice.
- Place your AirPods inside the container and cover them with rice.
- Please give them at least 24 hours in the rice. Take your AirPods out of the rice after 24 hours and check to see if they are functioning.
After being in the rice, if your AirPods aren’t working, you can try again after 24 hours.
As an alternative to rice, you could utilize silica gel packets. If your AirPods are still not functioning, you should contact Apple support for a replacement.
Tips And Tricks to Consider When Putting Airpods In Rice
Make sure you’re utilizing the rice approach; first, wipe away the moisture that is more easily accessible.
You don’t want the rice to become wet and sticky and mingle with the cracks in the headphones. Keep an eye on the Airpods to ensure no rice sticks in the pod’s crucial areas.
Ensure the rice and rice container are free of bugs or dirt. You may have a double issue if rice or rice dirt goes inside the Airpods’ components.
To prevent this, keep your AirPods in a container with the packets. Wrap them in paper towels to prevent grain from lodged in the AirPods.
How Do You Dry Out Airpods?
If your AirPods get wet, try to dry them out as soon as possible. There are three quick ways to dry AirPods that have been in the water.
These approaches are:
#1. Remove Water Using Siri Shortcuts
It is preferable to use this option as soon as possible after getting your AirPods wet. If you respond soon, your chances of a successful remedy are significantly improved.
So, how do you go about doing this?
- On your iPhone, download the Shortcuts Gallery app. After downloading the app, make sure your AirPods are connected.
- Find the “Water Eject” option in the Shortcuts Gallery app by opening it. Then, select “Water Eject” from the menu.
- You will observe water trickling out of your AirPods if they contain moisture. Hold down the eject button until no more water comes out of it.
- Use a gentle, dry, lint-free cloth or microfiber to dry your AirPods completely, and verify your AirPods to see if the sound quality has returned to 100%.
- If it is, you can breathe a sigh of relief; if not, you can attempt some additional techniques to repair the water damage.
#2. Use a Microfiber Fabric
The design of the Apple AirPods Pro makes it simple for water to enter the gadget if you drop them into a cup of water, completely submerging them.
- Remove the AirPods from their case.
- Dry the AirPods Pro gently with a microfiber towel.
Make sure to perform this upside-down to ensure that neither the water nor the air has any movement problems.
Ensure the case is not wet after the pods are still drying to prevent damage between the two.
If your case is not dry, pick a fabric and use the previous instructions, and the issue with your wet airpods should be over.
When you turn off the lid and turn the cases upside down, they dry more effectively.
Apple cautions that you must only use your AirPods or put them away in their charging case when they are dry.
If you place wet AirPods in its case, it could cause more harm to the charging case. Apple also recommends this as the ideal answer to its customers.
Remember to avoid plugging in your AirPods to electricity when submerged since this could cause short-circuiting issues. Additionally, it might prevent one earbud from later charging!
#3. Employ a Blow Dryer
If using a micro, the more delicate cloth wasn’t successful, you may use a blow dryer’s frequency to dry your AirPods.
Firstly, blow-dry the outside of the AirPods after removing them from their case.
This method will work if the water has not gone into the inner area and it isn’t entirely submerged.
Try a different method if you discover water within your AirPods because it can be the reason why one earbud fails. Well, the previous instruction can resolve this issue as well.
You can occasionally use cotton swabs to help dry off the case and the AirPods. These swabs, however, are ineffective if your airpods are entirely wet.
Blow drying is the easiest way to restore Airpods that have fallen into the water because blow dryers are available in most homes.
The AirPods pro may become damaged if you use an excessively high temperature, and they may also keep flashing white light, which is a problem.
Don’t use the high setting; keep the blow dryer at least six inches away from your AirPods to avoid damaging the components inside.
#3. Put the Airpods Around Packets of Desiccant
You can try this method if your devices have dropped into a container of water and its case is secure. It completely absorbs moisture and restores the functionality of your AirPods.
Place your damp AirPods inside desiccant packets if you keep the desiccant at home, then seal them in a container for a couple of hours.
You can assist your AirPods in absorbing any remaining moisture using silica packets or another desiccant. These packets absorb the moisture present and enable multiple uses.
The issue is that dust and small particles in the bag of rice can quickly enter the water-filled airpods. Later on, it can impair the functionality of AirPods.
Therefore, you should always follow Apple’s advice or employ exceptionally safe practices to preserve the case and the AirPods.
You can take your AirPods to a nearby Apple customer service facility for repair if none of the ways seem to be drying out the water.
This customer service division charges you the same if interior damage occurs.
In contrast, the issue would be over immediately if it is a typical one. However, it is advisable to obtain a water-resistant cover to be extra cautious when it is raining or windy.
Conclusion
When wet, putting AirPods in rice can be more harmful than helpful. As they are not water-resistant, we do not advise immersing AirPods.
Apple will not cover the cost of repairing or replacing a broken set of AirPods. At an Apple Store, we can do diagnostics. If you need a new set, you might have to purchase one.