Are AirPods 3 Waterproof And Can You Shower With Them?
Apple recently released the AirPods 3, and this latest version of the beloved earphones boasts some remarkable new features that have many people buzzing with excitement. But are the AirPods 3 waterproof, and can you shower with them?
AirPods 3 are water-resistant but not waterproof. They will most likely survive a light drizzle or some sweat at the gym, but showering with them is out of the question. Always do your best to keep your AirPods dry. The AirPods case, meanwhile, is not waterproof or water-resistant.
Before you take a shower or jump in the pool with your AirPods in, let’s take a closer look at just how water-resistant these earphones are. We’ll also go over some of the best ways to keep your AirPods nice and dry.
Are the AirPods 3 Waterproof?
The AirPods 3 (on Amazon) aren’t waterproof, and Apple confirms they’ll indeed sustain damage from too much water. They have the same IP (ingress protection) rating as AirPods Pro, which is IPX4.
For a device to be waterproof, it must be able to withstand prolonged contact with water, such as being fully submerged in a swimming pool or worn in the shower.
With an IPX4 rating, AirPods 3 don’t make the cut. You’d have to look for a rating of IPX7 or higher to consider a device waterproof.
The IPX7 rating means a device is adequately protected against streams of water and submerging. It guarantees waterproofness to a degree where you generally don’t have to worry about water.
Are AirPods 3 Water-Resistant?
AirPods 3 are indeed water-resistant. That means they’ll most likely be fine if you expose them to a small amount of water in certain circumstances.
They can hold out against moderate exposure to moisture and light water splashes. They’ll likely work fine after you’re caught in a drizzle, but they won’t live through a dip in your bathtub.
If your AirPods 3 survive contact with a direct stream of water, count yourself extremely lucky. And to be blunt, submerging them is something you shouldn’t even think about.
If you ever get your AirPods wet by accident, Apple recommends you pat them dry with a lint-free cloth. If you suspect water has seeped inside them, your best bet is to allow them to dry before charging them.
Is the AirPods 3 Case Water-Resistant?
While the AirPods 3 earbuds hold out well against light exposure to water, the charging case isn’t water-resistant. Therefore, you should dry the AirPods before you insert them into the case.
You can quickly dry the AirPods and charging case using a soft, dry cloth — preferably a lint-free one, like these microfiber cloths (on Amazon). Don’t expose them to any form of heat!
If you try to charge your AirPods after the case has been exposed to water, you’ll damage the case, which isn’t water-resistant. The earbuds aren’t safe either, so just dry everything carefully!
Can You Wear AirPods 3 in the Shower?
You can’t wear your AirPods 3 in the shower. They’ll easily get damaged when exposed to a continuous stream of water.
While they could, in theory, survive if you’re careful not to get them wet, this isn’t an easy feat to accomplish, and a direct hit from the shower head is all it takes to ruin them.
Moreover, Apple warns that water resistance reduces significantly with age, so the odds of spoiling your AirPods 3 in the shower only increase with time.
Tips for Keeping Your AirPods 3 Dry
Even though the AirPods 3 are water resistant, you should always do your best to keep them away from water.
Remember, water resistance is different from waterproofness, and it’ll wear with time. If you’re not careful, you’ll start to have problems like squeaky noises, difficulty establishing the wireless connection, and batteries that drain crazy fast.
To enjoy your experience with AirPods for longer, you must prioritize keeping them safe from water at all times. Here are some quick tips for keeping your AirPods 3 dry:
- Dry them off with a lint-free cloth after a heavy workout.
- Remove them before getting in the shower, and only handle them again once you’ve dried yourself thoroughly.
- Remove your AirPods if you’re caught in the rain.
- Remove AirPods from your ears when they’re not in use.
Above all, keep your dry AirPods in the charging case to eliminate chances of exposure to water and damage.