Apple AirPods Pro – a gadget everyone is in love with! Apple’s trendsetter wireless earbuds have earned popularity for their advanced features over the years. From including active noise cancellation, transparency mode, and a comfortable fit, Airpods Pro have got it all.
But before buying them, one should be clear about whether AirPods Pro are truly waterproof or simply shower-resistant to prevent future risks and hazards.
That’s what we are going to be discussing in this article. If you’re curious to learn about the waterproof and shower-resistant capabilities of AirPods Pro, understanding their design, IP rating, and practical usage, stay with us till the end.
Overview of Apple Airpods Pro IP Ratings
Before we talk about the water resistance skills of your Airpods, it’s important that you understand its Ingress Protection (IP) rating system and what the IP rating indicates.
Generally, the IP rating consists of two numbers: the first digit indicates solid particle protection (as in dirt and debris), while the second represents liquid ingress protection (such as water, beverages etc). For AirPods Pro, the relevant number is the second one, which ranges from 0 to 8. An IPX4 rating, like that of the AirPods Pro, signifies protection against splashes of water from any direction.
Waterproof VS Water-Resistant
Now it’s time to answer the long-awaited question – Are Airpods Pro Waterproof or Water-resistant?
Well, it’s important to differentiate between “waterproof” and “water-resistant” and be clear on their meanings first.
While the former suggests complete protection against water intrusion, the latter indicates a certain degree of protection but not complete immunity. AirPods Pro fall into the water-resistant category, designed to withstand specific levels of water exposure without compromising their functionality.
It’s essential to address the misconception that “shower-resistant” equates to being waterproof. AirPods Pro’s water-resistance is optimized for sweat, light rain, and accidental splashes, not extended submersion.
The pressure and temperature variations in a shower could potentially exceed the rated protection. It’s advisable to minimize direct water exposure to the earbuds and avoid submerging them underwater.
Users should exercise caution when using them in environments like showers. Minimizing direct water exposure, preventing moisture buildup, and maintaining the charging case’s seal are crucial steps.
AirPods Pro Design and Water Resistance:
The design of the AirPods Pro contributes significantly to their water resistance. Each earbud features a unibody design with internal components sealed off to prevent water from reaching sensitive areas.
Additionally, the charging case plays a crucial role in maintaining the water resistance of the earbuds. When it’s closed, the case’s design minimizes the chance of water seeping inside and damaging technical components.
Accidentally Dropped Airpods Pro in Tub – What to Do?
If you accidentally dropped your AirPods Pro in water, don’t panic, it’s not the end of the world. Although this can potentially damage the Airpods and affect their functionality, you can still handle the situation in the following steps:
1. Pick Them Up Quickly:
Try to retrieve your AirPods Pro from the water as soon as possible to minimize exposure.
2. Turn Them Off:
If they are still on, turn them off immediately to prevent any electrical short circuits. If possible, remove them from the charging case and turn off the case too.
3. Dry Them Off:
Gently pat them dry with a clean, dry cloth or paper towel. Avoid using heat sources like hairdryers, as excessive heat can damage them further.
4. Let Them Air Dry:
Place your AirPods and charging case in a dry, cool location and let them air dry for at least 24-48 hours. Do not use them during this time.
5. Check If They’re Working:
After they have thoroughly dried, check if your AirPods Pro are working correctly. If they still function as expected, you might be fortunate, but there could still be hidden damage that might manifest later.
Keep in mind that even if your AirPods Pro seems to work after drying, water damage can lead to long-term issues, such as reduced battery life or audio quality problems. If you continue to experience problems with them, you may need to contact Apple Support or consider getting them repaired or replaced by a professional technician.
Tips for Safe Airpods Pro Usage
1. Limit Exposure: If you choose to use AirPods Pro in a shower, keep the earbuds as dry as possible by minimizing direct water contact.
2. Use a Shower Speaker: Consider using a dedicated shower speaker if you want to enjoy audio entertainment during your showers without risking damage to your AirPods Pro.
3. Case Integrity: Ensure the charging case is securely closed to prevent water from entering when not in use.
4. Regular Maintenance: Wipe down your AirPods Pro and their case with a dry cloth after any water exposure to prevent moisture buildup.
Wrapping Up
Well, if you are a proud AirPods Pro owner, remember that they are designed with water resistance in mind, carrying an IPX4 rating that offers protection against splashes and light moisture exposure.
While they are not entirely waterproof, their design and engineering make them suitable for active use, including workouts and casual exposure to rain. However, using them in environments like showers requires cautious usage to avoid potential damage.
Therefore, make sure you use them safely with utmost care.
Frequently Asked Questions:
1. Can you shower with airpod pros?
Answer: No, you should not shower with AirPods Pro or any electronic devices. They are not efficiently designed to be waterproof or water-resistant, and exposing them to water can damage them. It’s best to keep them dry and avoid using them in wet or humid environments.
2. Are Airpod showers waterproof?
Answer: AirPods, including the AirPods Pro, are not officially waterproof. While they may be somewhat resistant to light splashes or sweat, they are not designed to be used in a shower or swimming pool.
3. What happens if I drop my Airpod pros in water?
Answer: If you drop your AirPods Pro in water, it’s highly likely that they are damaged. It’s best to turn them off, dry them, and let them air dry for at least 24-48 hours before checking if they work. In case of audio problems or other defects, you should get them repaired or replaced by an expert technician.
4. How do I eject water from my AirPods Pro?
Answer: To remove water from AirPods Pro, gently shake them, pat them dry with a cloth, and let them air dry for 24-48 hours with the case open.
5. Does AppleCare cover water damage?
Answer: AppleCare doesn’t typically cover water damage to your devices as water damage is considered accidental damage and not covered by standard AppleCare warranties. Apple does offer a separate AppleCare+ plan for some devices that covers accidental damage, but you would need to review the details of that plan to see if it covers water damage and what the associated costs or deductibles might be.
6. Can you wear earbuds in the shower?
Answer: Although it depends on the IP ratings of your earbuds, but usually no, you should not wear earbuds, including AirPods, in the shower, as they are not designed to be waterproof and can be damaged by water exposure.
