“No… I didn’t”… Discovering your AirPods have accidentally gone through a wash cycle is every Apple user’s nightmare.
When you try to use them afterward, you might be greeted with an annoying high-pitched noise that sounds like it spells doom!
Are your Airpods beyond recovery? Not necessarily… in this article, we’ll advise on some handy steps.
Skip to:
- Why the high-pitched noise?
- Airpods through the wash: What to do first
- How to dry
- Don’t do this
- FAQs
If this sounds familiar, don’t panic – you’re not alone, and there are ways to address this frustrating situation.
Why the high-pitched noise?
The high-pitched squealing, whistling, or whining sound you’re hearing from your water-damaged AirPods typically stems from several technical issues caused by water exposure. Understanding the root cause can help you determine whether your earbuds are salvageable.
🔊 Water in the speaker drivers
The most common culprit is water that has infiltrated the tiny speaker drivers inside your AirPods. These miniature speakers are precision-engineered components that rely on delicate moving parts. When water gets trapped inside, it can cause the speaker cone to behave erratically, producing distorted audio or high-frequency squealing sounds.
🔊 Damaged audio processing circuits
Modern AirPods contain sophisticated audio processing chips that handle everything from noise cancellation to spatial audio. Water exposure can cause short circuits or corrosion in these sensitive electronic components, leading to audio distortion and unwanted noise generation.
🔊 Moisture in the microphone assembly
AirPods have multiple microphones for call quality and noise cancellation features. Water trapped in these components can create feedback loops or interfere with the audio processing, resulting in high-pitched sounds or audio artifacts.
🔊 Battery and power management issues
Water damage can affect the internal battery and power management systems. When these components malfunction, they may not provide stable power to the audio circuits, causing various audio anomalies including high-pitched noises.
AirPods through the wash: What to do first
If you’ve just discovered your AirPods have been through the washer, time is critical. The sooner you act, the better your chances of recovery.
👉 Don’t turn them on
Resist the urge to immediately test your AirPods. Powering on water-damaged electronics can cause additional damage by creating short circuits in wet components.
👉 Remove from charging case
If your AirPods were in their charging case during the wash, remove them immediately. The case likely has water trapped inside as well and needs separate attention.
👉 Gentle cleaning
Use a soft, lint-free cloth to gently wipe away any visible water, soap residue, or debris from the exterior surfaces. Pay special attention to the speaker grilles and charging contacts.
👉 Shake out excess water
Gently shake each AirPod to remove any loose water from the speaker grilles or other openings. Be careful not to shake too vigorously, as this could drive water deeper into the internal components.
How to dry
Proper drying is crucial for potentially saving your water-damaged AirPods. Here are the most effective approaches:
♨️ Silica gel packets
Place your AirPods and charging case in a sealed container filled with silica gel packets (the kind found in shoe boxes or electronics packaging). These packets are specifically designed to absorb moisture and are more effective than rice for this purpose. Leave them sealed for at least 48-72 hours.
♨️ Uncooked rice method
While not as effective as silica gel, uncooked rice can still help absorb moisture. Bury your AirPods completely in a bowl of rice and let them sit for 2-3 days. Make sure no rice grains get stuck in the speaker grilles.
♨️ Professional desiccant
If available, commercial desiccant products designed for electronics are the gold standard. These are often available at camera stores or electronics repair shops.
♨️ Air drying with positioning
Place your AirPods speaker-side down on an absorbent cloth in a dry, well-ventilated area. This allows gravity to help water drain out of the speaker assembly. Avoid direct sunlight or heat sources, which can damage internal components.
Don’t do this
Avoid these common mistakes that can make the situation worse:
🚫 Don’t use heat
Hair dryers, ovens, heaters, or direct sunlight can warp plastic components and damage internal electronics. Heat can also cause water to expand and penetrate deeper into the device.
🚫 Avoid compressed air
While it might seem logical to blow water out, compressed air can force moisture deeper into internal components where it’s harder to remove.
🚫 Don’t disassemble
AirPods are not designed to be user-serviceable. Attempting to take them apart will likely cause more damage and void any remaining warranty coverage.
🚫 Skip the alcohol
While isopropyl alcohol is sometimes recommended for electronics, it can damage the adhesives and seals in AirPods, potentially making water damage worse.
FAQs
How long should I wait before testing my AirPods after they’ve been washed?
Wait at least 48-72 hours before attempting to power on your AirPods. Rushing this process is one of the most common mistakes that can turn recoverable water damage into permanent damage. The internal components need sufficient time to completely dry, and any residual moisture can cause short circuits when you apply power.
Can I still use my warranty if my AirPods went through the washer?
Unfortunately, water damage typically voids Apple’s standard warranty, as it’s considered accidental damage rather than a manufacturing defect. However, if you have AppleCare+ for Headphones, you may be eligible for a reduced-cost replacement. Check your coverage details, as policies can vary by region and purchase date.
Is it safe to put AirPods in rice, or will the grains damage them?
Rice is generally safe for AirPods, but you need to be careful about rice grains getting lodged in the speaker grilles or charging ports. Place your AirPods in a sock or wrap them in a thin cloth before burying them in rice to prevent direct contact while still allowing moisture absorption. Silica gel packets are a safer and more effective alternative.
My AirPods work but sound muffled after washing – will this improve over time?
Muffled sound often indicates water is still trapped in the speaker assembly. This can sometimes improve as residual moisture continues to evaporate over several days or weeks. Try placing them in silica gel for another 24-48 hours. If the muffling persists beyond a week, it likely indicates permanent damage to the speaker components.
One AirPod works fine, but the other makes the high-pitched noise – should I replace both?
You don’t necessarily need to replace both AirPods. Apple and many retailers sell individual replacement AirPods, though they cost about 60-70% of a full pair’s price. However, consider that the “working” AirPod may have sustained internal damage that could manifest later, potentially leaving you with two separate failure points.
Can I prevent this from happening again with a waterproof case?
While no case is 100% waterproof against washing machine submersion, there are water-resistant cases that provide better protection against splashes and brief water exposure. Look for cases with IP ratings of IPX7 or higher. However, the best prevention is developing consistent habits like always checking pockets before laundry and storing AirPods in a designated spot.
How can I tell if my charging case is damaged from the wash cycle?
Test your charging case by checking if the LED indicator lights work properly, if it charges your AirPods correctly, and if it maintains its own battery charge. Water damage signs include: LED lights not working, failure to charge AirPods, rapid battery drain, or visible corrosion around the charging ports. The case is often more susceptible to water damage than the AirPods themselves due to its larger internal cavity.
