Reviewed 19 September 2026Quick answer: remove your AirPods, wipe them with a soft, dry, lint-free cloth, and leave them to dry completely for at least two hours before using them or putting them in their charging case. Apple's AirPods support pages do not document a Water Eject control comparable to Apple Watch.
Dry wet AirPods safely
- Take the AirPods out of your ears and away from the liquid.
- Wipe them with a soft, dry, lint-free cloth.
- Keep liquid out of the charging ports and do not place wet AirPods in the case.
- Let them dry completely for at least two hours before use or charging, following Apple's current support guidance.
Water-resistant does not mean waterproof
Resistance varies by AirPods model and charging case. Apple says sweat and water resistance are not permanent conditions and can decrease with normal wear. AirPods should not be submerged or exposed to high-velocity water, and the charging cases are not intended to be treated as waterproof.
Check your exact model in Apple's water-resistance article rather than assuming guidance for one generation applies to another.
If the liquid was not clean water
Apple provides model-specific cleaning methods for substances that can stain or damage AirPods. Follow the cleaning page for your model and avoid running AirPods under water. Do not use compressed air or sharp objects in the mesh or ports.
If the case also got wet
Disconnect the charging cable, wipe the outside with a dry lint-free cloth, and keep liquid away from the charging port. Do not place wet AirPods into the case. Wait until both the AirPods and case are fully dry before charging.
When to seek service
If sound remains distorted, charging behaves unexpectedly, or an AirPod becomes unusually hot after it has dried, stop using it and contact Apple Support. AirPods contain batteries and sensitive electronics; a tone cannot repair internal liquid damage.