Is your AirPod Pro beeping after getting wet? Don’t feel bad; you’re not the only one.
We all know that we must keep our electronic devices as far away from water as possible.
The problem is we’re all human, and mistakes happen.
This guide will help you stop the beeping in your AirPods so that the only thing you can hear is your favorite tunes.
To fix the beeping in your AirPods after getting them wet, you will need to remove the water from your earbuds. You can do this by leaving your AirPods out to dry for 24 – 48 hours or by using Silica packets.
In the following guide, I will explain why the beeping is happening in your AirPods and how to avoid damaging your AirPods further.
Plus, I’ll show you how to remove excess water with the power of Siri, and some science.
Why Is My Airpod Pro Beeping After Getting Wet?
If you’re asking yourself, “why is my AirPod beeping after getting wet?” the answer to this question can be explained in two words: water damage.
To be more specific, in this case, the beeping is a warning that Apple built into the device.
Your Airpod Pro is trying to tell you that you have water trapped inside it.
If you want the beeping to stop, you need to get that water out of there.
Don’t freak out yet, this doesn’t mean that you have to automatically replace your AirPods.
There are plenty of solutions that you can try first before having to buy another pair.
The New Airpods Are Supposed To Be Water Proof Right?
Don’t be fooled by Apple’s semi-misleading marketing.
If you have a pair of the 2nd Generation AirPods Pro, remember that they are water resistant, not waterproof.
These two terms are not interchangeable.
A waterproof device will never let water enter it, while a water-resistant item can only keep out water up to a certain point.
AirPods are designed to withstand a few drops or splashes of water at most. AirPods can not survive being submerged in water.
Note: Water resistance is measured by a rating called an "IP rating". Airpod Pros have a rating of IPX4.
For most devices, this is pretty low. However, when it comes to earbuds, this rating is one of the best on the market!
What NOT to Do When AirPods Get Wet
Before I show you how to stop the beeping in your AirPod, let me tell you a few things you shouldn’t do to fix the problem.
Do Not Use Rice
Rice is a popular option for drying out a wet phone, Airpod’s are a whole different story.
Not only is it extremely hard to remove tiny rice and starch particles from your AirPods, but they can also clog up the inner components.
Rice may even cause more damage as it can create a breeding ground for bacteria.
Do Not Use a Hair Dryer
While heat can help the drying process along, it is important to remember that electronic devices are delicate.
A hairdryer is too intense and can actually melt parts of the device, making it irreparable.
Other sources of intense heat, such as a microwave or direct sunlight, should also be avoided.
Do Not Shake the AirPods Too Much
If you shake your AirPods in an attempt to remove water, it will only drive more moisture further into the device, making it harder to dry out.
Don’t Take Your Time
You need to act quickly when your AirPods get wet. Every second counts here.
The faster you can dry them out, the less damage will be done and the more likely they will recover.
Don’t Leave Them On
As soon as you realize that your AirPods are wet, turn them off.
This will help to prevent any further damage from occurring.
To turn them off, press and hold the button on the back of the case for about 15 seconds.
Don’t Charge Wet AirPods
This one is a big one.
Charging wet AirPods is a recipe for disaster. Not only could this cause water damage to the charging port, but it could also create a fire hazard.
If your AirPods are wet, do not attempt to charge them until they are completely dry.
Also, do not attempt to insert wet Airpods into the charging case.
Tip: Do not put your AirPods in an airtight bag or container either. Your device needs oxygen to work its drying magic.
How To Properly Stop Your AirPods From Beeping
By following these troubleshooting tips, you will remove the water from your AirPods and stop the beeping.
Make sure to follow each step closely, as not doing so could result in having to purchase a very expensive pair of replacement AirPods.
Solution #1: Just Give Them Time To Dry
Sometimes the simple solution is the correct one.
Here are a few quick tips to help with the drying process:
- Leave your AirPods in a low-humidity environment.
- Leave your AirPods out of the charging case.
- Store your AirPods in an area away from pets or children.
- Wait for at least 24 hours. Maybe even 48 hours before you use your AirPods again.
Solution #2: Use A Dry, Lint-Free Cloth
If your AirPods are wet to the touch, you can try blotting away the excess liquid with a dry lint-free cloth.
A cotton swab can also work to absorb liquid from the tiny speakers. Just don’t push too hard, as you could damage them.
This solution is best paired with the first solution, as there will most likely be liquid from inside the earbud that needs to dry before you can use it.
Tip: Do you have a microfiber cloth that you use to clean your glasses? That's perfect for drying your AirPod!
Solution #3: Use Silica Packets
Rice might not be good for your AirPods, but Silica packets are.
Silica gel packets, which often come with new electronics or vitamins, can do wonders for drying out devices.
If you believe there’s still water inside your AirPods, using a handful of silica packets can help.
Silica is a much better option than the alternatives and will prevent your AirPods from being damaged by starch or rice particles.
You can usually find these packets at crafting or electronics stores. Or, even on Amazon!
Solution #4: Use the Water Eject Shortcut
I’m not going to get into all the science involved with this solution. I’m just going to point out that this Siri shortcut is a technical marvel.
Go to this page on your iPhone to try this solution out:
- Once you’re at the website, tap on Get Shortcut.
- Then, tap on + Add Shortcut to add it to your shortcut’s gallery.
- Tap on My Shortcut, then tap on Water Eject.
- Tap on Begin to start the process.
This shortcut will use a low-frequency bass tone to eject excess water from out of our AirPods. You will actually see water coming out of the speakers.
Make sure to go to the website for more information.
Solution #5: Take Your AirPods to The Apple Store
If the beeping still won’t stop, it’s time to get the professionals involved.
Visit your local Apple Store or an authorized Apple Service Provider.
They will be able to properly inspect and repair your earbuds (if they’re not too damaged).
At this point, if you try to fix them anymore, you may do more damage and void your warranty.
If you’re unsure whether your AirPods Pro 2 is covered by warranty, you can check online.
It’s possible that you’ll need to replace your AirPods, but at least you will rest easy knowing that you tried everything you could.
Read Next: How to Make Your AirPods Louder on Spotify?
Bottom Line
There’s no need to panic when it comes to your AirPod Pro beeping after getting wet. There are plenty of solutions for you to try and fix the problem.
I hope you manage to stop the beeping in your AirPods so you can get back to your favorite tunes.
Finn Wheatley holds a Master’s Degree in Computer Science from UCL, London. He helped small data science consultancy firms, helping large corporations to grow their data capabilities, deploy advanced machine learning-based analytics and troubleshoot tech-related issues. Check out more about him here.