Can sweat ruin AirPods?

As an owner of AirPods, I know how frustrating it can be when things don’t work as expected. Recently, I was concerned about whether sweat could ruin my AirPods, so I decided to do some research. In this blog post, I’ll be sharing what I discovered and some other solutions I found to this problem.

Caution	AirPods Version	Water and Sweat Resistance	Cleaning Method
Not water and sweat-resistant	First and second-generation	No	N/A
Water and sweat-resistant	Third-generation and AirPods Pro	Yes	Dry the sweat using a clean, dry lint-free cloth. Don’t use heat or compressed air to dry the earbuds.

Table of Contents

All generations of AirPods can be damaged by sweat, including AirPods pro. However, the third-gen AirPods and AirPods pro are sweat-resistant and should be able to handle a workout and getting splashed on, but should not be allowed to get very wet.

First and second gen AirPods

First and second-generation AirPods are neither water-resistant nor sweat-resistant, implying water or excess sweat can ruin them.

That said, you should not wear your first and second-generation AirPods if you are engaging in high-intensity activities that result in excessive sweating, such as working out.

Third-gen AirPods and AirPods pro

Third-generation AirPods and later models, such as AirPods Pro, are water and sweat-resistant. However, AirPods Pro is not waterproof.

That means that these earbuds can handle normal moisture levels like sweat. According to a statement officially released by Apple Inc.

AirPods Pro’s water resistance feature has been tested in a laboratory setting. The earbuds can withstand any workout activity, provided it is not related to water sports, like swimming and surfing.

How much sweat AirPods can handle

Since first and second-generation AirPods are not water and sweat-resistant, they cannot withstand any amount of sweat.

Moisture from a little sweating can easily damage these earbuds. However, third-generation AirPods can handle sweat at normal moisture levels because they are water and sweat-resistant.

How much sweat AirPods pro can handle

AirPods Pro models are water and sweat-resistant, meaning they can withstand any amount of sweat.

However, they are not waterproof and cannot withstand too much water as a result of being submerged in water or engaging in water sports.

Are AirPods Sweat Resistant?

First and second-generation AirPods are not sweat-resistant and can easily get damaged by excess sweat. Third-generation AirPods are sweat-resistant and cannot be ruined by sweat.

Are AirPods Pro Sweat Resistant?

AirPods Pro earbuds are sweat-resistant and cannot be damaged by excess sweating. However, they can be damaged if excess moisture levels enter their inner parts because they are not waterproof.

How is Sweat Resistance Measured in AirPods?

Water and sweat resistance in AirPods is measured using the IP rating system. First and second-generation AirPods are not rated.

AirPods Pro has a rating of IPX4, which is very low. As a result, they can handle only small amounts of water, like light showers and sweat.

Is Sweat Resistance in AirPods Pro Models Consistent Throughout Their Lifespan?

The sweat resistance feature in AirPods Pro is not consistent throughout their lifespan. That’s because the water-resistant seals in AirPods Pro wear off with time, meaning the earbuds become less sweat-resistant as time goes by.

Can Other Liquids Besides Sweat and Water Damage my AirPods?

Various liquids can damage your AirPods and AirPods Pro. Strong solvents can erode your earbuds, soda can block your speakers, and beverages can stain your AirPods and make them look dirty.

Can You Fix Sweat Damaged AirPods?

Unfortunately, you cannot fix AirPods if sweat damages their internal parts. You can easily dry AirPods if covered with sweat to prevent them from getting damaged.

Use a soft dry lint-free cloth to clean the sweat. Let them dry before using them or place them in their casing. Avoid using hot or compressed air to dry the AirPods.

Can You Fix Sweat Damaged AirPods Pro?

Although AirPods Pro models are water-resistant, they can be affected by sweat if it comes into contact with the internal components.

Also, their casing cannot handle excess moisture. If your AirPods Pro earbuds are damaged with sweat, dry the sweat using a clean, dry lint-free cloth.

Don’t use heat or compressed air to dry the earbuds. If the sweat has tampered with internal elements, you can do nothing to fix them.

How Can I Protect My AirPods from Sweat and Water?

There is no need to panic even if your AirPods are not waterproof. To protect them against sweat, don’t wear your first and second-generation AirPods when exercising.

While you can work out with your third-generation AirPods and AirPods pro, purchase ear hooks to prevent them from falling into water puddles and wet areas.

These precautions will prevent your AirPods from getting damaged by sweat and water, allowing them to serve you for a long time.

Pros

Third-generation AirPods and AirPods Pro are water and sweat-resistant, meaning they can handle normal moisture levels like sweat.
AirPods Pro earbuds are sweat-resistant and cannot be damaged by excess sweating.
Using ear hooks can help to protect your AirPods from water puddles and wet areas.

Cons

First and second-generation AirPods are neither water-resistant nor sweat-resistant, implying water or excess sweat can ruin them.
AirPods Pro is not waterproof, meaning they cannot withstand too much water as a result of being submerged in water or engaging in water sports.
The sweat resistance feature in AirPods Pro is not consistent throughout their lifespan.