As an owner of Apple AirPods, I know firsthand how frustrating it can be when they break due to a fall or a drop. After my own experience, I did some research and testing to see how robust the AirPods really are and what could be done to prevent this from happening. Here, I’ll share how I solved the issue, as well as other solutions I discovered, to answer the question: Do AirPods Break if They Fall or Are Dropped?
It’s not likely for AirPods to break from a single drop to the ground, especially if it falls on a padded, even ground from a low height. Overall, AirPods are moderately durable, but they’re not indestructible.
| Scenario | Risks and Outcomes | Tips to Minimize Damage |
|---|---|---|
| Dropping AirPod Earpieces | Minimal damage, risk of losing them | Set up Apple’s Find service |
| Dropping AirPods’ Case | Scuff marks, potential functional issues, risk of spilling earpieces | Use a silicone case covering |
| Dropping AirPods Into Water | Potential permanent damage | Wipe and air dry before attempting to use |
| Preventative Measures | N/A | |
| 1. Use a Case Cover | Extra protection for the case | Choose a snug silicone or zippered cover |
| 2. Get a Better Fit With Ear Hooks | Prevent earpieces from slipping | Use in-ear or over-ear hooks |
| 3. Consider Straps | Keep AirPods secure while on the go | Attach a strap to your AirPods |
| 4. Try Wearing Them Upside Down | May provide a better fit | Experiment with orientation |
| 5. Keep AirPods Out of Children’s Reach | Prevent accidental drops and throws by kids | Store AirPods in a safe place away from children |
Table of Contents
Do AirPods Break if They Fall or Are Dropped?
Although they’re pretty lightweight (between 0.14 and 0.19 ounces), AirPods can take a fall or two.
Let’s take a look at the possible scenarios and the predicted outcomes for each case!
Dropping AirPod Earpieces
One likely scenario is that an earpiece will slip from your hands while you’re putting it in or taking it back to the case. Then, the elevation shouldn’t be too high to cause serious damage.
The main concern here would be finding it on the ground.
More often than not, dropping your AirPods outdoors means losing them for good. That’s why it’s a good idea to set up Apple’s Find service in advance to be able to locate the missing earpiece quickly.
In the meantime, watch where you step and try not to squash it accidentally!
If you can’t find it, you might have to order a replacement, which is definitely cheaper than buying the complete set but still a cost most people would rather avoid.
Dropping AirPods’ Case
Since the case has a larger surface area, the consequences here can be more severe than dropping the naked earpieces.
Odds are, you might notice a few scuff marks, especially if the case fell to a rough surface like a paved road. That’s why some people opt to get silicone coverings for the AirPod cases.
However, if the drop was more brutal (or you just got unlucky), the case functionally might be compromised. For instance, you could spot problems with charging cycles. Getting a new case might be the only way to go here.
Another potential risk to watch out for is the case lid breaking open and spilling the pods to the ground.
Read more: Are AirPods overrated?
Dropping AirPods Into Water
While there are IPX4 water-resistant versions of AirPods (Pro and the third generation), they’re not really waterproof.
What’s the difference?
Well, the water resistance feature means you don’t have to worry about the small sweat droplets, keeping the pods compatible for workouts.
On the other hand, you’d be able to immerse a waterproof gadget in the water fully and not worry about potential damage. Sadly, that’s not the case with the AirPods.
So, if you drop the AirPods (earpieces or case) into the water, you might ruin them for good.
However, you can try to wipe and let them air dry before attempting to use them again to limit the extent of the damage.
Read more: Can I wear AirPods while running?
5 Tips to Keep Your AirPods From Falling
Just because the AirPods can handle a fall doesn’t mean we get to be careless with them.
Here are a few tips and tricks that can keep those drops to a minimum:
- Use a Case Cover
A simple cover can cushion the fall if you drop your case often. It doesn’t even have to be the snug (but admittedly cute) silicone ones.
You can also get a practical zippered one with an inner compartment for the charging cable. It’s great for people who take the AirPods on the go while traveling.
- Get a Better Fit With Ear Hooks
Ear hooks can be a good option if your AirPods constantly slip from your ears.
Some models are made to fit inside the ear, while others go over it. Either way, they can keep the earpieces from dropping while you’re on the run.
- Consider Straps
Attaching an AirPod strap might seem like a step back from the convenience of wireless headphones, but it’s still a handy accessory.
This way, you don’t have to keep holding the pods in your hands while adjusting gym equipment. Instead, you just drop the strap around your neck and pop the earpieces back in when you’re ready.
- Try Wearing Them Upside Down
Some people find that wearing the AirPods upside down gives them a better fit. It’s not a traditional fix, but everyone’s ear shape is different, so whatever gets the job done is fine.
- Keep the AirPods Out of Children’s Reach
Mistakes happen with anyone, but they seem to increase a lot around children.
So, keeping your valuable AirPods away from the little tots might be a smart choice. After all, the case can only survive so many drops and throws across the room.
Wrap Up
So, do AirPods break if they fall or are dropped?
It’s possible, but not a typical scenario. Ultimately, it all depends on the drop height, the surface texture, and your luck.
