How to remove water from AirPods and earbuds
Earbuds and AirPods live in a harsh environment. They sit in your ears during workouts, sweat and rain reach them, and shower steam or an accidental splash can sneak in. When water or sweat reaches the tiny speaker grille, the sound becomes quiet, tinny or bass-light. This guide explains how to dry earbuds safely and restore their sound.
Why earbuds are especially vulnerable
Earbuds have very small speakers with extremely fine mesh. Water clings easily to that mesh and the small diaphragm cannot overcome the extra weight. Sweat adds salt, and earwax adds sticky residue. Water-resistance ratings help, but they do not make the speaker openings immune. For the general process on phones, see what to do when water gets in your phone speaker.
Step 1: Remove them and power off
Take the earbuds out of your ears and switch them off if possible. Do not place damp earbuds in the charging case, because moisture can corrode the charging contacts and spread to the other earbud.
Step 2: Wipe the outside
Use a soft, lint-free cloth to dry the body, stems and ear tips. Remove silicone tips and wash them separately with mild soap, then let them dry fully. Hold each earbud with the grille facing down and tap gently on your palm so loose water drains.
Step 3: Use sound to clear the mesh
Connect the earbuds to your phone by Bluetooth and make sure the audio output is routed to the earbuds. Open the FxSpeaker tool and set the volume to a comfortable level first, then increase carefully. Hold the affected earbud with the grille facing down, away from your ear, and play the 165 Hz tone in Continuous mode for 10 seconds. You may feel the vibration and see tiny droplets appear. Wipe the grille and repeat in short bursts. Never wear the earbud in your ear during a loud test.
Step 4: Test each side
Use the Balance Test to play sound in the left channel, then the right. Both should sound equal. If one is dull, repeat the cleaning on that side. If sound is still weak, check for wax too.
Step 5: Remove earwax and debris
Wax is a common reason earbuds sound muffled. Brush the grille gently with a dry soft brush or use putty to lift particles. Never poke the mesh. Our article on cleaning dust and lint from a phone speaker explains safe tools and techniques that apply to earbuds as well.
Step 6: Dry before charging
Leave the earbuds with the grille facing down in a well-ventilated place for several hours. Make sure the charging contacts on the earbuds and case are dry before putting them together.
Mistakes to avoid
- Putting earbuds in rice. See why in does rice really fix a wet phone.
- Using hair dryers or heat sources.
- Blowing into the openings.
- Using sharp metal tools on the mesh.
- Cleaning with alcohol or liquids inside the grille.
Sweat and workout care
After every workout, wipe your earbuds and tips. Let them air dry before storing them in the case. Once a month, run a short Sweep session to shake out fine debris. If your phone also sounds muffled, compare symptoms with why a phone speaker sounds muffled.
When to replace or repair
If a single earbud has no sound, intermittent connection, crackling at all volumes, or battery issues after water exposure, the problem may be inside the earbud. Contact the manufacturer or a repair service, since many earbuds are sealed and cannot be opened at home.
Keep it free and simple
You do not need paid apps or accessories. The cleaning tool works in your browser and costs nothing, as noted on our pricing page.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use the tool with the earbuds in my ears? Hold them away from your ear and keep the volume low. Tones at maximum volume can be uncomfortable, so protect your hearing.
Why does only one AirPod sound quiet? One side often has more wax or moisture. Clean that earbud separately and test again with the Balance Test inside the tool.
How often should I clean earbuds? Wipe them after each workout and do a deeper clean once a month. Heavy sweaters may want to wash silicone tips weekly.
Final tips
Treat earbuds like small precision devices. Keep them dry, clean the mesh gently and never force anything into the grille. Combine these habits with the guidance in what to do when water gets in your phone speaker and you will extend the life of your earbuds considerably. If sound still does not return, it is time to contact the manufacturer for service.
Speaker still sounding off?
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