Can You Use AirPods 4 in the Shower? What Apple Actually Says About Water Resistance

AirPods 4 have water resistance protection, but Apple explicitly warns against shower use—and there’s an important distinction between water-resistant and waterproof that could save you $89. Here’s what you need to know before exposing your earbuds to water.

What is AirPods 4 Water Resistance?

AirPods 4 carry an IP54 rating, which means they’re protected against dust and water splashes from any direction. To clarify the rating: the “5” indicates dust protection, while the “4” provides IPX4-equivalent water resistance—making them suitable for sweat during exercise and light splashing, but not for continuous water exposure.

Critically, Apple’s official guidance states: ‘Don’t place your AirPods under running water, such as a shower or faucet.’ Despite having IP54 certification, AirPods 4 are not designed for shower use. The continuous stream of water from a shower exceeds what “splash protection” covers under the IEC 60529 standard that defines these ratings.

Understanding this distinction is essential: water-resistant means they can handle accidental splashes, but waterproof would mean full submersion safety—which AirPods 4 are not. [Current as of: iOS 18+ - February 2026]

Why Understanding Water Resistance Matters for Your Lifestyle

• Safe for Gym and Exercise: The IP54 rating protects your AirPods during workouts where sweat exposure is unavoidable. You can confidently wear them during indoor training, running, or sports that don’t involve water.

• Protection from Accidental Splashes: Whether someone spills a drink nearby or you’re caught in light rain, the water resistance means your earbuds can survive unexpected moisture without immediate damage.

• Durability During Daily Use: Knowing the real limits of your AirPods helps you make informed decisions about when to remove them, preventing costly water damage repairs ($89 per earbud out-of-warranty).

• Longevity Through Proper Care: Water resistance is not permanent. According to Apple’s specifications, resistance might decrease with normal wear. Understanding these limits helps you extend your AirPods’ lifespan.

Critical Limitations and Real-World Safety Considerations

• No Shower Use Despite Water Resistance: This is Apple’s explicit warning. Running water from showers, faucets, or hoses exceeds the splash protection rating. The continuous stream creates pressure and water accumulation that the IP54 rating doesn’t accommodate.

• Avoid Prolonged Water Exposure and Chemical Contact: Never expose AirPods to soaps, shampoos, conditioners, lotions, perfumes, solvents, detergent, acids, insect repellent, sunscreen, oil, or hair dye. Don’t wear them in saunas or steam rooms where humidity and heat can compromise internal seals.

• Operating Temperature Limits Apply: AirPods 4 function safely between 0°C and 35°C (32°F to 95°F). Using them in hot showers (typical shower temperature is 40°C/104°F) exceeds the safe operating range and can damage internal components and battery life permanently.

What to Do If Your AirPods 4 Get Wet—Step by Step

If your AirPods 4 accidentally come into contact with water (rain, spilled drink, splash from a sink), follow these steps immediately:

1. Remove the earbuds from your ears and turn them off Stop playing audio and disconnect them from your device to prevent electrical short circuits. Power them off through your device’s Bluetooth settings.

2. Wipe the exterior with a soft, dry, lint-free cloth Gently remove surface water from both earbuds and the mesh speaker covers. Pay careful attention to the charging contacts on the bottom of each earbud—corrosion here can cause permanent connectivity issues.

3. Do NOT use heat sources like hair dryers or radiators Never attempt to accelerate drying with external heat. This can warp internal components and damage the adhesive seals that provide water resistance. Let evaporation happen naturally.

4. Allow complete drying for at least 2 hours in a dry location Place the earbuds in an open, dry space at room temperature. The 2-hour minimum is Apple’s official recommendation, but 4-6 hours provides additional safety margin for internal moisture to evaporate completely.

5. Do NOT place earbuds in the charging case while damp The charging case has the same IP54 rating but its electrical contacts are particularly vulnerable to corrosion. Wait until both earbuds and any residual moisture have completely dried before reinserting them into the case.

6. Test for damage after the drying period After 2+ hours of complete drying, power on your AirPods and pair them with your device. Listen carefully for crackling audio, reduced volume, or connectivity dropouts. Water damage can manifest immediately or develop over days as corrosion progresses internally.

7. If problems persist, wait 24-48 hours for complete internal drying If you notice performance issues after the initial 2-hour dry period, remove the earbuds again and let them dry for a full 24-48 hours. Water trapped inside the device can cause delayed damage.

Warranty Coverage and Repair Costs Across Regions

United States and United Kingdom: The standard 1-year Apple limited warranty covers manufacturing defects only and explicitly excludes water damage. Out-of-warranty water damage repair costs approximately $89 per earbud for replacement. AppleCare+ for Headphones offers accidental damage protection for $29 per incident.

European Union: EU consumer protection requires a minimum 2-year legal guarantee covering faulty goods and manufacturing defects, which is stronger than US/UK coverage. However, water damage is still classified as accidental damage rather than a manufacturing defect and remains uncovered under standard warranty. AppleCare+ coverage is available in EU markets with similar pricing structure.

Global Consistency: Across all regions, water damage protection requires AppleCare+ or out-of-warranty repair fees. There is no region where standard warranty covers accidental water exposure, so understanding your device’s actual water resistance limits is essential to protecting your investment.

AirPods 4’s IP54 rating provides genuine protection against sweat and splashes during everyday activities and exercise—but Apple’s explicit warning against shower use deserves your respect. A 2-hour drying period after accidental water exposure significantly improves your chances of preserving functionality, but avoiding prolonged water contact altogether is your best protection. Knowing the difference between water-resistant and waterproof helps you make confident decisions that keep your $129-149 investment safe.