If music is food for the soul, then headphones and earbuds are the spoons by which we eat the food. But is there hope for earbuds that get wet? How to get water out of earbuds is among the most famous search topics on search engines. However, not many people get a definitive way to solve the issues.
If you are among the people who have looked for a way to get rid of water in earbuds, then we are here to help you sort that out. The tips we share might or might not work. But don’t you think it is better trying and failing than not trying at all?
Read on to find out more on how to fix earbuds that get wet.
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How to Fix Earbuds that Go Wet
Water and most electronics never go hand in hand. That’s why you will always have to deal with an electronic device getting into contact with water at one time or the other. Water can seriously damage an electronic device, let alone an earbud.
While the best way to avoid issues with water is to get waterproof earbuds, these aren’t always easy to get. That’s why someone needs to know what to do when their earbuds get wet.
The default setting for most people whenever earbuds get in the water is to panic. But what if we told you there might be a way to salvage the situation if the earbuds fall in water or get wet?
Well, first we’d like you to know that it would depend on the level of wetness. Some levels of damage would be challenging for you to salvage the earbuds. The below steps should help you know what to do when your earbuds get wet.
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Step 1: Disassemble Them
Whenever your earbuds fall in the water, you will need to move fast. By moving fast, it will mean you are disassembling them if possible. Separate the parts of the earbuds to avoid the damage getting to the inner circuits and causing a short circuit.
Remove any attachable parts as soon as possible. This step won’t be that hard since most earbud parts aren’t screwed in or tightly in place. A screwdriver or even a knifed will come in handy in this step if you don’t know how to open earbuds.
Step 2: Blow up of the Parts
Since the longer the earbud parts stay with water, the more likely the damage, you will need a quick way to get rid of the water. That will require you to blow them. Blowing them with your mouth could help get rid of some of the water, if not all.
Alternatively, you could dry them with a dry towel or piece of cloth.
Step 3: Soak in Deionized Water
Deionized water, also called distilled water, has no effect on electronics, and soaking them in it will help remove the water inside. Once you have placed the earbud parts in the distilled water, shake to ensure the deionized water removes the other water.
Step 4
Remove the earbuds from the distilled water, then shake them to remove all the moisture. Firmly and vigorously shake them to ensure all the water leaves the earbud, especially the drivers.
That will hopefully speed up the drying process.
Step 5: Blow them With Air.
Now repeat the process of blowing up the earbuds with water. You can also use a towel to dry up the inner parts, especially the earbud’s drive. Use the dry towel and firmly dry all the places that you can to blow the water away. By this step, you will be getting rid of any distilled water that might be in the earbuds.
Step 6: Put them In Rice.
This is a crucial step as it will help ensure all the water gets out of the earbuds. Dip the earbuds in rice for some time. Forty-eight hours should be enough to get rid of all the water. Rice is a good absorber of water and will get rid of any moisture in the earbuds.
If you forget everything else on this list of steps to take, don’t forget to soak the earbuds in rice. You could even skip some of the steps as long as you dip the earbuds in the rice for two days.
After this, you can try and see whether the earbuds will work or not. This is usually just a way to try and save the earbuds and is NOT a guarantee they will work. They might work, or they might not.
Rather than give up on them when there could be a chance they’d work, try the steps above to see if there is any hope for you. Most times, however, it won’t be that easy, and earbuds instantly lose functionality when dropped in water.
Related: Raycon Earbuds Review
What if you have Apple Earbuds?
There is a common misconception that Apple earbuds are waterproof. They aren’t. If you have been asking yourself if apple earbuds are waterproof, then that’s your answer. Although apple earbuds are sweat and water-resistant, they aren’t waterproof.
They wouldn’t survive a drop in the water. Additionally, if you have apple earbuds and they happen to fall in the water, then there’s nothing you can do. Attempting to open them up like in the steps above will only waste your time.
What Not to Do
- Don’t toast and put the earbuds in a microwave or oven. Doing that will instantly damage them as the heat isn’t so friendly to electronic devices, more so earbuds.
FAQ
- Can I fix apple headphones?
The answer to this depends on the type of damage the headphones have received. Extensive damage to the inner working parts, then that will be a tall order.
- Are there waterproof earbuds?
Although there have been advancements in technology, waterproof earbuds haven’t hit the market yet. However, there are water and sweat-resistant earbuds. Such earbuds can withstand getting a little bit wet from water and sweat but can’t survive a dip in the water.
- Is repairing earbuds possible?
It would be a tall order to repair broken or damaged earbuds. The best way to continue listening to some music is to get a new pair.
Related: can airpods explode in your ear
Final Thoughts
We hope you now know How to get water out of earbuds. While the tips we have shared might not restore the earbuds to the previous functionality levels, they might be a way for you to salvage your earbuds from the damage.
Try them out before you decide to give up on your earbuds after they fall in the water. All the best.
Graduated with a Bachelor of Audio Engineering and Sound Production. He has worked with a number of studios as a Recording Engineer, with over 10 years of servicing experience in both re-recording mixing and sound editing.
