It happens more often than you might think—you’re caught in the rain, the bathroom sink is fuller than expected, or your earbuds slip out of your gym bag into a puddle. Accidents happen, and many users suddenly find themselves wondering: what to do if I dropped my earbuds in water?
This guide walks through exactly what steps to take after water exposure, how to dry your earbuds safely, and how to avoid long-term damage. Whether the earbuds are lightly splashed or fully submerged, timing and care make all the difference.
Immediate Steps to Take After Dropping Earbuds in Water
Remove the Earbuds from Water Immediately
The longer earbuds stay submerged, the higher the risk of internal damage. Remove them from water as fast as possible to maximize the chances of recovery.
Turn Them Off (If Still On)
If the earbuds are still powered on, shut them down right away. Leaving them on could cause short circuits or permanent damage to the internal electronics.
Do Not Use or Charge the Earbuds
Resist the urge to test them immediately. Charging wet earbuds can be dangerous and may destroy the battery or internal components.
How to Dry Wet Earbuds Safely
Gently Shake Out Excess Water
Tilt the earbuds so any water can drain out naturally. Gently shake them to help remove trapped moisture—but don’t shake too hard.
Wipe with a Microfiber or Soft Cloth
Use a dry microfiber cloth to carefully pat the surface dry. Avoid pressing too hard, especially near the speaker mesh or microphone holes.
Leave to Air Dry in a Warm, Dry Place
Place the earbuds in a well-ventilated area—away from direct sunlight, heaters, or hairdryers. Let them air dry for at least 24 to 48 hours.
Use Silica Gel or Rice (Optional)
For faster drying, place the earbuds in a sealed container filled with silica gel packets or uncooked rice. These help absorb remaining moisture from inside the earbuds.
What NOT to Do
- Do not use a hairdryer or microwave – This can warp or melt internal components.
- Do not blow into the earbuds – Moisture may be forced deeper inside.
- Do not disassemble the earbuds – Unless you’re experienced with electronics, opening them may cause more harm than good.
When to Test the Earbuds Again
After waiting 24 to 48 hours, reconnect the earbuds via Bluetooth and test them with a low volume audio file. Watch for:
- Distorted sound.
- Low or uneven volume.
- Connectivity or charging issues.
If problems persist, it may be time to contact support or consider a replacement.
Waterproof Ratings: How Protected Are Your Earbuds?
Many earbuds come with IPX ratings that indicate how resistant they are to water:
- IPX4 – Resistant to splashes (e.g., sweat, light rain).
- IPX7 – Can handle immersion in water up to 1 meter for 30 minutes.
But even with these ratings, no earbud is truly waterproof. Water resistance is designed for accidental exposure, not swimming or soaking.
How Ordtop Designs Support Accidental Splashes
Ordtop earbuds are built with daily life in mind. Many models feature:
- Water-resistant nano-coating to protect against sweat and rain.
- Reinforced seams and mesh to limit moisture penetration.
- Durable materials ideal for workouts and outdoor use.
While Ordtop earbuds hold up well against splashes, users should still take care and dry them properly after any exposure.
Act Fast and Stay Dry
To recap:
If you’re wondering what to do if I dropped my earbuds in water, the answer is simple—act quickly, dry them thoroughly, and test only after waiting. Water-resistant earbuds like those from Ordtop provide peace of mind, but safe handling is still essential.
Looking for earbuds with built-in protection for workouts or rainy commutes? Explore Ordtop’s water-resistant collection today.