Earbuds stopped working after swimming, sweating heavily, or getting rained on

Symptoms

• Sound is muffled or absent right after water exposure
• Charging doesn't work properly after getting wet
• Touch controls behave erratically after moisture exposure
• One or both earbuds won't power on after being wet

Likely causes

• CommonWater trapped in the speaker mesh or microphone portsEven water-resistant earbuds can have temporarily muffled sound until moisture evaporates.
• CommonWater on the charging contacts preventing a proper chargeWet contacts can prevent electrical connection with the case until fully dry.
• PossibleEarbuds exceeded their actual water resistance rating (e.g., submerged when only sweat/splash resistant)Many earbuds are rated for sweat and light rain, not full submersion, and exceeding that can cause real damage.
• PossibleSalt water or chlorinated pool water causing corrosionThese are more corrosive than fresh water and can damage internal components even within a rated resistance level.
• Less commonInternal water damage beyond the rated exposure limitIf water gets past seals into internal electronics, permanent damage can occur.

What to do

1. Immediately wipe down the earbuds and case with a dry cloth, paying special attention to the charging contacts and speaker mesh.
2. Let the earbuds air dry completely for at least 24 hours in a dry area before attempting to charge them.
3. Do not place earbuds in rice or use direct heat sources like hair dryers, since both can cause more harm than help.
4. Check the manufacturer's specific water resistance rating (IPX rating) to understand what level of exposure they're actually designed for.
5. If exposed to salt water or chlorine, gently rinse with fresh water first (only if rated for it) before drying, to prevent corrosive residue buildup.
6. After fully drying, test charging and sound function, checking for muffled audio or charging issues that may resolve as remaining moisture evaporates over the following days.

Tools and parts

• Dry cloth

When to call a pro

If the earbuds still don't function properly after several days of complete drying, water damage has likely reached internal components, and repair is usually not cost-effective compared to replacement, though some warranties cover water damage under specific IP ratings.

Safety