Water in AirPods or earbuds

Earbuds are much harder to clear than a phone: their mesh is very fine and their drivers are tiny. Drying matters more than sound. But a low tone can still help when the sound stays muffled.

Never play cleaning tones in your ears

Cleaning modes are loud and low. In your ear canal, that is uncomfortable at best and harmful at worst. Take the earbuds out of your ears before you press Start, every time.

Dry them first

1. Wipe the earbuds and the case with a soft, dry, lint-free cloth.
2. Hold each earbud with the speaker mesh facing down and tap it gently against your palm.
3. Leave the earbuds out of the case, mesh down, in a dry place for a few hours.
4. Leave the charging case open and empty. Do not put wet earbuds back in or charge the case while it is wet.

No rice, no hair dryer, no cotton bud in the mesh: you would push water and dirt further in.

Then try a gentle sound cycle

If they still sound muffled once dry on the outside:

1. Connect the earbuds to your phone as usual.
2. Take them out of your ears and lay them on a table, mesh facing down.
3. Set the volume to about half. Earbud drivers are small and do not need full power.
4. Play Water mode once. Let them rest, then try a song.

If nothing changes after two cycles, give them more drying time. Water often sits behind the mesh where sound cannot reach it.

Silicone tips and wax

Muffled earbuds are often blocked by earwax, not water. Remove the silicone tips, clean the mesh gently with a dry, soft brush, and wash the tips separately in mild soapy water. Let them dry completely before putting them back.

When to get them checked

If one earbud stays silent, crackles, or stops charging after the dunk, contact the manufacturer or a repair shop. Liquid damage is rarely covered by warranty, so mention it honestly; it helps the diagnosis.