This is an archived article and the information in the story may be outdated. Please check the time stamp on the story to see when it was updated last.
You’ve invested in an expensive pair of AirPods and you want them to last. It isn’t difficult to care for your Apple AirPods, but it definitely helps to know a few mistakes you could be making that may affect their longevity and functionality. This is the one thing Apple experts say you should NEVER do to your AirPods.
AirPods might seem like the perfect workout earbuds, especially since they’re wireless and comfortable to wear. But Tech Expert Mika Kujapelto, the CEO and Founder of LaptopUnboxed, says most people don’t realize that wearing them during workouts could damage them or wear them down slowly, depending on the model.
“Most AirPods models aren’t water-resistant, and none are waterproof or sweatproof,” Kujapelto says. “This means you can permanently damage your AirPods if sweat or water gets inside your device. When damaged, it can be difficult repairing them, and it’s expensive to repair or replace both pairs.”
AirPods aren’t meant to be used during workouts, according to Kujapelto, so it can also be easy for them to slip out of your ears and get damaged while you’re running or working out. “They could also be bad for your health since they’re not meant to tune out outside noises like other earbuds,” Kujapelto says. “Therefore, you might have to turn them up louder than is healthy to overhear music over noisy workout rooms.”
There is a difference between water-resistant and waterproof — and keeping this in mind is key.
“AirPods Pro are water and sweat-resistant, but they aren’t water-proof,” Kujapelto says,. “However, each time you use your AirPods Pro, you’re wearing them down each time they’re introduced to your sweat. So, you can prolong your AirPods Pro's life expectancy by only using them for talking on the phone, walking in dry weather, and other non-workout activities.”
The better solution for workout entertainment?
“The alternative is to wear cheaper earbuds fit for working out and tuning outside noises out instead of using expensive AirPods during workouts,” Kujapelto says. “It can save you money replacing them and reduce your risk to your hearing.”
