How to clean your AirPods, AirPods Pro, AirPods Max, and EarPods

Learn how to clean your AirPods, AirPods Pro, AirPods Max, and EarPods.

Is it OK to use a disinfectant on my AirPods, AirPods Pro, AirPods Max, or EarPods?
Using a 70 percent isopropyl alcohol wipe, 75 percent ethyl alcohol wipe, or Clorox Disinfecting Wipes, you may gently wipe the exterior surfaces of your AirPods, AirPods Pro, AirPods Max, or EarPods. Don't use on the speaker mesh of your AirPods, AirPods Pro, and EarPods. Don't use on the knit mesh canopy and ear cushions of your AirPods Max. Don't use products containing bleach or hydrogen peroxide. Avoid getting moisture in any openings, and don't submerge your AirPods, AirPods Pro, AirPods Max, or EarPods in any cleaning agents.

Clean your AirPods Max

  • Don't run your AirPods Max under water.
  • Use a soft, dry, lint-free cloth.
  • If your AirPods Max are exposed to anything that might cause stains or other damage—for example, soaps, shampoos, conditioners, lotions, perfumes, solvents, detergent, acids or acidic foods, insect repellent, sunscreen, oil, or hair dye:
    • Wipe them clean with a cloth slightly dampened with fresh water and dry with a soft, dry, lint-free cloth.
    • Don't attempt to use them until they're completely dry.
  • Make sure not to get any liquid in the openings.
  • Don't use sharp objects or abrasive materials to clean your AirPods Max.

Clean the cushions and headband of your AirPods Max

  1. In a clean container, mix 1 tsp. (5 mL) of liquid laundry detergent into 1 cup (250 mL) of water.
  2. Remove the cushions from the ear cups.
  3. When you clean the headband, hold your AirPods Max upside down to prevent liquid from flowing into the headband attachment point.
  4. Dip a lint-free cloth into the soapy water solution, wring it out slightly, and rub the cloth on the cushions and headband gently for 1 minute each.
  5. Wipe the cushions and headband clean with a separate cloth that's slightly dampened with fresh water.
  6. Dry the cushions and headband with a soft, dry, lint-free cloth, making sure to remove any excess moisture.
  7. Lay your AirPods Max flat to dry for at least a day before you reattach the cushions and use them again.

Clean the case of your AirPods Max

Clean the Smart Case with a soft, dry, lint-free cloth. If necessary, you can slightly dampen the cloth with isopropyl alcohol. Allow the Smart Case to dry. Don't use abrasive materials to clean the Smart Case.

Clean your AirPods and AirPods Pro

  • Don't run AirPods or AirPods Pro under water.
  • Use a soft, dry, lint-free cloth.
  • If your AirPods or AirPods Pro are exposed to anything that might cause stains or other damage—for example, soaps, shampoos, conditioners, lotions, perfumes, solvents, detergent, acids or acidic foods, insect repellent, sunscreen, oil, or hair dye:
    • Wipe them clean with a cloth slightly dampened with fresh water and dry with a soft, dry, lint-free cloth.
    • Allow them to completely dry before placing in the charging case.
    • Don't attempt to use them until they're completely dry.
  • Make sure not to get any liquid in the openings.
  • Clean the microphone and speaker meshes with a dry cotton swab.
  • Don't use sharp objects or abrasive materials to clean your AirPods or AirPods Pro.

Clean the case of your AirPods or AirPods Pro

Clean the charging case with a soft, dry, lint-free cloth. If necessary, you can slightly dampen the cloth with isopropyl alcohol. Allow the charging case to dry. Make sure not to get any liquid in the charging ports. Here are a few more guidelines:

  • Remove any debris from the Lightning connector with a clean, dry, soft-bristled brush.
  • Don't use abrasive materials to clean the charging case.
  • To avoid damaging the metal contacts, don't put anything in the charging ports.

Clean the ear tips of your AirPods Pro

  1. If any water has accumulated in the ear tip, tap the AirPod on a soft, dry, lint-free cloth with the ear tip opening facing downward to remove.
  2. Pull off the ear tips from each AirPod and rinse the ear tips with water. Don't use soap or other household cleaners.
  3. Wipe the ear tips with a soft, dry, lint-free cloth. Make sure that the ear tips are completely dry before reattaching to each AirPod.
  4. Click the ear tips back on each AirPod. The ear tips are oval shaped, so make sure that you align them before you click them back on.

Learn about AirPods sweat and water resistance

Your AirPods Pro, AirPods (3rd generation), and MagSafe Charging Case for AirPods (3rd generation) are sweat and water resistant, but not sweatproof or waterproof. The MagSafe Charging Case for AirPods Pro and the Wireless Charging Case for AirPods Pro are not waterproof or water resistant, so be careful not to get moisture in any openings. If your case comes in contact with liquid, dry it by placing it upside down with the lid open.

Your AirPods (1st and 2nd generation), charging case, AirPods Max, and Smart Case aren't waterproof or water resistant, so be careful not to get moisture in any openings. If your AirPods come in contact with liquid, including sweat from a workout, wipe them down with a dry microfiber cloth. To dry the case, place it upside down with the lid open.

If your AirPods become damaged after they get wet, you can order a replacement. If your issue isn't covered by the Apple Limited Warranty, AppleCare+, or consumer law, you may be able to replace your AirPods for an out-of-warranty fee.

Clean your EarPods

  • Don't run EarPods under water.
  • Use a soft, dry, lint-free cloth.
  • Make sure not to get any liquid in the openings.
  • Clean the microphone and speaker meshes gently with a dry cotton swab. Remove any debris from the meshes with a clean, dry, soft-bristled brush.
  • Don't use sharp objects or abrasive materials to clean your EarPods.

Tips to avoid skin irritation

Here's how to avoid skin irritation, especially if you have allergies or skin sensitivities:

  • After workouts with AirPods Pro or AirPods (3rd generation), or after your device is exposed to liquids such as sweat, soap, shampoo, makeup, sunscreen, and lotions that can potentially cause skin irritations, clean and dry your device. Keeping your AirPods, AirPods Pro, AirPods Max, and EarPods—as well as your skin—clean and dry will maximize comfort and prevent long-term damage to your device.
  • If you have known allergies or sensitivities to certain substances, check the materials in AirPods and EarPods.

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