Apple’s AirTags have become increasingly popular for keeping track of valuable belongings, but are these sleek devices able to withstand accidental water exposure?
No, it’s not fully waterproof. Apple AirTags have a water resistance rating of IP67, which means they are designed to withstand immersion in water up to 1 meter deep for a duration of 30 minutes. So they are water-resistant but not fully waterproof.
Quick Summary
- Water exposure can compromise the Airtag’s durability and functionality, especially when coming into contact with high-pressure water sources like faucets or sprinklers.
- While Airtags offer remarkable resistance against common forms of water exposure such as rain or accidental drops into puddles, they are ultimately considered “water-resistant” rather than waterproof.
- To protect Airtags from potential water damage, it’s advisable to avoid exposing them to high-pressure water sources, consider using a protective case designed for AirTags specifically, and dry out wet devices immediately using silica packs or warm air circulation if possible.
Airtags have an IP67 rating, which means they are considered highly water-resistant with the ability to withstand splashing and brief submersion.
AirTags, while designed to be highly water-resistant with their IP67 rating, are not immune to the potentially damaging effects of water pressure.
This rating means that the AirTag can withstand immersion in water up to 1 meter (3 feet) for a maximum duration of 30 minutes.
For instance, if an AirTag is attached to a set of keys and accidentally falls into a pool, it will likely continue functioning as long as it is retrieved within the specified limits.
On the contrary, if it undergoes prolonged exposure at deeper depths or comes in contact with high-pressure water streams like those from hoses or jet skis, its internal components may sustain damage leading to reduced performance or complete failure.
In these situations, Apple’s cautionary statement regarding diminishing resistance over time due to wear becomes especially relevant.
An IP67 Rating And What It Means
An IP67 rating is a significant factor when determining an electronic device’s durability and water resistance capabilities.
In the case of AirTags, this rating offers users the assurance that their trackers can withstand some exposure to dust and water without risking permanent damage.
The “IP” in IP67 stands for Ingress Protection, which refers to how well a device is protected against foreign elements like dust and liquids.
It’s essential to understand the limitations of an IP67 rating; though reassuring for everyday use, it doesn’t mean that AirTags are completely waterproof or impervious to damage under all circumstances involving liquids.
For instance, Apple AirTags should not be subjected to high-pressure water sources like faucets or prolonged underwater activities such as swimming with them attached.
In summary, having an IP67 rating means your AirTag has been designed with resilience in mind. It allows you some peace knowing it can handle occasional wet situations and stay functional throughout daily wear-and-tear encounters with dirt and moisture.
The Difference Between Water-resistant And Waterproof
Understanding the distinction between water-resistant and waterproofing is crucial when evaluating the durability of products like AirTags.
Water-resistant devices are designed to endure a certain level of exposure to water, such as rain or splashes, without suffering any damage.
On the other hand, waterproof items are entirely impervious to water penetration regardless of depth or time spent underwater.
This characteristic makes them suitable for prolonged immersion and even high-pressure situations like deep-sea diving.
In practice, however, no electronic device can be completely immune from all types of possible damages caused by moisture; hence “waterproof” should be interpreted in relative terms that describe their performance under specific conditions outlined by manufacturers’ guidelines and ratings.
If Airtags get wet, they may still function to some extent; however, the impact of water on the signal strength can decrease as a result.
The Impact Of Water On Airtag Signal Strength
If Airtags come in contact with water, their signal strength may decrease as a result. Water can interfere with the radio frequency signals that Airtags use to communicate with nearby devices, making them less effective at tracking the location of your belongings.
To avoid this issue, it’s important to be careful around water when using AirTags. Apple advises against submerging them in liquid or exposing them to a steady stream of water for extended periods of time.
Water-resistant cases are a great way to protect your Airtags from damage caused by water exposure. Here are some options to consider:
- Apple Airtag Case: This case is designed specifically for the Airtag and provides protection against scratches, bumps, as well as water splashes.
- Silicone Cases: Available in various colors, silicone cases provide added protection against water. They come with a small hole that allows you to attach the Airtag to your belongings.
- Waterproof Cases: These cases offer extra protection and can withstand deeper submersion levels. They usually feature a strong latch that keeps the Airtag securely inside.
It’s worth noting that even with a protective case, it’s important to not submerge your Airtags too deeply in water.
While these cases do provide an extra layer of protection, they cannot guarantee the complete safety of your device.
If your AirTag gets wet, it is important to dry it out as soon as possible to prevent any permanent damage. The following are steps to take when drying out a wet AirTag:
- Turn off the AirTag: This helps prevent any shorts in the circuitry that could cause damage.
- Remove the battery: Open the AirTag and remove the battery because water can accelerate the chemical reactions inside, which may damage the battery.
- Use a soft cloth to wipe down the AirTag: Ensure you use a soft, dry cloth to gently remove any water droplets and moisture from its surface.
- Place in silica packs: Silica packs help absorb any remaining moisture by removing excess humidity from air-tight spaces, including inside electronic devices.
- Let it sit for some time: Allow your AirTag to sit for several hours before reassembling it.
- Reassemble and check functionality: Once dry, insert a new battery into your Airtag and ensure that it’s functioning correctly.
Remember blowing on an AirTag or using compressed air to dry it out is not advised and may cause further damage. It’s best to handle wet Airtags with care and avoid exposing them to water whenever possible.
Keep in mind that while AirTags are sturdy, they can only withstand minor instances of water exposure, and normal wear and tear of daily usage can diminish their water resistance feature over time.
- – Avoid exposing Airtags to high-pressure water sources.
- – Consider using a water-resistant case for added protection from accidental splashes or exposure to prolonged moisture.
- – If your Airtag does get wet, dry it out immediately with a soft cloth and avoid using any external heat sources as this can accelerate damage to the internal electronics.
- – You may also want to invest in silica packets, which will help absorb any excess moisture and prevent permanent damage.
To prevent water damage to your Airtags, it is essential to avoid exposing them to high-pressure water sources.
This means keeping them away from areas where they could come into contact with a steady stream of water such as near a faucet or in the washing machine.
If your AirTags do happen to get wet, it’s important to remove them from any moisture immediately.
Use a soft cloth to dry off the outside of the devices and open up the Find My app on your iPhone or iPad so you can locate and retrieve them.
Consider Using A Water-resistant Case
Using a water-resistant case is a smart way to protect your AirTags from water damage. Some cases on the market are specifically designed for the AirTag and offer an additional layer of protection against moisture, splashing, and accidental submersion.
These cases come in various materials such as silicone or plastic and provide full access to all features of the AirTag while keeping it safe from water damage.
If your AirTag does get wet, it’s important to take action immediately. The longer the device stays wet, the more likely it is to sustain water damage and stop functioning properly.
First, remove the battery back from the AirTag and wipe any excess moisture with a soft cloth. Then, try to dry out the device as thoroughly as possible by using silica packs or putting it in a warm, dry place for several hours.
It’s crucial not to use heat sources like hairdryers since they can accelerate permanent damage.
By drying out your Airtag promptly after exposure to water, you’ll prevent any risk of permanent damage that could affect its performance later on.
Remember that the recommended rating for water resistance is IP67, which means they’re only rated for splashes or brief submersion up to one meter deep for 30 minutes underwater.
Also Read:
- Why Do My Airtags Keep Going Off
- Can AirTags Hear You
- Do AirTags Have A Monthly Fee
- How To Pair Airtag
FAQs:
While Airtags are not completely waterproof, they do have an IP67 rating for water and dust resistance. This means they can withstand immersion in up to 1 meter of water for up to 30 minutes.
2. What happens if I accidentally submerge my Airtag in water?
If your Airtag is submerged in water, it is recommended that you dry it off as soon as possible and avoid using it until it has fully dried out. Continued use while wet could cause damage to the device’s internal components.
3. Can I take my Airtag with me while swimming or surfing?
It is not recommended to take your Airtag into the ocean or any large bodies of water as saltwater can corrode the internal components of the device over time.
If you must bring your AirTag near a pool, lake, or beach area, make sure it is kept in a watertight container or pouch.
4. What should I do if my Airtag gets wet inside its case?
If moisture has entered your AirTag’s casing, remove the battery immediately and leave both pieces aside to dry separately before reinserting them back together.
Replacing the battery once you’re certain that all excess moisture has been removed will help prevent permanent damage caused by short circuits within its circuitry from humidity build-up.