How to clean your AirPods

Regular cleaning can help maintain your AirPods.

• Clean your AirPods 3 and AirPods 4 meshes

• Clean the body of your AirPods

• Clean the charging case of your AirPods

• Tips to avoid skin irritation

• If you need more help

Clean your AirPods 3 and AirPods 4 meshes

What you need

Belkin AirPods Cleaning Kit or:

• Micellar water that includes PEG-6 Caprylic/Capric Glycerides, such as from Bioderma or Neutrogena

• Distilled water

• A soft-bristled children’s toothbrush

• Two small cups

• A paper towel

Where to clean

AirPods 4

You can clean the encircled meshes on your AirPods 4. Avoid cleaning any other areas.

AirPods 3

You can clean the encircled meshes on your AirPods 3. Avoid cleaning any other areas.

How to clean your AirPods meshes

1. Add a small amount of micellar water to a cup.

2. Dip the toothbrush in the cup of micellar water until the bristles are fully saturated.

3. Hold your AirPod with the mesh facing up.

4. Brush the mesh in circles for about 15 seconds.

5. Turn over your AirPod and blot it on a paper towel. Ensure the paper towel makes contact with the mesh.

6. Repeat steps 2–5 two more times (three times total) for each mesh you want to clean.

7. To rinse off the micellar water, rinse the brush with distilled water, then repeat steps 1–5 with distilled water for each mesh that you’ve cleaned.

8. Allow your AirPods to dry completely — for at least two hours — before placing them in the charging case or using them.

Clean the body of your AirPods

If your AirPods are exposed to anything that may cause stains or other damage — for example, soap, shampoo, conditioner, lotions, perfumes, solvents, detergents, acids or acidic foods, insect repellent, sunscreen, oil, or hair dye:

1. Wipe them clean with a cloth, slightly dampened with fresh water, and dry them with a soft, dry, lint-free cloth.

2. Allow them to dry completely — for at least two hours — before placing them in the charging case or attempting to use them.

Don’t place your AirPods under running water — and don’t use sharp objects or abrasive materials to clean your AirPods.

Clean the charging case of your AirPods

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

• Remove any debris from the charging port 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.

Tips to avoid skin irritation

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

• After workouts with AirPods 3 or AirPods 4, or after your device has been exposed to liquids, such as sweat, soap, shampoo, makeup, sunscreen or lotions that can potentially cause skin irritations, clean and dry your device. Keeping your AirPods — as well as your skin — clean and dry will maximise comfort and prevent long-term damage to your device.

• If you have known allergies or sensitivities to certain substances, check the materials in AirPods.

• Find out more about AirPods sweat and water resistance.

If you need more help

If cleaning doesn’t resolve your issue, get a service for your AirPods.

If your AirPods become damaged, 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.