Apple AirTags hold an IP67 rating for water and dust resistance, allowing the tracking devices to survive immersion in up to one meter of water for roughly 30 minutes, according to standardized tests set by the International Electrotechnical Commission.
Understanding IP67 Ratings and Liquid Protection
Electronic devices cannot achieve 100 percent protection from water, as prolonged exposure to pressure, heat, time, or chemicals will eventually bypass standard seals. According to the International Electrotechnical Commission, liquid protection is measured using the second digit of an Ingress Protection rating, where values ranging from zero to nine indicate the severity of liquid scenarios a device can withstand.
Apple designates AirTags, including updated hardware models, with an IP67 rating. Under testing parameters, the IPX7 metric signifies that a device experiences no harmful effects when immersed in 3.3 feet (one meter) of water for up to 30 minutes. By contrast, higher-tier ratings like IP68 allow manufacturers to define harsher conditions, such as deeper water immersion for specific time limits seen in modern smartphones.
Real-World Limits: Rain, Puddles, and Washing Machines
Real-world accidents rarely mirror the controlled, still-water environments used in laboratory testing. According to device maintenance guidance, an AirTag typically survives contact with rain, spilled drinks, or shallow puddles. If sticky liquids like juice or soda contact the tracker, users should rinse the exterior with tap water without opening the wet casing.
Running an AirTag through a household washing machine introduces mechanical agitation, hot water, and detergents that stress the internal components far beyond standard static immersion tests. Furthermore, adhesive seals degrade through natural wear and tear over time, meaning an older tracker offers significantly less liquid defense than a newly unboxed unit.
Pro Tip: If your AirTag gets soaked, wipe it dry with a soft cloth before opening the battery door. Take the battery out and let the internal components air dry completely. If the device fails to respond once reassembled with a fresh battery, permanent moisture damage may have occurred.
Warranty Policies and Waterproof Accessories
Apple explicitly excludes liquid damage from its standard hardware warranty coverage. While optional extended protection plans like AppleCare+ cover accidental liquid spills for select electronics, Apple does not offer these protection plans for AirTags. Given that individual units retail for $30 or $100 for a four-pack, replacement remains the primary option when severe water intrusion destroys the circuitry.
Industry experts caution that while these enclosures add an extra layer of security, users should still avoid taking trackers swimming or exposing them to fast-moving ocean waves, river rapids, or high-temperature steam from showers and saunas.
Did You Know? Exposure to steam and high humidity can be more damaging to electronics than clean liquid immersion, as vapor easily bypasses aging seals and leaves corrosive mineral deposits behind on internal circuits as it condenses.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Apple AirTags completely waterproof?
No, AirTags are water-resistant, not waterproof. They carry an IP67 rating, meaning they can handle brief submersion up to one meter deep for up to 30 minutes under laboratory conditions.
What should I do if my AirTag goes through the laundry?
Dry the exterior thoroughly with a cloth, open the battery cover, remove the battery, and allow the device to air dry completely. Test the tracker with a new battery once it is fully dry.
Does Apple’s warranty cover water damage on AirTags?
No, Apple’s standard warranty does not cover liquid damage, and AppleCare+ is not available for purchase to cover AirTags.
Can I take an AirTag swimming or scuba diving?
No. Fast-moving water, deep-water pressure, and prolonged submersion exceed the limits of an IP67 rating and can compromise the internal seals.
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