How waterproof are AirTags? Here’s what you need to know

Gadgets that become water resistant are one of the most underrated technological improvements we’ve seen in the last decade. Dropping your phone in the sink would often destroy it if you didn’t act quickly, but now you have a safety net for these accidents. AirTags users may especially appreciate this; Because small trackers use cases that can attach to almost anything, they’re more likely to get splashed or stuck in the rain.

But it’s not something to treat as a magic shield. Although Apple states that AirTags are protected against water intrusion, this is not absolute, as not all liquid contacts are the same. Before you leave an AirTag outside during a storm or try to track it to the bottom of your pool, you need to understand the limitations here.

As an added bonus, since water resistance is standardized on many electronic devices, learning about how it works with AirTags also helps you understand the liquid protection of your other devices.

AirTags are not waterproof because no device can be 100% protected against water. A combination of pressure, time, heat and/or chemicals will eventually bypass sealing measures. Instead, products like AirTags are correctly described as water-resistant.

To define the exact circumstances under which a device is protected from water, companies follow tests established by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC). The relevant measurement is penetration protection (IP), which contains two numbers. The first number measures defense against solid objects, ranging from zero (complete lack of defense) to six (dust cannot enter). Meanwhile, the second number (ranging from zero to nine) represents liquid scenarios that have no negative effects on the device.

Each number between the minimum and maximum represents different stages, too detailed to list here. Check out the IP Ratings guide if you’re interested. The value is presented in the format IP68with a X indicating that no testing has been performed. AirTags, including the slightly revamped AirTag 2026 model, have an IP67 rating.

For our purposes, water protection levels seven and eight are most relevant. An AirTag IPX7 means it is not damaged when submerged in 1 m (3.3 ft) of water for up to 30 minutes. IPX8 is not as well defined – it only requires that the device be safe when exposed to conditions more harmful than level seven. Manufacturers decide on these conditions when they assign the IPX8 rating. For example, Apple’s water resistance page qualifies various devices as IP68. For up to 30 minutes, affected phones can survive 2m (6.6ft), 4m (13.1ft) or 6m (19.7ft).

With its IP67 rating, an AirTag can survive contact with water in many situations. You should be fine if it rains for a while or you drop your keys in a shallow puddle. Apple’s advice for other liquid spills applies here, too: If you put juice, tea, or soda on an AirTag, you should rinse it with tap water. Never open a wet AirTag, as this may damage the circuitry. If your AirTag gets wet, dry it with a soft cloth, then you can open it, remove the battery, and let it air dry in case any liquid gets inside. If it doesn’t work once it’s completely dry and you put it back together, try replacing the battery.

Be aware that water resistance is not a static quality. On the one hand, IP rating tests are carried out in perfect scenarios with calm water, which does not reflect real accidents. Plunging an AirTag into a machine designed for testing isn’t the same as accidentally running it through a washing machine, for example. An AirTag can still work after a wash cycle, even if factors like hot water and detergent are hard on it.

Likewise, the seals that Apple applies to AirTags are not permanent. Over time, these can weaken due to natural wear and tear, even if you take good care of them. An AirTag you’ve had for three years won’t resist liquids as well as an AirTag you just took out of the box.

It’s wise to view the resistance index as a backup if something happens, not as something you should actively test. Don’t attach an AirTag to anything you plan to take underwater, and keep it away from fast-moving water like ocean waves or river rapids. Avoid steam from showers or saunas, as heat, water vapor and condensation are not good for electronics.

If your AirTag is destroyed by water, you will find that Apple’s warranty unfortunately does not cover liquid damage. The company’s optional AppleCare+ covers accidental damage, but it’s not available for AirTags (even the expanded AppleCare One plan). Fortunately, at $30 each or $100 for a four-pack, AirTags aren’t very expensive to replace.

To strengthen the liquid defenses of your AirTags, you can put them in “waterproof” cases. Some of them claim IPX8 protection up to 10 feet, which gives more wiggle room than the device’s base rating. All the same considerations apply: You shouldn’t dive with these, but they add another layer of protection if you really need to use your AirTags around water. We’ve rounded up the best AirTag accessories if you want another option.

It’s best to keep your AirTags away from swimming pools, the ocean, and other large bodies of water. Count on their water resistance only in the event of an incident.