Important safety and handling information for AirPods

Handling.  Handle AirPods and charging case with care. They contain sensitive electronic components, including batteries, and can be damaged, impair functionality, or cause injury if dropped, burned, punctured, crushed, disassembled, or if exposed to excessive heat or liquid or to environments having high concentrations of industrial chemicals, including near evaporating liquified gasses such as helium. Don’t use damaged AirPods or charging case. Don’t use AirPods Max with ear cushions removed.

Caution.  For AirPods Max, keep hands and fingers away from the moving parts to avoid pinching.

Battery.  Don’t attempt to replace AirPods or charging case batteries yourself—you may damage the batteries, which could cause overheating and injury.

Surroundings.  Using AirPods in some circumstances may distract you or impact your awareness of your surroundings. AirPods Pro and AirPods Max may provide features that block out external sounds or reduce background noise. Always remain aware of your environment during use. Obey applicable laws and regulations on the use of headphones and earphones while operating a moving vehicle or bicycle, heavy machinery, or in other situations requiring attention to safety. For example, using AirPods to listen to music while operating a vehicle is not recommended and is illegal in some areas. If you find specific AirPods features disruptive or distracting while performing any activity that requires your full attention, stop using those features.

Charging.  Charge the charging case or AirPods Max with the charging cable and a power adapter or computer. You can also charge the MagSafe or wireless charging case by placing the charging case with the status light facing up on a MagSafe or Qi-certified wireless charger. Charge the charging case for AirPods Pro 2 by placing the charging case with the status light facing up on a MagSafe or Qi-certified, or Apple Watch wireless charger. Only charge with an adapter that is compliant with applicable country regulations and international and regional safety standards. Other adapters may not meet applicable safety standards, and charging with such adapters could pose a risk of death or injury. Using damaged cables or chargers, or charging when moisture is present, can cause fire, electric shock, injury, or damage to AirPods, the charging case, or other property. When using a wireless charger, avoid placing metallic foreign objects on the charger (for example, keys, coins, batteries, or jewelry), as they may become warm or interfere with charging.

Prolonged heat exposure.  Avoid prolonged skin contact with a device, its power adapter, the charging cable and connector, or a wireless charger when plugged into a power source, because it may cause discomfort or injury. For example, while the charging case or AirPods Max is charging using the charging cable and a power adapter or, for the MagSafe or wireless charging case, a wireless charger plugged into a power source, don’t sit or sleep on the device, charging cable, connector, power adapter, or wireless charger, or place them under a blanket, pillow, or your body. Take special care if you have a physical condition that affects your ability to detect heat against your body.

Hearing loss.  Listening to sound at high volumes may permanently damage your hearing. Background noise, as well as continued exposure to high volume levels, can make sounds seem quieter than they actually are. Check the volume after inserting AirPods or AirPods Pro in your ears, or putting AirPods Max on your head, and before playing audio. For more information about hearing loss and how to set a maximum volume limit, see the Sound and Hearing website.

Warning: To prevent possible hearing damage, do not listen at high volume levels for long periods.

Medical device interference.  AirPods, charging case, and AirPods Max Smart Case, contain magnets as well as components and radios that emit electromagnetic fields. These magnets and electromagnetic fields might interfere with medical devices. Consult your physician and medical device manufacturer for information specific to your medical device and whether you need to maintain a safe distance of separation between your medical device and AirPods, charging case, and AirPods Max Smart Case. Manufacturers often provide recommendations on the safe use of their devices around wireless or magnetic products to prevent possible interference. If you suspect AirPods, charging case, and AirPods Max Smart Case are interfering with your medical device, stop using them. Medical devices such as implanted pacemakers and defibrillators may contain sensors that respond to magnets and radios when in close contact. To avoid any potential interactions with these devices, keep your AirPods, charging case, and AirPods Max Smart Case a safe distance away from your device (> 6 inches/15 cm, but consult with your physician and your device manufacturer for specific guidelines).

Cleaning. Clean AirPods regularly. Device performance and noise control features like Active Noise Cancellation, Adaptive Audio, and Transparency can be affected by debris or earwax buildup. AirPods can lead to skin irritation if not properly cleaned. For information on how to clean your device and other tips to avoid skin irritation, see the Apple Support articles How to clean your AirPods, How to clean your AirPods Pro, and How to clean your AirPods Max. If a skin problem develops, discontinue use. If the problem persists, consult a physician.

Electrostatic shock. When using AirPods in areas where the air is very dry, it is easy to build up static electricity and possible for your ears to receive a small electrostatic discharge from AirPods. To minimize the risk of electrostatic discharge, avoid using AirPods in extremely dry environments, or touch a grounded unpainted metal object before inserting AirPods or putting AirPods Max on your head.

Choking hazard. AirPods, the charging case, and small parts included with AirPods Pro may present a choking hazard or cause other injury to small children. Keep them away from small children.

• INGESTION HAZARD: AirPods 3, AirPods 4 (both models), AirPods Pro 1, and AirPods Pro 2 contain a button cell or coin battery.

• DEATH or serious injury can occur if ingested.

• A swallowed button cell or coin battery can cause Internal Chemical Burns in as little as 2 hours.

• KEEP new and used batteries OUT OF REACH OF CHILDREN.

• Seek immediate medical attention if a battery is suspected to be swallowed or inserted inside any part of the body.

Warning. If using the charging case with a lanyard or other strap, use caution to ensure the lanyard or strap does not get caught in other objects.

Important handling information. Discoloration of the Lightning connector and/or bottom of the stem of your AirPods or AirPods Pro after regular use is normal. Dirt, debris, and exposure to moisture may cause discoloration. For information about exposure to liquids and cleaning AirPods, the charging case, and the Lightning connector, go to apple.com/support.