Most people want a straight answer before they dive into the details, so here it is. AirTags are water resistant, not fully waterproof. They can handle splashes, rain, and a quick dip in shallow water, but they are not built for long submersion or regular exposure to moisture. That small difference shapes how confidently you can use one in real life, especially if it sits in a bag, clipped to a pet collar, or tucked inside an airtag wallet.

Are AirTags Actually Waterproof?

This question pops up all the time, usually right after someone thinks they have lost their keys at the beach. Apple rates AirTags as IP67, which means they can stay under one metre of water for up to thirty minutes. In practice, this rating covers everyday moments like a spilled drink or being caught in a summer storm.

Here is the part many Aussies learn the hard way. IP ratings describe performance in controlled lab tests. Real life is messier. Water in the ocean moves in unpredictable ways. Sand slips into tiny gaps. Heat on a summer day can shift seals slightly. Anyone who has worn a watch in saltwater has felt that creeping doubt about how much moisture the device can truly handle.

How Does the IP67 Rating Work in Real Life?

The easiest way to picture IP67 is to imagine dropping an AirTag into your backyard pool, scooping it up straight away, and wiping it off. It should be fine. It does not mean the AirTag is happy swimming laps with you.

Because the IP67 rating is common in devices like phones and earbuds, many people assume it means full waterproof protection. It does not. IP67 protects against brief immersion and controlled moisture, but long exposure causes slow seepage. Apple itself notes that water resistance decreases over time.

That slow change happens because seals age. A slight impact can push them out of position. Even opening the battery compartment can affect the tightness. Anyone who has swapped batteries knows the click feels reassuring, but it does not mean the device is sealed as tightly as when it was brand new.

For more details, the official description of Apple’s water resistance ratings is available here:
Apple device water resistance guide

Can You Use an AirTag in Wet or Outdoor Conditions?

Plenty of people do, and most never run into trouble. In Australia, where beach trips, summer storms, and wet weekends happen often, AirTags hold up fairly well in everyday outdoor use.

AirTags tend to cope with:

• Light rain on a walk

• Splashes from a drink bottle

• Moisture in bags or pockets

• A quick drop in a puddle

They struggle with:

• Repeated saltwater exposure

• Long submersion

• Pressurised water from hoses

• Hot environments that expand and weaken seals

Saltwater is especially harsh. Anyone who leaves a metal keyring near the sea knows how quickly corrosion can start. AirTags rely on small metal contacts inside the battery compartment, and saltwater affects those faster than people expect.

What Happens if an AirTag Gets Wet?

The answer depends on how wet. If an AirTag is briefly splashed, it usually keeps working. If it has been submerged, the sound might soften, the connection might drop in and out, or the device might stop completely. The body of an AirTag has no internal fan or heat source, so moisture inside can stay trapped for a long time.

Sometimes drying the AirTag helps. People often place damp electronics near a gentle airflow or in a dry cupboard overnight. If moisture reached the internal components, though, recovery becomes unlikely.

Should You Trust an AirTag Near Water?

Here is where behavioural science kicks in. We tend to overestimate how tough a device is once it survives a single stressful event. Psychologists call this the halo effect. If your AirTag survives one beach visit, you start to believe it will survive every beach visit.

A more consistent approach works better. Treat an AirTag like a device that can tolerate a mistake or two, but not constant moisture. That mindset protects both your gear and your expectations.

Do AirTag Accessories Improve Water Resistance?

Some accessories help, but not always in the way people imagine. Silicone holders keep off splashes but do not create a seal. Metal keyrings protect the outer shell but not the battery compartment. Hard-shell cases offer better protection, especially ones marketed as waterproof, although quality varies.

Where AirTags become particularly useful is inside items you already carry daily. Many people now keep them inside minimalist wallets, gear pouches, or card sleeves. A well designed airtag wallet protects the device from jostling and moisture. Some styles even add a slim protective compartment that reduces direct exposure. A detailed example can be seen in this write-up on the function and structure of a modern airtag wallet which explains how layering, materials, and shape play a role in everyday durability.

Another view that breaks down how these wallets are assembled can be found here, showing how the placement of the AirTag affects its exposure to moisture:
this explanatory guide

Notice how both sources focus on practicality rather than marketing. That perspective helps people decide whether their accessory adds genuine protection or simply looks neat.

What About Using an AirTag on Pets Near Water?

Lots of dog owners attach an AirTag to a collar, especially if their pup likes to explore. This works fine unless the dog spends time swimming. Collars get soaked, and water clings to fabric far longer than people realise. Even quick dips add up if the collar stays wet for hours.

A waterproof collar case or a sealed plastic tag holder works better for dogs that swim often. The idea is not to rely on the AirTag’s own rating, but to give it an extra buffer that keeps the water off entirely.

How Long Does AirTag Water Resistance Last?

Water resistance naturally reduces with age. Every time you twist open the cover to replace the battery, the seal experiences tiny shifts. After a year or two, it simply may not sit as tightly.

Small impacts also matter. Keys hit tables. Bags get dropped. Utensils in a kitchen drawer knock into whatever else sits there. Little knocks soften the protective qualities of the casing. Over time, that means the AirTag becomes slightly more vulnerable to moisture.

This gradual decline is why two people can have totally different experiences with the same device. One person might swim with theirs by accident and it keeps working, while someone else loses their AirTag after a light rain. The device might be identical, but the history of impacts and battery replacements makes a difference.

Should You Replace an AirTag After Water Exposure?

If your AirTag has been heavily submerged or shows inconsistent performance, replacing it is often the most reliable path. At the price point, the effort of drying, checking, and testing might cost more time than it saves.

People who rely on AirTags daily, especially for travel, often keep a spare. It reduces stress and keeps tracking predictable. That habit aligns with Cialdini’s consistency principle. Once someone adopts a small behaviour that works, like keeping a spare, they stick to it because the payoff reinforces itself.

How Can You Reduce Water Risk Without Overthinking It?

A simple routine works well.

• Keep your AirTag inside something, not on its own.

• Avoid repeated saltwater exposure.

• Replace the battery gently and make sure the seal sits flat.

• Check sound and connection occasionally if the device has been near moisture.

• Use accessories that provide physical shielding instead of relying on the IP rating.

Most people already do half of these naturally. The trick is to notice when your AirTag’s environment changes. A new bag, a new pet routine, or a new sport can introduce more moisture than before.

Do You Even Need an AirTag in Wet Environments?

Sometimes the better question is whether the AirTag is the right tool for the job. If you spend a lot of time kayaking, sailing, or swimming, a true waterproof tracker might serve you better. AirTags excel on dry land, in cities, and in everyday travel. Their strength lies in precision, convenience, and the Find My network. Their limitation lies in water.

That limitation is not a flaw. It is a design choice. Apple built the AirTag for everyday life, not for underwater use. Knowing that helps you place it where it works best.

FAQ

Can I swim with an AirTag attached to my gear
You can, but it is not recommended. Brief exposure might be fine, repeated exposure usually is not.

Will an AirTag survive rain
Yes. Light or moderate rain falls within the rating and most people never see issues.

Does a waterproof case make an AirTag fully waterproof
A high quality case improves protection but no case guarantees complete waterproof performance over time.

Final Thoughts

AirTags give people peace of mind, especially when slipped into a wallet or attached to everyday items. Their water resistance is solid for normal use, but expecting full waterproof performance sets you up for disappointment. The more you protect the device, the longer it supports you without fuss. And if you want to see how different wallet styles carry an AirTag, this practical guide on an airtag wallet offers a simple look at how design shapes durability.