AirPods are among the most highly sought-after wireless devices, thanks to their convenience. Besides all the great qualities, there are still concerns, especially from new users, about weird odors emanating from the earplugs, especially burnt-like smells.
So, why do my AirPods smell burnt? Although rare, a burnt smell from AirPods is likely due to short-circuiting internal components, which melt the plastic. Also, it may be due to exposure to extremely high temperatures, contact with water, or damages from severely crushing on hard surfaces. Luckily, it is not a common problem to worry about unless you have fake AirPods or use improper charging cables. Otherwise, if it is a malfunctioning issue, Apple can always replace a faulty product for you.
You may have seen reports about AirPods exploding in users’ ears, making it shocking to perceive a burning smell from your devices. They may be a new or used pair, and you are wondering whether this is a common problem, hoping that the smell will soon disappear. Thorough investigations led to the following conclusions.
It is not usual for genuine AirPods to have a burning smell during charging or usage unless there is an internal component issue, which is quite rare. There are chances that short-circuiting problems are causing the plastic parts to melt, emitting a burning smell.
It is also likely that your earbuds have problems charging with the case. Using Fake AirPods and charging with the wrong cable can also lead to these complications. If this persists, it is best to contact Apple Support for exchange or a way forward.
As you can tell from other Apple products, the company focuses significantly on making high-quality products for its customers. Therefore, it is unlikely to bump into issues like overcharging or overheating with your AirPods. It should be worrying if there is a burning smell from your case or AirPods.
One of the most logical explanations for this is short-circuiting, which is common if your buds recently dropped in water or severely crashed on a hard surface. It leads to some malfunctions or broken internal components. This may result in system crashes and the plastic parts melting, releasing a burning smell in the process.
Secondly, you may run into several issues like overheating when using counterfeit products. You may have mistakenly bought fake AirPods or duped into buying a pair. Generally, such products don’t function as genuine versions, and it’s common to experience unexpected issues.
You will notice the same concerns if you charge your AirPods case with an unsuitable cable. Different users have personal accounts of what earbuds should smell. Usually, many new users report that their AirPods smell like any other new Apple product, but the scent dies down after some time. On the other hand, another section perceives a glue or nail polish smell or compares it to how a new car smells. Surprisingly, others relate it to blueberries’ fruity scent.
Luckily, these new product smells tend to disappear after a while. The only problem is when a burning or weird scent doesn’t disappear. If you are confident that you have a genuine Apple product and are using only the recommended wires, then the last resort would be to contact Customer Support for an exchange. Otherwise, if the burning smell or any other defect is due to the use of fake or improper products, then Apple may not be liable.
Why Do My AirPods Smell Weird?
Apple’s AirPods are excellent earpieces with excellent sound quality that keep you glued to your music and conversations. They are comfortable in your ears and fit perfectly, unlike ordinary earplugs. However, a section of users complains that their devices have a weird smell, and it’s time to address these concerns.
A probable explanation for AirPods smelling weird, is the glue smell that the company uses during the assembly of the gadget. Another uncomfortable smell may be the wax that accumulates from your ears over time as you keep using them. Additionally, the dampness and dirt may grow mold inside the earpiece.
If your buds are new, you can expect them to have a distinctive fresh plastic scent similar to that of a new car. While you can eliminate foul odors by cleaning your AirPods, “new smell” usually goes away eventually the more you use the buds.
There are numerous arguments by users about the AirPods’ scent. For starters, some believe that it is glue-like, while others perceive a silicone or a nail polish odor. Different users have descriptions for it, but the glue scent is more likely since it is one of the essential elements in the AirPods’ assembly process. The manufacturers place the glue inside the buds, meaning that there is no way to remove it without causing damage. Luckily, the smell vanishes entirely with time.
Additionally, the material used for the AirPods casing usually has a distinct smell when you take it off the box. It may be a faint blueberry scent from the chemical manufacture of the plastic components in the product or a strange smell due to wax from your ears, especially if you have them on for long hours a day. Accumulating wax can quickly contact the plugs when you insert them and cause the smell to latch on when you take them out.
If the unpleasant smell lingers yet you regularly clean your ears and the “new smell” has long faded, there must be another logical explanation. Typically, the earpieces contact dirt and moisture almost every day, and these two elements combine and find their way into the AirPods. Over time, the earplugs attract smelly mold and bacteria.
Unfortunately, the microorganisms on the device pose a health hazard to you. For this, Apple recommends using isopropyl alcohol to wipe the earplugs thoroughly to remove dirt and kill bacteria on the surface. Also, it would help to use ethyl alcohol and Clorox disinfecting wipes, then gently clean the surface of the earpiece and avoid rubbing the cleaning agents on the speaker mesh.
You can also use a hand sanitizer to wipe the earplugs to remove dirt and bacteria and use water if you cannot find the above components. Get a clean and soft cloth, dampen it and gently wipe the AirPods to eliminate all the stains, and let the gadgets dry first before putting them back into the case to charge.
Can AirPods Burn Out?
Burnout is one of the worst fears of any new device owner, and you wouldn’t want your expensive high-tech AirPods to suffer the same fate. Previously, you would hear warnings about not leaving your devices plugged in for too long to avoid damaging the battery. This leads to the vital question, are there chances for AirPods to burn out?
The AirPods are safe to leave charging in the case overnight or whenever you want to keep them intact. Their wireless charging design prevents overcharging and keeps the batteries secure from damages and burnout. Usually, the powering process stops when the device is fully charged, preventing further current from passing through the system.
Thanks to this impressive engineering, the batteries will only naturally wear with time. However, they are at risk of overheating or damaging when you leave them in direct sun for long or drop them in water.
When bringing home, a newly purchased gadget, a silent rule is to avoid overcharging and burning it out. You risk ruining the batteries if you leave a device plugged overnight or for hours, way past their maximum limit. However, the AirPods come in an improved and innovative design. Instead of connecting it to a charging cable, they have a case that holds and charges them simultaneously.
This feature has made users curious about the possibility of them burning out, especially since they are always in the case, whether while charging or not. You will be excited to learn that, unlike conventional gadgets, the earbuds have an in-built Lithium-ion battery, which is quite popular in the latest tech systems. These versions are immune to burnouts or overcharging, making them perfect for the AirPods.
Their careful engineering automatically cuts the charging process immediately after the buds reach the maximum charge percentage. Therefore, your pods are safe even at 100% but still tucked in the case since no currents are flowing. It becomes more convenient to keep them in the case whenever you want, as the enclosure offers protection and helps you continually keep tabs on where they are.
Although it is a relief that you don’t have to worry about burnout, keeping batteries away from extreme heat or moisture is still essential. Some users carry their AirPods on vacations and leave them in the scorching heat when they visit beaches.
Such temperatures are disastrous to the internal systems, which can easily give in and crash. Also, remember that the batteries are vulnerable to water. If they accidentally fall into a pool, it is best to pick them up and dry them immediately.
Apple always advocates for the earpieces to stay in the case when you are done with them. It is the most secure option, given that the buds are pretty tiny and can fall off easily and get lost. The extra case layer may also be helpful if the two drop in water.
Lastly, if you want your batteries to last longer, Apple advises that you avoid opening and closing the case when you don’t need to use the pods to give them ample time to charge. You can also reduce the smart feature settings and the volume to preserve the battery for the buds to serve you longer.
Are There Risks of AirPods Burning and Exploding?
Apple has produced millions of AirPods using top-of-the-line technology, and the market demand indicates the product’s success. There have been reports about explosions and overheating from users of different earpiece brands, and as a keen user, you may be curious about your safety when using the AirPods.
It is rare to witness Apple AirPods exploding and burning in someone’s ear since the company is cautious about making the best quality products. Still, genuine and counterfeit products have chances of malfunctions, although the likelihood of an explosion is very high with fake alternatives. Luckily, most users have genuine AirPods from Apple, meaning that there are minimal chances of them reporting burns or explosions, especially during charging.
AirPods look-alikes are the more dangerous devices to use, and there have been reports of explosions and fires. On the contrary, the official Apple earbuds have very little chance of burning up because the materials used in assembling are of the best quality in the market.
The manufacturer confirms that it is rare to find an AirPods battery malfunctioning, but it is still wise to be vigilant. If you charge the earbuds and notice that they are getting hotter than usual, it may be best to consult with Apple Support.
The company doesn’t have official statements explaining why their devices can explode since you will hardly encounter such situations. However, it can happen if you acquired your AirPods from the black market or use a battery that Apple does not recommend. Therefore, if you value your safety and the people around you, it is best to avoid cheap earbuds masquerading as authentic Apple products.
Also, don’t mix the components of your earpiece, especially the batteries. Moreover, there are some precautions you can take to lower the chances of an explosion. First, consider replacing your old batteries with malfunction issues and always charge your device responsibly.
You should use the right cables and keep the gadget away from water spillage. Finally, it is paramount to buy Apple products from the official stores or thoroughly check that you are not purchasing low-quality, risky, counterfeit AirPods.
Parting Shot
AirPods are well designed to give you the best wireless listening experience. In contrast, the market has alternative low-quality counterfeit and look-alike options that are risky for the user, and they can easily malfunction and risk causing explosions. Genuine Apple products are safe as long as you use them correctly.
For the best experience, it is best to avoid dropping them on hard surfaces or water; otherwise, the internal components may short-circuit, causing a burning smell. Similarly, avoid leaving them out under the scorching sun and always use the recommended cables and cases for charging. With these steps, your battery will serve you longer and only deteriorate naturally with time.
