Metal shavings stuck to Airpods case

The absolute best way to clean this off perfectly is scotch tape. Place the tape over the case magnet areas that have the metal shavings stuck on them and using a mechanical pencil with the lead retracted so you are using the plastic tip to push the scotch tape directly on to the areas with the metal shavings stuck on them. Let it sit on there for 30 seconds or so and then slowly remove the scotch tape. Viola! This works because the strength of the tape is stronger than the magnet.

Automatic door tech here and I saw shavings since day one. I often use a band saw to cut hardware and steel so I’m aware of the shavings. How Apple prevents this from happening is what I’m curious about. I don’t want steel clogging up my ears...

I use a big 1 inch square rare earth magnet to get the shavings off mine and it seems to work really well. No issues with the AirPods acting funny after. Just to be safe I do it with the AirPods out of the case.

if you look very closely using a magnifying glass you'll see that the metal shavings actually cut into the plastic making it impossible to remove them after a while. Eventually the shavings rust and the brown rust dust impregnates the furrows in the plastic causing permanent discoloration.

I also work with metal (welding, grinding etc) and I have a lot of shavings on my case, because the shavings get in my pocket from what im working with. This is definitely not an issue with the case or the airpods. But most people don't realize that metallic dust is everywhere, all over buildings and furniture and table tops and your clothes, just like other dirt and dust, and its sometimes incredibly small. Its obviously more common in metal shops. Apple should just make the case black. I don't see any other solution to this issue because A) the magnets are too useful on this product to remove, and B) you aren't going to get rid of the metal dust in the world, or somehow make it not attracted to the magnet... and C) i dont think there is any negative impact on the headphones or your health. It just looks dirty...

yes it will mess it up. How does the metal shavings even get in?

It is not a defect with just the few people that have reported the same thing happen to them. Im on my 4th pair of airpods and they’ve all done the exact same thing. Apple needs to step their game up

Metal filings are a part of the day to day dust we are all subjected to in our daily lives. I work on a railway so metal dust and filings are a part of my life. You may receive some filings from the hinge but my guess is that it is only a small amount, most comes from our environment. Even if you haven't been effected yet, you probably will eventually over time. Some people may live where there are higher levels such as near factories or railways. More than likely you pick it up from the pens, keys or pocket change you may carry. Don't carry pocket change? Other people do and if it is in the same pocket they carry their dollar bills guess what, it will make it to your pocket. It may not even come from your pocket but simply off your fingers as it is picked up from your daily routine.

The only real fix is for Apple, as well as all headphone manufacturers to remove the magnets from their products.

Make an appointment at the nearest Apple location to have your AirPods

including case evaluated for free.

Once the diagnostics are complete, the staff will explain your options.

Make a Genius Bar Reservation

http://www.apple.com/retail/geniusbar/

MVartan wrote:

Like a pocket?

What about pockets? They're useful. There are too few of them in women's clothes.

Clean your case with a soft cloth.

I would suggest that you try to keep the case away from the metal shavings. At some point, something is going to get into the Airpods and may do damage. If you need to carry the case/AirPods into an area where there is likely to be dust of any kind, I'd suggest a small ziplock bag.

Chris.K121 wrote:

A bag would work however would become cumbersome as I am taking the AirPods out of my ears & sticking them back in the case or just taking the AirPods out so I can talk to others several times a day.

It might well be cumbersome. But, consider if you're willing to pay to replace them if the metal shavings cause them to fail. At the very least, before putting on your pants, turn the pockets inside out, give them a good shake and then run one of those sticky lint rollers over the fabric.

If I didn't have as much experience with Cintas as I do, I'd suggest you complain. Metal shavings probably aren't great for your skin, either.

Best of luck.

This has been a constant problem for me. Im an engineering student at penn state and have to work with metal recently. I thought it was just me but my roommate got a pair and is having the same issue. Mine is definitely way worse than his. I would bet that apple will include some type of sealing device on the second gen AirPods, maybe similar to the o-ring around the MacBook screens. Its very annoying and I have to clean the case regularly with a q tip