Desperate times call for desperate measures.
AirPods Max users dealing with device issues are experimenting with a unique solution: putting them in the fridge. This unconventional method surfaced in discussions on Reddit’s r/Airpodsmax and Apple Support forums, offering a workaround for problems like sound failures and connectivity glitches.
Faced with Apple’s $300 charge for repairs or replacements out of warranty, owners are turning to refrigeration in hopes of fixing their premium headphones without the hefty fee.
The Fridge Fix
Since their release, AirPods Max owners have been facing several issues. This includes sudden disconnections, shutdowns, static noises, battery problems, and more. In their desperation, they stumbled upon a surprising solution: putting the faulty headphones in the fridge.
It’s not clear where this tip first popped up, but many are saying that they heard it first in an Apple Support forum.
This quickly spread across the internet, especially on Reddit. It aimed to solve the frustrations of users who didn’t want to pay the $300 fee Apple charges to repair or replace an out-of-warranty AirPods Max.
Many complaints centered around the AirPods Max getting condensation inside, especially in humid places. This led to various issues, such as connection problems, sound not working, and the device turning off unexpectedly.
The idea to chill the headphones is based on the idea that cooling down the headphones could help eliminate internal moisture.
This moisture issue mainly comes from the design of the device’s aluminum ear cups, which can collect moisture and disrupt the internal electronics. This problem is more common in humid environments or for people who use their headphones a lot. The difference in temperature inside and outside the ear cups can lead to condensation.
By putting the AirPods Max in a fridge for a while, users hoped to reduce this moisture and get their devices working again, all without having to pay the hefty repair fees Apple charges.
Varied User Experiences: Successes and Failures
Within the AirPods Max community, the fridge method has led to a mix of outcomes, ranging from effective solutions to short-lived fixes and total failures.
On one end, several users have shared stories of their headphones coming back to life after a stint in the fridge.
While they have different speculations on why this works, these vary so most of them do not know for sure. But, they still stand with their experience.
However, the effectiveness of this method has proven temporary for several users.
For example, one user describes a brief victory:
This perspective is shared by others. They find that while cooling can temporarily fix the AirPods Max, the issues often return, leading to a cycle of frustration.
On the other end, some users, like Better-Friendship-82, report no success at all.
Apple’s Official Stance
While Apple hasn’t directly commented on the fridge method for fixing AirPods Max, it has provided detailed guidelines on the temperatures at which these devices should operate and be stored.
These can serve as a warning for anyone who wants to try this trick.
Apple’s support pages state that AirPods should be used in environments where the temperature is between 0°C and 35°C (32°F to 95°F). Using them outside this range might temporarily shorten battery life or cause the device to turn off to protect its internal components.
For storage, the recommended temperature range is -10°C to 45°C (14°F to 113°F).
This information highlights that extreme temperatures can impact the AirPods Max. But it also indirectly supports the idea that temperature adjustments could affect the device’s performance.
Nonetheless, Apple’s advice primarily focuses on standard troubleshooting steps and suggests seeking professional repair services for any issues, without endorsing the fridge fix as a solution.