Technology

The little-known secret way to clean your AirPods the right way

Published

2 years ago

February 5, 2024

The little-known secret way to clean your AirPods the right way

If you own a pair of AirPods, you know how convenient and enjoyable they are to use. But you also know how dirty they can get over time. AirPods often accumulate dirt, bacteria, wax, sweat, and other substances that can affect their performance and even cause infections in your ears. That’s why it’s important to clean them regularly and properly.

But how do you clean your AirPods without damaging them? What products should you use and avoid? And what are some tips to prevent them from getting dirty in the first place? We’ll answer all these questions and more, so read on to learn the best way to clean your AirPods, AirPods Pro, and AirPods Max.

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AirPods Pro (Apple) (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

The do’s and don’ts of cleaning your AirPods

Before we get into the details of how to clean each part of your AirPods, let’s go over some general do’s and don’ts that apply to all models.

3 Do’s

1) Do use a soft, dry, lint-free cloth to wipe the exterior of your AirPods. This will remove any dust, dirt, or fingerprints that may have accumulated on the surface.

Using a lint-free cloth to clean AirPods (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

2) Do wipe your AirPods with a slightly damp, lint-free cloth with water if they were exposed to anything that might cause damage, such as sweat, soap, shampoo, makeup, or sunscreen. Make sure to dry them thoroughly before using them again.

Wetting lint-free cloth to be damp (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

3) Do clean the microphone and speaker meshes with a dry cotton swab and a cleaning pen. These tools can help you gently remove any debris or wax that may be clogging the sound quality of your AirPods.

MORE: ARE APPLE AIRPODS PRO AN ALTERNATIVE TO PRICEY HEARING AIDS?

3 Don’ts

1) Don’t run your AirPods underwater. Get any liquid in the openings, and use sharp objects or abrasive materials to clean them. These actions can damage the internal components, the battery, or the microphone and speaker meshes of your AirPods.

Don’t run AirPods underwater (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

2) Don’t use compressed air, toothpicks, or other pointed objects to clean the meshes. These can damage the delicate fabric or push the debris further into the openings.

How not to use sharp objects to clean your AirPods (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

3) Don’t use any cleaning products that contain alcohol, bleach, hydrogen peroxide, or other harsh chemicals. These can corrode the metal contacts, the plastic casing, or the rubber ear tips of your AirPods.

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How to clean the ear tips of AirPods Pro

If you have AirPods Pro, you’ll need to pay extra attention to the ear tips, which are the silicone pieces that fit into your ear canal. These can collect a lot of wax, sweat, and bacteria, which can affect the noise cancellation and the fit of your AirPods Pro. Here are four steps on how to clean them.

Step 1 – Tap the AirPod on a soft, dry, lint-free cloth with the ear tip opening facing downward if any water has accumulated in the ear tip. This will help drain the water out of the AirPod.

Example of tapping AirPod on lint-free cloth (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

Step 2 – Pull off the ear tips from each AirPod and rinse them with only water. Don’t use any soap or other cleaning products.

AirPod ear tip (Apple) (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

Step 3 – Wipe the ear tips with a soft, dry, lint-free cloth and make sure they are completely dry before re-attaching to each AirPod. You can also let them air dry for a few hours if you prefer.

Showing what the ear tip looks like un-attached to AirPod (Apple) (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

Step 4 – To reattach the ear tips, align them with the oval-shaped connector on the AirPod and push them firmly until they click into place.

MORE: CAN’T HEAR OR SEE WELL? IPHONE SETTINGS TO MAKE HEARING AND SEEING EASIER

How to clean the AirPods charging case

The charging case of your AirPods is another part that can get dirty over time. It can collect dust, lint, or debris in the charging ports, which can affect the charging efficiency and the battery life of your AirPods. Here’s four steps on how to clean it.

Step 1 – Use a soft, dry, lint-free cloth to wipe the exterior of the charging case. If necessary, you can slightly dampen the cloth with isopropyl alcohol. Allow the charging case to dry completely before using it again.

Lint-free cloth, AirPods, isopropyl alcohol (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

Step 2 – Make sure not to get any liquid in the charging ports, the hinge, or the lid of the charging case. These can cause corrosion or short circuits in the case.

Step 3 – You’ll also want to remove any debris from the Lightning connector with a clean, dry, soft-bristled brush. Don’t use abrasive materials or metal objects to clean the connector, as they can damage the pins or the coating of the connector.

Cleaning AirPods charging case with a soft-bristled brush (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

Step 4 – To avoid damaging the metal contacts, don’t put anything in the charging ports of the case or the AirPods. These are the small gold circles that allow the case to charge the AirPods. If they are dirty, you can gently wipe them with a dry cotton swab.

Pointing to metal contacts on AirPod (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

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How to clean the AirPods Max

If you have AirPods Max, the over-ear headphones from Apple, you’ll need to take care of the different parts of the device, such as the ear cushions, the knit mesh, the headband, and the digital crown. Here are four steps on how to clean them.

AirPods Max (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

Step 1 – To clean the ear cushions, remove them from the ear cups by pulling them off gently. You can wash them with mild soap and water, and then rinse them thoroughly. Let them dry completely before re-attaching them to the ear cups. To re-attach them, align the magnets on the ear cushions with the ones on the ear cups and press them firmly until they snap into place.

Ear cushions removed from AirPods Max (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

Step 2 – To clean the knit mesh, use a dry lint-free cloth to gently wipe the surface. Don’t use any liquid or cleaning products on the knit mesh, as they can damage the fabric or the acoustic performance of the headphones.

Cleaning knit mesh on AirPods Max with a lint-free cloth (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

Step 3 – To clean the headband, use a slightly damp, lint-free cloth with water to wipe the exterior. Don’t use any alcohol, bleach, or other chemicals on the headband, as they can discolor or damage the material.

Cleaning the headband of AirPods Max with a lint-free cloth (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

Step 4 – To clean the digital crown, which is the knob that controls the volume and other functions of the headphones, use a dry cotton swab to gently remove any dirt or debris from the edges. Don’t use any liquid or metal objects to clean the digital crown, as they can damage the mechanism or the coating of the crown.

Cleaning the digital crown of the AirPods Max with a lint-free cloth (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

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How to prevent your AirPods from getting dirty

While cleaning your AirPods regularly is a good habit, you can also take some simple steps to prevent them from getting dirty in the first place. Here are two tips to keep your AirPods clean and fresh.

Store your AirPods in their case when you’re not using them. This will protect them from dust, moisture, and accidental drops. Make sure the case is also clean and dry before putting your AirPods in it.
Avoid sharing your AirPods with other people, especially if they have ear infections or other ear problems. This can transfer bacteria or germs from one person to another, and increase the risk of infections or irritations in your ears.

Kurt’s key takeaways

Cleaning your AirPods is not a difficult task, but it requires some care and attention. By following the steps and tips we’ve outlined, you can keep your AirPods in good shape and enjoy them for a long time. Remember to clean them regularly, use the right products and tools, and avoid damaging them with liquids or sharp objects.

How do you prevent your AirPods from getting dirty in the first place, and what habits do you follow? Let us know by writing us at Cyberguy.com/Contact.

For more of my tech tips & security alerts, subscribe to my free CyberGuy Report Newsletter by heading to Cyberguy.com/Newsletter.

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Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson is an award-winning tech journalist who has a deep love of technology, gear and gadgets that make life better with his contributions for Fox News & FOX Business beginning mornings on “FOX & Friends.” Got a tech question? Get Kurt’s CyberGuy Newsletter, share your voice, a story idea or comment at CyberGuy.com.

Technology

Anthropic upgrades Claude’s memory to attract AI switchers

Published

4 hours ago

March 2, 2026

Press Room

Anthropic upgrades Claude’s memory to attract AI switchers

Anthropic is making it easier to switch to its Claude AI from other chatbots with an update that brings Claude’s memory feature to users on the free plan, along with a new prompt and dedicated tool for importing data from other chatbots. These upgrades could allow users who have been using rivals like OpenAI’s ChatGPT or Google’s Gemini to quickly copy the data their preferred AI has collected on them and bring it over to Anthropic’s chatbot. That way, they don’t have to “start over” teaching Claude the context and history their previous chatbot already knows.

The option to import and export memories from Claude has been available since October, when Anthropic also rolled out the option for users to turn on Claude’s memory. Up until now, the memory feature was only available to users on paid Claude subscriptions, but now all Claude users can turn it on by going into “settings” then “capabilities.” This menu is also where users can find the new memory importing tool, which has users copy a pre-written prompt into their previous AI then copy the output from that prompt back into Claude’s importing tool.

Anthropic is introducing the upgraded memory importing tool as Claude is seeing a rise in popularity, driven by tools like Claude Code and Claude Cowork. Last month, Anthropic launched its new Opus 4.6 and Sonnet 4.6 models, which the company says are better at coding and completing complex tasks like working through a spreadsheet or filling out forms.

Anthropic has also been experiencing a spike in attention recently after pushing back against demands from the Pentagon to loosen the guardrails on its AI models, with the company stating publicly that they drew “red lines” around mass surveillance and fully autonomous lethal weapons.

Technology

Why the Microsoft 365 Copilot bug matters for data security

Published

5 hours ago

March 2, 2026

Press Room

Why the Microsoft 365 Copilot bug matters for data security

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You trust your email security settings for a reason. So when an AI assistant quietly reads and summarizes messages marked confidential, that trust takes a hit.

Microsoft says a bug in Microsoft 365 Copilot allowed its AI chat feature to process sensitive emails since late January.

The issue bypassed Data Loss Prevention policies that organizations rely on to protect private information. Put simply, emails that were supposed to stay locked down were being summarized anyway.

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Microsoft 365 Copilot’s work chat interface sits at the center of the issue after a bug allowed it to summarize confidential emails. (Microsoft)

Microsoft 365 Copilot bug summarized confidential emails

Microsoft says a coding error impacted Microsoft 365 Copilot Chat, specifically the “work tab” feature. The AI assistant helps business users summarize content, draft responses and analyze information across Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook and OneNote.

Beginning Jan. 21, an internal bug labeled CW1226324 caused Copilot to read and summarize emails stored in Sent Items and Drafts folders.

The real concern runs deeper. Several of those messages carried confidentiality or sensitivity labels.

Companies apply those labels along with DLP policies to block automated systems from accessing restricted content. Despite those safeguards, Copilot still generated summaries.

We reached out to Microsoft, and a spokesperson provided CyberGuy with the following statement:

“We identified and addressed an issue where Microsoft 365 Copilot Chat could return content from emails labeled confidential authored by a user and stored within their Draft and Sent Items in Outlook desktop. This did not provide anyone access to information they weren’t already authorized to see. While our access controls and data protection policies remained intact, this behavior did not meet our intended Copilot experience, which is designed to exclude protected content from Copilot access. A configuration update has been deployed worldwide for enterprise customers.”

Why the Microsoft 365 Copilot bug matters for data security

AI tools feel helpful. They save time and reduce busy work. But they also rely on deep access to your data. When safeguards fail, even temporarily, sensitive content can move in ways you did not expect.

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For businesses, that could mean:

Legal discussions summarized outside intended controls

Financial projections processed despite restrictions

HR communications are exposed to automated analysis

Even if no data leaves the organization, the bypass itself raises concerns about how AI integrates with enterprise security systems.

Business users rely on Copilot to streamline work, but a recent bug raised concerns about how it handles sensitive email content. (Microsoft)

How Microsoft is fixing the Microsoft 365 Copilot bug

Microsoft says it began rolling out a fix in early February. The company continues to monitor deployment and is contacting some affected users to verify the fix works.

However, Microsoft has not provided a final timeline for full remediation. It has also not disclosed how many organizations were affected.

The issue is tagged as an advisory, which usually signals limited scope or impact. Still, many security professionals will want deeper clarity before feeling comfortable.

What this Microsoft 365 Copilot issue reveals about AI security

This incident highlights something many companies are wrestling with right now. AI assistants sit inside productivity platforms. They need access to email, documents and collaboration tools to work well.

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At the same time, those platforms contain your most sensitive information. When AI features expand quickly, security policies must evolve just as fast. Otherwise, even a small code mistake can create unexpected exposure.

The Copilot chat feature was designed to boost productivity, yet a code error let it process emails labeled confidential. (Microsoft)

Ways to stay safe after the Microsoft 365 Copilot bug

If your organization uses Microsoft 365 Copilot, here are practical steps to reduce risk:

1) Review Copilot access settings

Work with your IT team to confirm which folders and data sources Copilot can access.

2) Revalidate DLP policies

Test sensitivity labels and DLP (Data Loss Prevention) rules to ensure they block AI processing as intended.

3) Monitor advisory updates

Stay current on Microsoft service alerts and verify that the fix is fully deployed in your tenant.

4) Limit AI scope during investigations

If you have concerns, consider temporarily restricting Copilot features until verification is complete.

5) Train employees on AI boundaries

Remind staff that AI assistants can process drafts and send messages. Encourage careful handling of sensitive content.

6) Audit Copilot activity logs

Review audit logs to see whether Copilot accessed or summarized labeled emails. This helps determine actual exposure rather than assumed risk.

7) Review sensitivity label configuration

Confirm that confidential labels are configured to block AI processing where required. Misconfigured labels can create gaps even after a bug is fixed.

8) Reassess retention and draft policies

Because the issue involved Sent Items and Drafts, evaluate whether sensitive drafts should be stored long-term or deleted after sending.

9) Limit Copilot to specific user groups

Instead of enabling Copilot organization-wide, consider a phased deployment to departments with lower sensitivity exposure.

10) Conduct a post-incident security review

Use this moment to reassess how AI tools integrate with compliance controls. Treat it as a learning opportunity rather than a one-time glitch.

Pro Tip: This Copilot bug centers on enterprise controls. Even so, AI tools operate on your devices and accounts, so keeping software up to date and using strong antivirus software adds an important layer of defense. Get my picks for the best 2026 antivirus protection winners for your Windows, Mac, Android & iOS devices at Cyberguy.com

Considering a more private email provider

Enterprise AI bugs raise a bigger question: how much access should email platforms have to your data in the first place? If you want an added layer of privacy beyond mainstream providers, privacy-focused email services are worth exploring.

Some offer end-to-end encryption, support for PGP encryption and a strict no-ads business model that avoids scanning messages for marketing purposes.

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Many also allow you to create disposable email aliases, which can reduce spam and limit exposure if one address is compromised.

While no provider is immune to software bugs, choosing an email service built around privacy rather than data monetization can limit how much of your information is accessible to automated systems in the first place.

For individuals, journalists and small businesses especially, that added control can make a meaningful difference.

For recommendations on private and secure email providers that offer alias addresses, visit Cyberguy.com

Kurt’s key takeaways

AI assistants are becoming part of daily work life. They promise speed, efficiency and smarter workflows. But convenience should never outrun security.

This Copilot bug may have a limited impact. Still, it serves as a reminder that AI tools are only as strong as the guardrails behind them.

When those guardrails slip, even briefly, sensitive information can move in unexpected ways. As AI becomes more embedded in business software, trust will depend on transparency, fast fixes and clear communication.

Here is the real question: If your AI assistant can see everything you write, are you fully confident it respects every boundary you set? Let us know by writing to us at Cyberguy.com

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Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson is an award-winning tech journalist who has a deep love of technology, gear and gadgets that make life better with his contributions for Fox News & FOX Business beginning mornings on “FOX & Friends.” Got a tech question? Get Kurt’s free CyberGuy Newsletter, share your voice, a story idea or comment at CyberGuy.com.

Technology

Samsung’s Digital Home Key lets you use your phone as your key

Published

16 hours ago

March 2, 2026

Press Room

Samsung’s Digital Home Key lets you use your phone as your key

Just days after showing off the Galaxy S26, Samsung is finally rolling out the ability for users to unlock their home with a tap of their phone or by simply approaching their door. The new feature, called Digital Home Key, will live inside Samsung Wallet and is powered by the Aliro smart home standard.

Samsung first teased its Digital Home Key feature in 2024 and said the feature would be available in 2025. That didn’t pan out, as the CSA’s Aliro standard — which will let users unlock smart locks with any phone — only arrived in February of this year. The new standard uses near-field communication (NFC) for its tap-to-unlock technology. It also supports ultra-wideband (UWB), giving users the ability to unlock their door as they approach and without pulling out their phone.

To add a Digital Home Key to your wallet, you’ll need to set up a compatible smart lock through SmartThings using Matter. Only some Galaxy smartphones support both NFC and UWB, including the Galaxy Z Fold 4 and up, as well as the Galaxy S22 Ultra and up. You can view the full list of compatible devices on Samsung’s website.