AirPods do not typically set off metal detectors, but other types of headphones can do so. If the headphones are made up of mostly metal, they can set off a detector. But small amounts of metal typically won’t.
This post will explore if AirPods or headphones will set off metal detectors. I’ll explain why most headphones won’t set off the alarm and what types of headphones can pose a problem. The goal is to give you an idea of if you’ll have any issues.
Let’s dive in.
Contents
Key Takeaways
- AirPods usually do not set off metal detectors. There is a small amount of metal in them, so it technically is possible depending on the type of detector.
- Other headphones can set off a metal detector, which typically just depends on the amount of metal used in their construction.
- If headphones are made with a lot of metal, they will likely set off the detector. If they don’t have much metal, they probably won’t.
- If you are in doubt about if your headphones will set off the metal detector, it’s best to take them out of your bag when going through security.
Do Airpods or Headphones Set Off Metal Detectors?
Security screening at the airport or in any other situation can be a hassle, especially if you have many items that could trigger the metal detector. But safety and security is important, so we all have to deal with this at some point.
Luckily, AirPods and most other types of headphones won’t set off a metal detector, so you have nothing to worry about if you carry them with you when traveling or in other public situations.
AirPods do have some metal built into them, but it’s a small amount of nickel and stainless steel that isn’t enough to set off most metal detectors. This is true with every version of AirPods, no matter if they are newer or older.
And if you have another type of headphones, chances are those won’t set off a metal detector either. Most headphones have some metal in them, but it’s not enough to trigger the detector.
Some headphones are made of mostly metal, and these can set off the metal detector. Some over-ear style headphones feature a mostly metal construction, which are likely to trigger the alarm.
There isn’t a good way to tell if your headphones will set off a metal detector until you go through it. So if you don’t know, it’s a good idea to leave them out of your bag so you can go through security faster.
Even if your headphones trigger the metal detector, security isn’t likely to take them away from you. Headphones, even metal ones, are allowed on planes and in other situations where metal detectors are used.
It’s also important to know that this is general advice, and it is possible that non-metal headphones and AirPods might set off some metal detectors. It just depends on how sensitive the metal detector is.
In most common situations, like at the airport or a large sporting event, AirPods and headphones won’t set off the metal detector. But if you go through other types of security, there is always a chance it might happen.
FAQs
Here are a few short answers to some of the most frequently asked questions relating to if AirPods or headphones set off metal detectors.
Do AirPods contain metal?
AirPods do contain metal, but not a large amount of it. There is nickel and some stainless steel in their construction. The amount of these metals is not typically enough to set off metal detectors or cause related issues.
Do you need to take AirPods out for airport security?
You don’t typically need to take AirPods out for airport security because there isn’t enough metal inside of them to set off the detector. If you have another type of headphones or are concerned about it, you can take them out of your bag during screening.
Do AirPod Pros set off metal detectors?
AirPod Pros should not set off metal detectors. Just like with previous versions of AirPods, there isn’t enough metal inside of these to trigger the metal detector alarm. There is a small amount of metal inside of them but not much.
Can you use AirPods in an MRI?
You shouldn’t wear AirPods during an MRI. These headphones have small amounts of metal that can disrupt the MRI machine and cause inaccurate imaging. It can also mess up the MRI machine, so it’s best not to wear them.
Are AirPods magnetic?
AirPods are slightly magnetic. This is because they are essentially tiny speakers and speakers function by using magnets. There are recycled magnetic materials built into all AirPods, which is critical to how they function.
Final Thoughts
AirPods and other types of headphones shouldn’t set off a metal detector in most situations. These might contain small amounts of metal, but it typically isn’t enough to set off an alarm at the airport or other common locations.
If you use larger headphones with a lot of metal in their construction, these could set off a detector. But you should still be able to take the headphones through security because they don’t pose any threat.
Have you ever had headphones that set off a metal detector? What type of headphones were they? Let me know in the comments below.
