We’ve all been there – you accidentally drop your iPhone in water and now it’s wet and no longer working properly. Your first instinct may be to try to dry it out as quickly as possible. But is putting your iPhone in the oven a good idea? Here’s a comprehensive look at whether you can safely use your oven to dry out a wet phone.
The Short Answer
No, you should never put your iPhone or any smartphone in the oven to try to dry it out. The high temperatures can damage the phone’s internal components and battery, which can cause it to overheat, catch fire, or explode.
Why Putting an iPhone in the Oven is a Bad Idea
There are several reasons why using your oven to dry an iPhone is unsafe and risks further damaging your device:
- Extreme heat – Oven temperatures can reach up to 500°F. This level of heat can melt adhesives, solder points, and protective coatings inside the iPhone.
- Fire and explosion risk – The lithium-ion battery found in iPhones is highly flammable. Exposing it to high heat can cause the battery to catch fire or explode.
- Component damage – High temperatures can warp or melt internal chips, circuit boards, camera lenses, and other fragile components.
- Short circuits – Heat can damage insulation and protective barriers, allowing electricity to flow where it shouldn’t and short-circuiting the system.
Smartphone manufacturers like Apple specifically warn against exposing their devices to heat sources like ovens and microwaves. The intense heat can very quickly cause catastrophic and irreversible damage to the sensitive electronics inside.
Safer Ways to Dry Out a Wet iPhone
While the oven is clearly not an option, there are some safer methods you can try to dry out a wet iPhone:
- Dry it gently with a soft, lint-free cloth. This can soak up external moisture.
- Use a hairdryer on a low, cool setting to lightly blow air into ports and crevices.
- Place the phone in front of a fan or air conditioner to keep air circulating around it.
- Absorb excess moisture with dry rice. Place phone and dry rice in sealable bag for 24-48 hours.
- Use moisture-absorbing packs specifically designed for electronics.
- Bring your phone to a repair shop – they have specialized tools and drying techniques.
The key is to avoid applying direct heat and let the phone air dry gradually. Don’t try to speed up the process by using a heat source. This risks further water damage and electrical malfunction.
Water Damage Precautions
If your iPhone has been exposed to moisture, it’s important to take action quickly:
- Immediately power off the device – this prevents electrical shorts as water is present.
- Avoid pressing any buttons or charging the phone while wet.
- Dry with a cloth and initiate air drying steps.
- Do not turn phone back on until completely dried.
- Be aware that water damage can cause ongoing glitches or problems with phone performance.
Contact Apple Support if you notice issues after drying. They can run diagnostics and may recommend bringing your iPhone in for repair or replacement if moisture was detected on any internal components.
When to Avoid Drying a Wet iPhone
In some cases, it’s best not to try DIY drying techniques and go straight to professional help:
- Phone was submerged or soaked (not just splashed or damp).
- Water has gotten into internal ports or speakers.
- You notice corrosion, clouding, internal moisture, or blurred camera lens.
- Phone was exposed to salt water or chemicals.
- Device was in water for more than 30 minutes.
- Fast drying methods like heat, towels, vacuums or compressed air were used.
With significant water exposure, your iPhone will likely need internal cleaning, part replacement, or a full device swap. Trying to dry it yourself just causes further issues. Get help right away if your phone suffered major water damage for the best chance of saving your data and phone function.
The Bottom Line
Do not put a wet iPhone in the oven or use any source of heat to dry it out. High temperatures can critically damage your device by melting components, destroying the battery, and short-circuiting internal systems. Instead, power off your phone immediately, allow it to air dry gradually for at least 24 hours using fans or rice, and contact Apple if you notice any issues after it has fully dried. With serious water damage, go straight to the experts – attempting DIY fixes will only make the situation worse. Be patient and give your iPhone time to dry out naturally to keep it safe.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a blow dryer on low heat to dry my wet iPhone?
No, you should avoid using a blow dryer on a wet iPhone even if it’s on a low heat setting. The concentrated hot air can still damage electronic components. Let your phone air dry naturally instead.
Will my iPhone work again after drying it out?
It depends on the extent of the water damage. If caught early, drying it out fully can allow an iPhone to work again. But if moisture reached internal parts, corrosion may cause permanent damage. Professional data recovery or repair may be needed.
Can I put my iPhone in rice to absorb moisture?
Yes, placing an iPhone in a sealed bag with dry rice can help absorb excess moisture. Make sure the phone is powered off. Leave it in rice for 24-48 hours. The rice will gradually draw water out without adding heat.
How long should I wait before turning my iPhone back on after water damage?
You should let an iPhone air dry for at least 72 hours after water exposure before attempting to power it back on. This allows time for moisture in ports, buttons, and other areas to fully evaporate.
What are signs my iPhone has water damage inside?
Symptoms can include a blurry or foggy camera lens, visible moisture in ports/speakers, microphone or speaker issues, problems charging, glitchy screen, overheating, or corrosion on internal parts. Contact Apple Support immediately if you notice these.
| Method | Description | Time Required |
|---|---|---|
| Dry cloth | Gently wipe away external moisture with a soft, lint-free cloth | 15 minutes |
| Air dry | Sit phone in front of fan or AC vent to circulate air | 24-48 hours |
| Dry rice | Bury phone in bowl of dry rice to absorb moisture | 48 hours |
| Drying packs | Use moisture-absorbing packs made for electronics | 72 hours |
Avoid heat, direct sunlight, microwaves, towels, vacuums, or other high-heat drying techniques when attempting to dry a wet iPhone. These can critically damage the sensitive electronic components. Let your phone air dry gradually to safely draw out moisture without added heat.
The Impact of Water Damage on iPhones
Exposure to moisture can cause a range of issues for an iPhone, depending on where the water got in and how quickly you take action:
- Short-term glitches – Wet ports or buttons may temporarily disrupt usage or basic functions until they fully dry out.
- Permanent component damage – Moisture can corrode internal parts like logic boards, chips, or camera lenses over time.
- Electric shorts – Water in contact with electronic circuits can cause power spikes or flow interruptions.
- Battery issues – The battery may stop charging properly or deplete faster after getting wet.
- Total failure – With major water exposure, an iPhone can suffer complete and irreversible system failure once power is restored.
Quickly powering off the device and allowing proper drying time reduces the chances of serious damage. But water contact with any internal components often requires professional repair or replacement.
Myths About Drying a Wet iPhone
There are a lot of questionable ideas floating around about how to best dry a wet iPhone. Here are some common myths to avoid:
Myth: Towels can help absorb moisture
Using towels to vigorously dry a wet iPhone can push water deeper into ports and crevices. The abrasive fabric can also damage the screen and exterior.
Myth: Vacuums suck out water safely
Vacuums may pull out some moisture but can also displace water to new areas and cause internal damage through suction. Avoid vacuums designed for electronics.
Myth: Compressed air dries out phones
Pressurized air can force water into tiny spaces it wasn’t previously, spreading the problem. Stick to low-pressure air drying methods.
Myth: I can put my phone in front of a heating vent
Never place a wet phone on or near a heating vent, radiator, or other heat source. Warm, concentrated air can easily damage electronics.
Myth: It will dry out fine sealed in a bag of rice
Rice can absorb ambient moisture but doesn’t generate heat. Make sure the phone is off and check it frequently if drying longer than 48 hours.
Preventing Water Damage to iPhones
Your best bet is to take steps to keep your iPhone away from moisture in the first place. Suggestions include:
- Use a protective case and screen cover.
- Avoid placing your phone near sinks or baths.
- Be careful using your phone in the rain or snow.
- Don’t talk on the phone with wet hands.
- Keep food and beverages away from your phone.
- Secure phones in bags/pockets if participating in water activities.
- Purchase waterproof accessories for beach/pool/boat use.
- Turn off phone immediately if it gets wet.
Moisture sensors inside iPhones will set off liquid contact indicators if water is detected internally. This can void your warranty, so caution is advised. Be prepared and keep your phone away from potential splashes or dunks.
Drying Out Other Water-Damaged Devices
The risks of high heat also apply to wet gadgets like tablets, e-readers, and laptops. Avoid the oven, heat vents, or other hot air. Follow these general guidelines:
- Tablets – Power off, dry with cloth, use fan, put in rice bag.
- E-readers – Remove battery, dry with cloth, air dry components separately.
- Laptops – Drain out excess liquid, wipe with cloth, air dry open for 48+ hours.
- Desktops – Shut down computer, allow components to air dry before restarting.
Water can quickly fry circuits and electronics. With any device, move it away from the liquid source, gently wipe/drain excess moisture, power off, and let air dry thoroughly before attempting to turn it on again. Avoid thinking heat helps – it will only compound the water damage.
When to Seek Professional Repair
If DIY drying methods don’t restore full functionality, it’s best to seek professional help. Signs you may need repair include:
- Phone won’t power back on
- Glitchy, frozen, or unresponsive screen
- Dim display with lines/spots
- Camera or microphone not working
- Speakers sound muffled
- Charging port or battery issues
- Corrosion visible internally
Don’t try to force a water-damaged device to work or tamper with interior parts yourself. Seek professional assistance to diagnose issues, dry out components, replace damaged parts, and attempt data recovery if needed. For an iPhone, make an appointment at your local Apple store or trusted repair shop.
Conclusion
Placing a wet iPhone in the oven or using any source of heat to dry it will cause severe damage. The hot air can melt internal parts, damage the battery, and destroy sensitive electronic systems. Instead, power off your phone immediately, gently wipe away excess moisture, and allow the phone to air dry for at least 24-48 hours. Place it in front of a fan or put it in a sealed bag with dry rice. Contact Apple support if you have any lingering problems after it dries. Avoid heat at all costs and let your iPhone dry gradually to safely draw out moisture after water exposure.
