What to do if your iPhone 13 gets wet
If your iPhone 13 accidentally gets exposed to moisture, it’s important to remain calm and act quickly to mitigate damage. According to Statista, liquid damage is one of the leading causes of smartphone accidents in the US.
Avoid the instinct to immediately turn on your wet iPhone. Powering on an electronic device before properly drying it can cause short circuits and permanent damage. Instead, start by removing any protective case, as well as the SIM card and any other accessories or cables attached to the phone.
This will allow you to thoroughly dry the iPhone and help minimize moisture spread and corrosion. Carefully pat dry the phone with a soft lint-free cloth, paying special attention to openings like the charging port. An external fan or dry rice can help absorb excess moisture, which we’ll discuss more in the next sections.
While waiting for the phone to dry, try to recall the liquid’s properties. Saltwater, for example, can be more corrosive than freshwater. Contact Apple Support as soon as possible so they can assess water damage and next steps for potential repair.
The rice method – does it work?
Many people suggest putting your wet phone in rice to try and save it. The thought is that since rice absorbs moisture in the air, it will also absorb the moisture inside your wet phone and dry it out. However, recent testing has shown that rice is not very effective for drying out phones.
Rice can absorb some moisture, but not nearly as well as desiccants like silica gel. Additionally, rice has dust and starch that can get inside your phone and cause further issues. According to experts, air drying or using a fan works just as well as rice for drying out a phone (Source). The rice method is a myth, and won’t significantly speed up drying compared to simply leaving your phone powered off to dry.
Instead of rice, it’s better to use silica gel packets or another strong desiccant that is designed to absorb moisture. These will dry out a wet phone much more effectively. Just don’t turn on your phone until it’s completely dry to avoid short-circuiting.
Better alternatives to rice
While putting your wet phone in rice seems like a quick fix, it’s not actually very effective. Rice does not absorb much moisture, and any dust or particles can actually damage your phone further. There are better alternatives.
One option is to use silica gel packs or desiccant packets. These are specially designed to absorb moisture and are far more effective than rice. You can find them in shoe boxes, medication bottles, or purchase larger packs. Place your phone in a sealed container or bag with multiple packs to draw out the moisture.
Specialized phone drying kits, like those from PhoneSoap, use the same silica beads. They often include additional components like fans to circulate air and speed up the drying process. These kits are optimized for drying electronics safely.
Disassembling and cleaning
If your iPhone got significantly wet, you may need to disassemble it and clean any corrosion. According to Apple support, you should first unplug all cables and turn off the iPhone by holding down the side button and sliding to power off (1). Then, carefully take apart the phone using the proper tools for your model. Refer to iFixit guides for step-by-step instructions.
Once disassembled, use a toothbrush or cotton swabs and isopropyl alcohol to gently clean corrosion from the logic board and other components. Be very careful not to damage any parts. Thoroughly dry each component with a microfiber cloth before reassembling the iPhone. Let the parts dry for at least 24 hours before turning on again. With proper cleaning, an iPhone can sometimes be revived after water damage. Just be extremely gentle and patient during the disassembly and cleaning process.
Using a Fan
One of the most effective methods for drying out a wet phone is to use a fan. The airflow helps to speed up the evaporation process by carrying away moisture from the phone’s internal components. Here are some tips for using a fan to dry out a wet iPhone 13:
Point the fan directly at the phone. Position the fan about 12 inches away and aim it so the airflow blows directly onto the phone. This focused airflow will help moisture evaporate quickly.
Keep the phone disassembled. Take apart the phone as much as possible so the fan can reach all the internal components. Remove any cases, batteries, covers, etc. The more you disassemble, the faster and more thoroughly it will dry.
Let it run for at least 24 hours. Drying out a wet phone takes patience. Let the fan run continuously for a full day or longer to make sure all the moisture has been carried away. Periodically wipe away any beads of water you see on the surface.
The key benefit to using a fan is it speeds up the drying process significantly compared to passive air drying. The constant airflow circulates fresh, dry air which absorbs moisture from the phone’s interior. Just be sure to disassemble components so the fan’s airflow can reach all areas. With some focused wind power, you can rescue a wet iPhone 13.
Heating methods
Heating up a wet phone can help evaporate moisture, but excess heat runs the risk of damaging internal components. According to CNET, Apple and Samsung both warn against using high heat from sources like blow dryers or ovens to dry a phone.
A safer heating method is to use a hair dryer on a low setting, holding it 6-10 inches away from the phone to avoid overheating it. Only use this method for a few minutes at a time, then let the phone rest before another short burst with the hair dryer.
Placing the phone near a vent or dehumidifier can also help gradually evaporate moisture over several hours or days. The key is to avoid excess heat that could potentially damage internal components. While heating methods may speed up drying, take care not to overheat or you may end up needing a replacement phone.
Drying packets
One of the most popular methods for drying out a wet phone or electronic device is to place it in a container with various drying agents. Some common drying packets include:
Silica gel – Silica gel packets, often found in shoe boxes and food packaging, work very well for absorbing moisture. The sand-like silica beads pull water away from the device through absorption. According to experts, silica gel is more effective than rice for drying electronics (https://www.maketecheasier.com/dry-out-wet-electronics/).
Rice – Rice is a popular DIY drying agent for wet devices. The idea is that the rice will absorb the moisture. However, rice absorbs moisture slower than silica gel. One study found couscous and instant rice worked decently well, but were not as effective as silica beads (https://www.cnet.com/tech/mobile/accidents-happe-how-to-save-your-phone-when-its-wet/).
Desiccant packs – Desiccant packets contain ultra-absorbent materials designed to lower humidity levels and prevent moisture damage. They rapidly draw water away from wet devices and can be more effective than rice or other DIY methods (https://www.electronicsforu.com/special/cool-stuff-misc/salvage-techniques-wet-electronics).
Activated charcoal – Charcoal is very porous which allows it to absorb moisture well. Some users report success using activated charcoal to dry out phones. However, silica gel tends to be a faster and more powerful moisture absorber.
When to give up and get a new phone
At a certain point, the damage from water exposure may simply be too much for your iPhone to recover from. Here are some signs it’s time to give up on fixing your water damaged iPhone and get a replacement:
Corrosion is too severe. If the internal components of your iPhone have become extensively corroded from the water, repairs may not be possible. Severe corrosion on the logic board in particular often means the phone is beyond saving.
Phone was in water too long. If your iPhone was submerged for an extended period of time like 30 minutes or longer, the internal damage is likely irreversible. Even a short time in water can destroy an iPhone if it was more than a quick dip.
Damage is beyond repair. In some cases the water damage may be so extensive that key components like the logic board are damaged beyond the point of repair. If multiple components are not functioning after drying out the phone, it’s probably time to replace it.
Ultimately if you’ve tried recommended drying methods to no avail and taken apart and cleaned your iPhone to the extent possible, persistent functionality issues usually mean it’s time to move on. Water damage can be difficult to repair even for professionals once corrosion sets in, so know when to cut your losses and get a replacement.
Preventing water damage
Water damage is one of the most common ways that iPhones can break. Luckily, there are some simple steps you can take to help prevent exposing your iPhone 13 to moisture and liquids:
Use a waterproof case – Investing in a waterproof case is one of the best ways to protect your iPhone from water damage. Waterproof cases create a seal around your phone to keep water out. Just make sure to test the case in water first to ensure it works properly before trusting it with your iPhone.
Avoid exposing phone to moisture – Try to avoid using your phone in situations where it could get wet like by a pool, in the rain, or in the bathroom. Moisture is often unexpected so be vigilant about keeping your phone dry.
Add phone insurance – Phone insurance plans often cover water damage so it can provide peace of mind if your phone does get wet. Just make sure to understand the details of your plan so you know exactly what kind of water damage is covered.
Summary
If your iPhone 13 gets wet, taking quick action can help save it before permanent water damage occurs. While the old advice of putting it in rice has persisted, rice is actually not very effective at drying out phones compared to other methods.
Better alternatives include using a fan to increase air circulation, applying gentle heat from a hairdryer or sunlight, using moisture-absorbing packets, or disassembling the phone (if you’re comfortable doing so) to thoroughly dry internal components. Prevention is still the best solution – always use a waterproof case when bringing your phone near water.