If your iPhone 7 has gotten wet, it’s important to dry it out as quickly as possible to avoid permanent damage. Water can cause corrosion and electrical shorts inside your iPhone if left unchecked. The good news is that there are several effective methods you can use to dry out your iPhone 7 and potentially save it.
Should I Turn My iPhone Off Before Drying It?
Yes, you should turn your iPhone off before attempting to dry it out. This helps prevent electrical shorts and fires. Follow these steps:
- Press and hold the side or top button until the power off slider appears.
- Drag the slider to turn your iPhone completely off.
- Unplug all cables and accessories connected to your iPhone.
Turning your iPhone off cuts off electrical power to all components and helps avoid shorts as you dry the phone. Do not attempt to charge your wet iPhone until it is fully dried out.
How to Dry an iPhone 7 Using Rice
Using rice is a popular DIY method for drying out a wet iPhone. Here is how to do it safely and effectively:
- Get a sealable plastic bag or airtight container. A ziplock bag works well.
- Fill the bag or container with white, dry rice. Uncooked rice works best.
- Bury your iPhone in the rice so it is fully covered.
- Seal the bag/container tightly to prevent moisture from getting in or out.
- Let your iPhone sit buried in the rice for 24-48 hours.
- Check on your device periodically and shake the rice around to maximize exposure.
The rice will slowly absorb and draw out any moisture inside your iPhone. Just make sure it sits in the rice long enough to dry fully before taking it out. The rice can then be discarded or reused to dry other wet devices.
Tips for Drying with Rice
- Use more rice rather than less for faster drying.
- Try putting your iPhone in a sealed bag first before burying in rice to protect ports.
- Do not attempt to charge your iPhone until all moisture is gone.
- Replace the rice if it becomes saturated or wet.
- Consider using silica gel packs along with rice for better moisture absorption.
Using a Fan to Dry an iPhone
You can also dry out a wet iPhone 7 using airflow from a fan. Here’s how:
- Make sure your iPhone is powered off and unplugged from any power source.
- Use a dry soft cloth or paper towel to gently blot or wipe any excess moisture from the outside of the device.
- Point a fan directly at your iPhone to provide maximum airflow. Rotate and flip your phone periodically to hit all sides.
- You can optionally elevate your iPhone on a dry towel or holder while air drying. This allows airflow underneath.
- Allow a minimum of 24 hours for thorough air drying before attempting to use your device.
The constant airflow will help evaporate and displace any water lingering inside your iPhone. Just take care not to blow any liquids further inside. Keeping the fan moving provides continuous drying action.
Tips for Using a Fan
- Use a high velocity fan for faster drying.
- Periodically rotate and flip your iPhone for even drying.
- Make sure the fan airflow is room temperature, not hot.
- Keep your iPhone in front of the fan for several days if needed.
- Do not attempt to charge or use until completely dried out.
Drying a Wet iPhone with Silica Gel
For very wet iPhones, using silica gel packs can help extract moisture faster and more thoroughly than rice alone. Here’s how to use them:
- Purchase silica gel packs from any craft or electronics store. Look for moisture absorber packets.
- Optional: Place your wet iPhone in a sealable plastic bag with a few openings.
- Bury your iPhone in a container of silica gel packs. Ensure full coverage.
- Seal the container tightly to prevent moisture escaping.
- Allow 48-72 hours for the silica gel to fully dry out your iPhone.
- Check your iPhone periodically and change out the silica gel if it becomes saturated with moisture.
The saturated silica gel can be dried out in the oven on low heat and reused again. Take care when handling, as the gel can be messy if punctured. Continue reusing fresh gel until your iPhone is completely dry.
Benefits of Silica Gel
- Absorbs moisture faster and more powerfully than rice.
- Indicates when saturated so you know when to change it out.
- Can be dried and reused over and over.
- Works well in combination with rice for added drying power.
- Available in convenient moisture absorbing packs.
Using a Desiccant to Dry an iPhone
Desiccants are moisture absorbing substances similar to silica gel. Here are some desiccants and how to use them to dry a wet iPhone:
Kitty Litter
The clay in kitty litter acts as a desiccant to absorb moisture. Bury your wet iPhone in a container of fresh, unused kitty litter and seal tightly for 1-2 days. Stir the litter periodically to maximize moisture absorption. Ensure no clumping kind is used.
Baking Soda
Spread baking soda in an airtight container and fully bury your wet iPhone inside. Seal and leave for at least 48 hours. The baking soda will draw out moisture from your iPhone.
Uncooked Oatmeal
Pour plain dry oatmeal into a container and immerse your iPhone inside. The oats will act as a desiccant. Reseal the container and allow 1-2 days for moisture to be absorbed. Check periodically and change out with fresh oats if needed.
Chalk or Gypsum
Crush some chalk or gypsum into powder form and bury your iPhone in it inside a sealed container. Leave for 24-48 hours. These mineral desiccants will absorb ambient moisture from the device.
Desiccants like these make excellent moisture absorbers when a fan, rice, or silica gel may not be available. They can be found in most homes and work in a pinch.
Using the Sun to Dry Out an iPhone
You can also use natural sunlight and solar radiation to help dry out a wet iPhone. Here’s how:
- Make sure your iPhone is turned off and wiped clear of excess moisture.
- Place your iPhone in direct sunlight for several hours, such as on a sunny window sill.
- Optional – Use a solar charger or magnifying glass to focus sunlight onto your phone.
- Periodically reposition your phone to expose all sides to sunlight.
- Bring your iPhone indoors at night to avoid temperature drops and condensation.
The UV radiation, infrared heat, and warmth from the sun will help evaporate moisture inside your iPhone. Just be careful not to overheat the device. Aim for several hours of gentle sunlight exposure until fully dry.
Precautions for Solar Drying
- Avoid excessive heat by keeping in shade if needed.
- Do not leave phone unattended in direct sun.
- Position away from magnified sunlight to prevent overheating.
- Check on your iPhone periodically while drying.
- Bring indoors overnight to maintain a stable temperature.
Other Drying Methods to Try
In addition to the most common drying methods above, there are a few other tricks you can try to dry out a water damaged iPhone 7:
Absorbent Powders
Bury your iPhone in sealing container filled with an absorbent powder like cornstarch, talcum powder, or even dry white flour for 1-2 days. The fine powder will wick away ambient moisture.
Packets/Pouches
Use drying packets designed for electronics that contain silica, clay, or other moisture-absorbing compounds. Many types are available online or in stores.
Vacuum Suction
Use a handheld vacuum on its lowest setting to gently suck water out of openings like the lightning port, headphone jack, speaker and microphone holes, etc. Start with a soft brush attachment to loosen droplets.
Compressed Air
Use short bursts of compressed air to help blow and evaporate droplets out of crevices and openings after wiping your iPhone down. Hold can upright to avoid liquid discharge.
Checking for Water Damage on iPhone 7
Once your iPhone 7 has had time to thoroughly dry out, check for any lasting water damage before attempting to use it again:
- Look for corrosion around ports, screws, or SIM tray.
- Test headphones and speakers for any cracking or popping sounds.
- Check for any rattling which could indicate water still inside.
- Examine the battery area for any moisture indicators.
- Press around perimeter for any gaps indicating water warped the enclosure.
- Back up data immediately in case your phone stops working.
- If in doubt, take to an Apple store for a full diagnostic.
Minor water damage may still allow normal functioning. But if in doubt, be cautious and have your iPhone inspected by a repair professional to check for shorts.
Do’s and Don’ts When Drying an iPhone
Follow these do’s and don’ts when attempting to dry out a wet iPhone 7:
Do:
- Turn iPhone off immediately after getting it wet.
- Remove case and blot dry with soft cloth.
- Use moisture-absorbing material like rice, gel, oats, etc.
- Allow sufficient drying time – 24 hours minimum.
- Keep iPhone away from moisture during drying period.
- Backup data in case phone is still damaged after drying.
Don’t:
- Turn iPhone on or charge until completely dry.
- Use high heat sources like hairdryers or microwaves.
- Leave in rice/gel too long after drying.
- Use abrasive material to dry that could scratch glass or screens.
- Try to dry charge port or openings with cotton swabs or towels.
- Use rubbing alcohol, cleaning solutions, or water-displacing sprays.
Carefully following these do’s and don’ts will give you the best chance of saving your wet iPhone and avoiding any permanent water damage problems.
Getting Professional Help Drying an iPhone
For very wet iPhones, or if DIY drying methods are unsuccessful, it may be best to seek professional help. Many repair shops offer iPhone water damage cleaning services. Here are some options to consider:
Apple Store
Genius Bar technicians can properly diagnose your iPhone, dry it out with professional equipment, and check for any permanent damage. This is the most reliable option but also the most expensive.
Mail-In Services
Companies like iResQ offer mail-in iPhone water damage repair services starting under $100. They use commercial drying chambers and tools.
Third-Party Repair Shops
Many independent and chain electronics repair shops offer iPhone water damage cleaning for reasonable rates. Search for well-reviewed local options.
Buy Water Damage Indicator Stickers
These stickers change color when wet and let shops better diagnose water exposure levels. Apply one inside your iPhone’s SIM slot.
Weigh the cost of professional drying versus a replacement iPhone if yours is still having issues after DIY methods. Mail-in services tend to offer the best balance of convenience, expertise, and affordable pricing.
Does AppleCare Cover Water Damage on iPhones?
Water damage is not covered under Apple’s standard iPhone warranty or AppleCare+ protection plans. Liquid exposure will void any warranty or coverage you may have. However, you can purchase additional third party insurance plans that do cover accidental water damage and other types of iPhone damage. Research options from providers like SquareTrade carefully. Read the fine print to understand exactly what liquid damage scenarios are covered.
Can You Prevent an iPhone from Water Damage?
While you can never guarantee an iPhone will be immune from water damage, there are steps you can take to help protect it:
- Use a waterproof case when going near water. Look for IP68 level protection.
- Attach a floating strap to your iPhone if using near pools or water.
- Turn on water lock mode when at the beach or on boats. This seals ports and disables touchscreen.
- Avoid excess moisture like steam rooms, hot tubs, etc. which can still damage.
- Attach a moisture absorbing card in the SIM tray slot.
- Avoid placing phone in pants pockets when washing clothes or dishes.
- Never charge phone near sinks or other wet areas.
While you can (and should) take precautions, accidents can still happen. So be prepared with the proper water damage drying techniques just in case. Quick action is key to potentially saving a wet iPhone.
In Conclusion
If your iPhone 7 gets dropped in water or exposed to moisture, take immediate action by turning it off, wiping excess liquid away, and using the right drying methods. Rice, silica gel, fans, sunlight, and desiccants can all be effective for drying out an iPhone when used properly. Avoid heat, charging, or using the phone until fully dry. Professional help may be needed for very wet devices. With quick response and the right drying tools, you stand the best chance of reviving your iPhone after water damage.