Quick Answers
Here are some quick answers to common questions about getting water out of an iPhone:
- Turn off the iPhone immediately if it gets wet and don’t try to turn it on.
- Don’t try to charge the wet iPhone.
- Dry the outside with a cloth and shake out any excess water.
- Use a can of compressed air to blow out water in the ports and speakers.
- Place the iPhone in a bag or bowl of uncooked rice to absorb moisture.
- Wait at least 24 hours before trying to turn on the iPhone again.
- If rice doesn’t work, try putting the iPhone in front of a fan or using desiccant packs.
- Don’t try to vacuum or heat the iPhone to dry it out.
- If the iPhone won’t turn on after drying, you may need professional repairs.
How Does Water Damage an iPhone?
Water can damage an iPhone in a few different ways:
- Short circuiting – Water can short circuit the delicate electronics inside the iPhone.
- Corrosion – Water can cause corrosion of the circuits and connectors.
- Mineral deposits – Minerals in the water can be left behind when it evaporates.
- Interference – Water can interfere with touch screen sensitivity.
That’s why it’s critical to dry out an iPhone as quickly as possible after water exposure. The longer moisture sits inside, the more potential damage it can cause.
Immediate Steps After Water Exposure
If your iPhone gets splashed, dropped in water, or exposed to moisture, follow these immediate steps:
- Retrieve the iPhone from the water source if needed.
- Turn off the iPhone – This stops electrical current from potentially short-circuiting water inside.
- Don’t press any buttons – Buttons can allow more water inside.
- Don’t try to turn it on – Powering up can short circuit water inside.
- Dry the outside with a lint-free cloth or towel.
- Gently shake out excess water from ports and speakers.
- Do NOT try to charge it until completely dry.
Turning the iPhone off and not trying to turn it back on right away are critical first steps. This prevents short circuiting while there’s water inside.
Use Compressed Air to Blow Out Water
After drying the outside, use a can of compressed air to blow out any water in the ports, speakers, and other openings. Here’s how:
- Hold the iPhone face down and tilt it to drain excess water.
- Insert the plastic air nozzle into the openings.
- Blow compressed air for 5-10 seconds in each spot.
- Focus on the charging port, headphone jack, speaker grills, side buttons, etc.
- Shake out the iPhone periodically to clear water.
- Dry the outside again with a cloth as you go.
Compressed air dislodges trapped water and evaporates residual moisture. Be sure to blow air into every spot water could be trapped.
Dry with Rice to Absorb Moisture
After blowing it out, place the iPhone in an airtight container of dry uncooked rice. Rice absorbs ambient moisture very effectively. Here are some tips when using rice:
- Use a sealable bag or Tupperware container filled with rice.
- Bury the iPhone in the rice so it’s covered completely.
- Leave it submerged for at least 24 hours, up to 3 days.
- Check it periodically and shake the rice around.
- Adding desiccant packs speeds up moisture absorption.
The rice draws moisture out of the iPhone slowly over time. Be patient and allow plenty of time for the rice to work.
How Much Rice Do You Need?
The amount of rice depends on the container size:
| Container | Rice Needed |
|---|---|
| Sandwich Bag | 1 cup |
| Quart Bag | 2 cups |
| Gallon Bag | 4 cups |
| Small Tupperware | 3 cups |
| Large Tupperware | 6 cups |
Make sure the iPhone is buried in at least 1 inch of rice all around.
Use a Fan to Accelerate Drying
Pointing a fan at the iPhone can help speed up evaporating moisture. Follow these tips for using a fan:
- Use a standard household fan or other indirect airflow.
- Do NOT use a hair dryer – too direct and hot.
- Position the fan 6-12 inches away blowing indirectly.
- Rotate the iPhone periodically for even airflow.
- Let it air dry for at least 3-6 hours.
- Add more rice or desiccant for absorption.
The gentle airflow accelerates evaporation. But don’t place the iPhone directly in front of the fan where it can get too hot.
Other Drying Methods to Avoid
Some other methods may seem logical but can actually damage a wet iPhone:
- Microwave – Never microwave an iPhone! It can melt components.
- Oven – Oven heat warps and solders parts.
- Vacuum – Vacuums put mechanical stress on components.
- Heating pad – Direct heat can melt adhesives and solder.
- Hair dryer – Too hot and focused airflow.
- Iron – Flattens waterproof sealing gaskets.
Microwaves, ovens, vacuums, and other direct heating methods can actually damage the iPhone more. Air drying is safest.
When to Try Turning It On Again
Here are guidelines for when to try turning on the iPhone again after drying:
- At least 24 hours – Wait a full day before powering up.
- Shake and listen – Shake it and listen for water sloshing inside.
- Check rice or desiccant – Rice should be dry. Desiccant packs fully solid.
- Press buttons – Buttons should click crisply, not mushy.
- Plug in – Test it first without a SIM card inserted.
- Use minimum power – Charge with a wall adapter, not computer USB.
Don’t rush the process. More drying time is better to avoid short circuiting moisture inside when powered up.
Getting Professional Repairs
If the iPhone won’t power on or seems damaged after drying, professional repairs may be needed. Here are some repair options:
- Apple Store – Make a Genius Bar appointment.
- Apple Authorized Service – Find one via Apple support.
- Third party repair shop – Read reviews and check reputations.
- Mail-in service – Send it to a repair facility.
- iPhone replacement – Carrier insurance may cover cost.
Apple or authorized service centers have the genuine parts and training for proper iPhone repairs. Third party and mail-in options can be more affordable.
Estimated Repair Costs
| Repair Type | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| Screen | $100-$200 |
| Battery | $50-$100 |
| Charging port | $50-$100 |
| Speaker | $50-$100 |
| Complete logic board | $200-$300 |
Severe water damage may require replacing larger components like the logic board. Get an estimate before any repairs.
Preventing iPhone Water Damage
Here are some tips to help prevent water damage to your iPhone:
- Use a protective case for wet environments.
- Turn off and seal the iPhone in a bag before water exposure.
- Avoid using the iPhone in the rain or poolside.
- Keep drinks and other liquids away from the iPhone.
- Dry hands before handling to avoid moisture droplets.
Moisture sensors inside the iPhone will be triggered even by humidity or steam. Take precautions to limit water exposure when possible.
Conclusion
Getting water in an iPhone can happen easily, but don’t panic. Turn it off immediately and dry it out. Give it at least 24 hours buried in rice before trying to use it again. Blow out droplets in the ports and speakers with canned air. Avoid applying direct heat from microwaves or hair dryers. If it remains damaged after thorough drying, seek professional repairs. With fast action, there’s a good chance of saving your wet iPhone.
