If your iPhone gets wet, it’s important to dry it out as quickly as possible to avoid permanent damage. Here are some tips on how long it typically takes for an iPhone to dry out after water exposure and steps you can take to speed up the drying process.
How Long Does It Take for an iPhone to Dry Out?
An iPhone that’s been exposed to water can take between 24 to 72 hours to fully dry out on its own. Here are some general timelines:
- After 30 minutes – Exterior of phone is dry to the touch but interior components may still be wet.
- After 1-3 hours – Phone may appear dry on the outside but moisture can still remain trapped internally.
- After 24 hours – Majority of moisture should be evaporated if phone was dried appropriately.
- After 72 hours – All internal moisture should be completely dried out.
The exact drying time depends on factors like:
- How long the phone was exposed to water.
- If the phone was ON or OFF during water exposure – A phone that’s OFF will allow less water intrusion.
- Temperature during drying process – Warmer temperatures speed up evaporation.
- Humidity levels – High humidity slows down drying time.
- Specific iPhone model – Newer models have increased water resistance.
Tips to Help Dry Out an iPhone
Here are some steps you can take to help expedite the iPhone drying process:
- Immediately power off the iPhone – This will prevent electrical shorts and minimize internal corrosion.
- Remove SIM card and all accessories – Extracting water-exposed parts allows them to dry separately.
- Pat dry with microfiber cloth – Gently dab away any exterior moisture but don’t rub as this can damage water-indicators.
- Place the phone in front of a fan – Direct airflow will help evaporate surface liquid quicker.
- Leave phone on an absorbent cloth – Lay phone face-up on a dry microfiber towel or blotting paper to wick moisture.
- Use a desiccant – Put phone in a sealed bag with silica gel packs to absorb dampness.
- Avoid external heat sources – Don’t use hairdryers or other heating methods which can damage internal components.
Avoid turning on your iPhone until you are certain all moisture has evaporated. Powering on too soon can short circuit the logic board and other electronics. Be patient during the drying process for best results.
When to Seek Professional Help
If your iPhone has been submerged in water or you suspect significant water damage, it’s best to seek professional assistance right away rather than wait for it to dry. Signs your phone may need professional service include:
- Not powering on at all, even after drying
- Seeing moisture or corrosion inside charging port
- Noticeable liquid behind screen or camera lens
- Tried all troubleshooting steps with no improvement
Many pros have special tools to open iPhones, dry the interior, assess damage and salvage data. Seeking help quickly gives you the best chance of being able to save the phone and recover important information off it.
Is Rice Effective for Drying an iPhone?
You may have heard advice to place a wet iPhone in rice to help absorb moisture. Here’s a look at the effectiveness of this method:
Pros of Using Rice
- Rice is a desiccant – This means it can pull in moisture from the air and surrounding surfaces.
- Rice is readily available in most homes.
- Enclosing phone in rice creates a dry environment.
Cons of Using Rice
- Rice absorbs moisture very slowly compared to silica gel.
- Rice can get stuck inside phone ports and jacks.
- Rice has starch that can leave residue inside phone.
Overall, rice is not the most effective method for drying an iPhone quickly and thoroughly. Silica gel packets or professional drying services are better options. But in a pinch, submerging your device in rice can help remove some moisture.
Does iPhone Water Damage Warranty Cover Repairs?
Apple’s standard 1-year limited warranty does not cover any water damage to iPhone models. However, you may have additional coverage options:
- AppleCare+ – Extends warranty and covers up to two incidents of accidental damage. There is a service fee per claim.
- Homeowners/Renters Insurance – Some policies may help reimburse device replacement if damaged from water.
- Credit Card Benefits – Premium cards sometimes include coverage for broken or water-damaged phones.
Review your iPhone warranty and all other insurance plans you have to understand what water damage is covered. If no coverage exists, your best option is to pay out-of-pocket for professional repair or replacement from Apple or a third-party service provider.
Can an iPhone Recover from Water Damage?
Here’s an overview of potential damage water can cause to your iPhone and likelihood of recovering functionality:
| iPhone Component | Typical Water Damage | Likelihood of Recovery |
|---|---|---|
| Battery | Corrosion, short circuit | Moderate – battery must be replaced |
| Logic board | Corroded connections, shorted circuits | Low – usually requires logic board replacement |
| Display | Water under screen, unresponsive touch | Moderate – new display often needed |
| Cameras | Condensation under lens, rusting | Moderate – cameras can sometimes be cleaned |
| Speakers/Mic | Muffled or distorted sound | High – these parts can typically be salvaged |
With quick action to dry it out, minor water exposure may only cause some oxidation that doesn’t affect use. More significant submersion can damage internal parts beyond repair. But there’s still a chance of saving the phone if you act fast and get professional help when needed.
Conclusion
It takes around 24-72 hours for an iPhone to fully dry out after being exposed to liquid. Power off the phone immediately, pat dry exterior moisture, place in front of a fan and use desiccants to expedite drying time. Seek professional assistance right away if you notice corrosion, phone won’t power on or significant water intrusion under screens. With quick action, there’s a chance to recover your iPhone from minor water damage but more extensive submersion can cause irreparable component failure.