iPhones have become increasingly water resistant over the years. Apple first introduced water resistance with the iPhone 7 in 2016, rating it IP67 for dust and water resistance. This means the iPhone 7 could be submerged in 1 meter of water for up to 30 minutes without damage. The water resistance rating has improved with each new iPhone model.
The iPhone 13 lineup, including the iPhone 13, iPhone 13 Pro, iPhone 13 Pro Max, and iPhone 13 mini, have an IP68 rating. This means they are resistant to submersion in water up to 6 meters deep for up to 30 minutes. However, Apple cautions that “splash, water, and dust resistance are not permanent conditions and resistance might decrease as a result of normal wear” (Source).
While the iPhone 13 models are highly water resistant and can withstand brief incidents like dropping them in water, they are not completely waterproof. Exposure to liquids can still potentially damage them over time, especially if water gets into openings like the charging port. Understanding how long it takes for an iPhone 13 to dry after getting wet can help users minimize any potential water damage.
Water Resistance Rating for iPhone 13
The iPhone 13 has an IP68 rating for water and dust resistance according to Apple’s technical specifications https://www.apple.com/iphone-13/specs/. This means that the iPhone 13 can withstand submersion in fresh water up to 6 meters deep for 30 minutes without damage.
The IP68 rating is a significant upgrade over the iPhone 11, which had an IP68 rating for submersion up to only 2 meters deep. The higher 6-meter depth rating provides much better water protection and peace of mind when using the iPhone 13 around water.
It’s important to note that the IP68 rating does not mean the iPhone 13 is completely waterproof. It should not be intentionally submerged in water deeper than 6 meters, and other liquids like chlorinated water, salt water or alcohol can still damage the iPhone.
Factors That Impact Drying Time
Several factors can influence how long it takes for an iPhone 13 to fully dry out after being exposed to water. One of the most significant is the type of water the phone was immersed in – either freshwater or saltwater.
Freshwater poses less of a threat to electronics than saltwater. Pure freshwater alone does not conduct electricity very well, so it is less likely to cause immediate damage if it gets inside a phone. However, minerals and contaminants commonly found in freshwater can sometimes increase conductivity. Additionally, freshwater can still cause corrosion over time.
Saltwater is much more conductive than freshwater due to the presence of salt and other dissolved minerals. If saltwater seeps into an iPhone, it can cause immediate short-circuiting and corrosion. This means that saltwater exposure often leads to more immediate phone damage than freshwater. However, freshwater can still cause issues if not dried quickly.
Because of its increased conductivity, saltwater will typically take longer for an iPhone to recover from compared to freshwater. The highest concentration of minerals is in ocean water, but even water from salted roads or pools with saltwater filtration can potentially leave behind some deposits during drying which can prolong the process.
Removing Excess Water
After retrieving your iPhone 13 from the water, the first step is to remove any excess water still on the phone. Shake the device gently to dislodge water droplets stuck on the surface or in crevices and openings. Avoid shaking it vigorously as that may further drive water into internal components.
According to Wired, you can place the wet phone in a ziplock bag and gently press out excess moisture before wiping the phone down with a microfiber cloth (Source). Another technique suggested by eCoatM is to place the phone on an absorbent towel and pat dry (Source). Remove any wet case or cover and lightly dab the entire device dry, including buttons, ports, speaker grilles and microphones.
The key is to gently remove external moisture without pushing water further into the phone. Wipe down with a dry, soft lint-free cloth. Do not shake, brush or wipe aggressively.
Drying Methods
There are several effective methods to help dry out an iPhone 13 that has gotten wet:
Rice: Burying the phone in uncooked rice is a popular way to absorb moisture, as the rice grains will pull water away from the phone. Make sure the phone is fully submerged in rice in a bowl or bag. Let it sit for at least 24 hours. Source
Silica packets: Silica gel packets absorb moisture well. Fill a sealable bag with the packets and put the phone inside. The packets will draw out the moisture from the phone. Let it sit for at least 12-24 hours.
Towel: Wipe down the exterior of the phone with a microfiber cloth or soft towel to absorb excess moisture on the surface. Do not rub harshly. Let air dry afterward.
Air dry: Allow the phone to air dry completely before trying to turn it on again. This may take several hours to over a day depending on the amount of water exposure.
Monitoring
After drying your iPhone 13, it’s important to monitor for any signs of remaining water damage. The iPhone 13 has internal liquid contact indicators that can help detect water exposure. As noted on Gadget Cover, these indicators are small white stickers inside the SIM card slot. If exposed to moisture, the stickers will turn red. Checking this indicator can reveal if water got inside your device.
You should also watch for moisture in ports or openings like the headphone jack, charging port, speakers or microphones as recommended by Asurion. Any visible moisture or corrosion around these areas may indicate water made its way internally. Pay attention to functions like calling, charging or listening to audio – any muffled, crackling or distorted sounds could mean lingering water damage. Persistent moisture or malfunctioning components are signs professional repair may be needed.
Continuously monitoring your iPhone in the days following water exposure allows you to quickly identify any problems and prevent further damage. If the liquid contact indicator has not been triggered and functions seem normal, your quick action to dry the phone likely prevented serious damage.
Drying Electronics
When drying electronics that have been exposed to water, it is important to avoid applying direct heat as it can damage electronic components. According to repair experts, heat can cause corrosion and electrical shorts in electronics. Instead, it is recommended to follow these steps:
If possible, disassemble the device and remove the battery. This allows you to dry the interior components more effectively. Spread out the disassembled parts on a towel and allow them to air dry for at least 24-48 hours. Do not shake or wipe the device, as this can push water further inside.
Use a can of compressed air to blow out any droplets of water lingering in crevices or ports once the main moisture has evaporated. Check for any corrosion once fully dry and clean with isopropyl alcohol as needed. Be thorough in ensuring all moisture has evaporated before reassembling and powering on the device.
If unable to disassemble, dry the exterior with a microfiber cloth and allow the phone to sit powered off for at least 48 hours to allow interior moisture to evaporate. Periodically check for lingering moisture under flaps like the SIM card slot. Only power on once fully dried.
In severe water exposure cases, it is best to seek professional help rather than risk further damage by improper drying. Phone repair shops have specialized tools and methods for fully drying electronics safely.
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When To Get Professional Help
If your iPhone 13 is exposed to water and you see the “Liquid Detected” message, it’s time to seek help. This message indicates liquid has gotten into sensitive areas and could lead to corrosion or functionality issues if not addressed promptly.
Even if your iPhone seems to be working normally after water exposure, corrosion can occur internally over time. Any ongoing glitches, audio issues, or problems charging are also signs liquid may still be present inside the device.
For the best chance of saving your iPhone and avoiding permanent damage, take it to an Apple Store or authorized service provider as soon as possible after water exposure. Trained technicians have the tools and expertise to dry out the inside thoroughly and assess any impacts from liquid.
Seeking professional help quickly not only gives you the best odds of restoring full functionality, but may prevent costly repairs down the line from long-term corrosion issues. Don’t attempt to dry out your iPhone yourself if you see the liquid detection message, as this could inadvertently cause further harm.
Preventing Water Damage
There are a few key things you can do to help prevent water damage to your iPhone 13:
Use a waterproof case – Investing in a good waterproof case is one of the best ways to protect your iPhone from water. Waterproof cases create a protective barrier that keeps water out. Just make sure to select a case designed and tested specifically for water protection.
Limit water exposure – Avoid exposing your iPhone to water whenever possible. Even though the iPhone 13 has improved water resistance compared to older models, it’s still best to keep it away from water. Don’t take it in the pool, shower or bath with you. Be extra careful when around sinks, sprinklers and other sources of water.
Inspect seals – Make it a habit to inspect the water seals around the ports, buttons, and openings. If any seals appear to be compromised, have them replaced immediately.
Never charge wet – Don’t attempt to charge your iPhone when it’s wet. Wait for it to fully dry first.
Conclusion
In summary, the amount of time it takes an iPhone 13 to dry and recover from water exposure depends on several key factors. Immediately removing excess moisture, gently drying with a soft lint-free cloth, allowing good airflow, utilizing drying products like isopropyl alcohol, and refraining from charging or overheating the phone can all help expedite the process. Most light splashes and quick water submersions can dry in under 3 hours, while more significant exposure may take over 24 hours to fully dry out internally. Monitoring the phone for full functionality before assuming it’s damaged is wise. Ultimately, taking preventative measures like using a case and avoiding liquid exposure remains the best way to avoid needing to dry an iPhone.
