If your iPhone 13 has gotten wet, it’s important to dry it out properly before trying to use it again. Water damage can cause serious issues like shorts in the logic board, so you’ll want to take precautions. Here are some quick answers about drying out an iPhone 13, along with more detailed information.
Quick answers
- Turn off the iPhone immediately and don’t try to turn it back on
- Don’t try to charge the iPhone while it’s wet
- Remove any cases or covers and gently shake out excess water
- Use a soft, lint-free cloth to wipe off or blot up water on the surface
- Allow the iPhone to air dry for at least 24 hours before trying to turn it on
- Don’t use things like hairdryers or vacuum cleaners to dry the iPhone
- Place the iPhone in front of a fan or dehumidifier to help speed up drying
- Pack the iPhone in uncooked rice to absorb moisture (optional)
- Wait 1-2 days after fully drying before trying to power on again
- If it still won’t turn on, you may need to take the iPhone in for service
How does water damage an iPhone?
Water can damage electronic devices like iPhones in a few key ways:
- Short circuits – Water can bridge connections on the logic board and other components, creating shorts and damaging circuits.
- Corrosion – With longer exposure, water can cause corrosion of metal contacts and connections.
- Mineral deposits – As water evaporates, it can leave behind mineral deposits from the water itself.
- Interference – Water can interfere with touch screens, buttons, speakers, and other components.
- Oxidation – Water exposure can accelerate oxidation and degradation of electronic components.
That’s why it’s critical to dry out an iPhone thoroughly if it gets wet, to avoid both immediate and long-term liquid damage.
Should you try to turn on a wet iPhone?
No, you should never try to turn on an iPhone when it is wet or even damp. Attempting to power up a wet iPhone can cause short circuits and electric current to flow through water, which can permanently damage electronic components.
You’ll want to leave the iPhone completely turned off until you are sure no moisture remains. Trying to turn it on too soon can jeopardize the logic board, battery, touch screen, ports, speakers, microphones, and other critical parts of your iPhone.
Can you charge a wet iPhone?
You should not try to charge an iPhone when or if it is still wet. Charging creates electric current flow, which as mentioned can be very damaging in the presence of moisture. Avoid plugging in the charging cable until the iPhone is 100% dry.
Some other charging precautions include:
- Don’t use wireless chargers until completely dry
- Avoid third-party chargers without sufficient electrical protections
- Only use Apple-approved Lightning cables and chargers
It’s best to be extremely cautious when reintroducing any power to an iPhone after water exposure, to avoid shorts, electric damage, and potential injury.
How to dry out an iPhone 13
If your iPhone 13 has gotten wet, here are the steps to take:
- Immediately turn off the iPhone if it is still on.
- Avoid pressing any buttons while powered off, as residual moisture can still cause issues.
- Remove any cases, covers or accessories.
- Use a soft, slightly absorbent lint-free cloth to gently blot or wipe away any water on the phone’s exterior.
- If the ports or openings have water in them, lightly shake the phone to remove excess moisture.
- Do NOT try methods like blowing compressed air into ports, as this can push water further in.
- Do NOT use things like hairdryers, vacuum cleaners or heated fans, which can force moisture into the iPhone or overheat components.
- Allow the iPhone to air dry for at least 24 hours in a dry room-temperature area.
- You can also set the phone in front of a fan or dehumidifier to speed up evaporation.
- For extra absorption, pack the iPhone carefully in an airtight bag or container of uncooked rice.
- Rice will help extract moisture, but may not reach inside the iPhone fully.
- Wait at least 1-2 days after the phone appears fully dry before attempting to turn it on again.
- If it powers on successfully, continue monitoring for issues and refrain from charging for several hours.
- If it still won’t turn on after drying, you may need to take the iPhone in for professional service. Water damage is not covered under Apple’s warranty.
How long does it take an iPhone 13 to dry out?
It typically takes a minimum of 24 hours for an iPhone 13 to fully air dry after water exposure or submersion. However, it can take longer depending on factors like:
- How wet the phone initially got on the inside
- If it was soaked in fresh water versus other liquids
- Humidity and temperature of the drying environment
- If rice is used to help absorb moisture
- Air circulation around the phone
While the iPhone may appear dry on the outside within several hours, moisture can remain trapped internally. Allow 48-72 hours if very wet to ensure it dries fully before powering on. Using rice while air drying may help shorten the duration.
Does rice help dry out an iPhone?
Yes, packing a wet iPhone in uncooked rice can help absorb excess moisture and speed up the drying process. Rice is hygroscopic, meaning it naturally absorbs water molecules from the air and surroundings.
Tips for using rice:
- Use dry rice that has been stored at room temperature – don’t use freshly cooked rice
- Pack iPhone in an airtight container filled with rice so it makes contact on all sides
- Leave the iPhone buried in rice for at least 24 hours, up to 3-5 days for very wet phones
- Check on it periodically, change out rice if it becomes saturated
- Don’t leave in rice for longer than needed once dry
Rice helps draw moisture out from the iPhone, reducing drying time. But it is not a foolproof method, and you still need to air dry as well. The phone also needs to be fully disassembled for rice to work optimally.
Does putting a wet iPhone in the sun help?
You do not want to intentionally put a wet iPhone in direct sunlight or another heat source in an attempt to dry it out faster. Exposing it to excessive heat can actually damage the iPhone in a few ways:
- The sun can overheat components and cause issues like warping the battery.
- Heating accelerates oxidation and corrosion of metal contacts.
- Some chemicals in water may become more reactive when heated.
- Plastics and seals can be compromised or deformed.
- Residual moisture gets “baked” inside rather than evaporating.
For best results, dry the iPhone gradually using indirect or ambient air temperature, and move it into the shade if needed.
Is it safe to use the iPhone while drying?
It is not recommended to actively use an iPhone during the drying process after getting it wet. Even if it powers on initially, using it could expose components to short circuiting before residual moisture has evaporated.
Potential risks include:
- Electrical shorts or current arcing through moisture
- Corrosion accelerating on circuits
- Malfunctioning parts like speakers or microphones
- Permanent damage if liquid remains inside
Let the iPhone dry out fully over at least 24-48 hours before using it normally again. Refrain from charging as well until you are sure it is dry.
Is it safe to charge an iPhone after water damage?
You should avoid charging an iPhone for several hours after water exposure, even if the phone seems to be fully dried out. This gives any unseen moisture left behind time to fully evaporate before electric current starts flowing through the phone.
Other tips for safely charging post-water exposure:
- Use the charging cable that came with your iPhone and an Apple power adapter.
- Don’t use wireless chargers until 100% confident the phone is dry.
- Charge in an open, well-ventilated space, not closed in a case.
- Stop charging immediately if you smell anything burning or odd.
- Closely inspect the lightning port for residual water or corrosion before plugging in.
- Never use a damaged cable or charger.
Gradually restoring power assists in a safe, successful dry out. Monitor the iPhone closely as it charges after any water damage.
Can you get water out of an iPhone speaker?
If water seems to be trapped in your iPhone’s speakers, you may be able to clear it out by:
- Lightly shaking the iPhone speaker-side down to drain water out.
- Use a can of compressed air held 6+ inches away to gently blow across the speakers.
- Place the iPhone speaker-side down on an absorbent cloth to wick moisture.
- Avoid methods like blowing air too forcefully into the ports.
While residual moisture may initially dampen sound quality, the speaker will return to normal once the iPhone has dried fully. Do not try to use the speaker until completely dry.
Can you put an iPhone in the microwave or oven to dry it?
You should NEVER put an iPhone in the microwave or oven in an attempt to dry it out. These appliances can generate way too much concentrated heat and will likely damage the iPhone severely.
Potential risks include:
- Overheating and melting of components like the battery
- Warping or burning of plastics and adhesives
- “Baking” moisture into the phone instead of drying it out
- Circuit boards cracking from rapid heating
- Pressure damage from steam generated inside
The sustained high heat levels can essentially “cook” the internal structures of the iPhone, rendering it unusable. Always let the phone dry gradually at room temperature.
Should you take apart an iPhone to dry after water damage?
Apple does not recommend disassembling your iPhone to dry out components after water exposure. Doing so can potentially cause further damage to parts, cables and fittings.
However, in some cases it may help extract moisture, with proper precautions:
- Only disassemble if experienced and comfortable doing so safely.
- Follow official take-apart guidelines for your model.
- Use proper tools and antistatic measures.
- Don’t disconnect any non-waterproof stuck cables.
- Separate components like boards, battery, screens.
- Dry components individually, cautiously reassembling once dry.
With care, limited disassembly can assist drying certain iPhones. But the risks often outweigh benefits for most users without repair experience.
Does iPhone water damage warranty cover anything?
Unfortunately, Apple’s limited 1-year warranty does not cover any kind of liquid damage to iPhones. The warranty only covers manufacturing defects in materials or workmanship.
Out of warranty options include:
- AppleCare+ extended coverage – Covers 2 incidents of accidental damage with a service fee.
- Your own insurance – May cover iPhone water damage, check policy details.
- Third party repair – Although not guaranteed, may be able to fix issues.
- Apple Authorized Service – Can provide official parts/repair for a cost.
You can also look into third-party water damage sealants or waterproof cases to help protect iPhone components from moisture risks in the future.
Does drying out an iPhone fix water damage?
If done properly, drying out a wet iPhone can resolve many types of common water damage issues. However, there are some important caveats and limitations:
- The longer moisture is present, the more corrosion can occur even after drying.
- Components with mineral deposits or oxidation staining may still show functionality problems later on.
- Tiny unseen water remnants could eventually migrate and cause issues.
- CPU performance could decrease gradually after time from residual effects.
- Major damage like shorted circuits likely requires professional microsoldering and board repair.
So while DIY drying can fix many problems and save an iPhone from permanent failure, it is not guaranteed to reverse all damage or prevent new damage from emerging over time.
How can you prevent iPhone water damage?
Some tips to help prevent water damage to your iPhone include:
- Use a waterproof case when going near water.
- Avoid using the phone with wet hands.
- Keep food and drink away from your iPhone.
- Turn on water lock mode before exposure risks.
- Never charge or use an iPhone that’s even slightly damp.
- Get AppleCare+ for cheaper accidental damage coverage.
- Store your iPhone in a dry location like a dehumidifier box or bag of rice.
- If you spill a drink on your iPhone, act fast to dry it off.
While you can’t prevent all accidents, keeping liquids away from your iPhone as much as possible will reduce the likelihood of damaging water exposure occurring.
Conclusion
If your iPhone 13 gets wet, refrain from powering it on or charging it until it has had time to fully dry out – usually around 24-48 hours. Remove any cases and gently wipe away excess moisture, then allow to air dry, using rice to help absorb water if needed. Wait at least 1-2 days after it seems dry before turning it back on. Avoid heat sources, disassembly, and wireless charging while drying. With patience and care, you can often revive an iPhone after light water exposure. But if it experienced heavy immersion, you may need professional repair or replacement.