Getting water in your iPhone can be a nightmare. Liquid damage is one of the most common ways that iPhones break, and water is particularly problematic because of the way it can short circuit the sensitive electronic components inside the device. Fortunately, if you act quickly after getting your iPhone wet, there are some things you can do to help dry it out and potentially save it from permanent damage. In this article, we’ll look at some of the best apps to help get water out of your iPhone.
Why You Need to Remove Water From Your iPhone
When water gets inside your iPhone, it can cause corrosion of the logic board and other internal components. This is because water conducts electricity, so if there is any power running through the device, the water can short circuit it and fry the components. Even after drying out the phone, corrosion can continue as long as there are minerals left behind from the water.
Getting rid of any standing water quickly is crucial to give your iPhone the best chance of survival after water exposure. The longer water sits inside, the more damage it can do. Using apps to help remove or absorb the water can speed up the drying process and remove that immediate short circuiting threat.
Turn Off and Don’t Charge a Wet iPhone
Before you do anything else, you’ll want to power off your iPhone right away if it gets wet. Don’t try charging it either, as that poses an electrocution risk if there is water inside. As long as your iPhone is still on or plugged in, electricity is running through it and water can be short circuiting connections.
Turn it off, unplug it, and avoid charging it until you’ve had a chance to dry it out thoroughly. This gives you time to use these apps to absorb or evaporate the water without causing further damage.
Use a Water Absorbing App
One of the quickest ways to get water out of your iPhone is to use an app that utilizes your smartphone’s vibration mechanism to literally shake and absorb the water out. These water removing apps vigorously shake your device while using the microfiber material on your phone case or a cloth to absorb the dislodged water.
Some top water absorbing apps to try include:
Sonic
One of the first apps developed specifically for water removal from iPhones, Sonic uses targeted vibration pulses to shake water loose inside your device so it can be absorbed by a microfiber cloth. Customize the vibration pulses based on where the water might be trapped.
Water eject
Water eject also uses sonic vibrations customized to help remove water from inside your iPhone or other devices. Just start the app, place your phone face down on a towel, and let the vibrations do their work to clear out water.
Water Out – Wet Phone Rescue
This app generates a series of vibrations and ultrasonic waves that help push and eliminate water or any other liquid trapped in your iPhone. It provides different vibration options depending on the specific device.
The key with any of these water absorbing apps is to sandwich your phone between a microfiber drying cloth or towel so that the vibrations shake the water loose where it can be absorbed. Run the app for several cycles to thoroughly dry out the inside.
Try a Desiccant Packet App
Another approach some apps take to water removal is using desiccants – drying agents that actively absorb moisture through hygroscopic action. Some apps can turn your phone into a mini desiccant packet using software algorithms and the heat generated by the device.
Dry Out
Dry Out uses your iPhone’s own heating capabilities to generate warmth that evaporates liquid while using motion to shift the position of that moisture. It claims to create a microclimate inside your device that removes water.
yDry
Similarly, yDry also turns your phone into a moisture removing machine. Through optimized heat and motion patterns, it says it can accelerate evaporation of water internally to thoroughly dry out the device.
The advantage of these apps is that they actively pull moisture away from the phone’s interior using desiccation, rather than just shaking water loose. Run them for a few hours to thoroughly dry your device internally.
Consider a Drying Kit
In tandem with water removal apps, many manufacturers make dedicated drying kits to help extract liquid from inside your iPhone. Two popular options include:
Sticker Dry Kit
These sticker drying kits contain layers of absorbent material to physically draw moisture away from the inside of your device when applied to the outside. The kit also comes with desiccant packs to help with moisture absorption.
Wi-Fi Water Drying Kit
This kit includes a Wi-Fi connected moisture sensor that you place inside your water damaged device. An accompanying app monitors internal humidity levels and automatically runs heating programs until the desired dryness is reached.
Using one of these kits can help ensure no moisture is left behind after you run the water removal apps. The physical extraction and active desiccants provide an added level of protection.
Try Rice to Absorb Leftover Moisture
After using a water removal app and drying kit, place your iPhone in a bag or container of rice to get rid of any residual moisture. Rice acts as a desiccant by absorbing any remaining water vapor.
Bury your device in rice for at least 24 hours after running a water removal app – longer if needed. The rice provides ongoing desiccant action to thoroughly dry it out. Just make sure no rice grains get inside your phone!
Let It Dry Longer Before Using
It’s crucial not to use your phone prematurely after getting it wet, even if you think you’ve dried it with apps and rice. Liquid can still be trapped in small crevices and continue corrosion even if it powers back on initially.
Give your iPhone at least 72 hours to thoroughly air dry after water exposure before attempting to use it again. Avoid charging or data cables during this time. This gives any latent moisture extra time to evaporate so internal corrosion stops.
Patience protects your phone! Don’t jump back into using it too quickly after water damage.
When to Avoid Using Rice
While rice is a popular DIY method for drying waterlogged devices, there are a few situations where you’ll want to avoid using it:
– If the water is anything other than clean freshwater. Rice won’t be able to remove contaminants or minerals left behind by pool water, saltwater, soapy water, etc. This can increase the risk of corrosion.
– If your phone has any exposed electronic components. Rice particles could get lodged in the circuitry and cause further issues. Best to stick to water absorbing apps and moisture extractor kits.
– If moisture got into any port connectors like the charging port. Rice can compress inside and damage the pins. Use moisture absorbing packs instead.
Avoid rice when moisture contamination or exposed electronics are concerns. The last thing you want is rice causing new problems!
Act Quickly for the Best Chance
The sooner you can start drying out your iPhone after water exposure, the better your chances of saving it. Don’t delay – get it powered down immediately and start applying these water removal techniques right away. The first hour is critical!
Quick action minimizes the corrosion water can cause and allows these apps to do their job extracting liquid before permanent damage is done. With fast response, there’s a good possibility your iPhone can come back from a dip or dunk without issue.
Be Cautious Plugging In Wet Devices
It can be tempting to plug your phone into a charger soon after water exposure to see if it powers on. But until you’re certain all the moisture has been removed, charging carries risk.
Here’s why you need to be extremely cautious about using chargers and cables with a wet phone:
– Moisture can short circuit the charging port. Attempting to plug into a wet port can damage the pins.
– Electricity + water = danger. You risk electrocution if moisture is still present when power is applied.
– Charging generates heat that can increase corrosion. Any remaining water will cause more extensive damage.
Wait to charge your phone until long after you’ve dried it out using the methods in this article. Don’t take risks by plugging it in prematurely!
Avoid These Mistakes During Water Removal
It’s important to be careful during the water removal process to avoid any extra damage. Here are mistakes to avoid:
– Don’t try turning on your phone to “test” it during the drying process. Powering on before it’s fully dry risks short circuiting.
– Don’t use a hairdryer or other heating methods to dry your phone. Excessive heat can damage the battery and other components.
– Don’t scratch or disturb any corrosion. This knocks off protective coatings and exposes more metal to moisture damage.
– Don’t clean ports or openings with compressed air. The moisture inside can get blown further into the phone.
– Don’t shake or disturb the device while drying. This can dislodge water deeper into crevices.
Go slow with drying and don’t try shortcuts – they often end up causing more harm than good when moisture is involved!
Pay Attention for Signs of Liquid Damage
After drying your iPhone with these water removal techniques, inspect it carefully for any signs of liquid damage. Here’s what to look out for:
– Corrosion around ports, buttons, or openings
– Glitchy or unresponsive display
– Speakers/microphone not working properly
– Buttons sticking when pressed
– Fogging or condensation under camera lens
– SIM card reader damage
– Distorted or crackling sound from speakers
These can all indicate that moisture made its way into sensitive electronic components and has started causing corrosion damage. If you spot these warning signs, get professional help, as repairs may be needed.
When to Seek Professional Repair
While these apps and drying methods can be effective for minor water exposure, it’s smart to enlist professional iPhone repair in these situations:
– The phone was submerged or soaked (especially in non-water liquids)
– You can see moisture or corrosion inside the phone
– There are signs of extensive water damage
– Important components like the logic board got wet
– Phone won’t power on or charge after thorough drying
The more extensive the water damage, the less likely DIY drying will be sufficient for proper restoration. The pros have specialized tools and techniques that give your phone the best shot.
Conclusion
Getting drenched by a spilled drink or accidental drop in water doesn’t have to mean the end of your iPhone. By quickly powering down your device and using these specially designed apps to remove and absorb water, you can help rescue it before permanent liquid damage occurs. Combining moisture absorbing apps with physical drying kits, rice, and time gives you a fighting chance to revive your waterlogged iPhone and potentially save yourself an expensive repair or replacement! Just remember to be patient and don’t try charging or using the phone until you’re absolutely certain all moisture has been extracted. With some luck and the right drying techniques, your iPhone can come back from its dunking or dousing no worse for the wear if you take prompt action.