Having an iPhone accidentally exposed to water or moisture is an unfortunate but common problem that many users face. Thankfully, there are steps you can take to try and dry out a wet iPhone and potentially save it from water damage.
Can a wet iPhone be fixed?
Yes, it is often possible to fix a wet iPhone, depending on the extent of the water exposure. If acted on quickly, mild water exposure can often be reversed and the iPhone can be revived. However, time is critical – the longer the internal components are exposed to moisture, the more likely permanent damage will occur.
What to do immediately if your iPhone gets wet
If your iPhone has been exposed to water, it’s important to act fast in order to give yourself the best chance of saving it:
- Immediately power off the iPhone – don’t try to turn it on or charge it if there are signs of water inside
- Don’t try to charge the iPhone until it has fully dried out
- Gently wipe away any excess moisture using a soft, lint-free cloth
- Do not try to shake out water or use compressed air
- Avoid heat sources like radiators, hairdryers or microwaves to dry the iPhone
Drying methods for a wet iPhone
Once you’ve immediately dealt with any obvious moisture, you can begin the drying process. Some effective methods recommended by Apple include:
Use absorbing materials
Gently blotting the iPhone with soft, absorbent materials can help draw moisture out. Suggested materials include:
- Paper towels
- A soft, lint-free cloth
- A soft bristle toothbrush to clean port openings
Continue blotting until no more moisture comes up from the iPhone’s openings.
Dry in rice
One of the most popular fixes is to submerge the iPhone in a bowl or bag of uncooked rice. Rice is highly absorbent and can help draw moisture out of the iPhone.
Bury the iPhone in at least 2 cups of rice, making sure it’s fully covered. Seal it in a plastic bag or container if possible, and let it sit for at least 24 hours.
Use a desiccant
Desiccants are moisture-absorbing substances. Putting the iPhone in a sealable bag with desiccant packs can help extract dampness rapidly. Some desiccants recommended for drying phones include:
- Silica gel packs
- DampRid
- Calcium chloride
Let the iPhone sit in the sealed bag for at least 12 hours before checking progress.
Try a drying box
There are special moisture-absorbing boxes designed to dry out phones, tablets and other devices. These typically use desiccant material to actively draw out moisture and come with trays to hold electronics.
Use a fan
Set your iPhone in front of a fan blowing cool, dry air. This helps accelerate evaporation of any moisture on or inside the device. Let the fan run over the iPhone for 24 hours or more until completely dry.
Do not use external heat
Avoid any external heating methods to try and dry out the iPhone. Exposing it to heat can damage internal components and exacerbate liquid damage issues.
Do not try drying with things like:
- Hair dryer
- Heated fan
- Radiator
- Microwave
- Oven
- Any other source of concentrated heat
Isopropyl alcohol for drying wet ports
Use isopropyl alcohol (rubbing alcohol) and a soft toothbrush to gently clean and dry out wet ports like the lightning port and audio jack. This can displace moisture and accelerate drying.
First power down and dry the iPhone as much as possible with the methods above. Then:
- Dampen the toothbrush with isopropyl alcohol and gently brush around the ports to loosen moisture and debris
- Use an ear bud lightly moistened with isopropyl alcohol to swab out the ports
- Let ports fully dry before attempting to power on the device
When is it safe to turn on your iPhone?
Turning on a iPhone that is still wet can short circuit and damage components. Never try turning it on until you are sure all moisture has evaporated.
Signs it’s fully dry and OK to turn on:
- No visible moisture in ports or openings
- Phone feels dry to the touch
- No condensation under screen glass
- It has been at least 24 hours since drying process completed
After turning on, if the phone works properly without issues like glitching or shorts, this is a good sign there was no permanent water damage.
When to get professional help
If DIY drying methods don’t restore functionality, it’s best to seek professional phone repair assistance. Signs you may need professional support include:
- Phone won’t power on or continuously reboots
- Distorted audio
- Dim or flickering display
- Corrosion visible on logic board
- Beeping noises or flashing screens
- Non-responsive buttons or ports
A repair shop can open up the device, properly dry internal components, assess any damage, and perform component-level repairs needed to restore the iPhone.
Water damage prognosis for an iPhone
An iPhone’s prognosis after water damage depends on multiple factors:
Level of water exposure
The more severe the water exposure, the higher the risk of damage. Submersion in water significantly raises damage risk versus minor splashing.
Speed of response
Fast drying can prevent damage. Leaving an iPhone wet for longer increases the odds of shorts, corrosion and permanent failure.
Type of liquid
Pure fresh water causes less problems than liquids containing minerals, acids, pool chemicals, soaps etc which can create deposits or stains.
iPhone model
Newer models boast IP67/IP68 water resistance ratings, making them more likely to survive submersion.
Presence of protective case
A properly sealed waterproof case provides extra protection if an iPhone gets wet.
Can rice actually damage a wet iPhone?
There has been some debate over whether rice can actually damage a wet iPhone rather than help dry it out. Here are the facts:
Rice won’t scratch or hurt iPhone glass
Grains of rice themselves will not scratch, scuff or damage an iPhone’s glass or outer surfaces. Rice is very soft.
Rice dust could get inside iPhone
Small amounts of rice dust or starch could potentially get lodged inside ports or openings. This likely won’t cause any significant damage unless large amounts build up.
Rice can get stuck inside iPhone
A few stray grains slipping into the iPhone is possible, but also not likely to cause operating issues unless it manages to get wedged into sensitive components.
Rice won’t remove battery acid
Rice cannot neutralize or absorb potential battery acid leaked inside a water damaged iPhone.
Overall, while not completely risk-free, rice is still considered an effective and safe DIY method to help dry out small amounts of moisture from an iPhone.
Other myths about drying a wet iPhone
There are a few common myths surrounding the best practices to dry and potentially save wet iPhones:
Putting it in the oven at low heat
Do not put a damp iPhone in an oven. Even at low temperatures this risks heat damage to components and the battery.
Using a vacuum cleaner
Do not try sucking water out of an iPhone with a vacuum. This could force moisture further into openings and cause damage.
Plugging it into a charger
Never try charging a wet iPhone – it poses a serious electrocution and fire hazard.
Buried in uncooked pasta
Uncooked pasta is not as effective at moisture absorption as rice. The hard shells may also scratch.
Can I fix water damage myself?
It’s possible to fix minor water damage yourself using the drying methods listed above. However, if there are any signs of persisting water damage or shorts you should take the iPhone to a professional repair shop.
Repair technicians have tools and expertise to:
- Disassemble the iPhone and thoroughly dry internal components
- Clean corrosion from logic boards
- Replace any damaged parts like screens or batteries
- Completely reassemble the iPhone after fixing water damage
They can restore an iPhone to full working order after even significant water damage, provided the logic board is salvageable.
Cost to repair a water damaged iPhone
The cost to professionally repair an iPhone water damaged can range from $50 up to $700+ depending on factors like:
- Model of iPhone
- What components need to be replaced
- Availability of replacement parts
- Shop repair rates
Here are some typical costs for common water damage repairs:
| Repair type | Average cost |
|---|---|
| Drying out iPhone / cleaning ports | $20 – $50 |
| Screen replacement | $129 – $279 |
| Battery replacement | $49 – $99 |
| Charging port fix | $100 – $150 |
| Total logic board replacement | $200 – $350 |
For extensive water damage requiring full disassembly and multiple component replacements costs can exceed $700. However, comprehensive repairs are often still cheaper than buying a brand new iPhone.
How can I prevent water damage to my iPhone?
You can avoid many situations causing iPhone water damage by taking simple precautions:
- Use a waterproof case on beach/pool days
- Never shower or bathe with your iPhone
- Keep iPhone away from sinks and tubs
- Take extra care around toilets/urinals
- Only use original Apple charging cables
- Don’t drink with iPhone on the table
- Attach a floating waterproof lanyard when boating
- Keep it in a ziplock bag if out in the rain
- Turn off and stow during water sports
Accidental spills and splashes can still happen, but by minding these moisture risks you can avoid many situations leading to water damage.
Can I get my wet iPhone warranty repaired?
Liquid damage falls under Apple’s ADH (Accidental Damage from Handling) classification, so is not covered under their standard iPhone warranty. However, you may have coverage options if your iPhone was wet recently:
- AppleCare+: Extends iPhone warranty and adds ADH coverage for 2 accidents over 2 years.
- Carrier insurance: May cover water damage with a deductible payment.
- Credit card benefits: Some cards offer 60+ days of coverage for accidents.
- Homeowner’s insurance: May provide limited coverage if part of a larger incident.
If none of these insurance options apply, your best and most affordable fix is taking it to an independent iPhone repair shop experienced in water damage repairs.
Conclusion
Getting an iPhone wet can be serious, but doesn’t have to be a death sentence for your device if handled properly. By quickly drying it out with the methods suggested, there’s a good chance you can revive it and reverse any water damage effects.
Rice and desiccants make excellent DIY iPhone drying agents, while fans and isopropyl alcohol also help the process along. Avoid heat and never turn on a wet iPhone.
If amateur drying efforts fail, don’t hesitate to seek professional assistance. Repair techs have the skills and tools to fully restore your iPhone to working order after even significant water exposure, often at a fraction of replacement cost. Just be sure to act fast – time is of the essence!