Having an iPhone get wet and subsequently stop working can be an extremely frustrating situation. Your iPhone is an indispensable part of daily life for most people, so not having access to it can seriously impact your ability to communicate, work, and complete tasks. When an iPhone is exposed to moisture, it can cause a short circuit and other damage that prevents the device from powering on. However, there are steps you can take to potentially revive your water-damaged iPhone.
Immediately Power Off and Dry the iPhone
As soon as your iPhone gets wet, the first thing you’ll want to do is power it off. If it’s still on, turn it off by pressing and holding the side or top button until the “slide to power off” prompt appears, then drag the slider. Turning off the phone helps prevent short circuits and fires or explosions from occurring due to electricity running through water-soaked components. Once powered off, immediately dry the phone with a soft, lint-free cloth. Carefully shake out any excess water and dab up as much moisture as possible. Be sure to dry the charging port and headphone jack as these areas are prone to collecting water.
Remove the SIM Card and Memory Card
After drying the exterior, the next step is to eject the SIM card and memory card trays. Locate the small hole on the right side of the iPhone where the paperclip goes in to eject the trays. Insert a paperclip into the hole and gently press until the tray pops out, then slide it out fully. Remove any SIM cards or memory cards that are in the trays, drying them off with the cloth as well. Having these cards inserted can potentially short circuit the logic board, so it’s best to remove them as soon as possible after water exposure.
Do Not Attempt to Charge or Power On
No matter how tempting it may be, avoid trying to turn on your wet iPhone or charge it. When the interior components are still wet, introducing electricity can cause electrical shorts, fires, and permanent damage. The iPhone has safeguards in place that are designed to prevent turning on when water is detected, so chances are high it won’t power on anyway until it has sufficiently dried out.
Dry Out All Openings
Use the corner of the cloth to gently dry the headphone jack and charging port openings. These areas have a tendency to hold quite a bit of liquid even after general drying. Try inserting the cloth corner into the ports to soak up any remaining moisture clinging inside. Avoid using anything sharp or metal that could damage the ports’ fragile pins.
Do Not Use Heat to Dry
You may be tempted to speed up the drying process with some additional heat from a hairdryer or other heat source. However, exposing your wet iPhone to high temperatures runs the risk of damaging internal components that are designed to operate at normal ambient temperatures. The metal framing can also warp or bend if heated too quickly after being cooled by the water. Allow your iPhone to thoroughly air dry before applying any external heating mechanisms.
Absorb Moisture with Desiccants
Placing your iPhone in a sealed bag or container with desiccant packs can help draw out any remaining moisture. Desiccants are materials that absorb water vapor, such as silica gel packets or rice. Place your phone in a bag or Tupperware container along with several desiccant packs, seal, and let sit overnight. The desiccants will gradually extract water molecules from the air and your iPhone.
Use Water Displacement Method
Submerging the iPhone in a water-displacing liquid can remove moisture trapped in small crevices and openings. Alcohols such as isopropyl are go-to choices for water displacement. Put the iPhone in a bowl or tray filled with isopropyl alcohol for 30 minutes to an hour. Afterward, remove and dry off the outside with a clean cloth. The alcohol will have displaced any residual water inside. Just be sure to thoroughly dry and air out the iPhone before attempting to turn on again.
Clean Out Charge Port and Speakers
Use a can of compressed air to blast out any water or debris stuck in the charging port, headphone jack, and speaker openings. Water and gunk trapped in these areas can prevent proper charging and sound functionality. Aim the straw right into the port openings and press the tip for a few seconds to clear out blockages. This can help prepare for attempting to power up the device after thorough drying.
Let Air Dry for At Least 24 Hours
However you choose to dry your iPhone, be sure to let it air dry for at least 24 hours before attempting to restart it. This allows sufficient time for any internal moisture to evaporate. If you try powering up the device prematurely, it could cause electrical arcing or short circuiting leading to permanent damage. Be patient and wait the full day to give your iPhone the greatest chance of coming back to life.
Attempt Powering Up
Once your iPhone has air dried untouched for a full day after getting wet, the next step is to try turning it on. Press and hold the side button or top button, whichever one normally powers your device on. Hopefully you’ll see the Apple logo light up! If your iPhone powers on successfully, inspect its functionality. Test to make sure the touchscreen responds accurately, apps load properly, and calls/texts can be made without issue. As long as it passes these checks, your iPhone has survived its water damage!
Reinsert SIM and Memory Cards
If the phone powered on fine, reinsert the SIM card tray and memory card tray that were removed earlier. This will restore cellular service, memory storage, and other functions relying on the cards. Be sure the cards are fully dry before reinserting to avoid any moisture transfer issues.
Back Up Data and Replace Battery
Even if your iPhone seems to operate normally after drying out, it’s wise to back up your data right away in case problems emerge down the line. Additionally, the battery will often need to be replaced after water exposure, so schedule a Genius Bar appointment or third party battery swap. Proactively taking these measures ensures you don’t lose precious data or suffer from battery issues arising later.
Monitor for Ongoing Issues
Keep using your iPhone as normal, but stay alert to any new issues popping up in the days following water exposure. Problems like flickering screens, touchscreen glitches, and battery drainage can signal water damage. If new problems do arise, you may need to schedule a repair or replace the iPhone.
When to Declare iPhone Dead
If your iPhone won’t power on at all after 24-48 hours of drying, it’s likely reached the end of its life. No amount of rice or desiccants can revive an iPhone that has internal corrosion or shorted logic board. Recycle the device and contact your carrier about a replacement option. iPhones that won’t power back on even after thorough drying have almost certainly succumbed to irreparable water damage.
Use Waterproof Case in the Future
Investing in a waterproof case is wise insurance against future water damage. Quality waterproof cases fully seal the iPhone while still allowing operation of the touchscreen. Look for IP67 or IP68 level protection. This safeguards the iPhone from immersion in 1-2 meters of water for 30 minutes to an hour. Waterproof pouches are also available for mid-level protection.
Have AppleCare+ Insurance
AppleCare+ for iPhone provides up to two incidents of accidental damage coverage every 12 months. Each damage claim is subject to a service fee, but this is greatly reduced compared to full repair costs. Having AppleCare+ can help significantly defray repair expenses if you need to replace your iPhone due to water or other accidental damage.
Conclusion
Dealing with an iPhone that has been exposed to moisture requires prompt action but patience. Resist the urge to power on or charge the device until thoroughly dried out. Absorbent materials like rice or desiccants can help draw out water, along with water-displacing alcohols. Allow at least 24 hours of unaided drying before attempting to restart the iPhone. Back up data immediately if successful, and monitor closely for signs of ongoing issues afterward. With quick response and proper drying, water-damaged iPhones can often be revived. But if it remains totally unresponsive, it may be time to recycle the device and upgrade to a new iPhone.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the first things to do if your iPhone gets wet?
The very first steps after getting an iPhone wet are to power it off, eject any SIM or memory cards, and pat dry with a soft cloth. Avoid charging it or attempting to turn it on while still wet.
Is rice effective for drying a wet iPhone?
Yes, rice can help absorb moisture from a wet iPhone. Place the phone and several pouches of rice in an airtight bag or container. The rice will gradually pull water vapor out of the air and iPhone.
How long should you wait before turning iPhone back on after water damage?
It’s best to wait at least 24-48 hours after getting an iPhone wet before attempting to power it back on. This allows sufficient time for interior moisture to evaporate.
Can a hairdryer be used to dry out a wet iPhone?
No, avoid using external heat sources like hairdryers or heat guns. The iPhone is designed to operate at normal ambient temperatures. High heat can damage internal components.
What liquids work best to displace water for drying wet iPhones?
Alcohols like isopropyl are go-to water-displacing liquids. Submerge the iPhone in a bowl of isopropyl alcohol for 30 minutes up to 1 hour after initial drying.
How can you revive a wet iPhone that won’t turn on?
If an iPhone won’t power on at all even after thorough drying, it likely has irreparable internal corrosion or logic board damage. Recycling and replacing the device are recommended.
Should you have AppleCare+ in case of iPhone water damage?
Yes, AppleCare+ can help significantly reduce repair or replacement costs if an iPhone sustains water or other accidental damage.
Do waterproof cases fully protect iPhones from water?
Quality waterproof cases with IP67 or IP68 ratings can protect an iPhone when submerged in 1-2 meters of water for up to an hour. They are excellent insurance against water damage.
Can a wet iPhone charge or be charged?
Never attempt to charge a wet iPhone or use it while plugged into a charger. This poses a serious electrocution and fire risk. Only charge after thoroughly drying.
How do you dry an iPhone headphone jack and charging port?
Use a soft cloth corner to gently dab moisture from the headphone jack and charging port. Be sure they are fully dry before attempting to power on the iPhone.
What causes an iPhone to stop working after getting wet?
Water can short circuit an iPhone’s electronic components and logic board. Corrosion from liquid residue can also gradually damage the inner workings over time.
Can you fix an iPhone that won’t turn on from water damage?
In some cases it’s possible to revive a water-damaged iPhone with thorough drying. But if there is corrosion or shorts in the logic board, the phone may need to be completely replaced.
How much does it cost to fix a water damaged iPhone?
Out-of-warranty repair costs for a water damaged iPhone can range from $200 – $500+ depending on the model and extent of the damage. AppleCare+ can reduce repair fees.
What are signs of liquid or water damage in an iPhone?
Some signs of iPhone water damage include no power on, distorted or flickering screen, non-responsive buttons, glitchy touchscreen, fogging or condensation under the lens, and issues with charging.
Can you fix an iPhone with water damage yourself?
It’s risky to do DIY repairs on a water damaged iPhone. Proper restoration requires disassembly and component-level cleaning. It’s recommended to take it to Apple or a reputable repair shop.
Does rice actually dry out iPhones?
Yes, rice absorbs ambient moisture very effectively. Placing an iPhone in a sealed container with rice can draw moisture out of the phone and dry the interior.
What liquid works best to dry an iPhone?
Isopropyl alcohol is the most effective and safest liquid for drying and displacing water in an iPhone. Submerge for 30-60 minutes after initial manual drying.
Can you use alcohol wipes to clean water out of an iPhone?
Do not use alcohol wipes to clean the interior of a wet iPhone, as wiping can damage components. Submerge in isopropyl alcohol or use moisture-absorbing packs instead.
Will iPhone immediately break when dropping into water?
An iPhone won’t necessarily break immediately when submerged in water. But critical damage can occur over time as corrosion builds up on the logic board from water residue.
