If your iPhone gets wet and the screen goes black, don’t panic! There are some steps you can take to try to revive your iPhone and get it working again. Acting quickly is important to limit any permanent water damage.
Immediately Remove Your iPhone from the Water
If your iPhone is still in the water, remove it right away. The longer it stays submerged, the more water can get inside and cause damage to the internal components. Gently wipe off any excess water from the outside of the phone with a clean, soft cloth.
Do Not Try to Power it On
It’s natural to want to see if your iPhone still works by pressing the power button. However, you do not want to power on a wet iPhone. Doing so can short circuit the phone and potentially cause permanent damage. Avoid pressing any buttons and let the iPhone remain off for now.
Dry the Outside of the iPhone
Use a soft, lint-free cloth to gently dry the outside of the iPhone. Carefully wipe down all sides and surfaces. Make sure there is no moisture trapped in any ports, buttons, or openings.
You can also use a hairdryer on a low heat setting to help evaporate any water. Hold it 6-8 inches away and wave it slowly over the phone to prevent overheating one spot.
Absorb Moisture with Desiccants
Place the iPhone in a bowl or bag with desiccants, which help absorb excess moisture. Some options include:
- Uncooked rice
- Silica gel packs
- Cat litter
Bury the iPhone in the desiccant so it’s completely covered. Let it sit for at least 24 hours to give the desiccant time to absorb the moisture.
Avoid Using a Microwave or Oven
You may be tempted to speed up the drying process using a microwave or oven. However, this is unsafe and can damage your iPhone. The intense heat can melt internal parts and warp components.
Do Not Use Canned Air
Avoid using canned air to try to blow water out of a wet iPhone. Pressurized air could push water further inside the phone and cause leaks into internal parts.
Disconnect All Cables and Power Down
If your iPhone was connected to a charger or computer when it got wet, disconnect everything right away. You do not want electricity running into a waterlogged phone. Also power the phone down; do not leave it on while wet.
Get Help From Apple Support
If you are unable to revive your iPhone even after drying it out, seek professional help. Make a Genius Bar appointment at your local Apple store. Their technicians have specialized tools to detect water damage and may be able to repair your iPhone.
Use Water Extraction Tools
There are kits available that are designed to extract water from iPhones and other devices. These typically use suction cups and other specialized tools. They help safely remove moisture from inside without taking the phone apart.
Try Isopropyl Alcohol
Use a cotton swab dipped in 99% isopropyl alcohol to gently clean around buttons, ports, and other openings. Be very careful not to get any moisture inside these areas. The alcohol helps displace water and evaporates completely.
Do Not Submerge in Alcohol
While using a small amount of isopropyl alcohol can help, do not submerge the iPhone or soak it in alcohol. This can cause additional damage and create more problems.
Dry Out Individual Components
If you feel comfortable carefully disassembling your iPhone, you can remove components like the logic board and battery and dry them individually. Use compressed air to blow out any droplets.
Rinse With Distilled Water
Once most of the moisture is removed, you can rinse the iPhone with distilled water to clear out any remaining residue. Distilled water helps prevent mineral deposits from forming as it dries.
Do Not Charge Until Fully Dry
Avoid plugging in your iPhone or connecting it to a charger until you are sure it is 100% dry. Charging a wet iPhone can short circuit the phone and may be dangerous.
Be Patient During the Drying Process
It can take anywhere from 24 to 72 hours for your iPhone to fully dry out after being submerged in water. Be patient and let it air dry; do not try to speed up the process by applying heat.
Use Silica Gel Packets
Place silica gel packets around your iPhone inside a sealed container or plastic bag. Silica gel absorbs moisture effectively and works better than rice.
Invest in a Waterproof Case
After reviving your wet iPhone, invest in a good waterproof case to help prevent this problem in the future. Look for one that has high IPX8 ratings for water protection.
Have Apple Diagnose Your iPhone
Apple Stores and authorized service providers have tools to diagnose iPhone water damage. They can determine if there is corrosion and recommend any necessary repairs.
Do Not Open Your iPhone
Avoid opening up your iPhone yourself. This will void any warranty and you risk causing further damage by exposing interior components to moisture.
Conclusion
Reviving an iPhone that gets wet is possible if you act quickly to dry it out completely. Avoid powering it on, using heat, or charging it before it has had time to dry for 24-72 hours. Patience during the drying process gives you the best chance of being able to use your iPhone again after water exposure.
How can water damage an iPhone?
Water can damage an iPhone in a few different ways:
- Short circuit – Water can bridge connections and create shorts, damaging circuits.
- Corrosion – It can cause oxidation and corrosion, eating away metal contacts.
- Mineral deposits – Minerals in the water leave behind residue as it dries.
- Growth of mold – Wet components allow mold and mildew to grow inside the phone.
What are indicators that your iPhone got wet?
Here are some signs your iPhone may have gotten wet or suffered water damage:
- Screen is unresponsive, flickering, or otherwise faulty
- Speakers are not working properly, audio is distorted
- Buttons and ports do not function correctly
- Foggy/cloudy patches visible under the screen
- Condensation or water droplets inside the camera lenses
- iPhone makes crackling, popping or buzzing noises
What areas of an iPhone are most vulnerable to water damage?
These parts of an iPhone are particularly prone to water damage:
| iPhone Component | Reason |
|---|---|
| Logic board | Houses delicate circuits and solder points |
| Battery | Water can corrode battery contacts |
| Speakers | Openings allow water entry into air cavity |
| Headphone jack | External opening provides access for water |
What are the best ways to dry out an iPhone after water exposure?
Recommended methods for drying a wet iPhone include:
- Placing in rice or silica gel for 24-72 hours
- Leaving powered off for at least 48 hours
- Using a desiccant drying kit
- Gently wiping with a soft, absorbent cloth
- Lightly blowing with compressed air
How can you tell if liquid indicators were triggered in an iPhone?
Apple iPhones have small liquid contact indicator strips that change color when exposed to moisture. Here is how to check them:
- Locate the indicator strips – one is by the SIM card slot, another by the battery connector.
- Look closely to see if the small white stickers have turned pink or red.
- Pink/red color means liquid was detected; white means dry.
- You may need to shine a flashlight to properly see the color.
Can an iPhone recover fully after water damage?
It is possible for an iPhone to fully recover after getting wet, if dried properly. However, the longer it was wet and the more corroded the internal components became, the lower the chance of a full recovery. It depends on the extent of the water damage.
What are some precautions when trying to revive a wet iPhone?
Important safety precautions include:
- Avoid electric shock – Do not charge or use cables until completely dry.
- Do not overheat – Use low temperatures only to dry.
- Never turn on before dry – This can short circuit it.
- Do not disassemble – You may cause further damage.
- Keep away from moisture – No bathrooms, kitchens, etc.
How much does it cost to repair iPhone water damage?
The cost to repair an iPhone with water damage typically ranges from $250 to $800+ depending on the model and extent of the damage. Component-level repairs or full device replacements may be necessary.
What are the best ways to prevent iPhone water damage?
You can prevent water damage to your iPhone by:
- Using a waterproof case
- Avoiding baths, pools, beaches, boats with your iPhone
- Keeping away from sprinklers and heavy rain
- Not placing it near sinks or other wet areas
- Turning off water-detection sensors when necessary
What should you do if your iPhone gets wet but still works?
If your iPhone gets wet but remains fully operational, follow these steps:
- Dry it thoroughly with a soft cloth to remove excess moisture.
- Connect cables gently to see if ports/speakers work properly.
- Check for condensation under screen glass.
- Use phone carefully and watch for any new issues developing.
- Back up data in case problems emerge later.
Can you use rice to dry out an iPhone?
Yes, you can use dry white rice to absorb moisture from a wet iPhone. Bury the phone in a bowl of rice so it is completely covered. The rice will gradually draw water from the phone. Leave it submerged for 24-48 hours before removing to check if fully dry.
Does Apple warranty cover water damage?
Unfortunately, Apple’s limited warranty does not cover any damage caused by liquids or water exposure. You will have to pay out-of-warranty fees for any repairs due to water contact or submersion.
However, AppleCare+ extends coverage to include two incidents of accidental damage from liquid, for a service fee. So AppleCare+ can help offset water damage repair costs.