Getting your iPhone 11 wet can be a scary experience, especially if your phone stops working afterward. Water damage is one of the most common issues that can affect iPhones and make them unusable. Fortunately, there are some steps you can take to try to revive your wet iPhone 11 and get it working again.
Quick answers to common questions
Here are quick answers to some frequently asked questions about wet iPhones:
Why did my iPhone stop working after getting wet?
When an iPhone gets wet, liquid can get inside the device and cause short circuits or corrosion on the logic board and other internal components. This can prevent the phone from powering on or functioning properly.
Can I fix a water damaged iPhone myself?
You may be able to revive a wet iPhone yourself using rice, silica gel packs or isopropyl alcohol to dry it out thoroughly. But for severe water damage, it’s best to take it to a phone repair shop for professional help.
Is my water damaged iPhone covered by warranty?
Unfortunately, Apple’s warranty does not cover water damage on iPhones. You’ll need to pay out-of-pocket for any repairs needed after water exposure.
Should I trade in my water damaged iPhone for a new one?
Most carriers and device trade-in programs do not accept water damaged devices. It’s better to attempt DIY repairs or go to a third-party repair shop instead.
What to do if your iPhone 11 won’t turn on after water damage
If your iPhone 11 is not powering on after being exposed to liquid, there are a few steps you should take right away:
- Dry it off – Use a soft cloth to wipe away any external moisture.
- Don’t try to turn it on – Attempting to power up a wet iPhone can short circuit it.
- Disassemble the phone – Take it out of its case and remove the SIM card tray to help it dry out.
- Absorb the liquid – Place the iPhone in a bowl of rice, a bag with silica gel packs or use isopropyl alcohol and a toothbrush to displace water.
- Let it sit – Leave the phone to dry out for at least 24 hours, longer if very wet.
- Try charging it – After drying, connect your iPhone to a charger and see if it powers on.
- Go to a repair shop – If it still won’t turn on, take it to a phone repair technician for inspection.
Following these steps can help revive your iPhone 11 in many cases. But if there is extensive water damage, you may need to get professional repair service.
Possible internal damage from liquid exposure
When liquid infiltrates an iPhone 11, it can cause issues with a variety of internal components:
Logic board
The logic board contains the phone’s main processor and many other integrated circuits. If it gets wet, short circuits can prevent the device from turning on and functioning.
Battery
Water can corrode the battery terminals and internal connections, leading to reduced performance or failure to hold a charge.
Display
Moisture trapped beneath the iPhone 11’s display panel can cause visual artifacts, unresponsive touch controls and screen flicker.
Cameras
The sophisticated camera modules inside the iPhone 11 don’t respond well to moisture, which can manifest as blurry photos and videos.
Speakers and mics
Small openings for the speakers and microphones are prime locations for liquid to enter and cause distorted sound quality.
Connector ports
Buildup of corrosion inside connector ports like the Lightning port or headphone jack can prevent cables and accessories from making proper contact.
How to dry out a wet iPhone 11
If your iPhone got splashed, rained on or dropped in water, you need to thoroughly dry it out as soon as possible. Here are some effective methods to remove moisture:
Rice
Place your wet iPhone in a bowl or bag of uncooked rice. The rice will slowly absorb ambient moisture, though it make take over a day to dry completely.
Silica gel packs
Packets of silica gel beads, often found in shoe boxes and food packaging, are designed for moisture absorption. Bury your phone in a sealed container of them.
Isopropyl alcohol
Use a spray bottle filled with 99% isopropyl alcohol to spray down the iPhone’s interior and displace standing water. Then let it air dry before powering on.
Phone drying kits
There are dedicated phone drying kits with chambers that use heat or desiccant materials to thoroughly dry out phones.
Vacuum extraction
Phone repair shops have vacuum systems that can literally suck the moisture out of an iPhone’s internal compartments and ports.
Best practices for using your iPhone near water
To avoid water damage to your iPhone 11, be cautious using it in wet environments:
- Keep it away from pools, baths and sinks.
- Don’t use it with wet hands.
- Avoid taking it on boats or other water activities.
- Keep it in a waterproof case or dry bag when outdoors.
- Turn off accidental water sensor disabling hacks or jailbreaks.
- Never charge a wet iPhone – it can short out the battery.
Should I be concerned about pool water or saltwater exposure?
Pool water and saltwater can be particularly dangerous for iPhones due to the chemicals and minerals they contain:
Pool water
The chlorinated water in swimming pools can corrode the iPhone’s components and cause permanent damage over time.
Saltwater
The salty minerals in ocean water can rapidly oxidize and degrade the iPhone’s internal electronics.
If your iPhone got splashed at a pool or beach, rinse it with fresh water immediately to avoid long-term issues. Then follow drying steps before attempting to use it again.
Is it safe to use my iPhone in the bathroom?
Using your iPhone in the bathroom can be risky business due to the presence of moisture from showers, sinks and bathtubs. To stay safe:
- Keep your phone away from running water.
- Wipe down surfaces before placing it nearby.
- Consider a wall mount out of splash range.
- Use a plastic baggie or waterproof case as a precaution.
- Wait until completely dry before removing from the room.
With proper precautions, you can safely use your iPhone in moderation in the bathroom without liquid damage.
Does AppleCare or insurance cover water damage claims?
Unfortunately most iPhone insurance plans do not cover liquid or water damage:
- AppleCare+ specifically excludes water damage from coverage.
- Carrier insurance often only covers defects, not accidental damage.
- Third party plans rarely cover moisture-related repairs.
You may have to pay $500+ out of pocket if you make an iPhone water damage claim. Consider adding aftermarket water damage coverage from a third party insurer.
Can I trade in or sell a water damaged iPhone?
Most buyback programs and services will not accept an iPhone with known water damage:
- Apple’s iPhone trade-in program requires the device to be in working order.
- Carriers check for water indicators when accepting trade-ins.
- eBay and Craigslist buyers avoid water damaged phones.
Your best option is to thoroughly repair your iPhone before attempting to sell or trade it in. Be transparent about any prior water exposure issues.
Should I open up and clean out my wet iPhone?
It’s not recommended to open up your iPhone and clean it manually after water exposure. Here’s why:
- You may cause further internal damage if not extremely careful.
- Most components cannot be easily cleaned once wet.
- Any exposed circuits can electrocute you.
- Apple will not service disassembled iPhones.
Leave internal cleaning to professional phone repair technicians. Focus on external drying and moisture removal instead.
Conclusion
Getting an iPhone 11 wet can certainly cause some scary moments, but there are ways to recover from it. Quickly drying out the device and taking it to a repair shop are your best bets for fixing liquid-damaged iPhones. With proper treatment, even a soaked iPhone can often be revived. Just be sure to practice caution using your phone near pools, baths or other sources of moisture.
