How to Get Water Out a iPhone: A Comprehensive Guide

Oh no, did your beloved iPhone take an unexpected dip? Whether it was a splash from a rogue wave, a clumsy drop in the toilet, or an accidental coffee spill, water damage is a common iPhone mishap that can lead to serious problems. We’ve all been there – that heart-stopping moment when you realize your expensive device is now swimming.

Water damage can wreak havoc on your iPhone’s delicate internal components, leading to corrosion, short circuits, and ultimately, a bricked device. Acting quickly and correctly can significantly improve your chances of saving your phone and avoiding costly repairs or replacements. This guide will walk you through the essential steps to take immediately after your iPhone has been exposed to water, maximizing your chances of revival.

What do I do first?

What’s the best way to dry out my wet iPhone?

The best way to dry out a wet iPhone is to power it off immediately, gently shake out any excess water, and then leave it in a well-ventilated area with good airflow for at least 24-48 hours. Resist the urge to turn it on prematurely, as this can cause further damage. You can also place it in a bag of uncooked rice or use silica gel packets to help absorb moisture, although their effectiveness is debated. Avoid using heat sources like hair dryers, as they can damage internal components.

While the rice trick is a common suggestion, its effectiveness is somewhat anecdotal. The primary benefit of using rice is that it can draw out some moisture. A better alternative is to use silica gel packets, which are designed specifically to absorb moisture and are often found in new electronics packaging. Regardless of which drying agent you choose (or even just leaving it out in the open air), patience is key. The longer you allow the iPhone to dry, the better the chances of minimizing long-term damage. Crucially, do NOT attempt to charge your iPhone while it’s wet, as this can cause a short circuit and irreparably damage the device. Similarly, avoid pressing any buttons or inserting anything into the ports, as this can push water further inside. After the drying period, inspect the charging port for any remaining moisture or debris before attempting to charge it. If you’re uncomfortable disassembling or handling sensitive electronics, consider taking it to a professional repair service for assessment and cleaning.

Is it safe to use rice to remove water from my iPhone?

No, using rice to dry out your iPhone is generally *not* recommended and can potentially cause more harm than good. While it might seem intuitive that dry rice would absorb moisture, this method is often ineffective and can introduce dust and starch into the phone, leading to corrosion and other internal problems.

The idea of using rice stems from its hygroscopic properties – its ability to absorb moisture from the air. However, the amount of moisture rice can actually draw out of a tightly sealed electronic device like an iPhone is minimal. Furthermore, the process is slow, and the internal components of the phone are likely corroding while you’re waiting for the rice to work. This corrosion can cause long-term damage even if the phone initially appears to function after being submerged in rice. A better approach is to power off the iPhone immediately, gently wipe off any visible water, and allow it to air dry in a well-ventilated area. You can also try using a small fan to circulate air around the device. If you are comfortable doing so, you could also try gently dislodging any water trapped in ports. If the water damage is severe, consider taking your iPhone to a professional repair service that specializes in water damage restoration. They have the tools and expertise to properly clean and dry the internal components, minimizing the risk of long-term damage.

How long should I wait before turning my iPhone back on after it got wet?

You should wait at least 48 hours, and preferably 72 hours, before attempting to turn your iPhone back on after it has been exposed to water. This extended waiting period is crucial to allow all internal components to thoroughly dry, minimizing the risk of short circuits and permanent damage when power is restored.

While the temptation to check if your phone still works is strong, powering it on too soon is the most common mistake people make. Water can linger inside even if you can’t see it, and electricity combined with moisture is a recipe for disaster. The corrosion process begins almost immediately, so even if the phone initially seems fine, hidden damage can worsen over time. Patience is key to potentially saving your device.

During the waiting period, focus on safely extracting as much water as possible. Gently tap the phone against your hand with the charging port facing down to dislodge any trapped liquid. Use a dry, lint-free cloth to absorb surface moisture. Avoid using heat sources like hair dryers, as these can force water further inside and damage sensitive components. Placing the phone in a bag of uncooked rice is a popular method, but silica gel packets (often found in new electronics packaging) are even more effective at absorbing moisture. No matter the method, the goal is to create a dry environment that encourages evaporation.

What should I do if water got inside my iPhone’s charging port?

If water gets into your iPhone’s charging port, immediately disconnect any charging cables, power off the device, and gently shake it with the charging port facing down to dislodge any excess water. Do not use a hairdryer or insert any foreign objects into the port. Allow the iPhone to air dry in a well-ventilated area for at least 30 minutes, or preferably several hours, before attempting to charge it again.

The most critical step is patience. Rushing the drying process could cause further damage. Avoid the temptation to plug in your iPhone immediately, even if it appears dry. Liquid inside the charging port can cause short circuits and corrosion, potentially damaging the battery, logic board, or other internal components. Even if the iPhone seems to function initially, latent damage might manifest later.

Apple recommends tapping your iPhone gently against your hand with the connector facing down to remove excess liquid. Consider placing your iPhone in front of a fan blowing cool air to expedite the drying process. If, after a prolonged period of drying, your iPhone still displays a liquid detection alert or won’t charge, you may need to seek professional help from an Apple Store or authorized service provider. They have specialized tools and expertise to safely inspect and repair water-damaged devices.

Will the Apple warranty cover water damage to your iPhone?

Generally, no, Apple’s standard warranty does not cover water damage or liquid damage of any kind. This is because water damage is typically considered accidental damage, and the standard warranty primarily covers manufacturing defects.

While the standard warranty doesn’t cover water damage, AppleCare+ with accidental damage coverage *does* cover it, but it usually involves a service fee or deductible. The specific cost will depend on your AppleCare+ plan and the type of damage. If you have AppleCare+, it’s definitely worth checking to see if it can help offset the repair or replacement cost. If you don’t have AppleCare+ and your iPhone has suffered water damage, your options are usually to pay for an out-of-warranty repair (which can be expensive) or replace the phone. You can bring your phone to an Apple Store or an authorized service provider for an assessment and repair estimate. Keep in mind that internal corrosion from water damage can worsen over time, potentially leading to more significant issues even if the phone initially seems to be working fine. It’s always best to get it checked as soon as possible. The Liquid Contact Indicators (LCIs) are often used to determine if a device has been exposed to liquid. These indicators change color when they come into contact with water. If an LCI has been triggered, it’s a clear sign to Apple that the damage is liquid-related and thus not covered under the standard warranty.

Are there any tools that help remove water from an iPhone speaker?

Yes, there are specialized apps and online tools that generate specific frequencies of sound to help eject water from an iPhone speaker. These tools work by playing a low-frequency tone or a series of tones that vibrate the speaker membrane, dislodging water droplets and pushing them out.

The principle behind these tools is based on the physics of sound waves. The vibrations created by the sound can overcome the surface tension of the water, allowing it to escape. Some popular apps like “Sonic” or websites that offer similar functionality allow you to adjust the frequency and volume of the sound, giving you control over the intensity of the vibration. This can be helpful for dealing with different amounts of water or stubborn droplets lodged deeper in the speaker grill. It’s important to use these tools with caution. Starting with a low volume and gradually increasing it is recommended to avoid damaging the speaker. Overly loud or prolonged exposure to these frequencies can potentially harm the delicate components. Also, ensure the iPhone is placed face down while using these tools so that the water is encouraged to exit downwards, aided by gravity. While these tools can be helpful, they are not foolproof and may not work in all situations, especially if the phone has been submerged in water for an extended period. In severe cases, professional repair might be necessary.

Should I try disassembling my iPhone to dry it out faster?

Generally, disassembling your iPhone to dry it out faster is strongly discouraged. While the intention is understandable, the risk of causing significantly more damage to the delicate internal components far outweighs any potential benefit from quicker drying. You’re more likely to brick your device completely.

Taking apart an iPhone requires specialized tools, technical expertise, and a clean, static-free environment. Modern iPhones are intricately assembled with tiny, easily damaged connectors, ribbons, and components. Attempting to disassemble it without the proper knowledge can easily result in torn flex cables, stripped screws, or accidental shorts. Furthermore, opening the device will almost certainly void any remaining warranty or AppleCare coverage you may have. Instead of disassembly, focus on safer, less intrusive methods. Power off the device immediately. Gently shake out any excess water. Consider placing the phone in a bag of desiccant packets (like silica gel, not rice, which can leave dust and starch) for 24-48 hours. If you’re comfortable, you *might* try using a vacuum cleaner on a low setting to gently suck out water from the charging port, headphone jack (if applicable), and speaker grills – but be extremely careful not to hold it too close or create static. Ultimately, the best course of action is often to take your water-damaged iPhone to a reputable repair professional who has the tools and experience to properly assess and address the damage. They can safely open the device, clean any corrosion, and replace any damaged parts, providing a far better chance of recovery than a DIY disassembly attempt.

And there you have it! Hopefully, your iPhone is now drying out and on its way to recovery. Thanks for reading, and good luck! We hope these tips help you save your device, and we’d love to see you back here for more tech solutions and helpful advice.