How to Fix iPhone Water Damage: A Quick Guide
Your worst nightmare has finally come to pass: you dropped your phone in water.
Obviously, you panic a little. Your impulse is probably to tap the buttons and check for vital signs—but we’re here to tell you to resist the urge!
When it comes to drying and fixing an iPhone, there are a few critical things you’ll need to do right away. (If you’re reading this with a wet phone, skip down to the instructions!) We’re here to tell you how to fix iPhone water damage and save your phone.
Are iPhones Water-Resistant?
First off, let's talk about whether you should be worried.
While no manufacturer can guarantee with 100% certainty that a device is waterproof, there is a system in place allowing devices to claim water resistance. The International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) gives water-resistant products an IP rating, or “Ingress Protection,” to indicate how resistant they are. (Note that these codes refer only to water, not to any other liquid, so spilling hot coffee on your phone is another story.)
When it comes to Apple products, several devices have earned an IP rating, from the second-generation SE to the iPhone 7 Plus. These devices can be submerged in anything from 1 to 4 meters for up to 30 minutes.
In other words, you might be in luck if you’ve dropped a more modern iPhone into the water for a few seconds. Of course, no one’s recommending that you swim with your phone, especially since Apple has stated that water damage is not covered by its warranty.
How to Check Your iPhone for Water Damage
Again, even if your phone is water-resistant under certain circumstances, water can still cause damage.
If your phone meets water, you’ll want to act fast:
Remove your wet iPhone from the water (obviously) and dry it off as best you can.
Turn it off right away, and avoid the temptation to try to use it to see if it still works. The last thing you want to do is short-circuit the phone because you wanted a quick peek. Resist the urge to press any buttons or keys, as this could allow any lingering water to leak into the phone.
Remove your smartphone case and find the SIM card tray (on the right side of the phone).
Open the SIM tray. You’ll need either a SIM tray removal tool or something small and thin like a straightened paper clip. Push the tool into the small hole and remove it.
Check the smartphone water damage indicator, a small and thin strip, by shining a light into the SIM slot (which should now be empty).
If you see red, it’s a bad sign: your phone's indicator turns red once it’s come in contact with too much water. This pop of red voids your iPhone warranty, so any future iPhone repair won’t come from the Genius Bar.
If the indicator is still white, it likely means your phone is undamaged and will live to see another day. Even if that’s the case, however, you’ll still want to follow the next steps to dry out your phone, preventing any future damage.
How to Dry Out Your iPhone
Next, you’ll need to dry your phone as much as you can. Try to shake any excess water out of your phone, and wipe it down with an absorbent cloth.
The key here? Wait. It’s hard to do in the age of the smartphone, but the longer you can wait to turn it back on, the more it’ll dry out.
You’ve probably heard of popular steps like leaving your phone in a plastic bag with rice overnight—but the truth is, leaving your phone to air dry on a shelf overnight works just as well, if not better. Make sure your phone is in a warm and dry area, but don’t expose it to too much sun. Leave it here for at least two days.
Another option is to bring your phone to a professional repair center, so the phone can be completely dried out on the inside and any residue can be cleaned properly.
One last note here: whatever you do, don’t use a hair dryer or oven to try drying your phone out, as heat can cause further damage to your wounded phone.
How to Fix iPhone Water Damage
So, you’ve waited for your phone to dry out, and it’s time to switch it back on. Unfortunately, it’s not working correctly, even after a hard reset or two. What do you do?
It’s difficult to know what components of a phone will be affected, and even a drop can wreak havoc on your iPhone.
If you’re lucky, though, the problem is easily fixable.
For example, you may see water damage to the iPhone’s screen (as dark spots or stains). In this case, you may only need a screen repair or replacement. Otherwise, you may have charging issues that require a charging port replacement or battery replacement. Simpler issues like these are easy to fix.
If, however, your phone won’t turn on, you may need a more intensive repair. The best option for your phone is to have it repaired by a professional.
Don’t Panic
If you do drop your phone in water, it may not be the end of the world.
Remember those modern models are water-resistant and can endure a spill or two. Plus, acting quickly and knowing how to fix iPhone water damage gives you a better chance of saving your phone from severe issues.
However, if your beloved phone has met a watery grave, Omaha residents can grab a certified used phone from Certified Cell. Check out their listings to replace your phone—and make sure to keep it away from water!