
If your Apple phone has fallen in water, act quickly to save your device. The longer you wait, the higher the chances of permanent damage.
Water can seep into the phone's internal components, causing corrosion and short circuits. This can lead to a range of problems, from minor issues like water spots to major problems like a dead battery or complete device failure.
The first thing to do is turn off your phone immediately to prevent any short circuits. This can be done by pressing and holding the power button until the phone shuts down.
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What to Do If Your Phone Gets Wet?
If your phone gets wet, the first thing to do is act fast. Rinse the affected area with tap water if a liquid other than water splashes on your iPhone. This helps to clean off any debris.
Don't try to dry your phone using an external heat source or insert a foreign object into the Lightning or USB-C connector. This can cause more damage. Tap your phone gently against your hand with the Lightning or USB-C connector facing down to remove excess liquid instead.
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Leave your iPhone in a dry area with some airflow to help it dry. Placing it in front of a fan blowing cool air directly into the Lightning or USB-C connector might also help the drying process. Don't plug in any cables or charge your device until it's completely dry.
If your phone has been exposed to liquid, it's best to wait at least 5 hours before charging with a Lightning or USB-C cable or connecting an accessory. This gives your phone time to dry out completely.
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Can I charge my phone if it gets wet?
If your iPhone gets wet, it's best to wait at least 5 hours before charging it. This will allow any moisture to evaporate, preventing damage to your device.
Don't even think about using accessories or charging your iPhone while it's still wet. This can cause serious harm to your phone's internal components.
You can use a soft, lint-free cloth to wipe off your iPhone, especially if you're planning to use wireless charging. Just make sure your iPhone is completely dry before placing it on a compatible wireless charging mat.
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If water gets into the microphone or speaker, you might notice it's not working properly until the water completely evaporates. This is a normal process, and your phone will recover once it's dry.
Don't use cleaning products or compressed air to clean your iPhone, even if it's just a little dusty. A soft, lint-free cloth is all you need to keep your iPhone clean and in good working order.
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Prevention and Future Protection
To prevent your iPhone from getting damaged by water, treat it as if it isn't water-resistant and take all the precautions to keep it away from water.
Even if you're careful, accidents can still happen, so it's essential to take care while shooting pictures near pools, beaches, bathtubs, etc.
Investing in a waterproof case is a great idea if your lifestyle frequently involves using your iPhone near water. This will give you peace of mind and protect your device from liquid damage.
Consider researching and buying insurance that covers liquid damage, especially if you're prone to accidents.
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Steps to Save Your Device
To save your device, turn it off immediately if it's been submerged in water. Don't just put it to sleep, as this can cause a short circuit that can brick your phone.
Remove any case or accessories that may be trapping water, and gently dry the exterior casing of your phone with a soft cloth. Avoid rotating it too much while doing so, as this can spread the water inside.
If your iPhone was submerged for a long time or its water resistance powers were non-existent, it's best to have it inspected by a technician. However, if it was only exposed to water for a few seconds, you can try the following steps to dry it out.
To dry your iPhone, tap it gently against your hand with the Lightning connector facing down to remove excess liquid. Leave it in a dry area with some airflow, and consider placing it in front of a fan blowing cool air directly into the Lightning connector.
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Don't dry your iPhone using an external heat source or insert a foreign object into the Lightning connector, as this can cause further damage.
Here's a quick summary of the steps to dry your iPhone:
- Turn off your iPhone immediately
- Remove any case or accessories
- Gently dry the exterior casing with a soft cloth
- Tap the iPhone against your hand to remove excess liquid
- Leave it in a dry area with some airflow
- Consider using a fan to speed up the drying process
Remove the Case
Removing the case is a crucial step in saving your device. This is because water can stay stuck in the gap between the case and the iPhone, potentially seeping inside the SIM tray or weakening the water-resistant bond.
Water can also leave behind gray residues and become corrosive if left unaddressed. This can cause further damage to your device.
Remove the case immediately to prevent any further damage. Put it and any other attached accessories aside to dry separately.
By removing the case, you'll be able to focus on drying the device itself. This will help prevent any water from spreading further inside the phone.
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Steps to Save Your Device
If your iPhone gets wet, the first thing you want to do is rescue it from the water right away. Shut it off immediately, don't just put it to sleep, as a short can easily occur if the liquid reaches any contacts or other electrical components, which can brick your phone.

Removing the case is crucial, as water will stay stuck in the gap between the case and the iPhone, potentially seeping inside the SIM tray or weakening the water-resistant bond. Take your iPhone out of its case and any other attached accessories to prevent further damage.
Next, carefully dry off the entire exterior casing of the phone, but avoid rotating it too much while doing so, as this can sometimes help to control how far the water can spread inside. You can use a soft towel or piece of cotton cloth to wipe your iPhone to dry water from its surface.
If your iPhone was submerged in water for an unreasonably long time, or its water resistance powers were non-existent, and it suffered liquid damage fixable beyond the scope of these tips, your only option is to get it inspected by a technician.
Here are the steps to dry your iPhone:
- Tap it gently against your hand with the Lightning or USB-C connector facing down to remove excess liquid.
- Leave your iPhone in a dry area with some airflow.
- Placing your iPhone in front of a fan blowing cool air directly into the Lightning or USB-C connector might help the drying process.
Remember, don't dry your iPhone using an external heat source or insert a foreign object, such as a cotton swab or a paper towel, into the Lightning or USB-C connector.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long will it take my iPhone to dry out?
Leave your iPhone on a towel to dry for 24-48 hours without charging or turning it on. This allows it to air out and dry naturally
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