How to Dry Out a Wet iPhone: 11 Steps

How to Dry Out a Wet iPhone: 11 Steps to Save Your Device

Accidentally dropping your iPhone in water or exposing it to moisture is a common scenario that can lead to panic. Water damage is one of the leading causes of iPhone malfunctions. However, if you act quickly, there are several methods you can use to dry out your iPhone and minimize the damage. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through 11 essential steps on how to dry out a wet iPhone, ensuring that your device has the best chance of survival. Whether you've dropped your iPhone in water, a puddle, or any other liquid, follow these step-by-step instructions to save your device.

1. Turn Off Your iPhone Immediately

One of the first steps to prevent further damage is to turn off your iPhone as soon as possible. Powering off the device stops the electrical flow and reduces the risk of a short circuit. A powered-on iPhone exposed to moisture can easily suffer from irreparable damage to its internal components.

• Why turning off your iPhone is crucial: Liquid exposure can cause a short circuit when the phone is on, leading to permanent damage. Switching off your device cuts the power supply and gives you more time to dry it out.

Key Tip: If the iPhone is unresponsive, use the force restart method to turn it off immediately.

2. Remove the Case and SIM Card Tray

If you are using a phone case or screen protector, take it off immediately. Cases and screen protectors can trap moisture inside, preventing the water from evaporating. Additionally, remove the SIM card tray to avoid any water from seeping into the phone's internals through the tray slot.

• Why remove the SIM tray: The SIM tray is a small but crucial part of your iPhone. If water gets trapped inside, it can cause long-term issues with connectivity.

3. Dry the Exterior with a Microfiber Cloth

After turning off the phone and removing the case, use a clean microfiber cloth to wipe away any excess water on the iPhone’s exterior. Be sure to get into the crevices around the charging port, speaker, and camera lens.

• Why microfiber?: Microfiber is effective at absorbing water without leaving behind lint or scratching the phone's surface. Avoid using paper towels or regular cloths as they may leave fibers behind.

Key Tip: Be gentle but thorough when drying, especially around sensitive areas like the camera and charging port.

4. Use a Drying Agent (Avoid Rice)

A common myth is to place your wet iPhone in a bowl of rice. However, rice can be abrasive and may leave dust particles inside your phone. Instead, use a drying agent like silica gel packets. Silica gel is an effective way to absorb moisture and can speed up the drying process.

• Why silica gel works better: Silica gel is highly effective at absorbing moisture and won’t cause damage to your phone. It's a safer and more reliable method than rice.

How to Use Silica Gel: Place your iPhone and a few packets of silica gel in an airtight container for at least 48 hours. This will help draw the moisture out.

5. Leave Your iPhone in a Well-Ventilated Area

If you don’t have silica gel, you can leave your iPhone in a dry, well-ventilated area for several hours. Ensure that there’s plenty of air circulation around the device. Avoid placing it in direct sunlight, as excessive heat can cause further damage to your phone.

• Ideal ventilation: Place your phone on a flat surface near a fan or in a dry room where air flows freely. This allows the moisture to evaporate gradually without harming the device.

6. Use a Vacuum Cleaner (Optional)

For those who want to take extra measures, using a vacuum cleaner (not a wet/dry one) with a soft nozzle can help remove excess water from the device. Hold the vacuum near the charging port and other openings to suck out any remaining moisture. Do not directly touch the phone with the vacuum cleaner to avoid further damage.

• Why a vacuum works: It creates low pressure that can help draw moisture from hard-to-reach areas like the charging port or speaker grill.

Key Tip: Be cautious with this method—use the vacuum for short bursts and avoid placing it too close to the phone.

7. Wait for the Device to Fully Dry

Even if the external moisture appears to be gone, allow your iPhone to dry for at least 48 hours before attempting to turn it on again. This will ensure that the internal components have sufficient time to dry completely.

• Why waiting is important: Powering on the phone too early can risk electrical damage. The internal circuits may still have moisture, which can short-circuit when activated.

8. Check for Water Damage Indicators

Most iPhones have a liquid contact indicator (LCI), which changes color when exposed to water. Check the LCI to see if it has turned red, indicating water exposure. This can help you assess the severity of the damage and whether your iPhone is still under warranty for repairs.

• Where is the LCI?: On most iPhones, the LCI is located inside the SIM card tray slot.

9. Attempt to Power On Your iPhone

After waiting 48 hours, attempt to power on your iPhone. If it turns on and functions properly, congratulations! You’ve successfully dried out your wet iPhone. However, if you notice unusual behavior such as screen flickering, unresponsive touch, or charging issues, the water might have caused damage to the internal components.

• What to do if it doesn’t turn on: If your phone doesn’t power on, seek professional help from an Apple Store or certified technician.

10. Check for Any Remaining Issues

Even if your iPhone turns on, continue to monitor it for any lingering issues. Common problems after water exposure include sound distortion, slow charging, or unresponsive buttons. If these issues arise, consider getting your iPhone serviced.

• Key Signs of Water Damage: Flickering screen, malfunctioning camera, poor battery performance, or Wi-Fi connectivity issues.

11. Consider Professional Repair Services

If your iPhone doesn’t work after drying, or if it has long-term issues after water exposure, it may need to be professionally repaired. Apple offers repair services, but keep in mind that water damage may not be covered under warranty.

• Apple's repair process: Apple technicians can disassemble your iPhone, dry out the internal components, and replace any damaged parts.

Key Tip: Always back up your data to iCloud or your computer, as a wet iPhone might lose data during repairs.

Reference Source:

https://support.apple.com/guide/iphone/important-handling-information-iphbbe12ba1/ios 

https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT201337

https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT207043

https://www.cnet.com/tech/mobile/accidents-happe-how-to-save-your-phone-when-its-wet/