What Should I Do If My iPhone Got Wet or Fell in Water?

Accidents happen, and dropping your iPhone into water can be a stressful experience. Whether it fell into a sink, pool, or toilet, water exposure can cause serious damage to your device. Understanding the risks and taking immediate action can make all the difference in saving your iPhone from permanent harm.

Immediate Steps to Take After Your iPhone Gets Wet

The moment your iPhone comes into contact with water, your response time is crucial. Follow these steps to improve the chances of saving your device.

Turn Off Your iPhone Immediately

The first thing you should do is power down your iPhone. Keeping it on while wet can cause short circuits and permanent damage. Press and hold the power button until the screen turns off completely.

Remove Your iPhone from the Water Quickly

If your iPhone is still submerged, remove it from the water as quickly as possible. The longer it stays underwater, the higher the chances of moisture seeping into its internal components.

Dry the Exterior Thoroughly

Use a lint-free cloth or paper towel to wipe down the exterior of your iPhone. Pay close attention to openings like the charging port, speakers, and microphone.

What Not to Do After Your iPhone Gets Wet

Many people make mistakes after their iPhone gets wet, which can worsen the damage. Here’s what you should avoid:

Don’t Use a Hairdryer or Heat Source

Applying heat may seem like a quick fix, but it can actually cause further damage to your iPhone’s internal components. High temperatures can warp parts and make water spread inside.

Avoid Pressing Any Buttons

Pressing buttons can push water deeper into your iPhone, making it harder to dry out. Instead, leave the device untouched until you take further action.

Don’t Plug It In

Charging a wet iPhone is extremely dangerous. Electricity and water do not mix, and plugging it in could cause short circuits and permanent damage.

How to Dry Your iPhone Properly

Removing as much moisture as possible is crucial to saving your device. Here are the best methods for drying your iPhone.

Use a Drying Agent

Silica gel packets, commonly found in new shoe boxes or electronic packaging, are effective at absorbing moisture. Place your iPhone in a bag or container with silica gel and let it sit for at least 24-48 hours.

Air Drying

If you don’t have silica gel, leave your iPhone in a dry, well-ventilated area. Keeping it near a fan or air conditioner can help evaporate the moisture faster.

Avoid Using Rice

Many people believe that placing a wet iPhone in rice will help absorb moisture. However, rice is not as effective as silica gel and can leave dust and small particles inside your phone, causing further issues.

Testing Your iPhone After Drying

Once your iPhone has dried for at least 48 hours, it’s time to test if it still functions properly.

Power It On

Try turning your iPhone on. If it boots up, check if everything is functioning as expected, including the screen, speakers, and charging port.

Test the Charging Port

Plug in your iPhone to see if it charges properly. If it doesn’t, there might still be moisture inside the port.

Check for Water Damage Indicators

Apple includes a Liquid Contact Indicator (LCI) inside iPhones that changes color when exposed to water. You can check if your LCI has been triggered by looking inside the SIM card tray slot.

When to Seek Professional Help

If your iPhone doesn’t turn on or functions improperly after drying, it’s best to seek expert repair services. Professional technicians can assess the extent of the damage and offer solutions.

Where to Get Reliable iPhone Repairs

If you need expert assistance, Smartphone Solutions in El Paso offers phones, activations, accessories, and expert repairs for iPhones, iPads, computers, and MacBooks. Services include screen, battery, and charging port fixes. We sell unlocked iPhones, buy devices, and offer prepaid plans. Visit us for reliable electronics and gaming console repairs.

Preventing Water Damage in the Future

To avoid future accidents, consider these preventive measures to protect your iPhone from water exposure.

Use a Waterproof Case

Investing in a high-quality waterproof case can provide extra protection and keep your iPhone safe from water damage.

Be Cautious Around Water

Avoid using your iPhone near sinks, pools, or bathrooms. If you need to take your phone near water, keep a firm grip on it to prevent accidental drops.

Keep Emergency Drying Materials Handy

Having silica gel packets or moisture-absorbing pouches on hand can help you act quickly in case of accidental water exposure.

Final Thoughts

Water damage can be stressful, but acting quickly and following the right steps can save your iPhone. If your device isn’t working properly after drying, don’t hesitate to seek professional help. For those in need of iPhone repair in El Paso, TX, Smartphone Solutions offers reliable repair services to get your device back in working order. By taking preventive measures, you can reduce the risk of future water damage and keep your iPhone safe.