iPhone Got Wet? Here's What to Do Right Now

The first few minutes count. What to do straight away, what not to do, and when to call in the professionals.

By Mike, Bristol iPhone Repair, repairing iPhones since 2007

Dropped it in the sink, the bath, a puddle or the toilet? Don't panic. A wet iPhone is often saveable, but what you do in the next few minutes makes a real difference. The water itself isn't the main problem. The damage comes from electricity running through wet components, and from corrosion that starts on the circuit board while the water sits there.

Do this straight away

1. Turn it off. This is the most important step. Don't check whether the screen still works or send one last message. Just power it down. If it's already off, leave it off. The less power flowing through it, the less chance of a short circuit.
2. Take off the case and pop out the SIM tray. A case can trap water against the phone, so get it off and let everything dry separately.
3. Dry the outside gently. Blot it with a soft, lint-free cloth. Don't shake it hard or blow into the charging port or speakers, because that can push water further in.
4. Get it looked at quickly. The only way to really dry an iPhone is to open it up and clean the inside. The sooner that happens, the less time corrosion has to set in.

What not to do

Don't put it in rice. It's the tip everyone's heard, but it doesn't work. Rice only absorbs moisture from the air around the phone. It can't reach the water trapped inside. While you wait a day or two to see if it worked, corrosion carries on. Rice dust and starch can also end up in the charging port. Apple itself advises against it.

Don't use heat. Hairdryers, radiators, ovens and microwaves can damage the battery, screen and adhesive seals. A microwave is downright dangerous.

Don't put it in the freezer. Another myth. Cold won't dry it and condensation makes things worse.

Don't charge it. Even if it seems to be working fine, plugging a wet iPhone in can cause a short circuit. Wait until it's been properly checked or is completely dry.

"But my iPhone is waterproof"

Recent iPhones are water-resistant, not waterproof. Models from the iPhone 7 onwards have an IP rating, and newer ones are rated IP68. That gives you a good chance of surviving a quick dunk, but it's not a guarantee:

• The seals wear over time, so a three-year-old iPhone isn't as well protected as a new one.
• A drop can crack or loosen the seals without you noticing, especially if the screen or back glass has ever been damaged.
• The ratings are tested in still, fresh water. Sea water, pool water, soapy bath water and drinks are much harsher.
• Apple's warranty doesn't cover liquid damage, even on water-resistant models.

If your iPhone has been in water and you notice anything odd, get it checked. Look out for a flickering or patchy screen, muffled sound, a camera that won't focus, a battery suddenly draining fast, or a "Liquid Detected" warning when you plug it in.

How we deal with a wet iPhone

Give us a call as soon as it happens and we'll treat it as a priority. We'll open the iPhone up and clean the liquid and residue off the circuit board and connectors before corrosion can take hold. Then we test everything to see what's working and what needs replacing. Sometimes a clean is all it needs. Other times a part like the screen, battery or charging port has taken a hit, and we'll tell you exactly what it'll cost before going ahead.

Our no fix, no fee promise applies. If we can't bring it back, you don't pay for the repair. And the golden rule: the sooner you call, the better its chances. Waiting to see if it dries out by itself is the most common reason a saveable iPhone ends up beyond repair.

Frequently asked questions

Does putting a wet iPhone in rice work?

No. Rice can't draw water out from inside a sealed iPhone, and the time spent waiting lets corrosion spread. Turn it off and get it looked at instead.

My iPhone still works after getting wet. Is it OK?

Not necessarily. Corrosion can take days or weeks to cause problems. If it was fully submerged, or got wet in salt water, pool water or a drink, it's worth getting it checked even if it seems fine.

Will I lose my photos?

Often the data can be saved, even when the phone needs parts replacing. Acting fast gives you the best chance. If your iPhone backs up to iCloud, your photos may already be safe.