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10 Things We Can Do To Save A Water-Damaged iPhone

Aug 31, 2023 • Filed to: Mobile Repair Solutions • Proven solutions

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Have you recently dropped an iPhone or iPad in the water? Don’t panic! This might seem like a nightmare, but if you act smartly, then you can end up preventing your iPhone water damage. Lots of users suffer from iPhone liquid damage now and then. While the new generation of Apple devices could be water-resistant, it isn’t entirely waterproof. Furthermore, the feature is not available on most iOS devices. If your iPhone wet won’t turn on, then read on and try to implement these quick solutions.

prevent iphone water damage

Part 1: The official Apple test about splash/water/dust resistance of iPhone 7 and later models

Apple has water-resistant, but most users don't know the details about the splash, water, and dust resistance capabilities of their own iPhone models and get into a panic when iPhone drop into water. There's no need to worry too much if you dropped iPhone in water accidentally, as most iPhones have some level of water resistance as follows:

A water resistance rating of IP68 under IEC standard 60529: Withstand being submerged in water up to 6 meters deep for up to 30 minutes:

  • iPhone 14
  • iPhone 14 Plus
  • iPhone 14 Pro
  • iPhone 14 Pro Max
  • iPhone 13
  • iPhone 13 mini
  • iPhone 13 Pro
  • iPhone 13 Pro Max
  • iPhone 12
  • iPhone 12 mini
  • iPhone 12 Pro
  • iPhone 12 Pro Max

A water resistance rating of IP68 under IEC standard 60529: Withstand being submerged in water up to 4 meters deep for up to 30 minutes:

  • iPhone 11 Pro
  • iPhone 11 Pro Max

A water resistance rating of IP68 under IEC standard 60529: Withstand being submerged in water up to 2 meters deep for up to 30 minutes:

  • iPhone 11
  • iPhone XS
  • iPhone XS Max

A water resistance rating of IP67 under IEC standard 60529: Withstand being submerged in water up to 1 meter deep for up to 30 minutes:

  • iPhone SE (2nd generation)
  • iPhone XR
  • iPhone X
  • iPhone 8
  • iPhone 8 Plus
  • iPhone 7
  • iPhone 7 Plus

Part 2: Important don'ts after getting iPhone/iPad out of water

Although most iPhones offer a certain level of water resistance, it doesn't mean that they are completely immune to water damage, and also the protective capabilities may decrease over time due to normal wear and tear. It is not permanently guaranteed!

We understand that it is a disheartening moment when your iPhone fell into water. Before you wonder how to fix the liquid-damaged iPhone, there are some immediate don'ts to prevent further liquid damage. Read the following "don'ts" carefully and comply accordingly.

iphone in water

1. Don’t turn on your iPhone

This is the most important thing that you should keep in mind if you have dropped your iPhone in water. Chances are that your Apple device would turn off after being damaged by liquid. If your iPhone wet won’t turn on, then don’t panic or try to turn it on manually at this stage. If the water has reached inside the device, then it might cause more damage to your iPhone than good. To start with, keep it ideal and try not to turn it on.

2. Don’t blow dry your iPhone immediately

Blow drying your Apple device immediately may do more bad than good. The hot air blown to your device may heat your phone to unbearable degrees that are disastrous to iPhone’s hardware, especially the screen which is more sensitive to hot wind.

Part 3: 8 best measures to fix liquid-damaged iPhone

You can’t go back in time and save your iPhone from getting dropped in water, but you can make an effort to prevent iPhone water damage. We have listed the 8 best measures that one should immediately follow after when they have dropped iPhone in water.

1. Remove its SIM card

After making sure that the phone is turned off, you need to ensure that the water won’t damage the SIM card. The best solution is to take the SIM card out. Take the assistance of a paperclip or the authentic SIM card removal clip that must have come with your phone to take out the SIM tray. Additionally, don’t insert the tray back as of now, and leave the slot open.

remove iphone sim card

2. Wipe its exterior

Taking the assistance of tissue paper or cotton cloth, wipe the exterior of the phone. If you are using a case to protect your phone, then get rid of it. Don’t apply too much pressure while wiping the phone to minimize the iPhone liquid damage. Make gentle movements while keeping the phone stationary and moving your hands instead to clean its exterior.

wipe iphone

3. Place it in a dry place

Your next step to resolve the dropped iPhone in the water problem should be to ensure that water won’t damage its interiors. After clearing its exteriors, you need to be extremely careful of every step you take. It is recommended to place the Apple device in a warm and dry place. This would evaporate the water content that is inside the phone.

Mostly, people place it nearby a window that is exposed to the sun. Make sure that your phone is not directly exposed to too much sunlight. Instead, it should be placed in such a way that it would get constant (and bearable) heat. Placing it on the top of a TV or a monitor is also a widely used technique. While doing so, you need to make sure that your phone won’t get damaged due to extreme exposure to sunlight.

place iphone in a dry place

4. Dry it with silica gel packets

Even after wiping off all the liquid from the surface of your iPhone, the moisture can still be there on the inside of your device.

There are times when to resolve the iPhone liquid damage, users take extreme measures that backfire in the long run. One of the safest solutions to dry your phone is by using silica gel packets. While buying electronic items, users get extra packets of silica gel. You can also buy them readily from any major store.

They absorb moisture in a superior manner simply by making minimum contact with the phone’s body. Place a few silica gel packets over and under your phone. Let them absorb the water content that is inside the device.

dry iphone with silica gel packets

5. Place it in uncooked rice

You might have already heard of this foolproof solution to repair a dropped iPhone in water. Place your iPhone in a bowl or bag of rice in such a way that it would submerge in it. Make sure that it is uncooked rice else your phone might get unwanted dirt. Leave your phone in rice for at least a day to ensure that the water content would be absorbed entirely. Afterward, all you got to do is take your phone out and remove the pieces of rice from it.

place iphone with rice

6. Use a hairdryer (if it has a cool wind setting)

This might be a little extreme, but even after following the above-mentioned drill, if the iPhone wet won’t turn on after 48 hours, then you have to walk the extra mile. Be extremely cautious while using a hairdryer to fix the iPhone water damage. Turn on the cool wind setting and keep the dryer in low power mode, and gently blow it over your phone. You can keep your phone at a distance ensuring that the air blow won’t cause any damage to it. If it will make your phone heat up, then switch off the dryer immediately.

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7. Ask some tech genius to dismantle it

Consider dismantling as your last resort. After following all the necessary measures to repair your device, if the iPhone wet won’t turn on, then you need to take the pieces out. If you know how to technically dismantle, you can do it yourself. Otherwise, trust the work of a tech genius.

When dismantling by yourself, try to be extremely careful. Your aim should be to dismantle the Apple device, give it some air, and dry its interiors. After drying the pieces for a few hours, you can assemble it back and try to turn it on.

dismantle iphone

8. Visit an Apple Store

Chances are that after following these suggestions, you would be able to fix your phone. If it is not the case, then we recommend taking a safer approach. The best way forward would be to visit a nearby Apple Store or an iPhone repair center. Go to an authorized store only and get your phone repaired to normal.

Part 4: The story did not end after drying the iPhone/iPad

1. Check if the liquid damage still there after a couple of days

LCI or Liquid Contact Indicator is a new measure to determine whether or not an iPhone or iPad has been exposed to liquid or water damage. iDevices manufactured after 2006 are equipped with built-in LCI. Usually, the color of the LCI is silver or white, but it turns red when it gets activated after getting exposed to some liquid or water. Here is the list of Apple models and the LCI planted in them.

iPhone models Where is the LCI
iPhone 14
lci of iphone 14
iPhone 14 Plus
lci of iphone 14 plus
iPhone 14 Pro Max, iPhone 14 Pro
lci of iphone 14 pro
iPhone 13 mini, iPhone 13
lci of iphone 13
iPhone 13 Pro Max, iPhone 13 Pro
lci of iphone 13 pro
iPhone 12 Pro, iPhone 12, iPhone 12 mini
lci of iphone 12
iPhone 12 Pro Max
lci of iphone 12 pro max
iPhone 11
lci of iphone 11
iPhone 11 Pro, iPhone 11 Pro Max
lci of iphone 11 pro
iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max, iPhone XR, and iPhone X
lci of iphone x
iPhone 8, iPhone 8 Plus
lci of iphone 8
iPhone 7, iPhone 7 Plus
lci of iphone 7
iPhone 6, iPhone 6 Plus, iPhone 6s, iPhone 6s Plus
lci of iphone 6

2. Ready to take new phone, and retrieve all data in it

Since a water-damaged iPhone is rescued already, there are still good chances that the data stored in your iPhone may corrupt in the future. Or your device may get crashed and don’t turn on ever after. Thereby, you should be ready to look for a new phone and take a frequent backup of your iPhone data to PC to minimize the loss when your iPhone becomes dead someday.

3. Things to do when you go to the seaside, swimming pools, etc.

Seasides and swimming pools are risky places for water damage to your iPhone. There are certain measures that you can always look up to prevent water damage in the future.

  1. Get a good and reliable waterproof case.
  2. You can also buy a Ziploc bag and put your device into it to protect it from water exposure.
  3. Keep an emergency kit (Cotton, silica gel packets, uncooked rice, etc.) handy with you that can help you rescue your device even if it gets exposed to water.

waterproof iphone case

Part 5: Tips to prevent iPhone water damage in daily life

Here are some suggestions to prevent water damage to your iPhone in daily life:

1. Use a waterproof case: Choose a waterproof case designed for your specific iPhone model to provide an additional layer of protection against water as the above mentioned.
2. Avoid water contact: Keep your iPhone away from water sources such as sinks, bathtubs, and toilets. Be cautious of water droplets, splashes, or spills that could come in contact with your device, especially during phone use.
3. Be mindful outdoors: Take extra care when using your iPhone in outdoor environments, particularly during rainy or humid conditions. Place your iPhone in a waterproof bag or secure it in a safe pocket or bag.
4. Avoid using with wet hands: Refrain from using your iPhone with wet or moist hands. Dry your hands before handling the device to minimize water exposure.
5. Watch storage conditions: Avoid storing your iPhone in damp environments such as bathrooms, kitchens, or moist surfaces.
6. Regular cleaning and maintenance: Clean your iPhone periodically to remove dust, dirt, and debris. Ensure that the charging port and connectors are dry and free from moisture buildup.

We hope that after following these suggestions, you would be able to solve your dropped iPhone in water issue. If you also have a quick and easy fix to this problem, then feel free to share it with us. 

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