Water-damaged iPhone – how to deal with it

Anyone can drop their iPhone in water and get water or moisture in their phone. You slip your phone in the bathroom, bend over with your pockets open over a puddle of water, or drop it in the sink. We are only human. But what should you do when the accident happens? We explain how to take care of a water-damaged iPhone.

How to get water out of iPhone?

The most important thing to remember when you've dropped your iPhone in water is to give it time to dry without doing anything that will make the damage worse. The heat from a hair dryer or the classic method of putting it in uncooked rice can actually do more harm than good. Here's what you should do instead.

1. Turn off your phone

Turn off your phone immediately if it is still on. Having power in the system while there is moisture in the circuits increases the risk of a short circuit. To turn off, press and hold the side button and the volume button (on newer models) at the same time, then slide the slider that appears on the screen.

2. Remove accessories and SIM card

Remove any covers, screen protectors, straps, and other accessories. Also remove the SIM card and let both the card and the holder air dry separately. This prevents moisture from getting trapped and gives both the phone and parts a better chance of drying out.

3. Wipe the outside

Use a dry microfiber cloth or paper towel to gently wipe the entire phone. Don't push anything into the charging port or other openings, but focus on removing any visible moisture. You don't want the water to be pushed further into the phone - so even if you've gotten water in the charging port on your iPhone, you shouldn't clean the charging port.

4. Let the phone air dry

Place your phone on a flat surface at room temperature, preferably with the charging port facing down. Choose a dry, ventilated area – not the bathroom. Let it sit for at least 48 hours, without attempting to use it during this time.

5. Use silica gel

If you have silica gel packets at home (the kind that often come with boxes and shoe boxes), you can put your phone in a tightly sealed jar or bag with them. They will absorb moisture and make it dry a little faster. Avoid using rice as it doesn't do much good and can crumble the charging port.

6. Avoid starting and charging

Wait at least 48 hours before charging and restarting your phone again (preferably longer). Turning on or charging your phone too soon can damage the components.

7. Check the fluid indicator

iPhones have a small liquid indicator inside the SIM card slot. If it turns red, it means the phone has come into contact with liquid. This can void the warranty, even if the phone otherwise appears to be working properly.

It won't start?

If your phone doesn't turn on after drying, there may still be moisture inside. You can of course wait a little longer. But if it remains completely dead, or if it shows unusual signs such as flickering, heat generation or the screen being black despite charging, you should bring it in for troubleshooting. This is especially true if you have gotten salt water, soda, coffee or other liquids with sugar or acid in them, which can corrode the components.

On reNewed you can buy a used iPhone to replace your damaged device.

iPhones that are water resistant

All iPhones starting with the iPhone 7 have some level of water resistance:

• iPhone 7, 7 Plus: IP67 – can be submerged in water up to 1 meter deep for up to 30 minutes
• iPhone 8, 8 Plus, X, XR, XS: IP67 (8/XR) and IP68 (XS) – 1–2 meters deep for up to 30 minutes
• iPhone 11: IP68 – up to 2 meters for 30 minutes
• iPhone 11 Pro, Pro Max: IP68 – up to 4 meters for 30 minutes
• iPhone 12, 13, 14, 15, and 16 (all models): IP68 – up to 6 meters for 30 minutes

However, the IP rating only applies when tested in fresh water, without movement, pressure or temperature changes. In real life, we know that water can be dirty, salty or contain soap and then the same protection does not apply. Water resistance is a protection if an accident occurs – not an invitation to swim with it.

Please note that Apple's warranty does not cover a water-damaged iPhone, regardless of IP rating.