iPad in water? This is what you need to do immediately.
Your iPad is in the water. Panic. Hundreds of euros in repair costs flash through your mind. Your important files, photos, everything, potentially lost. Most people immediately reach for the hairdryer or throw their iPad in a bowl of rice—classic panic reactions that often make the damage worse . But here's the twist: water damage doesn't automatically mean the end of your iPad.
In fact, with the right approach within the first few minutes, you can save your device in 7 out of 10 cases without expensive repairs. The secret? It's not what you do, but what you don't do in those crucial first moments. And if things really go wrong? Then a refurbished iPad is often smarter than an expensive repair. Forget the rice myth – these are the real lifesavers that work.
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The first crucial minutes after water damage
The seconds tick by. Your iPad lies wet in front of you, and every wrong move could mean the difference between a device surviving or being definitively consigned to the scrap heap. The most important thing to remember: don't do what your instincts tell you to do.
Turning the device off immediately is the first step. No exceptions. Even if the screen is still working, even if you're in the middle of an important document. Hold the power button until the device is completely off. This prevents short circuits between internal components.
Then, gently dry the exterior with a soft, dry cloth. Do not use a hairdryer, hair dryer, or heater. Heat accelerates corrosion and can damage the adhesive bonds in the device. The popular rice method is also much less effective than people think—in fact, grains of rice can get stuck in ports and cause additional problems.
The five-step plan that really works
Step 1: Turn off and unplug immediately
As soon as you notice your device has gotten wet, turn it off immediately. Disconnect all cables and accessories. If your iPad has a SIM card, remove it immediately. This not only protects the card itself but also allows the internal space to breathe.
Step 2: The correct drying technique
Use a paper towel or microfiber cloth to remove any visible moisture. Work from the outside in and avoid rubbing. Pay particular attention to the ports: Lightning connector, speakers, and microphone. These areas are delicate but also crucial for proper operation.
Step 3: The absorption method
Forget rice. Use silica gel packets (those little bags you find in new shoes) or specific moisture-absorbing products. Place your iPad together with these absorbers in an airtight container. The ideal waiting time is 72 hours, not the often-cited 48 hours. Patience really pays off here.
Step 4: The cautious test
After three days, the exciting moment arrives. Remove the device from the container and inspect all ports for any remaining moisture. Pay particular attention to the screen—if you see condensation under the glass, it's still too early. Otherwise, you can try booting the device.
Step 5: Functional check
Is the device working? Then systematically test all functions: camera, speakers, touchscreen, buttons. Back up your data immediately before any delayed damage occurs. Some components can still fail days later due to corrosion.
When professional help is needed
Not every water damage incident ends happily. Certain signs point to permanent damage you can't fix yourself. Stains or streaks on the screen indicate moisture ingress behind the display. An iPad that powers on but constantly restarts likely has motherboard damage.
Professional repairs often cost between €150 and €400, depending on the model and the extent of the damage. For older models, this is rarely worthwhile. Repairing an iPad from 2018 for €300, while a refurbished version of a newer model costs €400? The calculation is easy.
Apple itself doesn't repair water damage under warranty, unless you have AppleCare+. Third-party repairers can sometimes replace parts, but success is never guaranteed with water damage. The electronics can still malfunction weeks later due to corrosion.
Prevention for the future
Waterproof cases offer protection up to IPX8 level, meaning they can withstand immersion up to 2 meters. They're essential for beach vacations or use in the kitchen. Make sure the case fits your specific model—an incorrect fit won't provide any protection.
Keep liquids consistently away from your workspace. Use a separate side table for your coffee. Never place your iPad on the same table as drinks during meals. This simple habit prevents 90% of accidents.
Also consider insurance for your new or replacement device. For about €10 per month, you're covered against water damage, falls, and theft. For a new device costing €800, this could be worth the investment.
The refurbished option as a smart way out
Sometimes you have to accept that repair is no longer an option. Then the question arises: buy new or refurbished? A professionally refurbished device often offers the same functionality as a brand new one, but for 30-50% less money. These devices have been thoroughly tested, have new batteries where necessary, and come with a warranty.
The difference between a new iPad for €600 and a refurbished one-year-old one for €400? In practice, you'll barely notice it. Same processor, same screen, same features. The only difference is the packaging and the price tag.
Moreover, you contribute to the circular economy. Every reused device means less electronic waste and fewer raw materials that need to be extracted. For the average user who surfs, sends email, and watches videos, a refurbished model is more than sufficient.
Final considerations
Water damage doesn't have to mean the end of your iPad, but be realistic about the risks. Salt water is more deadly than fresh water. A brief splash is more likely to survive than prolonged submersion. Newer models with better seals have a better chance of survival.
If you're torn between repair and replacement, make an honest cost-benefit analysis. How much is your time worth? How much risk are you willing to take that the device will still fail in three months? Sometimes, letting go and starting over is the wiser choice.
Prevent and solve water damage
Water damage to your iPad is frustrating, but with quick action and the right steps, you can often save your device. What's especially important is what you don't do : no hairdryer, no rice, no panic. If repairs prove too expensive, a refurbished iPad is a sensible alternative. You get the same quality for considerably less money.
The best advice, of course, remains prevention : a good cover and keeping liquids away will save you a lot of trouble. It's that simple.
