Help! My iPhone fell in the water
It happens in a flash. Your iPhone slips from your hands. Splash. There goes your expensive smartphone floating in the water. Your heart skips a beat and panic sets in—especially if you didn't have a waterproof iPhone case . Yet, not all hope is lost when your iPhone gets submerged. Because while many people immediately grab rice or leave their phone in the sun, there are smarter ways to save your beloved smartphone . With the right approach in those crucial first few minutes, you can often prevent permanent damage. The key is knowing exactly what to do—and, more importantly, what absolutely mustn't be done. This practical guide will guide you step by step through the process of rescuing your iPhone.
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Checklist: What to do if your iPhone has water damage
- Remove the iPhone from the water immediately
- Turn the device off immediately
- Remove SIM card and other accessories
- Gently dry the iPhone with a soft cloth
- Place in a container with uncooked rice or silica gel granules for 48 hours
- Try restarting after 48 hours
- Seek professional help if necessary
Steps to Save Your iPhone After Water Damage
If your iPhone falls into water, acting quickly is crucial to prevent permanent damage. The first step is to remove the device from the water as quickly as possible. Every second counts, because the longer your iPhone remains submerged, the greater the risk of permanent damage to its electronic components.
Once your iPhone is out of the water, turn it off immediately. This reduces the risk of a short circuit and further damage to the sensitive components. Then remove the SIM card and any other accessories, such as cases or screen protectors. Gently pat the iPhone dry with a soft, clean cloth. Do not use a hairdryer or other heat sources, as these can damage the internal components.
Dry your iPhone in rice or silica gel
A common trick is to place your wet iPhone in a container of uncooked rice or silica gel granules. These materials absorb any remaining moisture from your device. Leave your iPhone in the rice or silica gel for at least 48 hours for best results. Resist the temptation to turn on your iPhone during this time, even if you're curious to see if it still works.
After 48 hours, you can try restarting your iPhone. Is everything working properly? Congratulations, you've saved your expensive smartphone from an untimely death by drowning! However, if your iPhone continues to act up, it's wise to seek professional assistance from an Apple Store or authorized repair shop.
Prevent future water damage
While the latest iPhones, such as the refurbished iPhone 13 , offer a decent degree of water resistance, they're never 100% waterproof. The best way to prevent water damage is to be careful around water and invest in a waterproof iPhone case. Such a case protects your precious smartphone from accidental dips in the bath, toilet, or pool.
Another smart precaution is to regularly back up your iPhone. This way, if something unexpected happens, you won't lose all your precious photos, contacts, and other data. With a little luck and the right approach, a submerged iPhone doesn't have to spell disaster. Act quickly, follow the steps, and with a bit of luck, you'll be happily making calls on your rescued smartphone again within 48 hours.
Prevent water damage to your iPhone
A dropped iPhone doesn't have to be a disaster, provided you act quickly and thoughtfully . By immediately turning off the device, drying it thoroughly, and being patient with the startup process, you have a good chance of recovery. However, prevention is better than cure: a waterproof case and regular backups can save you a lot of headaches. And if your iPhone does sustain irreparable damage, a refurbished device offers a sustainable and affordable alternative to a brand new smartphone.
