iPhone Water Damage: What to Do

iPhone fell in the toilet, sink, pool, or got rained on. Don't panic. What you do in the next ten minutes matters more than anything else.

Step 1: Power off immediately

If it's still on, turn it off right now. Power going through wet electronics is what kills iPhones, not the water itself.

Hold the side button and either volume button. Slide to power off.

Step 2: Get the case and SIM out

Cases trap water. Pop yours off. If you can, eject the SIM tray too (push a paperclip into the small hole on the side). Set both aside to dry.

Step 3: Dry the outside thoroughly

Use a clean towel or microfiber cloth. Gently. Hold the iPhone with the Lightning or USB-C port pointing down to let water drain out. Tap gently against your palm a few times to dislodge water from the speakers and port.

Step 4: Do NOT do these things

• Don't charge it. This is the most common way people kill their iPhone after water exposure. Wait at least 24 hours.
• Don't use a hair dryer. Heat damages internal components and can push water deeper.
• Don't put it in rice. Old myth. Rice barely absorbs anything and can leave dust in your ports.
• Don't press buttons repeatedly. This can pump water deeper inside.
• Don't shake hard. Same reason.

Step 5: Let it dry, properly

Best method: stand it upright in a dry, room-temperature area with the charging port facing down. Some people put it in front of a fan on low. Silica gel packets (the "do not eat" packets in shoeboxes) work better than rice if you have some.

Wait at least 48 hours. 72 is better.

Step 6: Test it

After waiting, press and hold the side button. If it turns on, great. Check:

• Screen looks normal (no spots, lines, discoloration)
• Speaker works (play a song)
• Microphone works (record a Voice Memo)
• Charging port (plug in slowly, watch for "Liquid detected" warning)
• Cameras work
• Wi-Fi connects

What if it won't turn on?

Try plugging into a charger. If it shows the Apple logo, you're back in business. If you see "Liquid Detected in Lightning/USB-C Connector," unplug and wait longer.

If it stays completely dead after 72 hours of drying, the logic board likely shorted. Time for a repair shop or Apple. Apple charges out-of-warranty rates for water damage.

What about AppleCare+?

AppleCare+ covers accidental damage including liquid for a service fee ($99 for most iPhones). Worth using if you have it.

How to know if you can still save data

If the iPhone turns on at all, immediately back up to iCloud. iCloud backup guide. Don't trust that it'll keep working. Get your photos and contacts off first.