Dropping your iPhone in water can be a stressful experience, but acting quickly and correctly can significantly improve the chances of saving your device. Here are 9 crucial steps to follow if your iPhone gets wet.
Immediate Actions
1. Remove the iPhone from Water Immediately
The longer your iPhone stays submerged, the more damage it can sustain. Get it out of the water as quickly as possible to minimize the risk of severe damage.
2. Power Down the iPhone
Turn off your iPhone right away to prevent any electrical issues, such as short circuits, which can occur when power is applied to wet components.
3. Remove External Components and SIM Card
Take off any protective cases and remove the SIM card if applicable. This helps prevent water from getting trapped inside the device.
Drying the iPhone
4. Gently Shake and Tap to Clear Water
Give the iPhone a gentle shake with the lightning port directed downwards to clear any water from the port and speakers. Tap the device to help dislodge water from these areas.
5. Use a Soft Cloth to Dry
Pat the iPhone dry with a soft, lint-free cloth. Avoid rubbing the device, as this could push water further into the chassis.
6. Avoid Using Heat
Do not use a hair dryer or any other heat source to dry the iPhone. Heat can push water deeper into the device and damage components on the logic board.
Effective Drying Methods
7. Use Silica Gel Packets
Place the iPhone in a bag with silica gel packets for 24 to 48 hours. Silica gel is more effective than rice at absorbing moisture without introducing dust.
8. Allow the iPhone to Air Dry
Tilt the iPhone in a well-ventilated area to help liquid drain through the connectors. This method, combined with silica gel, can be very effective.
Additional Tips
9. Check the Liquid Contact Indicator (LCI)
After drying, check the LCI to see if it has been activated. This indicator changes color when it comes into contact with water and can be found in different locations depending on the iPhone model.
What Not to Do
- Do not plug in the iPhone until it is completely dry to avoid short circuits.
- Do not open the SIM tray until the iPhone is dry to prevent further damage.
- Do not try to dry the iPhone using a hair dryer or any other heat source.
- Do not insert anything into the ports to avoid pushing water further into the device.
- Do not use rice as it is not an effective desiccant for this purpose.
By following these steps, you can significantly increase the chances of saving your iPhone from water damage and preserving your data.