Dropped your iPhone 8 in the sink, got caught in the rain, or spilled a drink all over it? While it’s a stressful moment, water damage doesn’t have to mean the end of your phone. If you act fast and follow the right steps, there’s a good chance you can get your iPhone 8 working again. Here’s exactly what to do.
How to Tell If Your iPhone 8 Has Water Damage
Before you dive into fixes, look for these signs:
- Red liquid contact indicator (LCI): Pop out the SIM tray and check inside. If you see red, water made it in.
- Distorted screen visuals: Lines, fog, or flickering are red flags.
- Crackling or no sound from speakers or headphone jack.
- Won’t charge or turns off when plugged in.
- Unresponsive buttons or touchscreen.
What to Do Immediately After Water Exposure
1. Turn It Off (If It’s Still On)
Press and hold the Power button, then slide to power off. Don’t try to wake it, use it, or plug it in.
2. Dry the Exterior
- Use a soft, lint-free cloth (not a paper towel) to pat your iPhone dry.
- Remove the SIM card tray and gently shake out excess water.
- Don’t blow-dry it, use compressed air, or heat it up.
3. Let It Air Dry for 48 Hours
Find a dry, safe place to let your iPhone sit undisturbed:
- Lay it on a clean towel in a well-ventilated area.
- Prop it up so air can circulate around the ports.
- Wait at least 48 hours before attempting to power it on.
❌ Don’t put it on a charger during this period.
4. Try the Rice or Silica Method (Optional)
- Place the iPhone in a bowl of uncooked rice or a ziplock bag with silica gel packets.
- Seal it up and leave it alone for 24–48 hours.
While not a guaranteed fix, this can help absorb remaining moisture.
5. Power It On and Test It
After two full days, try turning it on:
- Press and hold the Power button
- If it powers up, check basic functions:
- Charging
- Touchscreen response
- Sound/speaker
- Wi-Fi and Bluetooth
- Camera
6. Restore via iTunes or Finder
If your iPhone is acting strangely but still turns on:
- Plug it into your computer
- Use iTunes (Windows) or Finder (Mac) to back it up
- Choose Restore iPhone to reinstall a clean version of iOS
7. Update the iPhone’s Software
Sometimes water exposure causes software glitches. Updating to the latest iOS version may smooth things out:
- Go to Settings > General > Software Update
- Download and install any available update
8. Clean Internals (Advanced Users Only)
If you’re comfortable opening the iPhone:
- Use 99% isopropyl alcohol and a soft brush to gently clean visible corrosion on the logic board or connectors.
- Let components air dry fully before reassembling.
⚠️ Opening your iPhone voids the warranty—do this at your own risk.
9. Contact Apple Support
If your phone still doesn’t power on or is glitching:
- Book a Genius Bar appointment or
- Contact Apple Support online
Apple can assess whether repair or replacement is possible. Note that water damage isn’t covered by standard warranty unless you have AppleCare+ with accidental damage coverage.
Tips to Prevent Future Water Damage
- Use a waterproof case, especially in risky environments
- Never charge a wet iPhone—wait until it’s 100% dry
- Keep your SIM tray tightly sealed
- Avoid using your phone near sinks, pools, or in heavy rain
- Always back up your data regularly to iCloud or a computer