One of the most frustrating experiences any iPhone user can encounter is water damage. Water damage can occur in different ways, whether from accidentally dropping your iPhone in the toilet or having it submerged in water. Regardless of how it happens, it can be a terrible experience that leaves you with an unusable iPhone. This article will explore the different methods to get rid of water on your iPhone and safeguard its continued functionality.
The reason why we need to master the techniques of eliminating water on our iPhones is that any length of time that water remains on the phone could affect its functionality. Besides, it could lead to microscopic mold growth, which may compromise the phone’s internal systems. That said, we will delve into the different methods of getting rid of water on your iPhone.
Video Tutorial:
What’s Needed
Before we proceed, let’s go through some essential tools you need:
- A clean towel
- A container of dry rice
What Requires Your Focus?
If your iPhone is water-damaged, the first thing to do is to turn it off to prevent short circuits from occurring in its systems. Resist all temptations to turn on your iPhone to check whether or not it still works. Next, you need to remove the SIM card and any case you have on the phone, then wipe clean any water on the phone’s exterior using a dry towel.
Different Methods to Get Rid of Water in iPhone
Method 1: Rice-Evaporation Method
Rice is an incredibly popular solution for getting rid of water on your iPhone. It is a tried and trusted method, and it is straightforward to use. Essentially, you place your iPhone in a dry container of rice and wait for the rice to absorb the water. Here’s how:
- Get a container of dry rice and put your iPhone in the container.
- Ensure that the phone is completely covered with rice, then seal the container.
- Let your iPhone stay in the container of rice for at least 24 hours.
- After 24 hours, take out the iPhone and turn it on to check whether it still works.
Pros:
- Rice is easy to find
- This method is affordable
- Environmentally friendly
Cons:
- It is not as effective as some other methods
- The rice grains may accumulate inside the iPhone’s ports or speaker grills.
- The rice may not absorb all the water, leaving some residual moisture on the interior components.
Method 2: Direct Sunlight
Direct sunlight method is an excellent alternative if you don’t have rice, but it’s not recommended if the outside temperature is over 80 degrees Fahrenheit. This method involves leaving your iPhone in a warm, sunny location to dry for a certain period. Here’s how:
- Once you’ve turned off your iPhone, place it in a location where direct sunlight can hit it and leave it to dry for at least six hours.
- After six hours, take out the iPhone and turn it on to check if it still works.
Pros:
- Direct sunlight is an effective way to dry the moisture.
- This method is also affordable.
- Easy to use
Cons:
- This method is not suitable for hot summer periods, as it may further damage the iPhone.
- The sunlight may damage the iPhone’s exteriors.
Method 3: Use of Silica Gel Packets
Another effective method of getting rid of water from your iPhone is using silica gel packets. Silica gel is a highly absorbent material that can absorb moisture in a short period. It is commonly found in packaged consumer goods such as shoes and bags. Here’s how to use silica gel packets:
- Get a bowl and fill it up with some silica gel packets.
- Place the iPhone on top of the silica gel packets.
- Cover the bowl with some sealed airtight container and let it sit for at least 24 hours.
- After 24 hours, take out the iPhone and turn it on to check whether it still works.
Pros:
- This method is highly effective.
- It is easy to use.
- You can reuse the Silica gel packets again and again for a long time.
Cons:
- The silica gel packets may be challenging to find.
- It can be relatively expensive compared to rice.
- Not Environment friendly
Why Can’t I clean My Water-Damaged iPhone With Detergents or Bleach?
Using detergents or bleach on a water-damaged iPhone is not an appropriate method to clean your phone. Here are a few of the reasons why this is so:
- Detergents and Bleach can cause further damage to your iPhone as they contain abrasive chemicals, which can corrode the metallic and plastic components of the phone.
- Detergents and Bleach can dissolve and damage the adhesive holding the internal components of the phone together.
- Both detergents and bleach leave behind harsh scratches and abrasions on your iPhone’s screen and casing, making it look repulsive.
So, it’s not advisable to use such products to attempt to fix your water-damaged iPhone.
Implications and Recommendations
After your iPhone experiences water damage, you need to take specific measures to restore it to its previous state. If you don’t do anything after water damage, your iPhone’s internal systems could be compromised, leading to permanent damage. Here are a few implications of ignoring a water-damaged iPhone:
- Your iPhone may experience power outages.
- You may lose all your saved data on your iPhone.
- You may have to buy a new iPhone altogether.
To avoid these negative outcomes, here are some recommendations on what to do whenever your iPhone experiences water damage:
- Remove the SIM card and casing
- Avoid charging it or using it immediately.
- Use a dry towel to wipe the exterior before using any of the methods discussed above.
- If possible, rush to an Apple shop where they can check on your phone and possibly fix it.
5 FAQs about How to Get Rid of Water in iPhone
Q1. What Should I Do if My iPhone Gets Wet?
A1. If your iPhone encounters water damage, switch it off immediately to prevent any possible short circuits from damaging the phone’s internal systems. Remove the SIM card and casing and try out the various methods of eliminating water discussed above.
Q2. Is it Advisable to Use a Hair Dryer to Dry My iPhone?
A2. No, it’s not. Using a hairdryer close to your iPhone will heat its internal systems, which can compromise the iPhone’s functionality. Instead, use a suction cup or vacuum cleaner to suck out any moisture on the interior components of your phone.
Q3. Can I Fix a Water-Damaged iPhone Myself?
A3. It is possible to fix a water-damaged iPhone yourself, but it’s a risky proposition. If you’re not experienced in fixing iPhones, it’s best to take it to a repair shop or an Apple Support center to prevent further damage.
Q4. Is Leaving My iPhone to Dry Not Enough?
A4. Leaving your iPhone to dry is not necessarily enough. Drying your iPhone does not necessarily eliminate all the moisture, and the residual moisture on the interior components can corrode your phone’s metallic and plastic components, rendering it permanently unusable. You might want to use one of the methods discussed above, coupled with a trip to the repair shop.
Q5. Can I Prevent My Phone From Getting Into Contact with Water?
A5. Although it’s impossible to prevent your phone from getting into contact with water entirely, there are things you can do to minimize its water damage risk. You can buy an appropriate and sturdy phone casing with water-resistant features or purchase a waterproof case that encapsulates the entire phone.
In Conclusion
In conclusion, encountering water damage on your iPhone can be a very frustrating experience, but it’s a situation that can be remedied with the right approach. We have discussed three methods of eliminating the moisture in your iPhone, but using silica gel packets appears to be the most effective. You must avoid using bleach or other detergents as they can further damage your phone’s metallic and plastic components. Follow the recommendations above when your iPhone encounters water damage, and if in doubt, go to an Apple shop for a repair.
