How to Fix a Water Dipped iPhone

Water and electronics don't mix well, and the iPhone is no exception. Any exposure to water and other liquids can cause irreparable damage to your iPhone and leave you looking for a replacement. If you happen to drop your phone in water, turn it off immediately and attempt to dry it out as quickly as possible. If you keep the phone turned on, it could short circuit the device and completely ruin it.

As soon as your iPhone has been exposed to water, start drying it off as thoroughly as you can. Remove the SIM card from the tray and leave the slot open to help promote drying. Wipe down the exterior with a dry cloth and try to remove any water that's collected on the inside. If you have access to a hairdryer, attempt to dry it out further by placing it on a low heat setting for a few minutes. Ensure that the temperature of the hairdryer doesn't get too hot as this could cause additional damage. Don't attempt to power on the phone until it has been allowed to dry completely.

After you've removed as much water as possible by drying off the phone with a cloth and hairdryer, place the phone in a bag of dry rice or silica gel. Make sure there is enough rice to completely cover the device from top to bottom. Let the phone sit for a few days to remove any excess moisture. If the phone was exposed to water for a long period of time, change the rice or silica gel after few days and keep the phone covered until it's thoroughly dry.

After your iPhone has been given a chance to properly dry, attempt to turn it on. If the phone powers back on, ensure all the features work correctly. Test the device by placing a phone call, sending a text message, playing music through the external speaker, connecting headphones and connecting the charging cord. Test the Home button to ensure it still works, along with the volume buttons on the left-hand side of the device. Try to use both the front and rear camera to ensure they haven't been damaged. Keep the phone turned on to test the battery life as it may have been damaged by the exposure.

If you've purchased an AppleCare+ warranty within 30 days of purchasing the phone, it will cover up to two accidents per year minus the the deductible. If not, you can attempt to replace the phone with an Out-of-Warranty repair through Apple, although the cost can be much higher. If you purchased an insurance policy through your wireless carrier, check to see if it covers exposure to water. Water damage can cause corrosion on the internal components, so while the phone may work properly now, symptoms of damage may appear later.