Techniques for Removing Water from Your iPhone
By: RebootPoint_employee | Published: June 6, 2024
Photo by David Vives
If your iPhone has ever been dropped into the water by mistake, you are familiar with the crushing sense of dread that follows. Even if the speaker grill of a new iPhone is somewhat water-resistant, water may still get inside and mute or destroy audio. Thankfully, there are a few easy techniques you can use to dry up the water and get your iPhone speaker working again. This post will discuss several efficient methods for quickly and safely removing water from your iPhone speaker so you can start enjoying crystal-clear, high-quality music again.
How to know if your iPhone has been water-damaged
- Visual inspection: Look for obvious indications of water exposure, such as condensation behind the camera lens, moisture in the charging port, or drops of water beneath the screen.
- Audio problems: Water damage to the iPhone’s speakers may cause distortion, muted sound, or even total loss of audio. To find any anomalies, try the speakers by putting on some music or making a phone call.
- Issues with charging: Water damage may obstruct the charging port, making it impossible for the iPhone to detect or charge the cable correctly. Try charging the gadget and see whether it charges in a typical manner.
- Overheating: Because moisture tampers with internal components, water damage might result in overheating problems. While using the iPhone, keep an eye out for excessive heat or unexpected temperature.
- Indicators: Indicators are often placed in regions where they are most likely to come into contact with liquids when the iPhone is submerged or exposed to moisture. When water enters the iPhone, the indicators become red. Common locations for placing include the SIM card tray, the charging port, and any openings or seams where water may enter the device.
Using rice or silica-gel packs to absorb moisture
One well-liked and frequently suggested technique for drying up electronic devices—including iPhones—that have come into contact with water or moisture is to use rice or silica-gel packs as an absorbent. The idea behind this method is that rice grains function as a kind of desiccant, removing moisture from the apparatus and hastening the drying process.
Turn off the device: To avoid any possible short circuits or internal component damage, turn off your iPhone right away if it has come into contact with water or other liquids. Until the gadget has completely dried, do not try to charge it or turn it on.
Pat dry: Gently pat dry the iPhone’s exterior to eliminate any visible moisture or water droplets using a soft, lint-free cloth. Take care not to overpressurize the apparatus in order to prevent water from seeping further into its core.
Prepare rice: Take a large enough container to fit the iPhone and put some dry, uncooked rice inside. If available, you can also use alternative desiccants or packages of silica gel. Verify that the rice is clean and devoid of impurities or trash. Try to cover ports such as the charging port to prevent rice and dust from getting inside.
24 to 48 hours: Submerge your iPhone in the rice. As a result, the rice is able to absorb all of the moisture from the gadget.
Examine for moisture: After the allotted time, gently take your iPhone out of the rice and look for any moisture that may still be there. Look for evidence of water on the ports, buttons, and camera lens.
Open up the iPhone and remove the water
If the problem persists after you’ve tried drying it off with your iPhone after it was submerged in water, you should open it up to get rid of any moisture that may still be within. Although it’s a more complicated and sensitive procedure, it can be necessary to save your phone.
Materials that are needed:
Pentalobe Screwdriver: For taking out the screws on the outside.
For internal screws, use a Phillips screwdriver.
Plastic Pry Tools: To open the case securely.
Suction Cup: To assist with screen elevation.
Tweezers: Used to manage tiny parts.
Microfiber cloth: To pat dry parts.
90% or more isopropyl alcohol: Used for cleaning and moisture displacement.
- Take the pentalobe screws out: The two screws on either side of the Lightning port at the bottom of the iPhone may be removed with a pentalobe screwdriver.
- Remove the body from the screen: Just above the Home button, attach the suction cup. To remove the screen from the phone’s back, gently pull up on the suction cup and use a plastic pry tool. Work cautiously around the borders to prevent breaking the screen or the interior parts.
- Raise the screen: After the screen is free, carefully raise it up from the bottom, being careful not to pull it off entirely. There will still be several cords connecting it.
- Cut the battery off: Find the battery connector, then remove the screws keeping the connector shield in place using the Phillips screwdriver. To unhook the battery connector and cut off power to the phone, use a plastic tool.
- Take off the screen cables: After locating the screen wires, remove the screws holding the cable bracket in place using a Phillips screwdriver. Using a plastic tool, carefully detach the screen cables.
- Examine and dry the interior: Look inside for any signs of dampness or water. Any visible water should be carefully patted dry with a microfiber towel. When near delicate parts, exercise caution.
Don’t apply heat directly
It makes sense to want to dry off your iPhone as soon as possible once it has come into contact with water. On the other hand, directly heating your gadget might be counterproductive. This is why drying your water-damaged iPhone with direct heat is harmful, and what safer options are available.
Component damage: The plastic parts, connections, and adhesives within your iPhone may melt when exposed to direct heat from appliances like hair dryers, ovens, or microwaves. Elevated temperatures have the potential to permanently harm delicate components like the screen and battery by warping or deforming them.
Battery risks: Lithium-ion batteries are sensitive to overheating. Direct heat application puts them at the risk of overheating, swelling, or even explosion. Overheated or damaged batteries have the potential to catch fire and pose a serious threat.
Using an app
It’s crucial to keep in mind that while using an app to remove water from your iPhone’s speakers might be a quick alternative, it might not be as successful as other approaches, particularly if the water has penetrated into the internal components. Nevertheless, here’s how to test it if you’d like to.
Examine any damage and determine how much water damage there is. Using an app might assist get rid of the moisture if the water is just on the speakers and your iPhone is still working correctly.
Select a speaker drying app: The App Store offers a number of apps that can assist in drying up the water on your iPhone’s speakers. To locate an app that works for you, search for “speaker drying” or “water removal” and read reviews. After downloading the app, follow the given instructions. These applications usually provide particular vibrations or frequencies to aid in removing water accumulated in the speakers.
Proper placement of the iPhone: The way the vibrations or frequencies function on your iPhone may depend on how the app instructs you to set it up. Observe the app’s suggestions with great attention.
Leave it to dry
While dropping your iPhone into the water by accident might be a heart-stopping experience, all is not lost. Leaving it to dry is one of the most crucial methods to maybe rescue your smartphone. Even though it seems straightforward, this technique is essential for limiting more harm and improving the likelihood of recovery.
- Switch off your iPhone: After dropping your iPhone into the water, quickly switch it off if it’s still on. This lessens the chance of electrical damage and short circuits.
- Take out the accessories: Take off any accessories, screen protectors, and cases that are fastened to your iPhone. These may cling to the gadget, retaining moisture and delaying the drying process.
- Allow total evaporation: Water takes longer to evaporate from an iPhone’s interior components and tiny gaps. If you switch on the device too quickly and rush this procedure, there may be leftover moisture that might cause damage.
- Don’t put the phone on charge: Avoid the temptation to verify if your iPhone is operating by plugging it in. When electricity is introduced while charging, it might react with any moisture that is still present and cause harm.
- Seek professional assistance: It’s advised to seek professional repair services if your iPhone exhibits weird behavior or doesn’t come on after you’ve let it to dry. The internal components of the gadget may be opened, cleaned, and dried completely.
Tips to avoid future water damage
We’ll look at a range of tactics to safeguard your iPhone from water entry and lessen the chance of potential damage, from basic practices like keeping it away from water sources to using protective cases and investigating cutting-edge waterproofing solutions. You can enjoy your iPhone worry-free in any setting with these suggestions, which are designed to fit any lifestyle and circumstance, whether you’re an outdoor enthusiast, a regular traveler, or just prone to spills.
- Use a waterproof bag: To keep your iPhone dry and safe when participating in water-related activities like swimming or boating, think about using a waterproof bag. These bags are made to keep moisture out and shield your gadget from harm.
- Use a waterproof cover: If you plan to be in areas where your iPhone is likely to come into contact with water, such as the beach or pool, investing in a high-quality waterproof cover can offer an additional layer of protection.
- Turn off your iPhone: To avoid damaging the internal parts, turn off your iPhone right away if it becomes wet. Wait until you are certain that it is entirely dry before turning it back on.
- Clean your iPhone: The ports and apertures on your iPhone can collect dirt, dust, and debris, which increases the likelihood of water damage. To maintain optimal performance, clean your gadget regularly with a gentle, dry cloth to get rid of any accumulation.
- Get AppleCare+: If you want extra protection against unintentional damage, including water damage, think about getting AppleCare+ coverage for your iPhone. With AppleCare+, replacement or repair options are available for a fraction of the price of a
- Make a copy of your data: It’s important to make a copy of your critical data in case your iPhone is damaged by water. Make sure you often backup your contacts, images, videos, and other critical data to iCloud or another safe storage platform.