iPhone Took a Swim? Here’s How to Fix Water Damage Before It’s Too Late

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We've all had that heart stopping moment. One second, you’re scrolling through texts in the bathroom, and the next plop! your iPhone is swimming in the toilet bowl. Or maybe it slipped from your hand at the beach, or got drenched in a sudden rainstorm.

Whatever the scenario, water and iPhones don’t mix well unless you move fast. Some newer models boast water resistance, but they're not waterproof. And even if your phone looks okay on the outside, lingering moisture inside can slowly destroy it.

Here’s what you should (and shouldn't) do right after your iPhone takes an accidental dive.

1. Immediately Power It Off

First things first, turn off your iPhone. Even if it seems to be working, don’t take any chances. Water and electricity can lead to short circuits, which could fry your phone’s internal components. So, shut it down ASAP.

2. Remove Case, SIM Card, and Accessories

Take off any protective case. Then, use a SIM ejector tool or a small paperclip to remove the SIM tray this lets air circulate better inside the phone. Also unplug any accessories, like Lightning cables or earphones.

3. Dry the Outside Gently

Use a soft lint free cloth or paper towel to pat the phone dry. Be thorough, especially around the buttons, camera lens, speakers, and charging port. Avoid shaking the phone vigorously that could push water deeper inside.

4. Don’t Use a Hair Dryer or Oven

It’s tempting, but heat can make things worse. Hair dryers, ovens, or putting your phone on a radiator can damage internal parts or cause battery issues. Stick to room temperature air drying.

5. Skip the Rice Trick (Seriously)

The internet loves the rice method, but here’s the truth, it doesn’t really work. Rice doesn’t absorb moisture efficiently, and grains can get stuck in your charging port. Instead, place your iPhone in an airtight container with silica gel packets the kind that come in shoeboxes or electronics packaging. Leave it for at least 48 hours.

6. Be Patient Before Powering On

Resist the urge to check if your phone still works. Give it at least two full days to dry out before turning it back on or charging. Turning it on too early is one of the quickest ways to cause permanent damage.

7. Use Apple’s Water Eject Shortcut (Optional)

If your phone is still functional and has sound issues, you can try using the “Water Eject” shortcut via the Shortcuts app. It plays a sound frequency designed to push water out of the speaker grills handy for minor splashes, though not a fix for full submersion.

8. Still Not Working? Time for a Repair

If, after 48 hours, your iPhone still refuses to turn on or behaves oddly like glitchy touch response, sound problems, or camera fog it’s time to visit an Apple Store or authorized repair shop. Sometimes, damage shows up days or even weeks later due to corrosion.

Heads up: Apple’s regular warranty doesn’t cover water damage, but AppleCare+ might help reduce repair costs.

Was It Saltwater or Pool Water?

Yikes. Salt and chlorine are worse than fresh water they’re more corrosive. If your iPhone fell into the ocean or pool, briefly rinse it with clean freshwater, then dry it immediately. Yes, rinsing a wet phone sounds crazy, but it removes minerals that could speed up internal damage.

How to Check for Hidden Water Damage

Inside the SIM tray slot is a Liquid Contact Indicator (LCI). If it turned red or pink, that’s a sure sign of water exposure and the first thing Apple techs will check. If it’s still white or silver, you might have dodged a bullet.

Pro Tips to Avoid Water Mishaps Next Time :

• Invest in a waterproof case if you use your phone near water often.
• Never charge your iPhone if it’s even slightly damp this is when most shorts happen.
• Avoid bringing your phone into the bathroom during showers. The steam counts too.
• Backup your data regularly in case the worst happens.

Final Thoughts: Don’t Panic Act Smart

A waterlogged iPhone isn't always a death sentence. The key is staying calm and acting fast. Power it off, dry it properly, skip the myths, and avoid heat. And most importantly, be patient before turning it back on.

Sometimes, the best rescue plan is just good old fashioned air and time.