can iphone recover from water damage? how to fix a water damaged iphone – 8 easy steps
Today we want to answer the pressing question; can iphone recover from water damage? If the answer is yes, we look at how to fix a water damaged iphone. In topics like this one, people often want simple direct answers, and that is what we are going to try and do. However, in many instances, some answers are relative because it depends on the extent of water damage, parts affected and things like that. But by and large, the answers should be a relief to a person who has a water damaged iphone.
how to fix a water damaged iphone
1. Remove the liquid from the outside of your iPhone
If your iPhone is in a case, remove it while holding your iPhone horizontally with the screen pointing down. Imagine there is an internal pool (because there probably is) and you don’t want the pool to move in any direction.
Then, use a microfiber or other soft, absorbent cloth to wipe the water off the outside of your iPhone. Do not use tissue paper, cotton swabs, or anything else that can damage or leave dust or residue inside your iPhone.
2. Remove the SIM card
One of the first things that happens when your iPhone is exposed to water is to remove its SIM card. This serves the dual purpose of helping save the SIM card itself and allowing air to enter your iPhone.
Unlike in the past, the iPhone’s SIM card does not contain your contacts or personal information. Its only purpose is to connect your iPhone to a mobile network. Fortunately, SIM cards usually survive spills unless exposed to water for a long period of time.
If you have a fan, you can try blowing cool air directly on the Lightning port or SIM card slot to increase the airflow. Leave enough space between the fan and your iPhone.
The hot air is more than enough to help the water vapor system. Do not use a hair dryer or any other type of fan that blows hot air.
3. Place your iPhone on a flat surface in a dry place
Next, place your iPhone face down on a flat surface, such as a kitchen table or desk. Choose a place with low humidity. You put your iPhone in a bag or pocket.
Dropping your iPhone or dropping it on rice will cause water to leak into other parts inside. It can be the difference between life and death for your iPhone.
4. Set desiccants on your iPhone
If you can get commercial desiccants, put them around your iPhone. Whatever you do, don’t use rice! (More on that later.) It’s not something that works very well. What are desiccants?
Desiccants are substances that create drying conditions in other materials.
They can be found in small packages that are shipped with things like vitamins, electronics, and clothing. Next time you get a package, keep it! They will help when dealing with water damage emergencies.
5. Wait for the water to dry
Once you’ve taken the first step to fixing your iPhone, plugging it in and walking away is the best thing you can do. If there is water inside your iPhone, the surface tension of the water will help keep it from spilling.
Moving your iPhone can cause other problems. As we will say later, scientific research has shown that exposing water-damaged electronics to the air can be better than sticking it to rice.
By removing the SIM card, we have allowed air to enter your iPhone, helping the process of elimination. We can recommend waiting 24 hours before trying to turn your iPhone back on.
Apple said to wait at least five hours. As time goes by, it gets better. We want to give the water inside your iPhone enough time to start evaporating.
6. Try turning your iPhone back on
While your iPhone is still on the ground, turn it on and wait for it to turn on. You can try using the power button, but you might not want to. If you have waited the 24 hours we recommended, the battery is most likely dead. When this happens, your iPhone should turn on automatically after a few minutes.
7. Backup your iPhone, if you can
If your iPhone is turned on, back it up immediately using iCloud or iTunes. Water damage can sometimes be extensive and you may only have a small window of opportunity to save your photos and other personal data.
8. Other steps, depending on the situation
Depending on where you keep your iPhone, other problems may require your attention.
Let’s look at the three most common situations one by one:
I dropped my iPhone in the toilet!
Throwing your iPhone in the toilet adds another factor to the situation: bacteria. In addition to following the steps above, we recommend that you wear latex gloves when handling your iPhone. And remember to wash your hands afterwards!
I threw my iPhone in the sink!
If you put your iPhone in the sink, soap and food scraps can cause your iPhone problems again. Although your iPhone is water resistant, it is not soap resistant. Apple recommends cleaning your iPhone with tap water if it has been exposed to any other liquid.
Your iPhone is also food resistant. Any food left in your sink can plug into your iPhone’s port. If you find food particles in the port of your iPhone, clean them with an anti-static brush or a new toothbrush.
I dropped my iPhone in the tub!
Just like dropping your iPhone in the sink, dropping it in the tub can cause problems with soaps, shampoos, and other shower products. Rinse any areas of your iPhone that have been exposed to shower products with tap water.
conclusion
It is possible for iphone to recover from water damage. However, it will also depend on the extent the damage. If your iphone is damaged by water, put your iPhone on the bottom effects and upper and dry.
Remove the SIM card.
Hold it upright and do not twist or shake it.
If you have commercial desiccants,
add them to your iPhone.
Do not use rice, as scientific research shows that it tastes just as good, if not better.
Wait 24 hours for the water to drain on its own before attempting to turn it on again.