Wet iPhone? Here’s What Apple Says You Should (and Shouldn’t) Do

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Water damage to smartphones can happen to anyone, no matter how careful you are. While many modern devices come with an Ingress Protection (IP) rating, this doesn’t make them entirely waterproof, and water can still seep in and damage internal components.

A common tip shared on social media to address water-damaged phones is to place the device in a container of rice and leave it for a few days. The theory is that rice grains absorb moisture from the phone. However, Apple strongly advises against this method.

Why You Shouldn’t Use Rice

According to Apple Support, placing an iPhone in rice can lead to small particles from the grains entering the device, potentially causing further damage. This advice applies not just to iPhones but also to other Apple products, such as iPads and Apple Watches.

Avoid These Drying Methods

Apple also warns against drying a wet iPhone using external heat sources like hairdryers or compressed air. Similarly, inserting foreign objects such as cotton swabs or tissues into the charging port to absorb moisture can cause more harm than good.

Apple’s Recommended Drying Method

Here’s what Apple suggests if your iPhone gets wet:

1. Tap Gently: Hold the iPhone with the charging port facing down and gently tap it to remove excess liquid.

2. Air Dry: Place the device in a well-ventilated, dry area. After 30 minutes, attempt to charge it using a Lightning or USB-C cable, or connect it to an accessory.

3. Check for Warnings: If a liquid-detection warning still appears, it means moisture remains in the charging port or cable connectors. Leave the device in a dry, ventilated area for a few more days before trying to charge or connect accessories again.

It may take more than 24 hours for your iPhone to dry completely.

If Your Phone or Accessories Are Still Unusable

If your iPhone appears dry but still won’t charge, unplug the cable from both the adapter and the socket before reconnecting everything.

If you continue to see liquid-detection warnings even when the phone and accessories seem dry, it’s possible the cable or accessory is damaged. In this case:

• Contact the manufacturer of the accessory or cable.

• If the item is an official Apple product, reach out to Apple Support for assistance.