7 Steps for Saving Your Water Damaged iPhone: The Best Practices To Fix Your Phone.
When we think of a water-damaged iPhone, our first thought is, "I'm never going to be able to save it." This myth has kept so many people from trying to save their water-damaged iPhones. It's also caused many people to throw away excellent devices by not giving them a deserved chance. Well, that myth is no longer valid. The good news is that water damaged phone is an issue you can fix quickly. Here are the steps on how to save your phone:
Step 1: Power Off Your iPhone
If you have dropped your phone in the water, the most important thing is to get it turned off as soon as possible. If your iPhone is still on and working, turn it off immediately.
The longer an iPhone stays connected to a power source after being submerged in water, the more potential for short circuits. These short circuits are what can cause permanent damage to your phone.
Even if your screen went black after dropping it in water, it's not necessarily a good idea to turn it back on right away. It's better to let the device dry out completely before powering it back on.
For example, if you have an iPhone 6S or 6S Plus and have previously enabled 3D Touch, you can power down your device by using 3D Touch on the right side of the screen. Using 3D Touch will bring up the power slider and allow you to turn your device off without using the power button.
Step 2: Quickly Dry Your iPhone With a Cloth or Tissue
You want to dry your iPhone as quickly as possible, so grab a soft cloth (one that has not been used for cleaning anything else) and gently wipe the water from your iPhone. Don't use paper towels or toilet paper since they can leave lint or scratch the screen.
Also, don't blow air across the device since the air pressure will drive any moisture further into the phone. And avoid using a hairdryer or any heat source since these will likely damage your iPhone. It would also be best if you didn't plug it in either; this can cause a short circuit.
Step 3: Use a Case of Bag of Silica Gel to Absorb Moisture
The faster you remove your iPhone from the water, the better your chance of saving it. Water damage can cause a lot of damage to an iPhone, so time is of the essence when trying to keep it.
If your iPhone has been submerged in water for any length of time, there is probably some moisture in the speaker grills. A simple way to dry out an iPhone is to use a bag or case of silica gel desiccant, and it's even better than rice at absorbing moisture. These are the little "do not eat" packets in many consumer electronics products and shoeboxes. You can also buy them on Amazon for about $10 for a case of 500.
To use silica gel, place your iPhone in a sealed Ziploc bag or Tupperware container with a few silica gel packets for at least 48 hours. Silica gel will slowly absorb moisture from the air over time, drawing that moisture from your phone and its components.
Step 4: Remove the SIM Card
While waiting for your phone to dry out, remove your SIM card. Take a look at the top of your phone for a small hole that looks like a pinhole. If you have a SIM eject tool or a paperclip, insert it into the hole to push out the tray that holds your SIM card in place. If you don't have one of these tools handy, try using an unfolded paper clip or scissors. If you don't have either one available, you can use a thin piece of plastic from something like an ID card or credit card.
And remember, a SIM card isn't designed to withstand water damage, and it can corrode more easily than the rest of your phone. So it should be removed right after it comes into contact with water.
Step 5: Let Your iPhone Air Dry.
After three days in a Silica gel bag, it is advisable to let your phone dry for a few more days before using it regularly, and don't be alarmed if your phone is slightly warm to the touch. It's just been through a lot.
Step 6: Charge Your iPhone, Then Try to Turn It On.
After letting your phone dry, the next step is to charge it up and see if it works. Plug your phone into its charger and wait a couple of minutes to see if the charging icon appears on the screen.
Proceed with caution when powering on or charging a water-damaged iPhone. If it does not power up, wait another 24 hours before attempting again.
If you see the charging screen, your phone might be okay. If you don't, you might want to give it a little more time and try again. You can also try turning your phone on by holding down the power button. If it doesn't work right away and you don't see any sign of life, wait another half hour.
If you're using a wall charger, make sure that you plug it into an outlet that isn't controlled by a light switch or a timer — if the outlet is off when you plug in your phone, it won't charge. You should also check the outlet itself with another device to make sure there isn't any issue; if your iPhone doesn't turn on, it could be because the battery died or the water caused corrosion inside your phone.
Step 7: Take It to the Apple Store for Repair
You've tried everything, but your iPhone is still dead by this point. It's time to take it to the Apple Store for repair. Depending on the circumstances, you may be eligible for a warranty repair or replacement. If not, you'll have to pay for repairs which can be expensive.
If your device is under warranty, you may want to go ahead and take it to an Apple Store for repair. They will assess the extent of the damage and provide you with options. They may be able to fix your phone, or they may tell you that it needs to be replaced.
If your device is not under warranty, taking it to an Apple Store or another repair shop will cost you quite a bit of money. You might even find that it would cost more than replacing the phone entirely!
While we hope you never experience a water-damaged phone, it's always best to be prepared. If the unfortunate does happen, follow our seven steps for saving your iPhone, and you'll be up and running again in no time. Have you tried any of these tips? Let us know how they worked for you in the comments below!
