What to Do if Your iPhone Gets Water Damaged (Without Freaking Out)

We’ve all been there. You drop your iPhone in water—whether it’s your coffee, a pool party mishap, or just the dreaded "oops, I dropped it in the toilet" moment. 😱 Water damage can feel like the end of the world, but don’t panic. Modern iPhones do have some water resistance, but they’re not completely waterproof. So, if you’re reading this with a wet phone in your hand, here’s what you should do next (and don’t worry, it’s not the end of the world)!

1. Turn Your iPhone Off ASAP

First things first: turn off your iPhone. Seriously, the last thing you want is for water to mess with the internal circuits while your phone is still on. Hold down that power button, and switch it off! Don’t wait around for the screen to flicker; just shut it down. You’re preventing any short circuits that could make things worse.

💡 Pro Tip: The faster you do this, the better your chances of saving your phone.

2. Dry the Exterior—Gently

Now, grab something soft (like a towel, microfiber cloth, or even your hoodie) and gently dry the exterior of your iPhone. Don’t press too hard—you don’t want to push the water into the phone. Be patient and wipe around the screen, camera, and edges. Just get rid of the visible moisture.

And yes, avoid using a hairdryer (we’ve all seen the memes) because the hot air can mess up the phone’s components. Trust us, there are better ways.

3. Remove the SIM Card and Accessories

Pop out the SIM card tray and remove any accessories you’ve got on your iPhone, like your case or headphones. Why? Because water can get trapped in those spots, and you want to let everything air out. The more airflow, the better for your phone’s recovery.

4. Forget the Rice—For Real

We’ve all heard the "put it in rice" hack, but here’s the deal: rice is a no-go. It can leave behind tiny grains that could get stuck in your phone. Instead, if you have any, toss your iPhone in a bag of silica gel packets (those little packets that come with shoes and bags—yep, they’re good for something!). Or, simply leave your phone in front of a fan. It’s way safer and way more effective.

5. Let It Dry for 24-48 Hours

Patience is key here. Leave your iPhone in a dry, well-ventilated spot for 24 to 48 hours. Don’t plug it in or try to turn it back on before this. Yes, that’s right, you need to just chill for a bit. We know it’s tempting, but trust us—it’s worth the wait.

🔋 Pro Tip: If you’re super anxious, grab a cup of coffee, stream your favorite Netflix show, and just let the phone dry out. It’ll feel like an eternity, but it’s the safest route.

6. Check for Water Damage Indicators

Once you’ve given it time to dry, check your iPhone’s Liquid Contact Indicator (LCI). This tiny indicator will turn red if water has made its way inside. You can usually find it near the SIM card tray. If it’s red, your iPhone has water damage, and it’s time to take action.

7. Don’t Wait—Get Professional Repair ASAP

Okay, so your iPhone still isn’t turning on, or it’s glitching after that water accident? It’s time to call in the experts for iPhone water damage repair. Even if it’s still working, iPhone water damage recovery is tricky—corrosion can mess with your phone over time, so don’t let it slide.

At Happytel Repairs, we’ve got you covered. We’ve been fixing iPhone water damage since 2008 (yes, we’ve seen it all), and our technicians know exactly how to bring your phone back to life. Whether it’s a simple iPhone water damage fix or more serious repairs, we’ll get your phone working. 

Conclusion

Getting iPhone water damage repair can sound like a nightmare, but if you follow these steps, you’ll have a much better chance of saving your phone. Remember: turn it off, dry it out, and if you need help, don’t hesitate to reach out to the pros at Happytel Repairs. We’ve got you covered, whether you need a quick iPhone water damage fix or full recovery. So, breathe easy—you’ve got this!

Find Your Nearest Happytel Repairs Store:

With 50+ locations across Australia and New Zealand, it’s easy to find a Happytel Repairs store near you. Use our store locator to get started and get your iPhone repaired today.