Water Damage & Flooded Basement Restoration Services

Water Damaged iPhone: Facts, Quick Fixes, and Your Last Resort

By the RestorationSOS Educational Staff

According to a CNN Money report, iPhone sales continue to increase by 100 percent each year despite the phone’s not so affordable price. It is not surprising since it is undoubtedly an impressive phone packed with a multitude of features and access to thousands of applications that keeps this phone in high demand.

The iPhone is a well-built phone, and for a few extra dollars, you could purchase a case or screen protector. However, even with the best protective accessories, you may still find yourself dealing with water damage on your iPhone 3GS/4. Fortunately, there are a few tricks that can save you from having to replace your iPhone.

How to Fix Water Damage on an iPhone

Keep in mind that the problem is the presence of water in your iPhone, so your goal must be to eliminate the water. Make sure that your iPhone is off, unplug all cables and devices connected to the phone, remove the battery, and wipe it with a clean and dry cloth. You can then try either of the following moisture-removing ideas:

1. Silica gels – Silica gels can absorb moisture dramatically. Put your iPhone in a Ziploc or any plastic bag that can be sealed along with some silica packets. Store the bag in a dry area for 2-3 days.

2. Uncooked rice – If you don’t have silica gels, put the phone in a Ziploc or other sealed bag filled with uncooked rice. Keep the bag sealed for several days before reinserting the battery and turning the phone on. This technique will help draw moisture out of the phone as well.

Do not attempt to use an external heat source such as a blow dryer or microwave to dry the iPhone as this can cause further damage.

Most of these items can be easily found at home, but if you don't have access to any of those items, at least let the phone air dry. Place it on a clean towel and allow to it stay in a dry place for about a week. However, iPhones stand the best chance of being successfully repaired if they are dried immediately.

To avoid short-circuiting the phone, wait until the phone is completely dry; only then you should try to turn it on. Note that, like most gadgets, wet iPhones can become irreparable when it has short-circuited.

“Can Apple Help Me?” and Other Things You Might Ask

If your iPhone has successfully restarted, connect it to your computer and iTunes to run a complete Restore. This procedure gives you the best opportunity to bring your iPhone back to its original condition before it got wet. In case the tips above don't work, your best bet is to take your iPhone to a professional restorer.

The iPhone maker, Apple, unfortunately excludes water damage on iPhone 3GS or iPhone 4 in their warranty and Apple Care. Hence, you will need to shell out your own money for repairs caused by water damage. Do not attempt to take it to an Apple Store on the premise that the damage has nothing to do with water. Your iPhone has a Liquid Submersion Indicator that turns pink if the damage is caused by water or any liquid.

Aside from Apple Store, you can take your iPhone to a professional water damage restoration company. Your local restoration company can tell if the damage is beyond repair or not and can provide a free estimate on the cost of repairs. They also have state-of-the-art tools to dry your iPhone fast and thoroughly. You can depend on them if you're unsure of how to fix the water damage on your iPhone 3GS/4.

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