If your iPhone fell in water, remove it immediately, disconnect any cable, take off the case, and wipe the outside with a soft, lint-free cloth. Gently tap the phone against your hand with the charging port facing down, then leave it in a dry place with airflow. Do not use rice, heat, compressed air, or a charging cable while the phone is wet.

What to Do in the First 10 Minutes

The safest response depends on whether the phone caught a few drops or was fully submerged. Use these steps for a wet or submerged iPhone.

1. Remove the iPhone safely. Take it out of the liquid as soon as possible. If the phone or charging cable is connected to power near standing water, disconnect the power source before touching it.
2. Unplug accessories and remove the case. Disconnect cables, remove the case, and take off any attached wallet, grip, or magnetic accessory. If the iPhone was submerged or starts behaving strangely, power it off. Do not keep pressing buttons to test it.
3. Wipe the outside. Use a soft, lint-free cloth to remove visible liquid. Do not push a cloth, cotton swab, or paper towel into the charging port. If the spill involved soda, coffee, juice, salt water, or another liquid instead of fresh water, Apple advises rinsing the affected exterior area with tap water before wiping it dry.
4. Let excess liquid drain. Hold the iPhone with its Lightning or USB-C connector facing down. Tap it gently against your hand, then place it in a dry area with airflow. A fan blowing cool air toward the connector may help.
5. Leave the phone alone while it dries. Do not open the SIM tray until the exterior is dry. Do not plug in a charging cable just to see whether the warning has cleared.

These steps reduce further exposure, but they cannot reverse damage that has already occurred inside the phone.

How Long Should You Let an iPhone Dry Before Charging?

Apple gives different timing for general liquid exposure and a liquid-detection alert. Mixing up these instructions can lead someone to reconnect a wet phone too soon.

The 30-minute guidance does not mean that every submerged iPhone is ready for wired charging after half an hour. It applies to retrying a connection after a liquid-detection alert. If you are unsure whether the connector is dry, wait longer.

What Not to Do With a Wet iPhone

Several popular fixes can damage the phone or make the problem harder to assess.

Water-Resistant Does Not Mean Waterproof

iPhone 7 and later models have varying levels of splash, water, and dust resistance, but the exact rating and tested depth depend on the model. IP ratings come from controlled laboratory tests. They are not a promise that a phone will survive every pool, shower, spill, or ocean drop.

Water resistance can also decrease through normal wear, impacts, or disassembly. Apple specifically advises against swimming or bathing with an iPhone, intentionally submerging it, exposing it to pressurized water, or using it in a sauna or steam room. You can check the tested limit for each model in Apple’s current water-resistance information.

A standard case does not increase the iPhone’s IP rating or seal its charging port. A well-fitted phone case can reduce damage from everyday drops, which may help protect the phone’s enclosure, but it should never be treated as waterproof protection. Use a purpose-built waterproof enclosure for activities where submersion is likely, and follow that product’s stated depth and time limits.

How to Check for Water Damage After Drying

Once the iPhone has had enough time to dry, look for changes in its normal operation. A muffled speaker immediately after exposure may simply mean water remains in the speaker grille, but persistent or worsening symptoms need attention.

Check for:

Stop using the phone immediately if it becomes hot, swells, smokes, hisses, or smells unusual. Move away from the device and contact Apple or an authorized service provider for guidance.

Many iPhones also contain a Liquid Contact Indicator, or LCI, that changes from white or silver to red after contact with liquid. Its location depends on the model and region. Some eSIM-only models do not have a SIM tray or an externally visible indicator. A red LCI confirms contact with liquid, but it does not show how much damage occurred. Do not open a wet SIM tray merely to inspect it.

If the phone works normally after drying, back up important data as soon as practical. Corrosion-related problems can appear later, even when the device initially seems fine.

When to Arrange Professional Service

Arrange an inspection if the iPhone will not turn on, the liquid alert remains after up to 24 hours, or any camera, display, audio, charging, or battery problem continues after drying. Service is also the safer choice after long submersion, exposure to salt water or a sticky liquid, or any sign of battery damage.

Do not open the phone unless you have the correct repair training and tools. Disassembly can damage the battery, disturb water-resistant seals, and complicate later service. Apple can provide an inspection and explain the available iPhone service options.

How to Reduce the Risk Next Time

Keep your phone away from the edge of sinks, pools, hot tubs, boats, and outdoor tables. Around water, secure storage or a wrist or crossbody lanyard can help prevent the drop before water resistance is tested.

Use a waterproof enclosure when you expect spray, submersion, sand, or salt water. Inspect its seals before every use and replace it if the closure, gasket, or material is damaged.

FAQs

Q1. Should You Use Silica Gel to Dry a Wet iPhone?

You do not need to. Sealed silica gel packets may absorb moisture from the surrounding air, but they cannot confirm that the connector or internal components are dry. Apple recommends leaving the iPhone in a dry area with airflow rather than relying on a desiccant.

Q2. Can a Water-Eject Sound Remove Water From an iPhone?

A low-frequency sound may move droplets from the speaker grille, but it cannot dry the charging port or internal components. iPhone does not have the same built-in Water Lock and water-ejection feature as Apple Watch. Do not treat a sound or shortcut as a water-damage repair.

Q3. What If the Liquid-Detection Alert Appears When the iPhone Seems Dry?

Try a different dry cable or accessory. If the alert appears only with one cable, that item may be wet or damaged. If the warning appears with every Apple cable after up to 24 hours of drying, the iPhone may need service.

Q4. Should You Use Emergency Override to Charge a Wet iPhone?

No, unless charging is genuinely urgent. Emergency Override bypasses the liquid-detection protection, so charging through a wet connector can corrode the pins or cause permanent damage. If possible, keep drying the phone or use a compatible wireless charger after confirming that the back is dry.

Q5. Will Apple Replace a Water-Damaged iPhone?

Possibly, depending on your coverage and the inspection result. Apple’s limited warranty does not cover liquid damage. An active AppleCare plan may include accidental liquid-damage service, subject to its terms and service fee. Apple or an authorized provider must inspect the phone before confirming the available option.