My iPhone Got Wet and Won’t Turn On? Here’s Exactly What to Do

My iPhone Got Wet and Won’t Turn On? Here’s Exactly What to Do

Water damage is one of the most common issues iPhone users face, especially after an accidental drop into a pool, sink, or toilet. Even though newer iPhones are water-resistant, they’re not waterproof, and water can still seep into internal components.

If your iPhone got wet and won’t turn on, follow this guide step-by-step. Taking immediate and proper action can save your phone—and your data.

⚠️ First Things First: DO NOT Do This

Before we tell you what to do, here are 3 things you should avoid:

• ❌ Do not turn the iPhone on
• ❌ Do not charge it or plug it in
• ❌ Do not use a hairdryer, oven, or microwave

These actions can cause short circuits, overheating, or permanent motherboard failure.

✅ Step-by-Step: What to Do if Your iPhone Got Wet

Step 1: Power it Off (If It’s Not Already)

If your iPhone is still on after getting wet, power it off immediately. If it has already shut off, don’t try turning it back on.

This helps prevent a short circuit inside the phone.

Step 2: Dry the Outside

Use a soft, lint-free cloth to gently wipe the entire phone, especially:

• Charging port
• SIM card tray
• Buttons and speaker grills

Tip: Remove the SIM tray and card and let them dry separately.

Step 3: Gently Shake to Remove Water

Hold your iPhone with the screen facing down and gently shake it to remove excess water from ports and crevices.

Step 4: Skip the Rice (Try Silica Gel Instead)

Placing your iPhone in a bag of uncooked rice is common advice—but not the best. Rice grains can leave dust in your phone.

A better method?
Place your phone in a sealed container with silica gel packets (those little desiccant packs found in new shoe boxes) and leave it for 48–72 hours.

Step 5: Wait Before You Try Turning It On

After at least 48 hours of drying, try turning on the phone. If it still doesn’t power up, or if the screen flickers, there may be internal damage.

🧪 What If It Was Dropped in Something Other Than Water?

If your phone fell in saltwater, pool water, coffee, juice, or soda, corrosion risk is much higher.

These liquids leave residue behind. In this case:

• Don’t turn it on
• Avoid DIY alcohol cleaning unless you’re experienced
• Bring it to a technician ASAP

🔧 Still Not Turning On? Call a Professional

If your iPhone still doesn’t power on after drying, you’ll likely need professional repair to inspect:

• Battery health
• Screen or logic board damage
• Charging port or motherboard corrosion

At Phonebulance, we specialize in water damage diagnostics and repair. Our certified technicians use advanced tools and genuine parts to restore your iPhone safely.

📍 Serving Orange County, California
💬 Book your repair appointment here
⭐ Check our 5-star reviews on Yelp

📋 Related Repairs We Offer

• ✅ iPhone Screen Replacement
• ✅ iPhone Battery Replacement
• ✅ iPhone Charging Port Repair
• ✅ iPhone Camera & Lens Repair
• ✅ iPhone Back Glass Replacement
• ✅ Apple Watch & iPad Repair

Why Choose Phonebulance?

At Phonebulance, we’re your local go-to experts for all iPhone repairs. Here’s what sets us apart:

• ✅ Certified Technicians
• ✅ Top-quality parts
• ✅ [Warranty period] warranty on repairs
• ✅ Fast turnaround times (1–2 hours on average)
• ✅ Affordable prices with no surprise fees

📞 Call or text us today to get a free quote or make an appointment.

✅ FAQ

❓ Can a wet iPhone be fixed?

Yes, in many cases, a water-damaged iPhone can be fixed—especially if you act quickly and avoid turning it on while wet.

❓ How long should I wait before turning on a wet iPhone?

Wait at least 48 hours. Even better, have a technician open the phone and inspect it for internal moisture or corrosion.

❓ Will putting my iPhone in rice work?

Rice can help dry your phone slightly, but it’s not the most effective method. Silica gel is better, and professional cleaning is recommended for best results.

❓ Does Apple repair water-damaged iPhones?

Apple doesn’t cover water damage under warranty. You may need to pay for an out-of-warranty replacement or go to a third-party repair center like Phonebulance.

❓ What if my iPhone was dropped in saltwater or soda?

These liquids leave corrosive residue. Do not power the phone on. Bring it for professional cleaning immediately.

Phonebulance is your one-stop center!

Want to get the most out of your smartphone? At Phonebulance, we’re your one-stop center for all things smartphone! Whether you’ve cracked your screen, dropped it in water, or it’s simply acting sluggish, our certified technicians can diagnose and fix a wide range of issues. We use top-quality parts and offer a [warranty period] warranty on repairs, ensuring your device gets back to peak performance. Don’t wait – contact us today or make an appointment to learn more about our services and keep your smartphone connected and functioning like new!

Here is the list of our smartphone repair services:

• Apple iPhone
• Apple Watch
• Apple iPad
• Apple iPod
• Samsung Galaxy S Series
• Samsung Galaxy Note Series
  Samsung Galaxy Tab
• Google Pixel and Nexus
• OnePlus
• Other brands (LG, Motorola, HTC, Blackberry…)

Here is the list of our repair and fixing prices:

• iPhone LCD Screen Replacement
• iPhone Charging Port Replacement
• iPhone Battery Replacement (High Capacity)
• iPad screen replacement
• iPhone Back Camera Lens Replacement
• iPhone Rear Camera Repair
• iPhone Back Glass Repair Cost