If your iPhone 11 has been exposed to water, it’s important to dry it as quickly as possible to give it the best chance of surviving water damage. Water can cause serious issues like shorts, corrosion, and permanent component failure if left to sit inside an iPhone.
Should I turn my iPhone 11 off or leave it on?
It’s generally recommended to turn your iPhone 11 off if it gets wet, in order to prevent shorts or damage from occurring while it’s still powered on. This cuts power to all components and stops electrical current flowing through water-logged areas.
However, there are some exceptions. If the water exposure was very minor or your iPhone seems to be functioning normally, you may want to leave it on so that you can use features like Find My iPhone if needed. Just be very careful in this case and watch for any odd behavior.
In most water damage cases though, turning the iPhone off is the safest bet. Just be sure to only hold down the side/top button to power it off normally – don’t pull out the SIM tray.
How do I get the water out of my iPhone 11?
Getting water out of an iPhone quickly is key to saving it from permanent water damage. Here are some steps to take:
- Shake the iPhone gently to try and force out as much trapped water as you can from openings like the speaker, microphone, ports, etc. Hold it firmly when doing this to avoid dropping it.
- Use absorbent material to pat/hold against openings and soak up moisture. Paper towels, a cloth towel, or a microfiber cloth work well for this.
- If possible, use a vacuum (on low setting) to suck water out of the openings on the iPhone.
- When patting/drying, be sure to do so gently and carefully to avoid causing any internal damage.
Should I put my iPhone 11 in rice?
Putting your wet iPhone in rice has been a popular DIY solution for years. The idea is that the rice will help absorb and draw moisture out from the phone.
However, most experts actually advise against using rice. The starch and other particles in rice can get stuck inside small iPhone openings and ports, causing new issues. Rice also doesn’t really absorb that much water out.
A better solution is to use an desiccant like silica gel packets. These beads absorb moisture very effectively. You can find them in shoe boxes, food packaging, and products that ship with them to keep contents dry.
Simply put your iPhone and the silica gel packs together in an airtight container or bag, and leave overnight or for 24-48 hours. The packs will slowly extract water from your iPhone.
Should I open up my iPhone 11 to dry it?
It’s not recommended you open your iPhone, as this can cause further damage and also voids any warranty.
However, if your phone has been in water for a long time or was submerged deeply, getting it open to dry internal components can be helpful.
Be very careful when doing this – go slowly, follow guide videos, use proper tools, and be sure not to damage any cables or connectors inside. Only attempt if you’re comfortable and familiar with handling the delicate internal electronics.
Will a hair dryer help dry my wet iPhone 11?
Using a hair dryer is not typically advised for drying a water damaged iPhone.
The main risk is that the concentrated hot air can potentially damage electronics or sensitive components inside the iPhone if overheated.
It may also cause trapped water to evaporate too quickly, which could leave minerals or deposits behind. Go easy if trying this method.
Use a hair dryer on a low, cool setting and hold it at least 8 inches away from your phone. Gently blow air across the ports and speakers to help remove moisture. Keep it moving and don’t let the air loiter in one spot too long.
Can I put my iPhone 11 in the oven to dry it?
Do not put your iPhone in a conventional oven to try and dry it out! This runs a very high risk of essentially cooking the electronics and melting or warping components.
However, you may see recommendations to put an iPhone in a low temp oven or food dehydrator. If doing this, extreme caution is needed.
Keep the temp under 100°F max, put it on a tray, open doors periodically to vent moisture, and monitor it closely. Still not guaranteed safe for your device.
Will my iPhone 11 work again once it dries?
It’s impossible to know for sure if an iPhone will work again until drying is complete and you attempt to power it back on.
If drying happens quickly and properly, an iPhone exposed to just small amounts or splashes of water has a good chance of being revived with no permanent damage.
But extended submersion or long drying times increase risk of corrosion or shorts that can permanently disable an iPhone.
Be patient through at least 24-48 hours of drying time before attempting to turn it on. When powered on, watch carefully for issues like odd screens, no power up, flickering, etc.
How can I tell if water damaged my iPhone 11?
Signs of water damage in an iPhone include:
- No power on when pressing the side button
- Flickering, distorted, or blank screen
- Unresponsive buttons and features
- Speakers/microphone not working
- Ports malfunctioning
- Fogging or condensation under screen glass
- Corrosion visible in charging port
- Cracked glass back
The longer an iPhone sits in water, the more extensive damage is likely. But even brief exposure to moisture can disable an iPhone if droplets get in the wrong spots.
Should I take my iPhone 11 to the Apple Store after water damage?
Bringing your water damaged iPhone 11 to an Apple Store or Apple Authorized Service Provider is a smart idea, especially if you are not comfortable disassembling and drying it yourself.
Apple technicians have training and proper tools for opening up iPhones and assessing/drying internal components correctly. They may be able to revive devices other DIY methods can’t.
However, any water damage will void your iPhone warranty and this service will carry a fee. Be prepared to pay Apple’s out of warranty service prices.
Is my iPhone 11 water damage fixable?
Water damage is often repairable, depending on the extent. Minor exposure with no power on can often be fixed by thorough drying. But the longer it sits wet, the lower your chances.
Main components that get damaged include:
- Logic board – shorts can disable this core component
- Battery – moisture can corrode connections
- Screen – water under the screen looks bad and can affect touch
- Cameras – optics and motors don’t mix with water
- Speakers/microphone – water can muffle these easily
With the right tools, skills, and replacement parts, experienced repair techs can sometimes replace damaged components and rescue an iPhone. But costs add up quickly.
Should I be opening the SIM tray when drying my iPhone 11?
It’s best not to mess with the SIM card tray when drying a wet iPhone 11, as you risk damage.
Forcing the SIM tray open while wet can allow moisture into that sealed compartment and under the logic board where it’s tough to dry out completely.
Leave the SIM tray alone while drying out your iPhone. If needed after drying is complete, use a smooth blunt tool to gently open the tray and look for any trapped moisture.
Does water damage affect my warranty?
Yes, any water or liquid damage will void your iPhone’s warranty and make it ineligible for free service coverage.
Apple’s 1-year limited warranty covers manufacturing defects – but water damage is considered accidental/user-inflicted damage and not covered.
You may be able to file an insurance claim if you have iPhone insurance. And Apple may still offer paid service and repairs to fix water damage, but this will incur their out of warranty fees.
Can I prevent water damage to my iPhone 11?
You can help prevent water damage to your iPhone 11 by:
- Using a waterproof case when going near water – protects if dropped in
- Not using it in the bathroom – high risk of splashes/drops around sinks, tubs, showers
- Keeping drinks/beverages away from it
- Using a moisture absorbing packet in humid environments
- Turning off accessories that use water, like smart sprinklers, before picking up your phone
- Immediately powering off if it does get wet
While not 100% waterproof, the iPhone 11 does have improved water resistance compared to earlier models. But it’s still vulnerable in the wrong situations.
What are some common mistakes when drying an iPhone?
Some common mistakes to avoid when trying to dry a wet iPhone 11 include:
- Turning the iPhone back on before it’s fully dried – causes shorts
- Using rice to dry it – particles get stuck and don’t absorb well
- Putting it in the microwave or conventional oven – overheats and damages components
- Pressing the home button while wet – can damage fingerprint sensor
- Plugging in charger before dry – conducts electricity through water
- Pushing water deeper inside – shaking/tilting wrong can push water into new areas
Be sure to power off, lightly pat dry outer case, use moisture absorbers, and give plenty of time to dry fully before attempting to use again.
Drying Method | Recommended |
---|---|
Rice | No |
Silica Gel Packets | Yes |
Hair Dryer on Cool Setting | Maybe |
Microwave | No |
Oven on Warm Setting | Risky |
Opening iPhone to Dry Internally | Only if Needed |
This table summarizes recommendations on different methods for drying a wet iPhone. Silica gel packets are the safest overall approach in most cases.
Conclusion
If your iPhone 11 gets wet, take immediate action by powering off, gently drying with absorbent materials, using moisture absorbing packs, and allowing ample time to dry fully before turning back on. Don’t make things worse by improper drying methods.
Fast action is key, but be patient through the drying process. With quick response and care taken not to push water deeper inside, there’s a good chance of reviving your iPhone and saving it from permanent water damage.
Getting professional help from Apple is also a smart move if you have any concerns about internal damage. Be prepared for an out of warranty repair cost, but technicians can fully open and properly dry internal components.