While some of the more recent iPhone® models offer a water-resistant design, none are completely waterproof. If you end up dropping your smartphone in the toilet or jumping into a pool without emptying your pockets, there’s a good chance it won’t work properly. Fortunately, if you act fast and seek out necessary repairs, it’s possible to restore your phone to its pre-accident condition. To help you stay prepared, here’s what to do if your iPhone is water damaged.

5 Steps to Save a Wet iPhone

1. Don’t Let It Linger

The longer an iPhone is submerged in water, the more opportunity there is for the internal components to get damaged. Remove it from the water source immediately to prevent problems.

2. Power Down

Leaving a wet iPhone turned on can accelerate damage as the internal components try to work. As soon as you retrieve your device, turn the power off all the way. Also, avoid plugging anything into the phone, such as charging cables or headphones.

3. Wipe Away Visible Water

If you have a phone case, remove it so water doesn’t get trapped inside. Wipe the screen and other surfaces with a cloth to eliminate dampness. Then, use a cotton swab to gently wipe moisture out of any ports or crevices Next, tilt your phone with the charging port facing the ground so water can drip out.

4. Let It Air Dry

Avoid the temptation to put your wet iPhone in rice. This trick doesn’t help dry your phone out faster and may even make it more difficult for moisture to evaporate.

Instead, leave your device out in a well-ventilated area so it can air dry. If you want to enhance the drying, place your phone near a fan or let it sit on silica gel packets.

Since evaporation can take a while, be patient throughout the drying process. Wait at least 48 hours before turning your phone back on. If you turn it back on too early, the remaining moisture may damage internal components.

5. Visit a Cellphone Repair Specialist

If your device fails to turn on or presents operational problems, it may still be fixable. In many cases, water-damaged components can be replaced with help from a cellphone repair professional that specializes in Apple® devices.

When accidents happen to your iPhone, Experimax North Tampa offers specialized cellphone repair services to keep you connected. Serving customers in Tampa, FL, this store can assess water damage and replace faulty parts to restore any iPhone model. If your device isn’t salvageable, this retailer offers a wide selection of pre-owned Apple products at competitive rates. To learn more, visit this smartphone and computer repair shop online or call (813) 280-2620.