If you’ve ever dropped your iPhone in water, you know the panic that sets in. The good news is that Wet iPhone come with a level of water resistance, but that doesn’t mean they’re invincible. Whether your iPhone has fallen into a pool, taken a tumble in the rain, or gotten a little too close to the sink, here’s the complete guide to saving it from liquid damage.

1) Fast Answers First (TL;DR)

Power it off immediately to prevent electrical shorts.
Remove the case, SIM tray, and accessories.
Tap the phone gently, port facing down to expel liquid.
Air-dry in a ventilated area—don’t heat or charge it.
Avoid myths: No rice, no hair dryers, and no compressed air.
Water-ejection tones can help clear out moisture from the speaker.

2) Why iPhones Still Sound Muffled After Getting Wet

Even though your iPhone might be IP67/IP68 rated for water resistance, this doesn’t mean it’s fully immune to water damage. Water that seeps into the speaker mesh and charging port can cause muffled audio or even prevent charging entirely. Even after surface drying, tiny droplets can remain trapped inside the phone, causing long-term performance issues if not properly dried.

3) What to Do Immediately When Your iPhone Gets Wet

Power Down: Immediately turn off your iPhone to reduce the risk of a short circuit.
Remove Accessories: Take off any case, screen protector, and eject the SIM tray. These can trap moisture inside.
Tap Gently: With the charging port facing down, tap your iPhone lightly to encourage the liquid to drain out of the port.
Air Dry: Place your iPhone in a dry, well-ventilated area at room temperature. Avoid using any heat sources, as they can cause damage.

4) What Not to Do (Common Myths & Risks)

Don’t Charge: Don’t try to charge your phone until it’s completely dry. Charging while wet can cause permanent damage to the internal components.
Avoid Rice: Rice is ineffective and can leave particles behind in your phone’s ports. Silica gel or proper airflow are much better options.
No Heat: Never use a hair dryer or place your phone near a heat source. This can damage the internal components and seals.
Don’t Use Compressed Air: Using compressed air can force moisture deeper into your phone, making the problem worse.
Don’t Poke Ports: Avoid inserting cotton swabs or metal objects into the ports as they can damage sensitive components.

5) Step-by-Step Wet iPhone

Surface Dry: Wipe the exterior of the phone with a lint-free cloth to remove any surface water.
Port-Down Tapping: Gently tap the phone against your palm with the charging port facing downward to help any liquid inside the port drain out.
Airflow Window: Place the iPhone on a stand in front of a fan for 30–60 minutes. Airflow is crucial to help moisture evaporate.
Silica Gel Option: If available, place your iPhone in a sealed container with silica gel packets. Leave it for 12–24 hours to speed up the drying process.
Recheck: If the phone still feels damp after the initial drying period, repeat the steps. Don’t rush; patience is key.

6) Clearing Muffled Audio with Sound-Based Water Ejection (No App Needed)

Water in the speaker mesh can lead to muffled or distorted sound. A simple yet effective method to clear out moisture is using sound-based water-ejection tones.

How It Works: Low-frequency tones (around 150–170 Hz) cause air pressure oscillations, nudging water out of the speaker mesh without damaging the drivers.
How to Use: Visit Fix My Speaker on your browser. Play the tone at a low volume and tilt the device so the speaker faces downward. Repeat the process in short bursts and give time between cycles for the moisture to expel.

7) How to Tell If Water Is Still Inside the Speaker or Port

You can test if water remains inside your phone by checking the audio and vibrations:

Audio Test: Play music or pink noise at low volume and listen for muffled or crackling sounds.
Vibration Test: Gently touch the speaker area and feel for any weak or uneven vibration, which might indicate trapped moisture.
Visual Inspection: Shine a light across the mesh to spot any remaining water droplets.

If you see the “Liquid Detected” alert when trying to charge, it means the connector is still damp. Wait for it to dry completely before attempting to charge again.

8) Water-Resistant vs. Waterproof: Understanding Limits

It’s important to manage your expectations regarding your iPhone’s water resistance. Here’s what the IP ratings actually mean:

IP67: Can withstand immersion in water up to 1 meter for 30 minutes.
IP68: Can withstand immersion in water up to 2, 4, or 6 meters for 30 minutes, depending on the model.

However, these ratings are based on lab conditions. Real-world factors like saltwater, chlorine, or pressure from water jets can damage your phone more easily. Additionally, over time, seals and adhesives can degrade, reducing the phone’s water resistance.

9) Apple’s Built-In Safeguards You Should Know

Apple has several safeguards to protect your device:

Liquid Detection Lockout: iOS disables charging when moisture is detected in the Lightning/USB-C port to prevent short circuits.
LCI (Liquid Contact Indicator): A small indicator visible through the SIM tray turns red if the phone has been exposed to water. If it’s red, it’s time to seek professional help.

10) Special Scenarios and How to Handle Them

Saltwater or Pool Water Exposure: If your iPhone is exposed to saltwater or chlorine, rinse the exterior lightly with clean, room-temperature water to remove residue. Then, follow the drying protocol and use water-ejection tones.
Sticky Liquids: If your iPhone is exposed to soda, juice, or any sticky liquids, wipe it off with a slightly damp lint-free cloth and dry it thoroughly. These liquids can leave residues that affect the speaker mesh.
Older iPhones: If your iPhone is older, expect longer drying times and more frequent repeats of water-ejection tones due to degraded seals.

11) When to Seek Professional Help

If after 24–48 hours of drying and using the water-ejection tones your iPhone still isn’t working properly, it might be time to visit a professional repair center.

Signs to watch for:

Red LCI: A red Liquid Contact Indicator indicates significant water exposure.
Persistent Issues: Random restarts, battery drain, camera fog, or audio problems that don’t improve after several drying attempts.
Visible Corrosion: Green or white corrosion around the ports or SIM tray is a sign of prolonged moisture exposure.

12) Care Tips to Prevent Future Incidents

To avoid future water-related issues:

Use a Case: Invest in a waterproof or water-resistant case, especially if you often find yourself around water.
Clean the Port: A clean port reduces false liquid alerts and improves the drying process.
Don’t Rely on Water Resistance: Even though your phone may be water-resistant, don’t push it to its limits. Avoid using it as an underwater camera or exposing it to extreme conditions.

13) FAQ

How long should I wait before charging a wet iPhone?
Apple suggests allowing ample drying time before charging. If you see a liquid alert, wait longer and retry with airflow.
Is it safe to use water-ejection tones?
Yes, as long as you use them at moderate volume and give your iPhone time to air dry in between.
Can silica gel really help?
Yes, silica gel absorbs moisture better than rice. It’s a proven method to help dry out your iPhone faster.

How to Remove Water from Your iPhone (Safely): The Complete 2025 Guide