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iPhone Dropped in Water? Do This Immediately

April 5, 2026·4 min read

iPhone 15 is rated IP68 — 6 metres for 30 minutes. But IP ratings degrade over time, seals wear, and accidents happen beyond the rated limits. If your iPhone got wet, act immediately.

Do This Immediately

  • Get it out of the water — obviously, but also remove from a wet surface, wet pocket, or any contact with liquid.
  • Power off — hold Side + Volume Down → slide to power off. Do NOT wait to see if it still works.
  • Remove the case — cases can trap water and prevent drying.
  • Do NOT charge it — applying power to a wet charging port causes short circuits.
  • Do NOT use it — every screen tap cycles the display and draws current through potentially wet circuits.

What NOT to Do

  • Rice — a myth. Does nothing useful. Just delays getting help.
  • Hair dryer or oven — heat warps seals, pushes liquid deeper, and can damage the battery.
  • Compressed air — can push liquid further into the device.
  • Shaking — spreads liquid to areas it hasn't reached yet.

What to Do Instead

  • *Pat dry the exterior** with a soft cloth. Gently tap the phone against your palm with the lightning/USB-C port facing down to expel liquid from the port.
  • *Leave in open air** — face down on a clean dry cloth. Room temperature, not near a heat source.
  • *Do not power on for at least 24 hours** — if the phone appears to have dried on the outside. Many liquid damage deaths happen because people powered on too soon.

Is IP68 Actually Enough?

  • IP68 ratings are tested with fresh water at controlled pressure. Real-world damage happens from:
  • Saltwater, chlorine water, and drinks (all more conductive than fresh water)
  • Pressure damage (dropped into water from height)
  • Worn seals on older iPhones
  • Opening the phone previously (repair can compromise seals)

Never assume IP68 means waterproof indefinitely.

When to Come In

  • If your iPhone:
  • Shows liquid detected warning in the charging port
  • Has a distorted or flickering display after water exposure
  • Won't charge after drying
  • Has muffled speakers

Bring it to Mac Repair Center immediately. Water damage response within 24 hours has the best outcomes.

WhatsApp +91 77000 44192 — we respond quickly. Walk-ins welcome at our Kandivali West workshop, Mon–Sat 10am–8pm.

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