What to Do If Your iPhone Gets Wet? Never Use a Hair Dryer! Apple Reveals the Correct Emergency Procedure

As Typhoon Bavi approaches, although its intensity has weakened to a moderate typhoon, residents across Taiwan are still urged to remain vigilant against strong winds and heavy rainfall. In such severe weather, smartphones getting wet or water-damaged is a common occurrence. In response, Apple has issued official guidance on the correct emergency steps to take when an iPhone gets wet, urging users to stay calm and avoid hasty actions that could cause irreversible secondary damage.

When people discover their phone has been exposed to water, their instinct is often to grab a hair dryer to blow the moisture away. However, Apple’s official support website strongly warns that this is completely incorrect. The proper emergency principle is to first physically remove excess liquid, then place the device in a well-ventilated area to air dry naturally. After patiently waiting, test the charging function—this significantly reduces the risk of hardware damage.

There are three absolute taboos during the rescue process. First, never use external heating tools like hair dryers or compressed air to forcibly dry the phone. Second, never insert cotton swabs, tissues, or paper towels into the charging port to absorb moisture. Third, avoid placing the phone in a bag of rice for dehumidification, as tiny rice fragments can easily cause irreversible secondary damage to the iPhone.

The correct procedure involves several steps. When the phone gets wet, immediately point the charging port downward and gently tap the body with your palm to use vibration to expel internal liquid. Then place the device in a dry, well-ventilated area and leave it undisturbed for at least 30 minutes before attempting to connect a charging cable or accessories for testing. If the screen displays a liquid detection warning again, it means moisture remains in the charging port or connector—return the phone to a ventilated area and continue air drying. This process may take up to 24 hours.

If the device is confirmed fully dry but still won’t charge, try unplugging the charging cable and adapter from the outlet, then reconnect and test again.

Editor in Chief / Li Yiqing