Ditch the rice bowl: Apple’s official guide to save your wet iPhone

You're at the beach, capturing that perfect sunset shot, and suddenly, your iPhone slips from your hand, taking an unplanned dip in the ocean. Or maybe you're belting out tunes in the shower when your iPhone decides it wants to join in on the fun—only to get splashed by more than just your voice. We've all heard those old Indian "jugaad" tricks—like putting your phone in rice or shaking it like a tambourine to get the water out. But when it comes to your iPhone, it's time to let those hacks go and follow the pros at Apple for a safer recovery.

What to Do When Your iPhone Gets Wet

First things first—if your iPhone takes an unintentional plunge, don’t panic. If it’s anything other than water, rinse the affected area gently with tap water. Next, grab a soft, lint-free cloth (a lens cloth works wonders) and wipe it down. Before you pop that SIM tray open, make sure your iPhone is completely dry.

To help it dry out, lightly tap your iPhone against your hand with the Lightning or USB-C port facing down. Place it in a dry, airy spot and consider putting it in front of a fan blowing cool air directly into the port. Whatever you do, resist the urge to use a hairdryer or stick a cotton bud in there—it’ll do more harm than good.

Can I Charge My Wet iPhone?

If your iPhone has taken a dip, unplug all cables and give it some time—at least five hours—before you even think about charging it. Charging a wet device could fry the internals and ruin your beloved iPhone. Wireless charging? Sure, but only after you’ve given it a good wipe down with a soft, lint-free cloth.

Dealing with Muffled Sound?

If your iPhone's speaker sounds like it's underwater even after it's dried off, there might still be water lurking in the microphone or speaker. Try placing your iPhone speaker side down on a soft, lint-free cloth to see if any moisture drips out. Give it time—sound quality should improve as the water evaporates. Patience is key here, not some quick-fix hack.

Dust on Your iPhone?

A little dust might seem harmless, but it can cause big problems, especially if it gets inside your iPhone. If you notice dust or dirt, wipe it away with that trusty soft, lint-free cloth. Never use cleaning products or compressed air—they could push the dust deeper or damage your device. And whatever you do, avoid opening the SIM tray until your iPhone is completely dust-free.