Water damage can ruin almost any electronic device. With today’s new technology, there isn’t much room in the case for parts, let alone foreign substances. Water can wreak havoc on an iPhone in no time if it’s not taken care of properly.
This particular article focuses on immersion in freshwater liquids. This is a purely voluntary procedure on your behalf and we are not responsible for any damages that may occur due to following this process. It works and is a tried and tested method, but not in all water damage cases as some cases may be more severe than others.
Please note that liquids other than fresh water may require additional cleaning to remove any remaining residue from products such as cola, coffee, syrup, etc.
This process works for iPhone 3G and 3GS.
There are 6 steps to remove the water and be as successful as possible in getting the iPhone working again.
Step 1. Immediately take your iPhone out of the liquid and make sure it is turned OFF. Dry the iPhone and shake it through the headphone jack area and bottom jack. I’m talking about a decently powered jerking motion like you’re trying to get ketchup out of a bottle. This will push any loose water droplets out of the cracks and away from the board and connectors. The iPhone won’t break, but don’t let it slip through your fingers.
Step 2. Get a zip-top bag of white rice. You may have heard this before. Take the bag and put the iPhone in the bag. Seal the bag.
Step 3. Place the bag on top of something warm, NOT hot, for 24 hours. The top of a computer case will suffice. Even on top of a cable box it should work.
Step 4. Take the iPhone out of the ziplock bag and put it back on the heat source for another 24 hours. Replace it in the desktop box, cable box, or something similar. You will need to flip the iPhone on each side (front glass and back plate) several times during this 24-hour period.
Step 5. Open iTunes on your computer (your iPhone should still be turned off). Step 6. Connect iPhone to computer before turning on iPhone. Most likely, the data will be corrupted and the iPhone needs to be restored. Step 7. When the computer recognizes the iPhone in iTunes, select “restore”. Step 8. After restoring the iPhone, you should be able to use it as usual. Step 9. Most likely the screen has dark spots. This is due to moisture seeping behind the LCD screen. It can be cleaned, repaired or replaced if necessary at an iPod or iPhone repair center. Using a third-party repair center will help keep costs down while providing you with OEM-quality repair parts and services.