Water can be pretty damaging to your iPhone, but getting water out of the camera is a common problem that most people have. So if you've accidentally dropped your phone in the toilet or bathtub and now it won't work correctly, don't panic. Instead, follow these steps to get your phone working again as quickly as possible.
Open the iPhone camera app.
The first thing to do is open the camera app. Don't try to open the app if your iPhone is wet, as this can damage it even more.
If you have an older iPhone with a home button and a round fingerprint sensor on the front of your phone (iPhone 7 or earlier), then hold down on the power button until you see "slide to power off" appear at the top of your screen.
Once you've turned off your phone, remove its back panel and battery by unscrewing them with specialized screwdrivers. You may need help from someone else if this is too difficult for you—don't worry about breaking anything; water-damaged iPhones are pretty much worthless now anyway.
Next, remove both batteries and set them aside somewhere dry so they won't get ruined by more water before putting them back in again later (this will be very important later).
How to get water out of your iPhone camera?
- Don't panic. It's a natural reaction, but panicking won't help the situation—in fact, it will make it worse. If you're emotionally upset, take a few deep breaths or go for a short walk before attempting to remove the water from your iPhone camera.
- Don't turn off your phone. Turning off your phone could cause more damage than leaving it on while trying to dry out its camera lens and interior portions of the device that sank in liquid during an accident such as this one (see below).
- Don't try to dry it with a hair dryer or any other heat source like an oven or microwave oven either; these methods can damage some organic materials used in smartphones and other electronic devices that are sensitive to heat exposure (e.g., batteries). However, some ways can safely get rid of moisture inside without causing any additional harm; read on below.
Point the iPhone to a bright light source until the water dries up.
If your iPhone has come into contact with water, it's essential to act quickly to try and salvage it. One way to do this is to point the iPhone towards a bright light source, such as a lamp or the sun, and wait for the water to evaporate.
Of course, this won't work in all cases, but it's worth a try if you're desperate to save your phone.
Use a hair dryer (without heat) to blow out the remaining water.
You can also use a hair dryer to blow out the remaining water. Just make sure you turn off the heat setting on your hair dryer, as it would be too hot for your iPhone camera. Next, blow out all of the water until it is completely dry and then turn off your iPhone completely before turning it back on.
Wipe the camera area using a cotton swab.
- Wipe the camera lens with a clean cotton swab.
- Wipe the camera cover with a clean cotton swab.
- Wipe the flash on your iPhone 5, 6, or 7 using a cotton swab dipped in isopropyl alcohol (rubbing alcohol).
Shake the water out of your iPhone.
First, let's talk about what might be causing the water to get in your iPhone. If you've been out playing in the rain or (gasp.) accidentally splashed some water on your screen, then it's likely that there is a small amount of moisture trapped inside. There are many ways this can happen—here are just a few:
- The charging port: This will usually cause water damage if there is any moisture at all in your device. The same goes for speakers and headphone jacks—these openings may allow water to get into your phone if there is any dampness.
- Volume buttons: Similar to speaker ports and headphone jacks, these openings can allow for moisture from outside sources to enter through them if placed close to rain or even humid air during a walk outside.
Use rice to absorb moisture in your iPhone.
If you're not in a rush to dry out your iPhone and are looking for the most effective way, place it in a bowl of uncooked rice.
Put your phone in the bowl with enough rice to cover it. Please leave your phone overnight or until it's dry. Don't use too much rice or too little—just enough so that the phone is protected from any dust particles inside or around its casing (iPhones have open backs).
If you're worried about slightly dampening some of your belongings, cover them with plastic wrap before placing them in the microwave.
Add 1/2 cup water instead of cooking oil and cook on high for 5 minutes; stir once during cooking time with pair of tongs before returning the mixture into the microwave for another 5 minutes uncovered until thickened into sticky goo that glistens like soap bubbles when stirred vigorously.
If the mixture does not reduce after 10 minutes remove from microwave and add another 1/4 cup water as needed until desired consistency achieved.
Use a towel or paper napkin to absorb the moisture on your iPhone camera.
If your camera lens is wet, the best way to dry it is with a microfiber cloth. This material will absorb and trap water without scratching the surface of your phone.
If you don't have access to a microfiber cloth or paper towel, try using a soft cotton handkerchief or napkin. You can also use an old sock: wrap it around your phone, and squeeze out as much moisture as possible.
Don't use any other type of cloth—like tissues or shirts—because they may leave behind lint that could scratch up the lens when you wipe down your iPhone camera sensor. Also, avoid using things like paper towels or tissues because they have sharp edges that can scratch up the glass on your iPhone camera module.
How to get water out of your iPhone camera (FAQs)
How long does it usually take for water to dry from the lens?
It typically takes water about 30 minutes to dry from the iPhone lens, although this can vary depending on the temperature and humidity of the environment. If the water is not completely dry, it can cause streaks or smears on the lens. To clean the lens, use a soft, lint-free cloth.
Is it possible to fix a water-damaged iPhone?
It is possible to fix a water-damaged iPhone, but it is not always successful. If the phone has been submerged in water for a long time, the chances of success are much lower.
The best chance of success is if the phone was only briefly exposed to water and was dried off immediately. If the phone was exposed to salt water, the chances of success are even lower.
What should you do if your phone is submerged in water for more than an hour?
If your phone has been submerged in water for more than an hour, you should remove the battery immediately and allow the phone to dry thoroughly.
Next, place the phone in a bowl of rice or other absorbent material to help draw out any moisture.
Once the phone is dry, you can attempt to turn it on and see if it is still functioning. If the phone does not turn on, you may need to take it to a professional to have it repaired.
What are the symptoms of water damage to your iPhone camera?
If water damage has occurred to your iPhone camera, you may notice one or more of the following symptoms:
-The camera may appear blurry or have reduced image quality.
-The camera may produce strange colors or tints in photos.
-The camera may have difficulty focusing.
-The camera flash may not work correctly.
-The camera may produce distorted or "grainy" images.
If you notice any of these symptoms, you must take your iPhone to a qualified technician as soon as possible to check it out. Water damage can cause severe damage to your iPhone camera and other components, so it's essential to get it fixed as soon as possible.
What should you do if you have already dropped your phone in the water?
If you have already dropped your phone in the water, the best thing to do is to turn it off immediately and remove the battery if possible. If you can't remove the battery, then place the phone in a bag of rice or another absorbent material to help draw out the moisture.
Once the phone is dry, you can try turning it on again to see if it's still working. If the phone doesn't turn on, then it's likely that the water damage has caused irreparable damage, and you'll need to get a new phone.
Can I send my water-damaged iPhone back to Apple for a replacement?
If your iPhone has suffered damage by water, you may be wondering if you can send it back to Apple for a replacement. The answer is Yes. Apple has a water damage policy in place for iPhone owners.
If your iPhone has suffered damage by water, you can send it back to Apple within one year of the original purchase date. Apple will inspect your iPhone and determine if it is eligible for a replacement. If your iPhone is eligible for a replacement, you can choose between a new iPhone or a refurbished iPhone.
Conclusion:
Now, you know how to get the water out of your iPhone's camera. If you ever need to use this guide again, remember that there are always two methods for removing water from your camera – drying and disassembly. The choice is up to you.
We hope this article helped clear up any confusion around what steps to take after getting wet while using your iPhone. Please let us know in the comments below if we missed anything or if there's something else we should add.
