What to Do If Your iPhone Gets Wet: Water Eject and Drying Tips (Updated for 2025)

Even though newer iPhones are water-resistant, they are not fully waterproof. Accidents happen — whether your phone got splashed in the kitchen, played music in a steamy bathroom, or dropped near water — liquid can still enter your device. Here’s the safe, modern approach to minimizing water damage and getting your iPhone back to normal.

Using the “Water Eject” Shortcut

The iPhone does not have an official Water Eject feature like the Apple Watch. However, you can use third-party shortcuts to play a tone that vibrates the speaker, helping to remove water from speaker holes.

Apple’s Shortcuts app is a free app available on the App Store that lets you create, download, and run automated tasks called shortcuts. These can range from fun activities like turning a photo into a GIF to practical tools, such as timers or travel helpers. The Water Eject shortcut is one of these practical tools that can help with speaker moisture.

Here’s how to use it safely:

• Install from a trusted source only: Use Apple’s built-in Shortcuts Gallery in the app whenever possible. Other reputable sources include community-reviewed shortcuts from Shortcutsgallery.com or Reddit’s r/shortcuts.
• Review the shortcut: Before running, open it and check each action to ensure it doesn’t access sensitive data or perform unexpected tasks.
• Run the shortcut or app: It plays a low-frequency tone to push water out of the speaker. You’ll usually hear a vibrating sound as the water is expelled.
• Repeat as needed: You can run it multiple times if water is still present in the speaker grille. This helps ensure most of the water is removed.
• Siri activation: You can also run the shortcut via Siri by saying, “Hey Siri, run Water Eject.” This is handy if your hands are wet or occupied.

This shortcut only helps with external speaker water. It does not remove water from internal circuits or ports, so further drying is necessary. Avoid downloading shortcuts from unknown or unverified sites, as they may pose privacy or security risks.

Steps to Safely Dry Your iPhone

If your iPhone gets wet, quick and careful action is key. Follow these steps to safely remove moisture and minimize the risk of damage:

• Remove it from water immediately: The faster you remove it, the higher the chance of avoiding serious damage.
• Turn off your iPhone: Powering down prevents short circuits.
• Remove external accessories: Take off any case, and remove the SIM card. Do not try to open the back of the phone — iPhones do not have removable batteries or microSD cards.
• Gently dab dry: Use a microfiber cloth or soft towel to pat water off the surface. Avoid rubbing hard, shaking, or using a hair dryer.
• Use airflow: Place the phone in a ventilated area, ideally upright, so gravity helps pull water out. You can use a fan blowing cool air — never hot air.
• Try silica gel packets: Place the phone in a sealed bag with silica gel packets to absorb moisture. Avoid rice or grains, as they can introduce dust and debris into ports.
• Wait patiently: Allow at least 30 minutes to several hours for moisture to evaporate before attempting to charge. Longer may be necessary if the phone was submerged.
• Check for liquid detection alerts: If you see “Liquid Detected in Lightning/USB‑C,” unplug the cable and wait until the alert clears. Only charge once the port is dry.

Next Steps

After your phone has had a chance to dry thoroughly, let it charge. Remember, charging your phone while wet could damage it.

If you followed all the above steps and still cannot get your phone to work, take it to a professional to see if they can repair it. They may need to replace a broken part or you might need to buy a new phone altogether. Some iPhones are able to withstand being briefly submerged in water, but it’s always best to keep your phone dry. 

Tips for Preventing Water Damage

Accidents happen, but there are also several ways to help prevent your phone from getting wet, including:

• Keep your phone away from water sources: Avoid using it near sinks, bathtubs, swimming pools, or in the bathroom while showering.
• Use a waterproof case: A high-quality case can protect your iPhone from accidental splashes or brief drops into water.
• Avoid exposure in extreme weather: Refrain from using your phone in heavy rain, very humid conditions, or when it may become wet from snow or ice.
• Keep ports covered: Use port plugs or cases with port protection to prevent water from entering charging or headphone ports.
• Never disassemble your phone: Opening your iPhone can compromise water resistance. Leave repairs to authorized technicians.
• Dry your hands before handling your phone: Even small amounts of moisture on your hands can transfer to your device.
• Store your phone safely: Avoid leaving it on wet surfaces or in bags with damp items.
• Be cautious near beverages: Spills are a common cause of water damage, so keep drinks away from your phone to prevent accidents.

It’s best to only operate your phone between 32°F and 95°F and in dry conditions. If you want to play music in the bathroom while you shower, use a speaker rather than your phone.

Protecting Your Phone From Water

Sometimes your phone will get wet despite your best efforts. If your iPhone gets wet, you can use a trusted Water Eject shortcut to help remove water from the speaker holes, but remember this only addresses external moisture. 

Follow the safe drying steps — power off, remove accessories, use airflow or silica gel, and wait until the device is fully dry before charging. By acting quickly and carefully, you give your phone the best chance of returning to normal without damage.

Original Publish Date 7/3/2023 — Updated 11/14/2025