iPhone Doctor: How to fix your iphone from water damage

Drop your iPhone 4 or iPhone 3GS in the washing machine? If that's so, here's what you need to do as soon as possible to prevent short-circuiting your iPhone 3gs or iPhone 4. If our tips don't work out, there's information in the bottom on how to work with Apple to mend your iPhone or get a new one from the Apple Store.

Step-by-Step Guide to Stick to For That Water Spoiled iPhone.

1. SHUT OFF THE IPHONE RIGHT AWAY!
2. YOU SHOULD NOT TURN ON YOUR PHONE until finishing all of the steps. Flipping on the iPhone when there is any water in your phone will cause the phone to short circuit.
3. Lift off your iPhone case and then remove the SimCard.
4. Shake out any additional water.
5. Use a hair dryer on the lowest heat for 15 minutes and try to heat the iPhone slightly so that any existing water will be able to escape out of the phone. Use the lowest heat setting!
6. Stick the iPhone in a bag of uncooked rice and make sure it's 100% covered. Change the rice on a daily basis. The uncooked rice is designed to take in moisture and helps remove any excess water from the iPhone. Keep the iPhone in the rice for 48-72 hours for the most effective results.
7. Take the iPhone out from the rice, and verify if it works. If it does not work or if you see additional water in the iPhone, repeat steps 4, 5, and 6. Leave the iPhone inside of the rice for another 4-5 days and check again repeating the steps until it functions correctly.
8. This method works best if the iPhone was submerged in water under 30 minutes. If the steps above do not work after multiple attempts...

Apple's Policy for iPhone 3GS and iPhone 4 Water Damage:

Apple has specified where the water indicators are located. To view the graphic of the water indictators' location, please see www.iphonedoctormd.com for more detail. iPhone 3GS and iPhone 4 are equipped with Liquid Contact Indicators in the bottom of the headphone jack. iPhone 3GS and iPhone 4 models in addition have an indicator on the bottom of the dock-connector housing. These indicators will be activated and flipped PINK as soon as they come in direct contact with water or even a liquid containing water. They are specially designed not to be activated by humidity and temperature changes. See the picture of the water indicators at www.iphonedoctormd.com.

If the pink indicator is visible, it means that the service for such liquid damage is not insured by the Apple one (1) year limited warranty or AppleCare Protection Plan (APP). However, you can swap out your malfunctioning phone for a refurbished iPhone for $199 from the Apple Store in lieu of the full priced iPhone. Also, for those who purchased your iPhone from Best Buy or used a credit card who offers protection/insurance on your iPhone, you might be able to get some money back or even the iPhone for free. Check all of the options just before you repurchase a new iPhone.

Having your iPhone Professionally Serviced through a Third-Party Store:

If your sensors are pink and the iPhone isn't working despite trying to dry the iPhone of all water, you can you could try and take it into a repair shop. They will charge you a small monetary fee to determine the damage and then offer you a quote of the price it will cost to fix the iPhone. You can make a judgment if you'd like to work with them to repair it. To identify a list of reputable third-party repair shops, please visit the author's website.

Prevention:

A good way to guard your iPhone from future damage is to find a solid case. To view a list of top rated cases, check out the author's website for more details.

About the Author:

If you're curious about learning more about water damage or any other DIY iPhone issue, check out www.iphonedoctormd.com.