Dropped Your iPhone in Water? Emergency Steps to Take in Bangalore
Water damage is one of the most stressful iPhone emergencies. Whether it's dropped in a pool, toilet, or caught in Bangalore's sudden monsoon rains, acting fast can mean the difference between a full recovery and permanent damage. Here's your complete emergency response guide.
First 60 Seconds: Critical Actions
STOP! Don't Panic.
Your immediate response determines recovery success rate. Follow these steps in order:
Step 1: Get it Out Immediately (0-5 seconds)
Remove from water instantly
Don't hesitate to reach into toilet/sink (wash hands after)
Every second in water increases damage
Step 2: Power Off Instantly (5-10 seconds)
Press and hold power button + volume down
Slide to power off
If unresponsive, don't worry about it (Step 3 is more critical)
Step 3: Remove Everything (10-30 seconds)
SIM card tray (use paperclip or SIM tool)
Phone case
Screen protector (if easy to remove)
Any accessories plugged in
Step 4: Dry Exterior (30-60 seconds)
Shake gently to remove water from ports
Pat dry with clean cloth or paper towel
Wipe ports and openings carefully
Don't blow into ports (pushes water deeper)
What NOT to Do (Critical!)
These common mistakes destroy iPhones daily in Bangalore:
❌ DON'T turn it on to check if it works
Electricity + water = short circuit. Even if it seems fine, wait.
❌ DON'T put it in rice
Rice doesn't effectively absorb water from inside iPhone. Worse, rice dust can get stuck in ports.
❌ DON'T use hair dryer or heat source
Heat damages internal components and can melt adhesive seals.
❌ DON'T press buttons repeatedly
This can push water deeper into circuits.
❌ DON'T shake it vigorously
Gentle shaking is OK, but aggressive shaking spreads water internally.
❌ DON'T charge it
Water + electricity = certain damage. Wait at least 24 hours minimum.
❌ DON'T wait to see if it dries on its own
Water causes corrosion within hours. Act fast.
Next 24 Hours: Proper Drying Process
Method 1: Air Drying (Minimum Approach)
Place iPhone upright with Lightning port facing down
Put in well-ventilated area (NOT in sealed container)
Keep in cool, dry place
Rotate every few hours
Wait MINIMUM 24 hours, preferably 48
Method 2: Silica Gel Packets (Better Approach)
Collect silica gel packets (from shoe boxes, electronics packaging)
Place iPhone in sealed bag/container with packets
Ensure iPhone ports face down
Change packets every 12 hours
Keep for 48-72 hours
Method 3: Professional Desiccant (Best Approach)
Buy commercial desiccant beads from electronics store
Completely bury iPhone in desiccant
Seal container
Wait 48 hours
Available at electronics stores in Brigade Road, SP Road, Bangalore
Understanding Water Resistance vs Waterproof
iPhone Water Resistance Ratings
iPhone 14/13/12 Series: IP68 (6m for 30 mins)
iPhone 11 Pro: IP68 (4m for 30 mins)
iPhone 11/XR: IP67 (1m for 30 mins)
iPhone X/8/7: IP67 (1m for 30 mins)
iPhone 6s and older: No water resistance
Important Caveats
Ratings are for clean water only
Not valid for hot water, salt water, or soapy water
Resistance degrades with age and wear
Not covered under warranty!
Bangalore's chlorinated tap water is more corrosive than test water
Real-World Scenarios
Likely OK (if acted fast):
Brief splash from glass of water
Light rain for few minutes
Quick drop in clean water, retrieved immediately
Accidental toilet dip, removed in 2 seconds
High Risk:
Submersion for >30 seconds
Toilet water (bacteria promotes corrosion)
Swimming pool (chlorine damage)
Beach/sea water (salt accelerates corrosion)
Monsoon downpour for extended time
Signs of Water Damage
External Indicators
Water under camera lens
Foggy display
Moisture in charging port
Red liquid contact indicator (LCI) in SIM tray
Screen discoloration
Functional Issues (May appear days later)
Touch screen not responding properly
Microphone or speaker distortion
Camera blur or spots
Battery draining rapidly
Random shutdowns
Won't charge properly
Face ID or Touch ID not working
Recovery Success Rates (Bangalore Data)
Based on FIXplanet's 1000+ water damage cases in Bangalore:
Immediate Action Taken (<30 minutes)
Clean water, <30 seconds: 85-90% full recovery
Clean water, 30-120 seconds: 70-80% recovery
Toilet/dirty water: 60-70% recovery
Salt water: 40-50% recovery
Delayed Action (>1 hour)
Clean water: 50-60% recovery
Dirty water: 30-40% recovery
Tried to turn on while wet: 20-30% recovery
Worst Case Scenarios
Powered on while wet: 15-25% recovery
Charged while wet: 10-20% recovery
Ignored for >24 hours: 20-30% recovery
When to Seek Professional Help
Seek Help Immediately If:
iPhone was submerged for >1 minute
It was in salt water or chlorinated pool
It's not responding after drying
You see corrosion on ports
Screen shows abnormal colors or lines
It's a work phone with critical data
Can Wait 48 Hours If:
Brief exposure to clean water
Phone was off when it happened
Following proper drying procedure
No signs of damage so far
Budget is tight (but risk increases with delay)
Professional Water Damage Repair Process
What FIXplanet Does for Water Damage Cases
1. Immediate Disassembly (Within 2 hours ideal)
Open device to stop ongoing corrosion
Document internal damage
Photograph for insurance if needed
2. Ultrasonic Cleaning
Specialized solution removes corrosion
Safe for delicate components
Most effective within first 48 hours
3. Component-Level Diagnosis
Test each circuit with specialized equipment
Identify damaged chips and connectors
Determine if logic board repair needed
4. Targeted Repairs
Replace corroded connectors
Micro-soldering for damaged circuits
Battery replacement (usually necessary)
Speaker/microphone replacement if needed
5. Thorough Testing
All functions tested before return
Pressure test for seal integrity
Quality check for recurring issues
Cost Expectations (Bangalore Pricing)
Minor Water Damage (caught early)
Cleaning + inspection: ₹2,000 - ₹3,500
If parts needed: +₹1,500 - ₹4,000
Success rate: 80-90%
Moderate Damage
Logic board cleaning: ₹4,000 - ₹7,000
Component replacement: +₹3,000 - ₹8,000
Success rate: 60-75%
Severe Damage
Extensive board repair: ₹8,000 - ₹15,000
Multiple component replacement: +₹5,000 - ₹12,000
Success rate: 40-60%
*FIXplanet provides free diagnosis - you only pay if you approve repair*
Data Recovery from Water Damaged iPhone
If iPhone Won't Turn On
Don't panic about photos/data
- If you use iCloud backup, your data is safe
- Check: Settings > [Your Name] > iCloud > Backup
- Or iCloud.com from any browser
Recent iCloud Backup
- Most users have automatic daily backups
- Data loss limited to last 24 hours at most
No iCloud Backup
- Professional data recovery is possible
- Logic board can be temporarily revived
- Data extracted even if iPhone won't boot
- Cost: ₹3,000 - ₹8,000 depending on damage
Backup Now (If Phone Still Works)
If your water-damaged iPhone is still functioning:
Immediate iCloud Backup
- Settings > [Your Name] > iCloud > Backup
- Tap "Back Up Now"
- Keep connected to WiFi until done
Computer Backup
- Connect to Mac/PC
- Open Finder (Mac) or iTunes (PC)
- Click "Back Up Now"
- Wait for completion before disconnecting
Export Critical Photos
- AirDrop to another device
- Upload to Google Photos
- Email yourself important ones
Bangalore-Specific Scenarios
Monsoon Rain Damage (June-September)
Prevention:
Use waterproof pouch during monsoon months
Available at mobile shops in Brigade Road, MG Road
Keep iPhone in waterproof pocket of backpack
Avoid using outdoors during heavy downpour
If caught in rain:
Wipe dry immediately
Don't keep in wet pocket
Power off if drenched
Head to nearest mall/cafe to properly dry
Swimming Pool Incidents (Common in apartments)
Risks:
Chlorine is highly corrosive
Deeper water = more pressure = more internal damage
Salt water pools even worse
Immediate steps:
Rinse with clean tap water (yes, really!)
This removes chlorine/salt
Then follow standard drying procedure
Seek professional help same day if possible
Toilet Drops (Most Common!)
Why it's worse:
Bacteria accelerates corrosion
Contaminated water needs thorough cleaning
High psychological resistance to retrieving it (don't wait!)
Immediate steps:
Get it out immediately (hygiene first, phone second)
Wash exterior with hand soap and water
Pat dry thoroughly
Seek professional help within 6 hours
Insurance and Warranty Coverage
AppleCare+ Coverage
Covers water damage under "accidental damage"
₹9,900 deductible per incident
Limited to 2 incidents per year
Must file claim within 60 days
Regular Apple Warranty
Does NOT cover water damage
Red LCI indicator voids warranty
Even partial water exposure voids coverage
Credit Card Insurance
Some premium cards cover accidental damage
Check your card benefits (Bangalore users: Amex, Citi often include this)
Usually covers up to ₹50,000
Requires police report within 24 hours
Prevention Tips for Bangalore Lifestyle
Daily Habits
Waterproof case during monsoon months
Don't use iPhone in bathroom (steam is moisture)
Keep away from drinks on desk
Be careful at cafes (condensation from cold drinks)
Secure pocket when on bike/scooter (rain + potholes = splash)
Going Out
Ziploc bag = instant waterproof protection
Keep in waterproof compartment of bag
Don't text while walking in rain
Avoid using near pools, lakes (Ulsoor Lake, etc.)
Work-from-Home Setup
No drinks near laptop/iPhone
Especially coffee in the morning!
Use coaster that can't tip
Keep tissues nearby for quick spills
What to Tell Service Provider
When calling FIXplanet or any service provider, mention:
Type of water: Clean, toilet, pool, rain
Duration: How long was it submerged
Time elapsed: When did it happen
Current state: Powers on? Any functions working?
Actions taken: What you've done so far
Data backup status: Whether you have backup
This helps us prepare right equipment and provide accurate quote.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use rice at all?
A: It won't help much, but if you have nothing else, it's better than leaving phone in open air. Silica gel is much better.
Q: How long until I can try turning it on?
A: Minimum 24 hours, ideally 48 hours. If in doubt, wait longer.
Q: Will professional cleaning guarantee my iPhone works?
A: No guarantee, but dramatically improves odds. The earlier we intervene, the better the chances.
Q: Can FIXplanet come to me for water damage?
A: Yes! We provide emergency doorstep service across Bangalore. Time is critical for water damage.
Q: My iPhone works after drying, should I still get it checked?
A: Yes! Residual moisture causes corrosion over weeks. Professional cleaning prevents future failures.
Q: Will water damage affect Face ID?
A: Possibly. Face ID module is sensitive to moisture. Professional diagnosis recommended.
Emergency Contacts
FIXplanet Water Damage Emergency Service
Phone: +91-8105955009 (24/7 for emergencies)
WhatsApp: Fastest response for urgent cases
Doorstep Service: Available across Bangalore
Response Time: 30-90 minutes depending on location
Self-Help Resources Bangalore
Buy Desiccant Beads:
SP Road electronics shops
Amazon/Flipkart (next-day delivery in Bangalore)
Decathlon (for waterproof cases)
Backup Services:
Apple Service Centre (for data recovery): Koramangala, Indiranagar
iCloud.com: Immediate access to backed-up data
Conclusion
Water damage doesn't have to mean the end of your iPhone. With quick action, proper drying, and professional help when needed, most water-damaged iPhones can be saved.
Remember the golden rules:
Act within 60 seconds
Power off immediately
Don't use rice, heat, or charging
Seek professional help if in doubt
Time is critical - don't delay
FIXplanet provides emergency water damage response across Bangalore with ultrasonic cleaning, component-level repair, and same-day service at your location.
Water damaged your iPhone? Don't wait - call +91-8105955009 now or [book emergency service](/contact).
*Last updated: October 5, 2024*
*Written by FIXplanet Water Damage Recovery Team*
Found this helpful? Share with others who might need it.
