Steps to Get Your Waterlogged iPad Sorted
Finding your iPad dripping with water can send anyone into a bit of a panic. But here’s the thing: if you act fast and follow the right steps, you might still be able to rescue it. The goal is to dry it out, stop any more damage, and hopefully get it back to normal. Sounds pretty straightforward, right? It is, but it can be a bit of a process. Before you think about taking it to a pro, give these tips a go.
Turn Off the iPad Straight Away
As soon as it gets wet, the first thing to do is turn the iPad off. Seriously, leaving it on could make things way worse. If it’s still buzzing or showing signs of life, press and hold the Power button until the slide to power off slider appears. On newer models, you might need to hold both the volume button and the power button at the same time. If it’s completely dead and unresponsive, try a force restart: Press and release the volume up, then volume down, then hold the side button until the Apple logo pops up.
It’s also a good idea to connect it to your Mac and check its status via macOS Recovery Mode. You might find out what’s going on or even erase data if needed.
Remove Any Cases or Accessories
Next, take off any cases, screen protectors, or connected gadgets. They can trap moisture or block airflow, which isn’t what you want while drying. Don’t forget the SIM card—it’s a sneaky spot where water can hide. Use a SIM removal tool or a tiny paperclip to pop that tray out.
Dry the Exterior Gently
Grab a soft, lint-free cloth and gently pat the device dry. No vigorous rubbing—that could push water further inside. Light dabbing works best. If you want, you can even wipe with a slightly damp microfiber cloth dipped in 70% isopropyl alcohol, just to help prevent corrosion. Just a little bit, though; you don’t want to add extra moisture.
Use Silica Gel Packs or Rice for Drying
This is the main drying trick: pop the iPad into a plastic bag with silica gel packets (the ones from shoe boxes or vitamins work well). If you don’t have those, plain old uncooked rice is better than nothing. Silica gel is great at sucking out moisture. Seal the bag and leave it for a day or two—don’t rush it. The longer, the better. If you’ve got commercial desiccants like DampRid, chuck them in too. The idea is to let them draw out any remaining dampness.
Check for Water Inside
After letting it sit, open the bag and have a good look. Check all the ports and openings for any water that might still be lurking. If you see any, it’s best to dry it out again. You can also use a flashlight to peek inside or blow some cool air into the ports using a USB-powered hairdryer set to the coolest setting (no heat!). Make sure everything is bone dry before powering it back up.
Turn the iPad Back On
Fingers crossed! Once you’re confident it’s completely dry, press the Power button. Sometimes it cheers up and powers on straight away. If not, try connecting it to your Mac—check Finder or iTunes to see if it shows up. With a bit of luck, you might be able to revive it. If it’s still not waking up, you might need to try DFU (Device Firmware Update) mode:
- Connect the iPad to your Mac or PC.
- If it has Face ID or no home button, quickly press volume up, then volume down, then hold the side button until it goes black.
- Release the side button, then hold both the side button and volume down button for about 5 seconds.
- Let go of the side button but keep holding the volume down button until it shows up in Finder or iTunes.
Once in DFU mode, you can restore it using the Restore option in Finder or iTunes. Fingers crossed!
Get Professional Help if You Need It
If it’s still being stubborn, it might be time to give Apple Support or a trusted repair shop a ring. Water damage can be tricky stuff, and sometimes DIY just doesn’t cut it. Professionals have the right tools and know-how to clean corrosion, replace damaged parts, and give your iPad the best shot at recovery.
Remember, the key is to stay patient, be gentle, and dry thoroughly. Sometimes it bounces back, sometimes it’s a lost cause—but don’t give up too soon. Better to get expert help if you’re not sure.
Tips for Dealing with Water-Damaged iPads
Speed is king—act quickly! Avoid using heat sources like hairdryers. They can blow water further inside or damage components with heat. Silica gel packs are much better for soaking up moisture than rice, but if rice is all you’ve got, that’s better than nothing. Keep an eye out for corrosion near ports—that’s a sign things might get nasty. And no shaking! More movement just spreads the water around.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a hairdryer to dry my iPad?
Not recommended at all! A hairdryer can push water further inside or blow heat onto components and cause damage. Best to avoid it.
How long should I leave my iPad in rice?
About 24 to 48 hours is usually plenty. More time can help ensure it’s completely dry.
Is it safe to charge my iPad after it’s been wet?
Only if you’re dead certain it’s totally dry. Charging a wet iPad can cause shorts and blow the circuitry. Wait until you’re sure it’s bone dry.
Will water damage void my iPad’s warranty?
Most likely, yes. Water damage is considered accidental, which isn’t covered under warranty. But it’s worth checking with Apple Support, especially if you’ve got AppleCare+.
Are there professional services for water-damaged iPads?
Absolutely. Apple and authorized service centres have the proper tools and expertise to clean corrosion, replace parts, and give your iPad the best shot at recovery. Better to leave it to the pros if you can.
Bottom Line
Dealing with a water-damaged iPad isn’t ideal, but quick action, the right approach, and a bit of patience can sometimes save the day. The main thing is to act fast, avoid heat, and dry carefully. If it still doesn’t work after trying these tips, it’s best to get professional help—no point risking more damage.