Accidentally dropping your iPhone 7 Plus in water can be a stressful experience, especially if water gets into the camera lens. Water damage to the camera can affect the quality of your photos and videos, making it important to address the issue promptly. If you find yourself in this situation, there are steps you can take to try and remove the water from your iPhone’s camera.
Step 1: Turn off your iPhone immediately and do not try to turn it back on. This will help prevent any further damage to the internal components.
Step 2: Wipe the exterior of your iPhone with a dry cloth to remove any excess water. Be gentle and avoid pressing on the camera lens to prevent pushing the water further inside.
Step 3: Place your iPhone in a bowl of uncooked rice or silica gel packets. These materials can help absorb moisture from the device, including the camera area. Leave your iPhone in the bowl for at least 24 hours to allow the water to evaporate.
Precautions to take
When dealing with water damage on your iPhone 7 Plus camera, it is important to take certain precautions to prevent further damage. Here are some tips:
1. Turn off your iPhone immediately: If your iPhone has come into contact with water, turn it off right away to avoid short circuits and damage to the internal components.
2. Do not try to charge the device: Avoid plugging in your iPhone to charge it as this can cause further damage to the device.
3. Do not shake or blow-dry the device: Shaking or using a blow dryer to dry the device can force water deeper into the phone and cause more damage. Instead, gently pat the device with a dry cloth.
4. Remove any accessories: If your iPhone is in a case or has any accessories attached, remove them to allow for better airflow and drying.
5. Do not use heat sources: Avoid using heat sources like ovens, microwaves, or hair dryers to dry your iPhone as this can damage the internal components.
6. Seek professional help: If you are unsure about how to proceed or if the water damage is extensive, it is best to seek professional help from a technician who specializes in repairing water-damaged devices.
Keep the device dry
1. Remove the water: If your iPhone 7 Plus has come into contact with water, immediately remove it from the liquid and dry it off with a clean, dry cloth.
2. Do not use heat: Avoid using a hairdryer or placing the device near a heater to dry it out, as this can damage the internal components.
3. Use silica gel packets: Place the iPhone in a bag with silica gel packets or uncooked rice to help absorb any remaining moisture.
4. Wait for at least 48 hours: Allow the device to sit in the silica gel or rice for at least 48 hours to ensure that all moisture is absorbed.
5. Test the device: After 48 hours, remove the iPhone from the bag and check if it is functioning properly. If there are still issues, contact Apple Support for further assistance.
Avoid water exposure
One of the best ways to prevent water damage to your iPhone 7 Plus is to avoid exposing it to water in the first place. Be cautious when using your phone near water sources such as pools, lakes, or the beach. Keep your phone away from liquids and moisture to ensure its safety and functionality.
Always make sure your phone is securely stored in a waterproof case or pouch when near water. If your phone does come into contact with water, be sure to dry it off immediately and avoid using it until you are certain it is completely dry to prevent any damage.
Immediate actions
As soon as you realize that your iPhone 7 Plus has water damage, follow these immediate actions:
1. Remove the phone from the water: Quickly take your phone out of the water to prevent further damage.
2. Turn off the phone: Press and hold the power button until the “Slide to power off” option appears, then slide to turn off your phone.
3. Do not charge the phone: Do not plug in your phone or attempt to charge it as this can cause a short circuit.
4. Do not shake or blow on the phone: Avoid shaking or blowing on the phone to prevent water from spreading inside.
5. Remove any accessories: Take off any cases, covers, or accessories from your phone.
6. Dry the exterior: Gently wipe the exterior of the phone with a clean, dry cloth to remove any visible water.
Switch off the device
Before attempting to remove water from your iPhone 7 Plus camera, it is crucial to switch off the device immediately. This will help prevent any potential short circuits or damage to the internal components. To turn off your iPhone 7 Plus, press and hold the Power button until the “slide to power off” option appears on the screen. Slide the button to turn off the device completely.
Remove the SIM card
Before attempting to remove water from your iPhone 7 Plus camera, it’s important to remove the SIM card first. This will prevent any potential damage to the SIM card and ensure that it remains safe during the water extraction process.
Step 1: Locate the SIM card tray on the side of your iPhone 7 Plus.
Step 2: Use the SIM card removal tool (or a paperclip) to gently push into the small hole next to the SIM card tray.
Step 3: The SIM card tray will pop out slightly. Gently pull it out to reveal the SIM card.
Step 4: Remove the SIM card and set it aside in a dry place.
With the SIM card safely removed, you can now proceed to remove water from the camera of your iPhone 7 Plus.
Drying the device
After removing the water from your iPhone 7 Plus camera, the next step is to dry the device thoroughly. You can use a soft, lint-free cloth to gently wipe the exterior of the phone and the camera lenses. Make sure to remove any water residue to prevent further damage.
Additionally, you can place the phone in a bowl of uncooked rice or silica gel packets to absorb any remaining moisture. Leave the phone in the rice or silica gel for at least 24 hours to ensure it is completely dry.
Avoid using a hairdryer or heating the device with any other method, as excessive heat can damage the internal components of the phone. Once you are confident that the device is completely dry, you can attempt to turn it on and check if the camera functions properly.
Use a desiccant
If your iPhone 7 Plus has been exposed to water and you’re looking for a way to get the water out of the camera, using a desiccant can be an effective solution. Desiccants are substances that help absorb moisture and can help dry out the camera lens and other components.
To use a desiccant, you can place your iPhone in a sealed bag or container along with the desiccant. Silica gel packets, rice, or even kitty litter can be used as desiccants. Leave your iPhone in the container with the desiccant for at least 24 hours to allow the moisture to be absorbed.
After the time is up, check to see if the camera lens is clear of water droplets. If there is still water present, you may need to repeat the process with fresh desiccant. Once the camera is dry, you can test it to see if it’s working properly.
Absorb excess moisture
If your iPhone 7 Plus camera has gotten wet, it’s important to try to absorb as much moisture as possible to prevent damage. Here are some steps you can take to help remove excess moisture from the camera:
- Immediately turn off your iPhone 7 Plus and remove the case.
- Use a clean, dry cloth to gently wipe the exterior of the camera to remove any visible water.
- Place your iPhone 7 Plus in a bowl of uncooked rice or silica gel packets. These materials can help absorb moisture from the camera. Leave your phone in the bowl for at least 24-48 hours.
- After 24-48 hours, remove your iPhone 7 Plus from the rice or silica gel packets and check to see if the moisture has been absorbed.
- If there is still moisture present, repeat the process until the camera appears dry.
Professional help
If your iPhone 7 Plus has been exposed to water and you are unable to remove it yourself, it is recommended to seek professional help. Contact Apple Support or visit an authorized service provider to assess the extent of the damage and receive proper assistance. Professionals have the tools and expertise to safely disassemble the device, dry out the internal components, and repair any water-related issues. Attempting to fix water damage on your own may cause further harm to the device, so it’s best to leave it to the experts.
