Rain Damaged iPhone? Here’s What to Do Immediately

Madiha Samreen

Getting caught in the rain can be refreshing—unless you’re holding your iPhone. Despite Apple’s improvements in water resistance, no iPhone is entirely waterproof. If you’ve ended up with a rain damaged iPhone, time is of the essence. Water can silently creep into ports, microphones, speakers, and even internal circuits, causing long-term damage that may not show up immediately.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explain what you should do immediately after your iPhone gets wet in the rain, the signs to watch for, common mistakes to avoid, and when to seek expert help from trusted professionals like Fixcare iPhone Repair—the leading iPhone repair service in Bangalore.

Can Rain Really Damage an iPhone?

Yes. Even though modern iPhones (like the iPhone 12 and newer) are rated IP68 for water resistance, they are not fully waterproof. Water resistance can deteriorate over time due to wear and tear or accidental drops.

A rain damaged iPhone may function normally at first, but moisture can trigger delayed corrosion, internal short circuits, or even battery swelling, leading to permanent failure if not addressed quickly.

Immediate Steps to Take for a Rain Damaged iPhone

If your iPhone got wet in the rain, follow these urgent steps right away:

✅ 1. Turn It Off Immediately

Even if it seems fine, turn your iPhone off immediately to prevent electrical shorts. Press and hold the power button and slide to power off.

Why? Water and electricity don’t mix. Keeping it on could fry the internal circuits.

✅ 2. Remove Any Case or Accessories

Take off your iPhone case, disconnect any cables, and remove accessories like pop sockets or magnetic wallets. These can trap moisture, making the problem worse.

✅ 3. Dry the Exterior Gently

Use a clean, dry microfiber cloth or soft tissue to wipe down your device, especially around:

Charging port
Speaker grills
SIM tray
Buttons
Camera lenses

Avoid using heat sources like hair dryers, which can push moisture further inside.

✅ 4. Remove the SIM Card

Use a SIM ejector tool to open the tray and take out your SIM. This helps prevent corrosion and lets internal moisture escape.

✅ 5. Keep It Upright and Let It Air Dry

Place the iPhone vertically with the charging port facing downward on a clean, dry surface. Leave it for at least 24 to 48 hours in a dry area with good air circulation.

✅ 6. Avoid These Common Mistakes

Do NOT:

Turn the phone back on immediately
Charge the phone
Insert headphones or accessories
Use a hair dryer or microwave (yes, some people actually try this)
Put it in rice (the myth is outdated and can introduce more particles)

Signs of a Rain Damaged iPhone

Even if your phone seems okay after drying, keep an eye on these warning signs of internal damage:

Screen flickering or black spots
Distorted or no sound from speakers
Face ID or Touch ID not working
Camera fog or lens blur
Battery draining quickly or swelling
Phone overheating without usage
Random restarts or freezing

If you notice any of the above, your iPhone may be slowly deteriorating due to hidden water damage.

How Apple Handles Water Damage

Although newer iPhones have some water resistance, Apple’s warranty does NOT cover water damage, including rain exposure. If the Liquid Contact Indicator (LCI) inside the SIM tray turns red, Apple considers the phone water-damaged.

That’s why professional diagnostics and third-party repair services like Fixcare are essential for dealing with rain damage affordably and effectively.

Fixcare iPhone Repair: Your Trusted Expert in Bangalore

If you’re unsure about the extent of the damage or your phone is already showing symptoms, don’t gamble with your iPhone. Fixcare iPhone Repair provides expert water damage repair and diagnostics.

🔧 Why Choose Fixcare?

✅ Free Diagnosis to detect hidden internal moisture or corrosion
✅ Certified Technicians trained in iPhone water damage repair
✅ High-Quality Replacement Parts (if needed)
✅ Fast Turnaround – same-day service available
✅ Pickup & Drop Service across Bangalore
✅ Affordable Prices without compromising quality
✅ Data-Safe Repairs – your personal data is kept secure

📍 Whether your rain damaged iPhone has minor issues or needs full internal cleaning and parts replacement, Fixcare can help restore it professionally and affordably.

What If Your iPhone Won’t Turn On?

If your iPhone won’t power on after rain exposure, here’s what to do:

Step 1: Don’t Panic

It may be in a protection mode or short-circuited.

Step 2: Do Not Attempt to Charge It

Charging a wet phone can cause more harm.

Step 3: Contact Fixcare Immediately

Their technicians can open the phone safely, clean internal components, and prevent long-term corrosion.

How Professionals Fix Rain Damaged iPhones

Here’s what typically happens during a professional water damage repair at Fixcare:

1. Complete Disassembly

The iPhone is carefully opened and all parts are separated to inspect the extent of the damage.

2. Ultrasonic Cleaning

Special ultrasonic equipment is used to remove moisture and corrosion from internal circuits and connectors.

3. Board-Level Repair (If Needed)

Technicians may repair or replace damaged ICs, chips, or even the logic board.

4. Component Testing

Each part—camera, battery, microphone, screen—is tested for function and replaced if necessary.

5. Reassembly and Quality Check

The phone is reassembled and undergoes a multi-point quality check to ensure it works like new.

Can a Rain Damaged iPhone Be Saved?

In most cases—yes, especially if you act quickly. The faster you power it off and get it to a technician, the better your chances of full recovery.

However, the success rate depends on:

How much water entered
How long it stayed wet
Whether it was powered on after getting wet

The iPhone model and condition

How to Prevent Rain Damage in the Future

Let’s be honest—you can’t always avoid the rain. But you can protect your iPhone from future mishaps with these tips:

✅ Use a Waterproof Case

Invest in IP68-rated waterproof cases for outdoor use.

✅ Carry a Ziplock or Dry Bag

Keep one in your bag to stash your phone during unexpected downpours.

✅ Avoid Using Phone in the Rain

Even light mist can find its way into speaker grills and ports.

✅ Be Careful with Wet Hands or Surfaces

Don’t use your phone on wet tables, counters, or while drying off from rain.

Final Thoughts

If you’ve been caught in a downpour with your iPhone in hand, don’t underestimate the damage rain can cause. Even a few drops can sneak in through speaker holes or the lightning port, causing weeks of hidden deterioration.

Turn it off. Dry it properly. And if in doubt—don’t wait.