If you have accidentally dropped your iPhone camera in water or exposed it to moisture, you may find that it no longer works properly or has water inside the lens or other components. While liquid damage is not covered by Apple’s warranty and can be expensive to repair, there are some steps you can take to try to remove the water from your iPhone camera by yourself. Keep in mind that these methods may not always work and may even cause more damage if not done properly, so proceed at your own risk.

1. Turn off the iPhone and remove the case

The first thing you should do when you notice water in your iPhone camera is to turn off the device as soon as possible. This can help prevent short circuits and other electrical damage that may occur if you keep using the phone. You should also remove any protective case or cover that may trap moisture inside and prevent air circulation.

2. Wipe the outside of the camera lens

Use a soft cloth or a cotton swab to gently and carefully wipe the outside of the camera lens and any other visible parts that are wet. Do not use any chemicals or abrasive materials that may scratch or damage the phone. You can also use a small fan or hair dryer on the cool setting to help dry the surface of the phone, but avoid applying heat or blowing moisture further inside.

3. Place the iPhone in rice or silica gel

This is a popular method to try to absorb the water that may be trapped inside the iPhone camera. Fill a container with enough rice or silica gel to cover the phone completely, and then place the phone on top of the dry material. Seal the container with a lid or plastic wrap and let it sit for at least 24 hours, preferably longer. The rice or silica gel may draw out some of the moisture from the phone.

4. Use a desiccant or vacuum

If you have access to a desiccant or a vacuum, you may also try using them to remove water from the iPhone camera. A desiccant is a substance that absorbs moisture from the air, such as silica gel, cat litter, or activated charcoal. Wrap the phone in a cloth or tissue, and then put it in a sealed bag with the desiccant for several hours or overnight. A vacuum, on the other hand, can create a low-pressure environment that may force the water out of the phone. Use a small nozzle or attachment to carefully suction the camera area or openings while keeping the phone off.

5. Contact a professional

If none of these DIY methods work or if you do not feel comfortable trying them, do not hesitate to contact a professional technician or a company that specializes in repairing liquid-damaged devices. They may have more advanced tools and methods to extract the water and restore your iPhone camera to working condition.

“Prevention is the best cure for water damage on your iPhone camera. Always be aware of your surroundings, avoid exposing your phone to liquids or humid environments, and use protective cases and covers.”

If you want to avoid the headache and expense of fixing a water-damaged iPhone camera, the best approach is to prevent it from happening in the first place. Be mindful of your surroundings and avoid placing your phone near water sources, such as sinks, pools, or beaches. If you are going to a wet or humid environment, consider using a waterproof or water-resistant case that can protect your phone from splashes and moisture. Also, do not try to charge or use your phone while it is wet, and do not try to open or disassemble the phone yourself.