Dropped Your iPhone in the Pool? Do This

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Last reviewed: October 15, 2026 by the Smart Savings Guides editorial team. How we research and update articles.

Your iPhone just took a dip in the pool. Don't panic, and don't reach for the rice. Recent iPhones are water resistant, and a quick, correct response gives yours the best chance. Here's what Apple recommends, step by step, plus what to avoid and when to get help.

Step by step: what to do right now

1. Get the phone out immediately. The longer it's submerged and the deeper it goes, the more likely water gets past the seals.
2. Don't press buttons repeatedly. If the phone behaves erratically, turn it off.
3. Remove the case so water isn't trapped against the phone.
4. Rinse if advised. If a liquid other than plain water gets on your iPhone, Apple says to rinse the affected area with tap water. Chlorinated pool water and salt water fall into that category, since chemicals and salt can leave residue.
5. Wipe it dry with a soft, lint-free cloth, such as a lens cloth.
6. Tap out the water. Hold the phone with the charging port facing down and tap it gently against your hand.
7. Air dry. Leave it somewhere dry with some airflow. A fan blowing cool air directly into the port can help, according to Apple.
8. Wait before charging. Apple's guidance is to unplug cables and wait at least 5 hours before charging with a cable or connecting accessories.
9. Don't open the SIM tray until the phone is dry.

What not to do

• Don't put it in rice. Apple specifically advises against it, because small rice particles can damage the iPhone. See why you shouldn't put your phone in rice.
• Don't use heat, such as a hair dryer, oven or radiator.
• Don't use compressed air, which can push water further inside.
• Don't insert cotton swabs or paper towels into the port.
• Don't charge it with a cable while it's wet, unless it's a genuine emergency.

How water resistant is your iPhone?

These ratings come from Apple and were tested under controlled lab conditions. A pool isn't a lab: chlorine, movement, older seals and drops all reduce protection. Learn more in is my iPhone waterproof?

After it dries: what to check

• Charging: if you see a liquid-detection alert when you plug in, unplug and keep drying. See iPhone liquid detected alert.
• Speaker and microphone: sound may be muffled until water evaporates. Place the phone speaker side down on a lint-free cloth to see if water drips out. See speaker still muffled after water?
• Cameras: fogging inside the lens can mean moisture got inside.
• Screen and Face ID: flickering, lines or Face ID errors need attention.
• Back up your data as soon as the phone works normally.

Watch for issues

If you see problems with charging, the speaker or the screen that persist after a day of drying, contact Apple. Liquid damage isn't covered by Apple's standard warranty, but AppleCare+ covers accidental damage for a service fee. See does AppleCare+ cover water damage?

Using a water eject tone

Once the outside is dry, playing a low-frequency tone can help push droplets out of the speaker grille. It won't dry the inside of the phone. See do water eject sounds work?

Preventing the next dip

Apple advises against swimming or bathing with your iPhone and against intentionally submerging it. At the pool or beach, keep it in a waterproof pouch or a zip bag, away from the edge. If you want underwater photos, use a dedicated waterproof camera or a housing rated for depth.

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