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Water damage? Don’t panic – here’s what to do

Water damage is a scary prospect, and though many of Apple’s recent devices are water resistant you still need to be careful not to get them too wet. Dropping your iPhone into the sink or spilling coffee on your iPad might seem like the end of the road for the device, but that’s not necessarily the case. There are steps you can take to alleviate the damage.

Recent iPhones offer various level of water resistance, and the latest Apple Watch is so waterproof it actively encourages you to take it swimming. But older devices don’t play so well with liquid, and to avoid permanent damage or loss of functionality you’ll want to make sure you know what to do if the unthinkable happens.

Good news, then, that fellow Apple experts iMore have published a detailed guide explaining what to do if one of your Apple devices accidentally takes a dip, covering iPhone, iPad, AirPods and MacBooks. It’s worth taking a look at the steps before it’s too late: no sense waiting until your device is out of action to find out how to deal with it!

You can read the article in full here. If you’re short of time, the core advice is to immediately power down any device after an unexpected liquid encounter, dry the outside with a towel and give it a good shake to dislodge as much water as possible. (Special exception for a wet MacBook. Leave it open, upside-down, and do not shake it.) Then, give it as long as possible to dry naturally before switching it back on – several days if you can.

The piece also debunks the theory that leaving your device in rice to absorb the liquid is a good idea; in reality, this can create unwanted humidity and is no better than exposure to the air in a dry place.

Apple doesn’t cover water damage as part of its warranty, so you may be looking at a hefty repair bill if your iPhone or iPad stops working after a splash. Still, if you have any problems it’s still worth making an appointment at an Apple Store to see what they can offer. Your options will vary depending on the exact device and circumstance so it’s worth a shot!