To recover data from a water-damaged iPhone, you can restore the data from a previous backup or use a third-party data recovery tool. The device itself may be permanently damaged by the water, but there are indeed some things you can try to save it.
While I thankfully haven’t dropped my phone in the water before or had water damage it in another way, I know plenty of people who have.
One of the first things people think and worry about when they have a water-damaged phone is “can my data be saved?”. Most people have a lot on their phones and would hate to see it all get lost along with the device itself.
In an effort to help, this guide is going to go over a few methods to try and recover data from a water-damaged iPhone that won’t turn on.
Contents
Key Takeaways
- The first way to recover data from a water-damaged device or another one that won’t turn on is to restore from a backup. Of course, in order to restore from a backup you need to have a backup created.
- You can also try to use a third-party data recovery tool in order to bring the data back in some cases. Make sure to consider their reviews and reputation before choosing which one to work with.
- While the device could be too damaged to save, there is a chance you may be able to save it by drying it off, leaving it in rice, and keeping it somewhere warm for a while.
Solution 1: Restore from a Backup
The first way to recover data from a device that has water damage is to restore the data from a backup. On your new phone, follow the steps to set up your device until you reach the Transfer Your Apps & Data screen.
On this screen, choose From iCloud Backup and then sign into iCloud with your Apple ID. Next, you need to choose the backup that you want to restore from, by looking at the date and size to identify which is correct.
After selecting the right backup, a progress bar will soon appear and show how much longer you have until the restoration is complete. Make sure to remain connected to Wifi this entire time, and once it’s done, you’ll once again have all the right apps and data on the device.
Of course, in order to restore from a backup, you need to have one created. It is a good idea to create a backup, even if you have no need for one right now. That way, if anything bad happens, you are protected and don’t need to worry.
To create a backup, simply go to Settings > Your Name > iCloud > iCloud Backup > Back Up Now. In addition to being backed up once, turning on iCloud Backup means your backup will be updated daily, as long as you have the iCloud storage space for it.
Solution 2: Use Third-Party Data Recovery Software
Another option is to use iPhone data recovery software to restore data. There are many options out there, some of which are free to use and others have a cost. There is no right or wrong answer, and simply do your research to see which one is best for you.
Make sure to check out reviews, learn about the reputation of the tool, and make sure it has the features you need.
Can You Save a Water-Damaged Phone?
While these tips can help you save the data from your water-damaged device, is there any way to save the iPhone itself? Thankfully, there are a few things to try. First of all, you want to gently wipe the exterior of the phone with a clean/dry cloth to remove as much water as you can.
Next, you should aim to put the phone in a place that is warm and dry in order to let the water that still remains in the device evaporate. Of course, make sure the place you put the phone doesn’t get too hot, as too much heat can potentially damage the device.
Another population method to try and dry out is by putting in uncooked rice or with some silica gel packets. These absorb water and can help get water out that you may not be able to see and wipe off.
Of course, these can all be helpful and may work, but won’t save your device 100% of the time. There is no surefire way to save a phone that has been damaged by the water, but it can’t hurt to try and see what happens.
If you want to prevent your device from getting water damage in the future, make an effort to be careful with it around pools, the lake, your bathtub, and even when it’s raining heavily outside. Also, be careful where you store/set down the device, and consider using a waterproof case.
Also, keep in mind that if your phone is water-resistant, that doesn’t mean water can’t damage it. Sure, a few drops won’t do much, but if you submerge the device, especially for a long period of time, it can still get damaged.
Final Thoughts
Getting water damage on your iPhone can be an awful experience. Not only is your device itself at risk of not working, but all the important data and information you have on it could be lost forever if you’re not careful.
I hope this guide has helped you learn a few ways to recover data from a water-damaged device, and some things you can try in order to save the device itself.
Have you ever gotten water damage on your phone? If so, tell me the story in a comment below!
