FAQ Online

How Do I Repair a Wet iPod?

It is inevitable that some iPods will have liquids spilt on them, that they will be thrown accidentally into the washer, or that they will somehow be found in the swimming pool at the end of a party. If you are one of the millions who own an iPod and it somehow gets wet, relax. There are several ways to get it working again.

First, no matter how your iPod became wet, there are some things that you can do to minimize the damage. The first is to turn the iPod off if it happens to be turned on. For most electronic devices, it is when electricity flows through wet components that damage occurs. The good news about most iPods is that they are ruggedly built, and there is very little space for water to collect. If you spilt some coffee or water on your iPod, shut it off and wipe it quickly before the liquid has a chance to penetrate the device.

Now that your iPod has been turned off, the immediate danger is over. You can now start the drying process. Generally speaking, you should allow the device to dry for at least 24 hours. However, if the device got wet in the rain for a short time, a couple of hours should do the trick. For devices that became absolutely soaked - submerged in a pool or deposited in your washing machine - you should first wait a day before turning on the unit. If the unit does not work or works partially, there are three options to get it working again. They include the following:

• Exchange it or have it repaired by Apple.
• Try to repair it on your own.
• Send it to a specialist who fixes iPods damaged by water.

Exchange It or Have It Repaired by Apple

Your iPod comes with a warranty; in addition, many consumers also opt for an extended service agreement as a precaution. However, it should be noted that the Apple warranty does not cover iPods that were damaged by water. If you bought an extended warranty from a third party, you will have to find out whether it covers water damage. If it does, then you are in the clear, but if it doesn’t, then you are out of luck. Some sneaky iPod owners wait for their unit to completely dry out and then try to return it to an Apple store or outlet. Often, you might be able to get a replacement or have your iPod repaired free of charge. However, Apple employs smart technicians and assistants, who may be able to figure out how your iPod got damaged.

Repair Your Water-Damaged iPod on Your Own

Because your warranty does not cover water damage, you can try to fix the unit by opening it up and trying to dry it out completely. One way to totally dry out your iPod is the Rice Method. Although it is not guaranteed to work, it’s well worth a shot.

The Rice Method

Take apart your iPod as best you can. This means opening it up, removing the battery, and gently wiping the parts with a cotton swab and alcohol. Once all the parts have been separated, put them in a plastic bag with dry, uncooked rice. Leave these items in the dry rice for about 24 to 48 hours. It is also a good idea to keep the bag in a dry, warm environment. Once the time has elapsed, put your iPod back together and see if it works.

Send It to a Specialist Who Fixes Water-Damaged iPods

If Apple is not an option for fixing your iPod or if the Rice Method didn’t work, there are businesses out there that specialize in repairing iPods - even those damaged by water. Two specialists you might want to contact are methodshop.com and rapidrepair.com. Obviously, the chances of success depend on the degree of water damage your iPod has suffered, but if it turns out that your iPod can be easily fixed, it would have been well worth the money and effort.

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