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Water or Liquid Damage

All too often KRCS see liquid damaged Apple products in our workshops. Liquid and electronics don’t mix particularly well, so here are a few tips that may save you from an expensive repair or loss of your data.



Tips for when the worst has already happened




What if I spill liquid on my MacBook?

This advice applies to liquid damaged MacBook, liquid damaged MacBook Air or liquid damaged MacBook Pro.


  • First and foremost, immediately shut down the machine and remove ALL power, this includes the battery if removable. The chances of a short occurring as the liquid continues to travel within your machine are greatly reduced by removing the power quickly.
  • Unplug ALL external devices such as hard drives; displays; keyboards etc.
  • Dry off all visible liquid with absorbent towel. If the spillage was primarily on the keyboard, flip the machine over and rest the keyboard face down on a towel. This can prevent the liquid from seeping further into the machine and causing damage to major components such as the main logic board.
  • Allow the machine to dry out for a significant period of time. We would recommend at least 96 hours but longer may be necessary depending upon the environment. Storing the machine in a warm, dry place such as an airing cupboard will help with the drying process.
  • When you are certain that the machine is dry, you can attempt to turn it on but we would recommend that you take it to your nearest KRCS Service Centre for a full inspection before you do.


What if I spill liquid on my iPhone, iPad or iPod?

iPhones from the iPhone 7 onwards have an IP67 rating meaning they can resist water at a maximum depth of 1 metre for up to 30 minutes. Later models from the iPhone XS onwards have an IP68 rating, meaning they are water resistant from a depth of 2 metres for up to 30 minutes. However, splash, water and dust resistance are not permanent conditions and resistance may decrease as a result of normal wear. Liquid damage is not covered under warranty, but you may have rights under consumer law.

This advice applies to liquid damaged iPhone, liquid damaged iPad or liquid damaged iPod.


  • Turn the device off immediately by holding down the power button and swiping the screen to power off.
  • Disconnect any accessories such as headphones and chargers.
  • Remove any case or enclosure right away as they can trap in the liquid.
  • Remove and dry the SIM card if one is installed.
  • Remove all visible liquid from the device with an absorbent towel, paying particular attention to the power button; volume buttons; mute switch, ports and speaker grill.
  • Allow the device to dry out for a significant period of time. Again we would recommend at least 96 hours but longer may be necessary. Storing the device in a warm, dry place such as an airing cupboard will help with the drying process.
  • When you are certain that the device is dry, you can attempt to turn it on but we would recommend that you take iPhone to your nearest KRCS Service Centre for a full internal inspection before you do. Internal inspection of iPad and iPod is not possible because they are sealed devices and qualified technicians will not break that seal.


What not to do after a liquid spillage


  • Do not try to turn your device on until it is completely dry.
  • Do not try to shake the liquid out, this will only spread the liquid around the device.
  • Do not use a hair dryer to dry the device, this will damage sensitive components and melt rubbers or plastics.


Will packing my device in rice help the drying process?

Yes, but it can cause more problems. Packing a liquid damaged device in rice will speed up the drying process, but we would only consider suggesting that technique for iPhones or other iOS devices where it is relatively easy to stop grains of rice entering the headphone jack and dock / lightning port, or can be extracted after the drying process.
We would not recommend the use of rice to aid the drying process for a liquid damaged MacBook. Whilst it may enhance the drying process, grains of rice will get into the keyboard and ports and can be difficult to extract without causing further damage.



Is Apple Watch waterproof?

The 1st generation Apple Watch and Apple Watch Series 1 are water and splash resistant (with an IPX7 rating) but not waterproof. 1st generation Apple Watches and Apple Watch Series 1 are suitable for use during exercising in the rain and they do not need to be removed whilst washing hands. Apple Watch Series 2 onwards are waterproof and may be used for shallow water activities like swimming in a pool or the sea. However, Apple Watch Series 2 or later should not be used for scuba diving, water skiing, or other activities involving high velocity or high-pressure water.

Showering with Apple Watch Series 2 or or later is ok, but it is not recommend to expose Apple Watch to soaps, shampoos, conditioners, lotions, and perfumes as they can negatively affect water seals and acoustic membranes. Apple Watch should be cleaned with fresh water and dried with a lint free-cloth if it comes in contact with anything other than fresh water.

Water resistance isn't a permanent condition and may diminish over time. Apple Watch cannot be resealed for water resistance. The following may affect the water resistance of your Apple Watch and should be avoided:


  • Dropping your Apple Watch or other impacts events
  • Exposing your Apple Watch to soap or soapy water (for example, while showering or bathing)
  • Exposing your Apple Watch to perfume, solvents, detergents, acids or acidic foods, insect repellent, lotions, sun cream, oil or hair dye
  • Exposing Apple Watch models other than Apple Watch Ultra to high-velocity water (for example, while water skiing)
  • Wearing Apple Watch while cliff diving or high diving
  • Wearing Apple Watch in a steam room
  • Wearing Apple Watch models other than Apple Watch Ultra in a sauna
  • Wearing Apple Watch Ultra in a sauna above 55°C (130°F)

Apple Watch Ultra has a water-resistance rating of 100 metres under ISO standard 22810:2010 and is EN13319-compliant, meaning it can be worn for recreational scuba diving to 40 metres (130 feet). Apple Watch Series 7 and later are rated IP6X dust resistant.

Not all bands are appropriate for water use. For example, Apple Watch leather bands aren't water resistant and shouldn't be exposed to liquids.



What if I submerge my first generation Apple Watch in water?

Follow similar guidance as above for iPhone


  • Turn your Apple Watch off, and remove the strap.
  • Remove excess liquid and allow to dry completely for at least 96 hours.
  • When Apple Watch is completely dry you can attempt to turn it on.


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