iPhone 3GS got wet, not working properly.

Probably too late to save it because you used it after it got wet.

You can take it to the Apple Store, and they'll let you buy a new one for $199. It's possible that they won't charge you, but their policy is to charge.

Sucks dude. Next time use a ziploc

Stop using it and dry it out totally in a bag of rice for a few days. If it still has the screen problem, you “might” be able to replace only the screen and be okay. Otherwise, pay $199, like Surely wrote.

-aggie- said:

Stop using it and dry it out totally in a bag of rice for a few days. If it still has the screen problem, you “might” be able to replace only the screen and be okay. Otherwise, pay $199, like Surely wrote.

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The impression I have is that if you use it after it gets wet, it's too late for the rice method. No?

Surely said:

The impression I have is that if you use it after it gets wet, it's too late for the rice method. No?

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Not always; it depends on how wet the iPhone got in the first place. As usual with these things though, your mileage may vary.

As you suggest, tho - it's not rocket science to realise that it's never a good idea to turn on and attempt to use any soaked device (no matter how tempting it might be) without first taking steps to thoroughly dry the device - i.e. the rice method.

The OP should refrain from using the device for the next couple of days while it dries out completely.

RTP.

you can replace your screen for ~$20. use ifixit for instructions.

http://shop.ebay.com/i.html?_nkw=iphone+3gs+lcd+display

RodThePlod said:

Not always; it depends on how wet the iPhone got in the first place. As usual with these things though, your mileage may vary.

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Oh, of course. I guess I was referring to the type of situation that the OP is in, not if it gets just a bit wet and no symptoms occur like the OP is describing.

As you suggest, tho - it's not rocket science to realise that it's never a good idea to turn on and attempt to use any soaked device (no matter how tempting it might be) without first taking steps to thoroughly dry the device - i.e. the rice method.

The OP should refrain from using the device for the next couple of days while it dries out completely.

RTP.

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Yeah, that's what he should have done. Hopefully he'll be one of the lucky ones and it'll still work, but it's doubtful.

Skrillex said:

What is that rice method thing? How do I do that? Thanks

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See that bag of rice you have in the cupboard? Plonk your iPhone into it. Don't shake it up or you'll risk rice going down the headphone jack. Just place your iPhone in the bag and seal it.

Then just leave it for a few days - if you're in a sunny place, leave it where it can benefit from the sun, but obviously be sensible about this.

The rice will draw out the moisture from the phone.

After three or four days, power it up while keeping your fingers crossed if your phone was *really* soaked, you might have to leave it for longer.

Bonus points: if your iPhone works after its ordeal, use the rice to make a celebratory meal!

RTP.

Does water damage look like this on an iPhone screen?

flyingninjas said:

you can replace your screen for ~$20.

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Do you think this problem shown in the picture below was water damage that can be likewise repaired for $20?




More details and pictures are in this thread trying to find out (unsuccessfully) what the problem is and what the likely resolution should be.

If it's simple water damage, that I can understand.