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Washed my iPhone 7 and now having motion-sensor problems.

Ertan

Ertan

macrumors member
Original poster
Sep 29, 2015
45
23
I washed my iPhone 7 under running water with some soap. Now, Apple Health claims I climbed 60 flights in a day (I only climbed 3 or 4), and my walking steps are multiplied by 1.5 (compared to my friend's phone).

Obviously it's a problem with water and barometer vent. I tried blow dryer to no avail. This problem occured this summer and lasted for a few months, I didn't know it was because of washing the phone, because I thought iPhone 7 is water resistant to some degree.

How do I remove the moisture? I don't want to leave it in a pile of rice for days.
 
Ertan said:
I washed my iPhone 7 under running water with some soap. Now, Apple Health claims I climbed 60 flights in a day (I only climbed 3 or 4), and my walking steps are multiplied by 1.5 (compared to my friend's phone).

Obviously it's a problem with water and barometer vent. I tried blow dryer to no avail. This problem occured this summer and lasted for a few months, I didn't know it was because of washing the phone, because I thought iPhone 7 is water resistant to some degree.

How do I remove the moisture? I don't want to leave it in a pile of rice for days.
Click to expand...

The iPhone 7 is water resistant, but it's not a guarantee, it's just an added protection layer. I would never suggest washing your phone underwater. A slightly damp microfiber cloth is all you should ever need.

Also, a blow dryer would not necessarily be the best option either, because the air can actually force the water further into the phone near the speaker area or lightning port.

You're limited in options of what you can do with the moisture aside from the rice, if you have access to silica packets that are found in shoeboxes, those are also helpful as well.
 
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Relentless Power said:
The iPhone 7 is water resistant, but it's not a guarantee, it's just an added protection layer. I would never suggest washing your phone underwater. A slightly damp microfiber cloth is all you should ever need.

Also, a blow dryer would not necessarily be the best option either, because the air can actually force the water further into the phone near the speaker area or lightning port.

You're limited in options of what you can do with the moisture aside from the rice, if you have access to silica packets that are found in shoeboxes, those are also helpful as well.
Click to expand...
This is correct. Also, soapy water more easily enters "water resistant" devices.
 
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Leave it in a bag of desiccants to dry it out. The iPhone 7 is IP67 water-resistant, but I'm not sure how that does against soap.
 
Honestly, rice or other desiccants won't make a difference here.

If water got inside the phone, then as it evaporated it left behind mineral deposits on the logic board and that is what is causing the problems. Ideally, this device needs to be opened up and the logic board properly decontaminated in an ultrasonic bath, then rinsed in 99% IPA. It may not solve the problem and it may ultimately require some micro-soldering repairs but that is the first step that must be taken.
 
This has to be a joke right? No one REALLY washes their electronic devices under water and with soap, then uses a blow dryer to dry it right? For some reason I don't believe op.
 
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Now why would you do a thing like that? Yes, it's water resistant but that doesn't mean it's waterproof. Water can still get in and it's still an electrical device.
 
Minho said:
Honestly, rice or other desiccants won't make a difference here.

If water got inside the phone, then as it evaporated it left behind mineral deposits on the logic board and that is what is causing the problems. Ideally, this device needs to be opened up and the logic board properly decontaminated in an ultrasonic bath, then rinsed in 99% IPA. It may not solve the problem and it may ultimately require some micro-soldering repairs but that is the first step that must be taken.
Click to expand...

I always rinse my logic boards in a good IPA. I prefer Sierra Nevada.
 
Next time just put it in the dishwasher, much more efficient and no worries it's water-resistant. ;)
 
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