iPod got wet, how do i fix it?

User or moisture damage isn't covered under the manufacturers 1 year warranty, so most likely you'll have to buy a new one, if you don't have any insurance that would cover it.

I'm reluctant to help you out since you get snippy when people reply to you, but anyway:

Since you've already turned it on and are experiencing problems, it's quite likely that damage has already been done, but you can try putting the iPod into a bag of uncooked rice for a few days and see if that dries it out. DO NOT use salt in any form nor a hairdryer (a hairdryer would to nothing for the interior of the iPod and could damage the screen).

If after a few days in the bag of rice you still have problems, then there will be nothing else we can say that you don't already know.

I would advise you to remember that no one here owes you one second of their time, so if someone replies, even with information you already know (and if you do, it helps if you say so up front), be grateful that someone took the time to reply, thank them, and clarify your question and politely ask for additional suggestions. Being snippy is a good way to just get your posts ignored.

Message was edited by: Dave Sawyer; corrected typo

The suggestion I've given is the only way you're going to have a chance of drying your iPod out other than a bag of silica gel, more effective but something not easily obtainable for the average user, or taking your iPod apart to dry it out. There are no other practical options.

If the bag of rice fails, then you know what to do from there.

Question - can I eat the rice afterwards?

Up to you. I wouldn't.

jesus christ thanks Julian, you must be a barrel of laughs
does anybody have any useful information that I didn't already know?

And you must be a tw@t if that's your attitude.

I got this idea from a blog:

Do not attempt to turn your iPod back on right away

It’s not so much the water that damages electronics, but the short that can happen if you power them on when they are still wet. Keep it off until you know it’s totally dry.

Remove all peripherals from the device

Take the case off, headphones and any other items that might be attached to your iPod.

Use a vacuum

Take then handheld part of a vacuum cleaner and run it around the device. Try to get as much of the water out of it as possible. DO NOT use an item like a blow dryer. That will only force air into other areas of your iPod and may cause more damage.

Leave the device in a well ventilated area

Place the device face up in an area where the water will evaporate out of it. What I like to do is put it in front of a low running fan. Leave it there for at least 3 days, longer if it’s really saturated.


I don't know if this will help if the unit is soaked well and if it was in water for a long time. Please do tell if the idea helps. Thanks! 🙂

Do not attempt to turn your iPod back on right away

Too late, he/she already did.

Use a vacuum

Iffy advice. Use of a vacuum cleaner has the potential to do damage to the unit, not only from suction but from the potential to build up a static electricity charge which could completely ruin the iPod. I definitely would not recommend such a procedure.

Place the device face up in an area where the water will evaporate out of it. What I like to do is put it in front of a low running fan

Putting the unit in a bag of rice will do more to draw out and absorb moisture than just leaving the unit sitting out, even with a fan over it.

Regards.

Message was edited by: Dave Sawyer

Thanks for the clarification. 🙂

Just a follow-up question:

How long would one need to place the unit in the bag of rice? I'm guessing that it would depend on how soaked it was. Can you suggest a ball park figure? Thanks!

The usual recommendation is several days.

I think my iPod got a bit damp at the weekend - someone spilt a drink on it.

If it was not plain water, chances are greater it may not work correctly/at all since whatever was in the drink will be all over the circuit board/components and make it more likely to grunge it up or short it out.

@Dave Sawyer "The suggestion I've given is the only way you're going to have a chance of drying your iPod out other than a bag of silica gel, more effective but something not easily obtainable for the average user..."

I think silica gel can be obtained from shoe stores, when you buy a new pair of shoes sometimes there is silica gel packs in it to keep them fresh.

@manila_ipodtouch "It’s not so much the water that damages electronics, but the short that can happen if you power them on when they are still wet..."

Correct because water doesn't necessarily damage electronics, it is just a superconductor of electricity so it provides a surge of energy which shorts the components out

My suggestion is that if you are seriously stuck here and you really want the iPod to work, (and you also have an understanding of electronics and the inside of the iTouch) then you could purchase a new display piece for it and replace the other one. From your description, the touchscreen isn't working so the new display should fix that problem. The issue now is finding the other components that the water affected.

You need new silica gel packets to dry out electronics, the one in the shoe box will not work.

If the drink that was spilled on it had sugar, fruit, or salt I would recommend selling the Touch for spare parts and buying a new one.

I think silica gel can be obtained from shoe stores, when you buy a new pair of shoes sometimes there is silica gel packs in it to keep them fresh.

Those little silica packs are also almost certainly too small to be very effective in drawing moisture out of an electronic device.