Is your iPad not responding after water exposure? Don’t give up just yet. You can still recover it by acting promptly. Start by shutting it down immediately. Then, remove all accessories, and dry your iPad with silica gel. Wait for 2 to 3 days until the moisture is fully absorbed, test it with a different charging cable, inspect the port for any signs of water, and try a force restart. These actions can help restore functionality if internal components are still intact. Moreover, visit an authentic repair shop for proper inspection.

Steps to Revive an iPad After Water Damage

Follow these easy troubleshooting steps to restore your iPad’s functionality without causing further harm after water damage.

1. Turn Off the Device Immediately

If you leave your iPad powered on after exposure, it could short-circuit internal components.

  • Power Off Your iPad: Tap and hold the ‘Home’ and ‘Volume’ buttons until the slider appears. Then, swipe the slider to shut down the device.

2. Disconnect Everything

Remove any cables, accessories, or connected devices immediately. Failing to do so can trap moisture or create electrical issues by allowing current to flow through wet connections.
Here’s What to Unplug:

  • Charging cable or adapter
  • Headphones or audio jack accessories
  • Cases or magnetic covers that could trap moisture

Do not plug anything back in until the iPad is completely dry.

3. Leave the iPad to Air Dry with Silica Gel for 48–72 Hours

Many people reach for rice, but silica gel is far more effective and cleaner. Unlike rice, silica gel doesn’t leave behind starch or debris that could clog internal parts.

  • Pack the iPad in a Dry Box or Container: Use an airtight container or ziplock bag and surround the iPad with silica gel packets (you can buy them at hardware stores, craft shops, or online).
  • Leave it for 48 to 72 Hours: The longer you wait, the more moisture it can absorb. Patience matters here.

Tip: Position the iPad with the charging port facing downward at a slight angle. This allows gravity to help drain any trapped water.

4. Inspect and Clean the Charging Port Carefully

Moisture and debris can block the port and prevent electrical contact.

  • Use a Flashlight: Check for water residue, lint, or corrosion inside the port.
  • Clean Gently: Use a soft toothbrush or dry cotton swab. Do not use metal tools or compressed air, as they can cause damage.
  • Let It Air Again: If the port feels damp, give it more drying time before plugging in.

5. Test Charging with Certified Accessories

Once the drying time is up, don’t just plug in your usual cable.

  • Use a Certified Cable and Adapter: Faulty or damaged cables can stop a functional iPad from powering on.
  • Test for Power: Plug in the iPad and allow it to charge for at least 15 minutes before attempting to power it on.
  • Watch for Charging Symbols: If the screen stays black, try another charging combo to rule out accessory failure.

6. Attempt a Force Restart After It’s Fully Dry

After drying and reconnecting, try a force restart if the device still shows no sign of life.

Force Restart Steps:

  • For an iPad with Face ID or Touch ID (no Home button), press and release Volume Up, then Volume Down, and press and hold the top button until the Apple logo appears.
  • For the iPad with the Home Button, press and hold the Home and Top buttons until you see the Apple logo.

This method can help clear any internal freezes during water exposure.

 4 Signs of Water Damage iPad

Not all damage is visible, but here are signs to look for:

  1. iPad Not Turning On at All: Even with a charge.
  2. Flickering or Ghost Touches: The screen reacts erratically.
  3. Corrosion or Discoloration: Around the charging port or SIM tray.
  4. Charging Issues: iPad won’t recognize a cable, or loses battery fast.

Apple also installs liquid contact indicators (LCIs) inside the device, which are visible to technicians. If triggered, these indicators change color.

When to Get Professional Help for iPad Water Damage Repair

If the iPad still won’t turn on after drying and restarting, you’re likely dealing with internal corrosion or component failure. 

Visit a Repair Shop When:

  • The screen stays black despite charging and a force restart.
  • iPad turns on briefly, then shuts down or flickers.
  • You notice heating, noise, or glitchy behavior during startup.

A trusted iPad repair technician can open the device, check for board damage, and, if necessary, perform data recovery or part replacement.

Conclusion

Recovering an iPad from water damage is possible if you act quickly and follow the correct steps. You may start by shutting it down, unplugging all accessories, and letting it air dry with silica gel for at least 48 hours. Once dry, test it using a different charging cable, inspect the port, and attempt a force restart. If it powers on, monitor it for unusual behaviors like random shutdowns, battery issues, or screen flickering.

However, if your iPad won’t turn on after water damage, even after following all the right steps, it may have internal damage. In that case, visit GadgetFix for a complete inspection and dedicated solution. Our technicians can diagnose the issue, recover your data if needed, and restore your iPad at an affordable price.