How to Use Water Eject on iPhone

Water eject shortcuts use the iPhone’s speaker to push water out of the charging port and speaker grilles after a splash or dunk. This guide walks you through the two main ways to run one: using Apple’s built-in Shortcuts app or a dedicated water-eject app. You don’t need any tools, and the whole process takes about a minute.

What You’ll Need

An iPhone running iOS 15 or later (for the Shortcuts method).
The Shortcuts app (pre-installed on iPhone, but can be re-downloaded free from the App Store if removed).
A towel or soft cloth.
Optional: a third-party water eject app from the App Store if you prefer a one-tap solution.

Step-by-Step

Method 1: Using the Shortcuts App (Free, No Extra Downloads)

Dry the outside first. Gently wipe the iPhone with a soft, lint-free cloth. Do not plug anything in, and do not try to charge it yet.
Open the Shortcuts app. Tap the Shortcuts icon on your home screen. If you don’t see it, swipe down and search for “Shortcuts.”
Tap the “+” in the top right corner. This creates a new shortcut.
Tap “Add Action.” Use the search bar at the top and type “water eject.”
Select the “Water Eject” action. It appears as a blue icon with a water drop. If you don’t see it, make sure your iPhone is updated to the latest iOS version.
Tap the blue play button (▶) at the bottom of the screen. This runs the shortcut immediately. You’ll hear a series of low-frequency tones coming from the speaker grille.
Hold the iPhone with the speaker facing down. Keep it tilted at about a 45-degree angle while the tones play. The vibrations help dislodge water droplets.
Wait for the sound to finish. The shortcut typically plays for 10–20 seconds. After it stops, tap the screen to dismiss the shortcut editor.
Test the speaker. Play a song or a video to see if the sound is clear. If it still sounds muffled, repeat the shortcut once more.

Method 2: Using a Water Eject App

Open the App Store and search for “water eject” or “speaker cleaner.”
Choose a reputable app with good ratings and reviews. Many are free with ads; some offer a one-time in-app purchase to remove ads.
Download and open the app. Grant permission if it asks to access the microphone or speaker.
Tap the “Start” or “Eject Water” button. The app will play a similar low-frequency tone.
Keep the speaker facing down and hold the phone steady until the app finishes its cycle.
Wipe away any water that drips out with a dry cloth.

Common Mistakes

Using rice. Rice does not effectively dry an iPhone and can leave dust in the port. Skip it.
Charging too soon. Plugging in a wet iPhone can cause a short circuit. Wait at least 30 minutes after the water eject cycle before charging.
Running the shortcut while the phone is face-up. Water needs gravity to escape. Always point the speaker down.
Using a hairdryer or compressed air. Forced air can push water deeper into the device. Never do this.
Repeating the shortcut too many times. Two or three cycles are enough. Overdoing it can strain the speaker.

Tips

Add the shortcut to your home screen. In the Shortcuts app, tap the three dots on the shortcut, then tap the share icon and select “Add to Home Screen.” This gives you one-tap access next time.
Use the shortcut before the water dries. The faster you run it, the more water it can remove.
Combine with a gentle tap. While the tone plays, lightly tap the side of the iPhone with your finger to help dislodge stubborn droplets.
Keep a shortcut in your Control Center. You can add the shortcut to Control Center for even faster access. Go to Settings > Control Center > Customize Controls, then add Shortcuts.
Know your iPhone’s water resistance. Most modern iPhones are rated IP68, meaning they can survive a splash or a brief dunk. But that rating fades over time and doesn’t cover all scenarios.

Troubleshooting

No sound plays when I run the shortcut. Make sure your iPhone’s volume is turned up and the mute switch is off. If the speaker is completely clogged, the sound may be too faint to hear. Try running it again with the volume at maximum.

Water still appears in the port after the cycle. Run the shortcut one more time. If it still doesn’t help, leave the iPhone in a dry, warm place (not in direct sunlight) for several hours. The water will eventually evaporate.

The shortcut action doesn’t appear. This action is built into iOS 15 and later. If you’re on an older version, update your iPhone or use a third-party app instead.

My iPhone shows a “Liquid Detected” warning. This is a safety feature. Do not override it by trying to charge. Run the water eject shortcut, then wait until the warning disappears (it can take a few hours). If it persists for more than 24 hours, contact Apple Support.

The speaker sounds fine, but the microphone is muffled. Water can also collect in the microphone grille. There is no dedicated eject for the mic, but you can try running the water eject shortcut anyway—the vibrations may help. Or, gently tap the phone against your palm to shake out droplets.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Will water eject damage my iPhone?
A: No. The shortcut plays a low-frequency tone that is safe for the speaker. It’s designed to vibrate water out without harming components.

Q: How long should I run the water eject?
A: Each cycle is typically 10–20 seconds. Running it 2–3 times is enough. Don’t run it repeatedly for minutes on end.

Q: Can I use water eject if my iPhone isn’t wet?
A: Yes, it’s harmless. Some people use it to clean dust out of the speaker grille. But it’s not necessary.

Q: Does water eject work for seawater or chlorinated water?
A: It can help remove the water, but salt or chlorine residue may remain. After ejecting, gently rinse the phone with fresh water (if it’s water-resistant) and dry it thoroughly.

Q: Is there a way to eject water from the charging port specifically?
A: The water eject shortcut primarily targets the speaker, but the vibrations also help move water out of the port. You can also gently insert a dry, soft toothpick or a SIM ejector tool wrapped in a tissue to wick away visible droplets—never use metal.

Q: What if my iPhone won’t turn on after getting wet?
A: Do not attempt to charge or press buttons. Leave it in a dry place for 24–48 hours, then try turning it on. If it still doesn’t respond, contact Apple Support or a repair professional.

General steps for current mainstream versions; menus can differ by device and version. See the disclaimer or report an error.

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