How to Use Apple's Siri to Remove Water from Your iPhone - Here’s How
Show key points
- The Water Eject shortcut can be used via Siri to expel water from iPhone speakers if they get wet.
- The water ejection function works by playing a specific tone that helps to push water out of the speaker using vibrations.
- This feature is compatible with iPhones running iOS 12 or newer, such as the iPhone 7 and later models.
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- To activate Water Eject, download the shortcut from the Shortcuts library and install it on the device.
- Although effective, this method isn't guaranteed as a replacement for repairs from severe water damage.
- Steps to activate Water Eject include downloading it online, adding it to the Shortcuts app, and activating it via Siri or manually.
- Most modern iPhones are somewhat water-resistant, but they are not completely waterproof and water might penetrate through the ports.
Did your iPhone take an unexpected swim? With a little help from Siri, you may be able to remove water from it and avoid an expensive repair bill. Here’s how you can do it.
Water and Electronics Don't Mix Well
It’s no secret that water and electronics don’t mix. Given how many people carry their smartphones everywhere, it’s inevitable that phones will suffer the occasional bump, scratch, drop, or splash.
Most modern smartphones offer some level of water resistance; newer iPhones, for example, have an IP68 rating against dust and water ingress. Still, they are not waterproof, and water can get into your iPhone through ports and speaker grilles if it’s splashed or submerged.
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You might already know about using rice or silica packets to absorb moisture from a wet phone. What you may not know is that there’s a trick you can use on your iPhone to help expel water, with a little help from Siri, Apple’s voice assistant.
Whether your phone has already gone for a swim and you need immediate help, or you want another tool in iOS’s toolkit, keep reading to learn how to expel water from your iPhone.
Which iPhone Models Can Expel Water?
There are plenty of iPhone tricks that can simplify your iOS experience, and new methods appear with many firmware updates. The "Water Eject" function works on any iPhone running iOS 12 or later. Since iOS 12 was released in 2018, that includes most modern iPhones, so you’re likely able to set up and use Water Eject in the Shortcuts app.
What is the Water Eject Function?
The Water Eject function is designed to help you quickly remove water from your iPhone’s speaker. Water damage can be a serious problem, and this function aims to prevent moisture from causing long-term issues.
How does it work? When you activate Water Eject, Siri plays a specific tone meant to push water out of the speaker. The sound’s vibrations can help expel any water trapped inside the speaker grille.
Water Eject is available on iPhone models that have stereo speakers and water-resistant designs—covering iPhone 7 and later. To use it, download the shortcut and add it to the Shortcuts app. Here’s how.
How to Expel Water from Your Phone Using Siri Shortcuts
It may sound odd to call on Siri, but Apple’s voice assistant can help remove water from a slightly drenched iPhone. To set up and use Water Eject in Shortcuts, follow these steps:
1. On your iPhone’s web browser, download the Water Eject shortcut from the Shortcuts gallery.
2. Tap the "Add Shortcut" button when it appears. This opens the Shortcuts app on your iPhone. New iPhones include the app by default; if you don’t have it, download it from the App Store. The Water Eject shortcut will then be installed.
3. That’s all there is to it. You can now use Water Eject on your iPhone. If you’d like, customize the shortcut by adding actions or adjusting settings in the Shortcuts menu. When you’re done, tap "Done" to save your changes.
4. To activate Water Eject with Siri, say "Hey Siri, run Water Eject," or open the Shortcuts app and tap Water Eject. Then tap "Start Water Ejection" when prompted.
Remember that the Water Eject shortcut is not a guaranteed fix for water damage and may not work in every situation. If your iPhone was fully submerged or exposed to moisture for a long time, seek professional help to ensure the device is thoroughly dried and to address any potential water damage.