iPhone 4 water damage

Hey, thanks in advance to anyone who can help. Long story short, iPhone 4 (16Gb) got wet. Instantly turned it off and it seemed to do this. Gave it a quick blowdry on low heat (definitely not too hot!) and have sealed it with silica gel packets in a plastic bag. After a few hours I checked it - would not turn on. Tried a hard reset by holding down lock and home button for 10+ seconds with no luck. However it is recognised when plugged into my PC and have restored it via iTunes - no luck regarding the screen. Phone recognises being plugged in to a charger or PC as it vibrates when this happens. If anyone has any ideas about what to do please help as don't really want to pay 127 pounds this close to christmas! Regards. EDIT: To clarify the issue, the screen does not respond at all (remains black). have tried calling and goes to one ring before voicemail.

Hi, sorry to hear of the problems with your phone.
If it was pure water (uncontaminated, no sugar etc) there is a slight chance that it could be "ressurected"……although tap water contains many salts and particulates………. the light blow dry is a really bad idea……….as this can make matters worse…….. .
However you said;

After a few hours I checked it - would not turn on

This is far…. far……. too early to even try it…… after dying as much as you can, removing any parts you can get at and drying any removable components and their locations, its important to allow at least 48 hours before attempting to switch it on……..
I reckon its best to send it back to the repair centre that deals with your particular model….. Do you have insurance on it?

Its worth leaving it with either silica gel or lots of dried rice…….in a warmish dry place but with a good air flow for another 48 hrs…….. but don't hold your breath….
Regards
paws

Thanks for the quick reply paws. I dont have insurance, so will take it to the O2 shop and see what they say on tuesday. Would you say that if it's not turned on by then then it probably wont? Thanks

Yes you can try it again on Tues ie after a dry out of 48 hrs…….. but in any event it will need a strip down, clean and rebuild if it is ever to provide longer term reliable performance….. The O2 office/shop should be able to advise but if it won't start after a 48 hr dry out then its likely bad news… Sorry Regards paws

The problem with any of today's small portable electronics is turning them off does not stop the current flow from the battery, especially if there is water on the contacts. The first thing to do when something like that gets wet is yank the battery out and leave it out for couple days until 200% certain all is dry - but even then, the damage may have already been done.

as don't really want to pay 127 pounds this close to christmas!

Don't blame you. While I am not a fan of extended warranties, for Smartphones, tablets and notebooks they often support drops and spills too.

Hey, thanks paws and Digerati. UPDATE: iPhone is magically alive. water still under screen but slowly being drawn out with silica gel pads. Topic can be closed by and admin? Thanks.

Well, most of those desiccants are to absorb and keep humidity from condensing and collecting in electronics - not absorb puddles of water. Many can be rejuvenated by putting them in a warm 170 - 200°F oven for many hours. Unless yours are specifically for drying up spills, you may need to do that. In any case, I would still advise against using it until you see no traces of moisture. I personally think it is a bad idea to have the battery in there when you can still see water.