Water damage is one of the most common causes of malfunctioning iPhones. If your iPhone has been exposed to water, there are some steps you can take to try and repair it. However, the extent of the water damage and how long the iPhone was wet will determine whether it can be fixed or will need to be replaced.
Quick Answers
Here are some quick answers to common questions about water damaged iPhones:
- Turn off the iPhone immediately if it gets wet and don’t try to turn it back on. Leaving it on can short circuit it.
- Don’t try to charge it while it’s still wet. Only charge once completely dry.
- Don’t use a hairdryer or other heat source to dry it. This can damage the internal components.
- Disassemble the iPhone and dry out all components thoroughly before reassembling.
- Replace key components like the logic board if they got wet.
- A phone that was only briefly wet may work again once fully dried out.
- Water exposure for over 30 minutes likely caused irreparable damage.
- Salt water and chlorinated water are more corrosive and cause more damage than fresh water.
- iPhone water damage indicators will turn red if water entered the internal components.
Assessing the Water Damage
If your iPhone has gotten wet, the first step is to assess the extent of the water damage. This will help determine your next steps and whether attempting repair is worthwhile. Consider these factors:
- How wet did it get? Was it just splashed briefly or fully submerged? The more water exposure, the more likely there is serious damage.
- How long was it wet? The longer an iPhone sits in water, the further moisture can penetrate and corrode the internal components.
- What kind of water was it? Ultra-pure water causes less damage than tap water, which contains minerals. Salt water and chlorinated water from a pool are very corrosive.
- Which components got wet? Exposure limited to the exterior shell may just require thorough drying. But if water got inside, key components like the logic board are at risk.
- Are there signs of damage? Is the display glitching? Are ports or buttons not working? Any apparent damage is a bad sign.
An iPhone that was briefly splashed but immediately dried off may just need some time to dry out before working normally again. But extensive water damage for over 30 minutes likely caused irreparable damage to internal components.
Immediate Steps After Water Damage
If your iPhone has gotten wet, there are some immediate steps to take:
- Turn off the iPhone. Don’t try to turn it back on if it’s already off. Leaving it on can short circuit and damage components.
- Do not try to charge it. Never try to charge an iPhone while it is still wet. Only charge once it is fully dried out.
- Dry it off. Use a soft, lint-free cloth to gently blot up any water on the exterior of the iPhone.
- Do not use heat to dry. Avoid hairdryers, radiators, microwaves, or other heat sources which could damage internal components.
- Disconnect all cables and accessories. Remove any connected chargers, headphones, or other accessories so they don’t also get damaged.
- Allow it to air dry. Let the iPhone sit unplugged in a dry, ventilated area and allow time for any moisture inside to fully evaporate.
Following these steps right after water exposure gives an iPhone its best chance of coming back to life after drying out. Do not try turning it on before it has had time to completely dry internally – this could short circuit the iPhone.
Drying Out the iPhone
Once you’ve done the immediate steps after water damage, the next goal is to thoroughly dry out the iPhone’s internal components. Moisture inside can gradually corrode the logic board and other electronics. Here are some tips for drying:
- Disassemble the iPhone to expose all internal parts. Remove any waterproof sealings.
- Carefully blot any droplets of water off the logic board and other internals using a soft cloth.
- Let the iPhone components air dry completely for at least 24-48 hours.
- Place the disassembled parts on an absorbent cloth or paper towels to wick away moisture.
- Use a fan blowing room-temperature air to speed up drying time – but not heat.
- Check for any remaining dampness before reassembling the dried iPhone.
Be patient and allow sufficient time for the iPhone to dry out fully before attempting to turn it on again. Rushing the process risks short circuiting the logic board when moisture is still present.
Checking Water Damage Indicators
iPhones contain special internal indicators that are activated when water penetrates into the phone. Checking these can help determine if internal components got wet or just the exterior shell:
- Locate the water damage indicators – small white or pink stickers that turn red when wet.
- They are near cable connectors on the logic board and battery terminal.
- Red indicators means water reached internal components and caused damage.
- White or pink stickers mean the water exposure was likely limited to the exterior.
Water damage stickers can be triggered even by humidity over time, so they are not 100% definitive. But reddened indicators almost certainly mean internal water damage occurred and repairs may be difficult.
Replacing Water Damaged Components
If internal iPhone components like the logic board got wet, they may need to be replaced for the phone to work again. Some key components to consider replacing:
- Logic board – This controls all iPhone functions. Water can short circuit and corrode chips.
- Battery – Batteries exposed to water are at risk of short circuiting and overheating.
- Screen – Water can get under the screen and damage digitizer components.
- Cameras – Water can fog up lens and damage CCD and filter components.
- Speakers – Water exposure can degrade the sound quality from iPhone speakers.
Knowing which specific components had water exposure based on the water damage stickers can help pinpoint what parts potentially need replacement. In severe cases, it may require replacing most of the core components of the iPhone.
Logic Board Replacement
Replacing the logic board is often necessary for an iPhone with extensive water damage, since it controls all the device’s functions. Here is an overview of logic board replacement:
- Source a replacement logic board – find the correct part # for the specific iPhone model.
- Use a spudger tool to detach the logic board by unplugging connectors.
- Remove any adhesive holding the logic board in place inside the phone.
- Install the new logic board and reconnect all connectors.
- Confirm Touch ID/Face ID and other functions are restored.
Logic board replacement requires disassembling most of the iPhone and should only be attempted by experienced technicians. But it may be the only option if the original board is too damaged to function.
Cost of Replacing Components
Here is an overview of approximate costs to replace common iPhone components that may be damaged by water exposure:
| Component | Average Replacement Cost |
|---|---|
| Logic Board | $100 – $300 |
| Battery | $50 – $120 |
| Display Assembly | $140 – $330 |
| Rear Camera | $60 – $150 |
| Front Camera | $60 – $150 |
| Speakers | $15 – $50 |
Factor in these costs of potentially replacing components when deciding whether to repair or replace a water damaged iPhone. For extensive damage, the costs may approach the price of buying a used iPhone.
Water Damage Repair Costs
The total cost to repair an iPhone with water damage will depend on the specific work needed. Here are some averages:
- Minor repair of wet exterior only – $0 if DIY drying, $30-$70 at repair shop
- Internal component drying – $100-$200 if logic board intact
- Logic board level repair – $150-$350 depending on parts needed
- Very extensive component damage – Over $500
Based on these general repair costs ranges, determining whether to fix or replace your water damaged iPhone will depend on the following factors:
- Repair Cost – If approaching cost of a used iPhone, replacement may be better option
- Data Recovery – Repair may be worth attempting to salvage data and photos
- Age of iPhone – Older models may not be worth investing repair costs into
- Availability of Parts – Some very old iPhone models have scarce replacement parts
Especially for newer model iPhones like iPhone X or later, extensive water damage repair costs can climb high quickly. But for minor exposure, drying and component repair may be economical.
DIY Water Damage Repairs
Some iPhone water damage fixes can be attempted at home without professional repair tools or equipment:
- Drying – Follow guide’s recommend air drying steps
- Opening iPhone – Carefully open exterior screws and casing
- Wet cloth wipe down – Gently wipe logic board, connectors, battery
- Component detach – Remove SIM tray, unplug cables from logic board
However, many water damage repair steps do require professional tools and skill:
- Disassembling tiny components like cameras
- Microsoldering work on the logic board
- Bypassing any damaged security chips
- Reprogramming repaired devices
- Sealing iPhone waterproof gaskets after reassembly
Seeking a professional repair is recommended if internal iPhone components were significantly water damaged. But external drying can be DIY.
Professional Water Damage Repair Options
For iPhones with extensive water exposure, professional repair services may be able to fix devices DIY attempts can’t. Here are some options to consider:
- Local repair shops – Mail-in services and walk-in repair shops experienced with water damage.
- Apple Store – Genius Bar may attempt basic drying and repairs, but likely will recommend full replacement.
- Phone hospital – Specialty electronic repair clinics with proprietary drying chambers.
- Phone manufacturers – Major brands sometimes offer flat rate water damage repair options.
- Mail-in services – Companies like iCracked accept mailed-in damaged iPhones for diagnosis and repair.
Research multiple professional repair options in your area to compare reviews and pricing. Look for shops experienced specifically with water damaged device repairs.
Preventing iPhone Water Damage
While professional repairs are sometimes possible, the best approach is to prevent iPhone water damage from occurring in the first place. Here are some tips to keep your iPhone safe from liquids:
- Use an iPhone waterproof case for wet conditions like boating or snow.
- Avoid setting iPhone near sinks or leaving outside in rain.
- Never go swimming or take an iPhone in hot tub with you.
- Turn off iPhone and seal in ziplock bag if temporarily exposing to moisture.
- Keep drinks and other liquids away from iPhone when using near them.
- Use a moisture absorbing silica gel pack if storing an iPhone someplace humid.
Being cautious and prepared whenever using an iPhone in wet environments can help avoid costly water damage. Consider getting insurance that covers accidental water exposure as well.
Conclusion
Water exposure does not necessarily mean an iPhone is permanently beyond repair. For minor splashes that only externally wet the phone, letting the iPhone thoroughly air dry may allow it to work normally again. Even with internal moisture exposure, component-level repairs and replacements can often salvage the device. But costs quickly escalate for more involved water damage fixes, so at some point replacement becomes the more economical option. Carefully evaluate the iPhone model, repair costs, and data requirements when deciding whether to repair or replace a water damaged device. And investing in waterproofing preparations can help avoid the headache and cost of wet iPhone repairs altogether.