What causes water damage in an iPhone?
The iPhone 11, like most smartphones, can sustain water damage if exposed to moisture. The main causes of an iPhone getting wet include:
- Accidental water spills – Dropping the phone in water, spilling a drink on it, etc.
- Using the phone in the rain without protection
- Splashes of water – From washing hands, doing dishes, etc.
- Condensation buildup – When moving from cold to warm/humid environments
- Submerging the phone in water – Like dropping it in the pool, toilet, or bathtub
When any liquid gets inside the iPhone, it can cause short circuits and corrosion on the logic board and other internal components. The severity of water damage depends on the amount of water exposure. Quick splashes may only cause minor issues, while submerging the iPhone can completely fry its circuits.
What types of water damage can occur in an iPhone 11?
An iPhone 11 exposed to moisture can experience several types of water damage, including:
- Liquid contact indicators (LCI) triggered – Small paper-like stickers inside the phone that change color when wet.
- Short circuits – Water bridging connections and causing shorts, preventing power flow.
- Corrosion buildup – Minerals in the water causing oxidation on metal components.
- Debris deposits – Dirt, silt, etc. from the water leaving behind deposits.
- Battery issues – Water reaching the battery can cause odd battery behaviors.
- Logic board failure – The main electronics board can short out and stop working.
- Display damage – Water seeping under the screen can distort touch input.
- Speaker/microphone failure – Water in the speakers/mics can muffle sounds.
The extent of the damage depends on how quickly the phone is dried out and cleaned after getting wet. Fast action can minimize the damage, while letting it sit can cause more extensive corrosion.
Can you fix a water-damaged iPhone 11 yourself?
It is possible to fix an iPhone 11 with light water damage yourself, but only if you act quickly before corrosion sets in. Here are some DIY steps you can take if your iPhone got wet:
- Dry it off immediately – Use a soft cloth to wipe away any excess moisture.
- Do not charge it – Charging can cause short circuits.
- Disassemble the phone – Remove SIM card, case, screen, battery, etc.
- Dry out the interior – Use compressed air to blow out any droplets.
- Place in rice – Rice can absorb residual moisture overnight.
- Check for debris – Clean out any dirt/deposits left behind.
- Check LCI indicators – Inspect the water damage stickers.
The key is to dry the iPhone as quickly and thoroughly as possible. However, if it was fully submerged or has been wet for a long time, it likely requires professional repair. DIY fixes cannot fully clean corrosion or fix a shorted logic board.
When should you get professional iPhone water damage repair?
It’s best to get professional iPhone water damage repair if any of the following apply:
- The phone was fully submerged in water
- It has been wet for over an hour
- You tried DIY repairs but it still does not work properly
- The LCI indicators show full water exposure
- It was exposed to liquids other than fresh water
- It shows signs of serious corrosion
- It powers on but the display is distorted/flickering
- It powers on but speakers/microphone do not work
Professional repair specialists have tools to fully disassemble the iPhone, clean out every component, diagnose issues, and perform microsoldering repairs. They can also spot problems you may miss and properly seal the phone afterward. For severe water damage, DIY is risky and professional repair is recommended.
What are the costs for professional iPhone 11 water damage repair?
The cost for professional iPhone 11 water damage repair varies based on the extent of the damage:
- Minor cleaning/drying: $50 – $100
- Logic board repair: $150 – $350
- Full phone refurbishment: Up to $500+
Here are some examples of iPhone 11 water damage issues and typical repair costs:
| Repair Type | Sample Issue | Average Cost |
| Basic cleaning | Dried quickly, LCI indicators unchanged | $50 – $100 |
| Component-level repair | Speaker or charging port corroded | $100 – $150 |
| Logic board repair | Powers on intermittently after spill | $150 – $350 |
| Full refurbishment | Submerged for over 5 minutes | $350 – $500+ |
Keep in mind third-party/independent repair shops often charge less than Apple or carriers like Verizon and AT&T. Shop around to find a reputable repair shop offering competitive pricing.
How do professionals repair an iPhone with water damage?
Professional iPhone water damage repair involves a meticulous multi-step process. The key stages include:
- Diagnostic testing – Identifying which components are damaged.
- Disassembly – Taking apart the phone to access internals.
- Cleaning – Removing corrosion, minerals, deposits.
- Component-level repair – Fixing/replacing damaged parts.
- Microsoldering – Reworking damaged solder joints on logic board.
- Water resistance restoration – Re-applying waterproof seals.
- Reassembly – Putting the phone back together.
- Function testing – Verifying everything works properly.
The process requires opening up the phone without damaging any of the delicate components inside. Professionals have specialized tools and equipment to safely disassemble iPhones and thoroughly clean out every trace of moisture. They then use microsoldering tools to repair corrosion damage on the logic board and restore any damaged components or interfaces. Finally, the phone is carefully reassembled with new water-resistant gaskets and adhesives.
Can a phone be fully waterproofed after water damage?
While iPhones cannot be made 100% waterproof, professional repair specialists can restore their factory water resistance in many cases. Here are some ways they can re-waterproof an iPhone after fixing water damage:
- Replacing the water-damage LCI stickers with new intact ones
- Re-applying waterproof adhesive around the display, buttons, ports, etc.
- Installing new water-resistant gaskets around openings like the SIM card slot
- Sealing any openings made to access inner components during repair
- Testing for proper seal integrity in a vacuum chamber
When done properly, these steps can restore an IP67 or IP68 ingress protection rating on water damaged iPhones. However, the water resistance may still be somewhat diminished compared to brand new condition. Avoid deliberately submerging the phone again after repair.
Should you get AppleCare+ for your iPhone?
Getting AppleCare+ extended warranty for your iPhone is a good idea if you want extra coverage for water damage incidents. Here are some key benefits AppleCare+ provides:
- Covers up to two incidents of accidental damage from handling, including water damage
- Reduces water damage repair fees – $99 for screen or back glass, $299 other damage
- Extended warranty period (1-2 years extra coverage)
- Access to Apple support channels for troubleshooting
- Mail-in and carry-in repair options
- Hardware coverage for defects/battery issues
Without AppleCare+, a single water damage repair can cost $300 – $500+ from Apple. AppleCare+ brings it down to a much lower deductible fee. The extra year or two of warranty is also useful in case other issues emerge down the line. Overall, AppleCare+ provides valuable peace of mind when using your iPhone in wet scenarios.
Tips for keeping your iPhone dry and preventing water damage
Here are some useful tips to keep your iPhone dry and avoid costly water damage repairs:
- Get a waterproof case – Use a durable case with good seals when going near water.
- Never use the phone in the shower/bath – High risk for submersion damage.
- Set drinks away from your phone – Avoid accidental spills.
- Dry your hands before using the phone – Wet hands increase water exposure risk.
- Keep it out of your pockets when washing clothes – The washer can damage it.
- Never charge a wet iPhone – Only charge after fully dried out.
- Turn off and dry out phone if dropped in water – Quickly mitigate the damage.
- Use a phone dryer/dessicant after water exposure – Extract moisture.
A bit of caution goes a long way in keeping your iPhone water-free. But accidents happen – so be prepared with the right protective case and AppleCare+ coverage just in case.
Conclusion
While the iPhone 11 is somewhat water resistant, it can still sustain varying degrees of water damage in wet situations. Quick DIY drying can fix minor splashes, but severe damage requires professional repair. Costs range from $50 – $500+ depending on the components affected. With disassembly, cleaning, part replacement, and re-waterproofing, professionals can often salvage an iPhone from even significant water exposure. But specialized tools and expertise are required, so avoid DIY repairs on anything but minor moisture exposure. Investing in adequate water protection and AppleCare+ can also help you avoid expensive damage incidents down the line.