Water damage is one of the most common ways that smartphones and other electronics can be damaged. If your iPhone has been exposed to water, you may be wondering if Apple can repair water damage and how much it will cost. Here are some quick answers to common questions about Apple and water damage repair:
Can Apple repair water damage? Yes, Apple’s repair technicians are able to repair water damage on iPhones and other Apple devices. However, the repairability depends on the extent of the damage.
How much does Apple charge to repair water damage? Apple’s out-of-warranty repair fees for water damage start at $749 for screen damage or $549 for other damage to an iPhone 14. Costs vary by model.
Will Apple replace water damaged devices? Apple will often replace an iPhone or other device that has been damaged by water if the damage is extensive. This replacement comes at the cost of the out-of-warranty repair fees.
Does AppleCare+ cover water damage? AppleCare+ extended warranty does provide coverage for up to two incidents of accidental damage from liquid spills on iPhones and other eligible devices. However, other conditions apply.
Assessing Water Damage on an iPhone
Water can damage electronic devices like iPhones in a few different ways. The extent of the damage depends on factors like:
- How much water the device was exposed to
- How long the exposure lasted
- Whether power was running through the device during the spill
- How quickly the water could be removed and drying could start
- Minerals and other contaminants in the water
When liquid gets inside an iPhone or other electronics, it can cause short circuits, corrosion, sensor damage, and other issues. The longer the exposure, the more extensive the damage can be. Even a small amount of water can cause problems if power is running through the iPhone at the time.
Apple’s repair technicians have ways of diagnosing the extent of liquid damage when you bring in a water damaged device. They can run diagnostic tests to check different functions and components and see which ones have been affected. The less severe the damage, the better the chances it can be repaired.
Signs of Minor Water Damage
With minor exposure to water or other liquids, an iPhone may exhibit these signs of damage:
- Touchscreen unresponsive or acting erratically
- Speakers/microphone not working properly
- Charging issues
- Headphone jack malfunctioning
- SomeFEATURES not working (e.g. camera, power button)
- Corrosion around sim card slot, charging port, or other openings
These types of issues may be repairable by cleaning corrosion, drying components, and replacing any parts damaged by liquid. The phone may work normally again after repairs.
Signs of Major Water Damage
With larger liquid spills, longer exposure times, or immersion in water, an iPhone is more likely to exhibit these signs of major damage:
- Phone won’t power on at all
- Won’t charge or hold charge
- Display doesn’t work
- Corrosion across multiple components
- Internal components like logic board damaged
- Short circuiting
Major water damage requires full replacement of components or the entire device in some cases. The phone may no longer be operable or repairable. Apple will then suggest a replacement phone at the cost of out-of-warranty repair pricing.
Apple Repair Options for Liquid Damaged iPhones
If your iPhone has been exposed to water, here are the repair and replacement options available directly through Apple:
1. Repair of water damaged component(s)
If the liquid damage is minor, Apple may be able to repair just the affected components. For example, if a spill damaged the display or microphone but other components still work, those parts could potentially be repaired individually.
2. Whole device replacement
With extensive water damage where multiple components are affected or corroded, Apple will often recommend fully replacing the device. They will provide a replacement refurbished iPhone for a fee.
3. Out-of-warranty service fees
Apple’s out-of-warranty repair fees for water damage as of November 2022 are:
| Device | Screen Damage Fee | Other Damage Fee |
|---|---|---|
| iPhone 14 | $749 | $549 |
| iPhone 13 | $329 | $229 |
| iPhone 12 | $299 | $199 |
The prices vary based on the iPhone model. Screen damage costs more to repair than other types of water damage.
4. Express Replacement Service
Apple offers an Express Replacement Service for more urgent water damage repairs. For an additional $99, they will ship a replacement iPhone to you in advance so you don’t have to wait while your phone is repaired. You still pay the standard repair costs.
5. AppleCare+
For iPhone users who purchased AppleCare+ extended warranty, it does provide coverage for up to two incidents of accidental damage due to liquid spills or submersion. So with AppleCare+, the repair fees may be waived or significantly reduced.
Protecting an iPhone After Water Exposure
If your iPhone has been in contact with water, it’s important to take quick action to protect it and minimize any further damage:
- Immediately power off the phone and don’t attempt to charge it.
- Do not try to power it back on until completely dry, as this can short circuit it.
- Dry the phone thoroughly with a clean cloth.
- Use a fan to circulate air around the phone to help it dry faster.
- Remove any protective case, which can trap moisture inside.
- Do not use things like a hairdryer or heater to dry, as they can overheat the phone.
- Place the phone in an air-tight bag of uncooked rice. The rice will absorb excess moisture.
- Bring the water damaged iPhone to Apple as soon as possible for assessment.
The sooner the phone can be dried out and evaluated, the better chance components can be saved before corrosion sets in.
Apple’s Recommendations for Water Damage
On Apple’s support site, they provide these recommendations specifically related to iPhone water damage and repair:
- If possible, bring the iPhone to Apple as soon as possible after water exposure. Drying it out yourself can potentially cause further damage.
- Be upfront with Apple about how the water damage occurred, which can impact warranty coverage.
- Back up your data before bringing your iPhone in, as water damage can make data recovery impossible.
- Be prepared to pay Apple’s out-of-warranty fees if you don’t have AppleCare+ coverage.
- If repair costs are too high, ask Apple about your buyback or trade-in values towards a replacement phone.
- Consider adding AppleCare+ within 60 days of buying your new iPhone in case of future water damage.
Apple also notes that water damage diagnosis and repair fees may vary between service locations, so costs could differ from the typical tiered pricing.
Other iPhone Water Damage Repair Options
While Apple can directly service water damaged iPhones, you also have these alternative repair options:
Apple Authorized Service Providers
There are thousands of independent repair shops certified as Apple Authorized Service Providers. They can perform the same Apple genuine repairs and replacements for water damage.
Mail-in repair services
Companies like iCracked and uBreakiFix provide mail-in services where you ship your damaged iPhone to them, they repair it, and ship it back. These services may be more convenient than visiting an Apple store.
DIY repairs
For minor water damage like a malfunctioning speaker or Charge port, you may be able to DIY a repair using iPhone replacement parts and repair guides. But extensive disassembly is required.
Third-party repair shops
Non-authorized repair shops may offer cheaper water damage repairs than Apple. But their workmanship and parts quality may not match Apple’s standards.
Be cautious with any repair route outside Apple that could potentially void your warranty. Apple may refuse future servicing if unofficial parts or repairs are detected.
Preventing Water Damage to iPhones
While accidental spills can always happen, you can take measures to keep your iPhone safe from liquid exposure:
- Use a protective waterproof case when going near water.
- Never use an iPhone in the bathroom or near sinks and baths where it can easily be splashed.
- Don’t drink beverages near the iPhone where spills can occur.
- In heavy rain, keep the iPhone covered and away from outer pockets where water can seep in.
- Never go swimming or take a bath with the iPhone, even if in a plastic bag.
- Keep the iPhone away from sprinklers, hoses, and spills when doing yardwork.
- Use a moisture-absorbing silica gel pack if storing an iPhone in a humid environment.
Making smart use decisions around water can significantly reduce the chances of liquid exposure and water damage occurring.
The Bottom Line
Water damage is a serious threat to the internal components and functionality of iPhones. However, Apple’s expert repair technicians have the skills and resources to accurately diagnose and resolve many cases of iPhone water damage through component repair or replacement.
To get the best outcome, quickly dry out the phone after water exposure, avoid using it, and contact Apple right away about service options. While out-of-warranty fees typically apply, AppleCare+ can significantly reduce repair costs. With quick action, there’s a good chance your iPhone can be revived and restored.