Water damage is one of the most common causes of an iPhone not charging properly. iPhones are not fully waterproof, so exposure to liquids can cause issues with the charging port and internal components. In this article, we’ll look at how water damage affects charging in iPhones, how to diagnose the issue, and steps you can take to try and fix it.
How does water damage prevent an iPhone from charging?
There are a few ways that water exposure can prevent an iPhone from charging or recognizing a charger:
- Corrosion of the charging port – The iPhone’s Lightning port is used for both charging and data transfer. If water gets into this port, it can cause corrosion of the metal contacts. This prevents a proper connection between the charger cable and the phone’s charging input.
- Damage to internal components – Water that seeps inside the iPhone can get on components like the logic board, connectors, and battery. Corrosion of these parts can stop power from properly flowing to charge the battery.
- Short circuit – If water causes short circuiting of the phone’s electronic components, this can stop the phone from turning on or charging. A short disables proper electrical connections inside the device.
- Liquid residue – Left over moisture or corrosion in the charging port can prevent the charger cable from properly connecting and delivering power.
Any of these water-related issues can result in charging problems ranging from slow charging to no charging at all. The phone may also fail to recognize when a charger is connected.
How to diagnose water damage charging issues
If your iPhone isn’t charging properly after potential water exposure, here are some steps to take to diagnose the issue:
- Inspect charging port – Use a flashlight to look for moisture, corrosion, or debris in the Lightning port. If the contacts look heavily corroded, this may be preventing charging.
- Try different chargers – Test different charging cables, wall adapters, wireless chargers, or computer connections. If the phone fails to charge over multiple sources, water damage is likely the root cause.
- Reset the phone – Try resetting the phone by holding the Side button and either Volume button until the Apple logo appears. If the phone still won’t charge after resetting, water damage is the likely culprit.
- Check for other damage – Look for signs of water exposure like foggy camera lenses or a wet indicator dot inside the SIM card slot. This helps confirm water contact as the cause.
- Back up data – Before any repairs, be sure to back up important phone data to iCloud or iTunes. Repairs may require resetting the device to factory settings.
If you suspect water damage is preventing charging, don’t waste time on fixes like new cables. Bring the iPhone to a repair shop for professional assessment and diagnostics. Temporary charging solutions also won’t fix the underlying water damage.
Cleaning water residue from the charging port
If a visual inspection shows moisture or debris in the Lightning port, some charging issues can be resolved by carefully cleaning the port. Here are a few things to try:
- Use compressed air – Spray compressed air into the port to clear out water and debris. Hold the iPhone screen-side down to prevent liquids from further entering the phone.
- Isopropyl alcohol – Use a cotton swab dipped in 70%+ isopropyl alcohol to gently clean the port contacts. Let the port fully dry before attempting to charge again.
- Toothpick – Wrap a soft toothpick in a lint-free cloth and carefully use it to remove lint or debris from the port.
Avoid using harsh chemicals or cleaning agents. Once the port is clean, inspect it again for any remaining moisture or corrosion. If visible damage remains, don’t attempt charging until the phone can be repaired.
Drying a wet iPhone to fix charging issues
If the iPhone was recently exposed to water, thoroughly drying it out can help restore normal charging functionality in some cases. Here are tips for drying a wet iPhone:
- Power off the device – Press and hold the Side button to power off the phone before drying. This reduces the risk of short circuit damage.
- Remove case – Take off any protective case, which can trap moisture against the phone.
- Absorb moisture – Gently wipe off all excess moisture with a dry lint-free cloth or paper towels.
- Submerge in dry rice – Bury the iPhone in a bowl of uncooked dry white rice, which will absorb ambient moisture.
- Leave to dry for 24-48 hours – Let the phone dry out for at least a full day before removing from the rice.
- Check for liquid – Inspect charging port and other openings for any remaining moisture before attempting to power on or charge the device.
Thorough drying can help revive a water-damaged phone in some cases, but it’s not guaranteed. Larger amounts of water exposure can cause irreversible damage. Don’t attempt to charge the iPhone until completely dry.
Replacing corroded charging port
If visual inspection shows significant corrosion or damage to the Lightning port contacts, replacement of the charging port may be required. Here’s an overview of this repair process:
- Assess corrosion – A repair technician will examine the port to determine if replacement is necessary. Mild corrosion can sometimes be cleaned.
- Order replacement part – The required charging port component will need to be ordered, which may take a few business days.
- Back up iPhone data – Be sure to have a current backup before the repair, which will wipe the device.
- Open the phone – The repair involves opening the sealed iPhone casing to access the internal charging port.
- Remove old port – The damaged charging assembly will be disconnected and removed from the phone.
- Install new port – The replacement port is carefully installed and soldered to the iPhone’s logic board.
- Seal and test – After assembly, the phone is sealed, turned on, and tested to confirm normal charging function.
Charging port replacement can fully restore charging ability after water damage. It needs to be done by a qualified repair technician with microsoldering skills. The repair typically costs $50-$75 USD parts and labor.
Fixing water damaged internal components
If water reached internal components like the logic board, battery, or connectors, more extensive disassembly and repair may be required. Some options include:
- Component cleaning – Corroded parts may be carefully cleaned with isopropyl alcohol and allowed to fully dry.
- Component replacement – Heavily damaged parts like the logic board often need replacement to restore function.
- Microsoldering – A technician can reconnect damaged solder joints on the logic board using specialized tools.
- Ultrasonic cleaning – Uses high frequency vibrations to clean entire assembled boards.
Internal water damage requires microsoldering skills, special tools, and comprehensive iPhone repair experience. Costs range from $100 to over $500 depending on the parts and labor needed. Data recovery may also be required if the logic board is damaged.
When to replace a water damaged iPhone
Extensive internal water damage often reaches a point where repair costs exceed the value of the iPhone. Here are some signs it may be time to replace the device:
- Corrosion on multiple internal parts beyond just the charging port
- Short circuit damage to components like RAM, processors, or connectors
- Corroded traces and contacts on the logic board
- Physical board damage like lifted pads or damaged resistors
- Liquid indicators tripped indicating leakage into multiple areas
- Repair cost over $250 for an older model iPhone
With widespread damage, the repaired iPhone may end up unreliable or prone to issues down the road. Buying a replacement reconditioned or new iPhone may end up more cost effective and better performing in the long run.
Preventing water damage to iPhones
While not fully waterproof, you can take steps to keep water away from your iPhone and prevent charging issues:
- Use a waterproof case when around water
- Keep the phone away from sinks, baths, pools, etc
- Never charge an iPhone that got wet until it’s dried
- Avoid excess moisture in humid environments
- Don’t drink with your iPhone at risk of spillage
- Only use the iPhone in safe compatible weather conditions
Be aware that Apple’s water resistance ratings are based on controlled laboratory conditions. Any liquid exposure still carries a real risk of damaging your device. Play it safe and keep all moisture away from your iPhone whenever possible.
Conclusion
Water damage is the most likely cause of an iPhone that won’t charge properly. Moisture can corrode the charging port, short circuit internal components, and cause wide-ranging damage. Thoroughly drying a wet iPhone and cleaning the charging port may resolve some minor charging issues. However, significant water exposure often requires professional repair, charging port replacement, or even replacing the iPhone entirely. Prevent water contact whenever possible to avoid putting your iPhone and ability to charge it at risk.