Water damage is one of the most common issues that can affect iPhones. If your iPhone 7 Plus has been exposed to water, there are several things you can try to fix it and potentially recover damaged components.
How Does Water Damage an iPhone?
Water can damage electronic devices like iPhones in a few key ways:
- Short circuiting – Water can bridge connections and create short circuits on electronic components and logic boards. This can lead to malfunctioning components or a device that won’t turn on at all.
- Corrosion – The minerals and impurities in water can start corroding metallic components and connections on the logic board and other components.
- Oxidation – Water and moisture causes oxidation over time which can degrade connections and component functionality.
- Residue – Minerals and contaminants in the water can leave behind residue that hinders component and logic board operation.
The degree of water exposure and the depth/location of water ingress will determine the extent and type of damage to the iPhone. The longer the iPhone is exposed to water, the more extensive the damage can be.
Is the iPhone 7 Plus Waterproof?
The iPhone 7 Plus has an IP67 water resistance rating. This means it can withstand being submerged in 1 meter of water for up to 30 minutes without damage.
However, water damage is still possible in the following cases:
- The phone was submerged deeper than 1 meter
- The phone was submerged for longer than 30 minutes
- The water had some force or pressure behind it (more than still water)
- The charging port was exposed to water without the port cover in place
While the iPhone 7 Plus has decent water resistance, it is not completely waterproof. Prolonged exposure to water or liquids can still potentially damage components and require repair.
Signs of Water Damage on an iPhone 7 Plus
Here are some common signs that your iPhone 7 Plus has water damage or liquid exposure:
- Device won’t power on, even after charging
- Distorted or blurry speakers sounds
- Malfunctioning buttons and controls
- Dim or flickering display with visual artifacts
- Unresponsive touchscreen
- Muffled microphone input
- Corrosion visible on charging port
- Moisture or fog visible in camera lens
- Liquid indicator strip inside SIM card tray is red
The more signs of water damage there are, the more extensive the damage is likely to be. Seeking repair quickly can help prevent permanent damage.
First Steps When Phone is Exposed to Liquid
If your iPhone 7 Plus has been exposed to water, these are the immediate steps you should take:
- Dry it off – Use a clean, soft cloth to wipe off any excess moisture from the phone’s exterior and ports.
- Don’t charge it – Don’t try to charge the phone while it’s wet, as this can cause short circuiting.
- Turn it off – If the phone is still on, turn it off to help prevent short circuiting and further damage.
- Remove case/batteries – Take off any protective case and remove any batteries or SIM cards.
- Dry out phone – Use a dry, absorbent cloth to gently dry out the phone’s interior as best as you can.
- Place in rice – Bury the phone in a bowl of uncooked rice to help absorb any moisture still inside.
Following these steps right after water exposure gives you the best chance of saving the phone and avoiding permanent damages.
How to Dry Out an iPhone After Water Damage
Once you’ve taken the immediate steps after water exposure, you’ll need to thoroughly dry out the iPhone before attempting to use it again. Here are the best methods to dry out an iPhone 7 Plus:
Rice
As mentioned, placing the iPhone in a bowl or bag of uncooked rice can help absorb moisture. Bury the entire phone in rice for at least 24 hours.
Drying kits
Use a dedicated electronic drying kit, which contains moisture-absorbing beads and pads. These kits are designed specifically for drying out wet phones and components.
Silica gel
Silica gel packets, like those often found in shoe boxes, can be used instead of rice to absorb moisture from the phone.
Dry place
Leave the phone somewhere dry and well-ventilated for at least 72 hours to allow any internal moisture to fully evaporate.
Avoid drying methods that apply heat, like hairdryers, radiators, microwaves or ovens, as too much heat can damage phone components.
Disassembling and Cleaning Water Damaged iPhone 7 Plus
For severe water damage where liquid has infiltrated deeper into the phone, disassembling the iPhone and cleaning internal components may be necessary. Here are the steps involved:
- Take apart the phone – Carefully separate and remove display, logic board, battery, etc.
- Inspect components – Look for corrosion, moisture, and other water damage on components.
- Clean with isopropyl alcohol – Use 90%+ isopropyl alcohol and cotton swabs to gently clean logic board, connectors, battery, etc.
- Rinse and dry – Rinse components with distilled water then allow them to fully dry before reassembly.
- Reassemble phone – Once fully dry, carefully reassemble the iPhone.
It’s important to take your time disassembling and cleaning each component. Make sure everything is completely dry before reassembling. If cleaning doesn’t restore component function, replacement parts may be needed.
Fixing Common iPhone 7 Plus Water Damage Issues
Here are some tips for fixing specific issues caused by water exposure on the iPhone 7 Plus:
Won’t Turn On
If your phone won’t power on, water may have reached the logic board and components. Disassemble the phone and clean the logic board with isopropyl alcohol. Make sure it’s fully dry before reassembling. If it still won’t turn on, you may need a logic board replacement.
Speaker Not Working
Scrub built-up corrosion from the speaker grills. Use a cotton swab with alcohol to clean the speaker components on the logic board. If speakers remain distorted, replacement may be needed.
Blurry Camera
Water can condense under the camera lens covers. Disassemble the phone and clean the front and rear cameras thoroughly with a dry cloth. Make sure they are completely dry before reassembling.
Non-Responsive Buttons
If phone buttons like the home button don’t respond, remove corrosion on the flex cables/contacts that connect them to the logic board. Replacement flex cables or dock connectors may be needed.
Dim Display
Clean corrosion from the display connector on the logic board. Water can also damage the backlight component of the display, so you may need a screen replacement.
Not Charging
Clean the charging port and Lightning connector pins thoroughly with alcohol to remove corrosion. Make sure they are completely dry before attempting to charge. You may need a charging port or dock connector replacement if pins are damaged.
When to Replace Water Damaged iPhone 7 Plus Parts
If cleaning components does not restore proper functionality, replacement of parts may be needed for an iPhone 7 Plus with water damage. Common parts to replace include:
- Logic Board – If cleaning doesn’t fix power issues
- Display Assembly – For dim or damaged screen
- Dock Connector – For non-functional charging port
- Headphone Jack – For audio issues
- Front Camera – For blurry front camera
- Speaker Assembly – For distorted speakers
- Battery – If corroded or won’t hold charge
Determine which components are damaged and need replacing. Purchase OEM Apple parts from a reputable supplier when possible for the best reliability and performance.
Cost to Repair an iPhone 7 Plus with Liquid Damage
The cost to repair an iPhone 7 Plus that has been exposed to water will depend on a few factors:
- Level of damage – Minor vs. severe water damage
- Parts needing replacement – More parts means higher cost
- Repair technician – Independent vs. Apple Store vs. third-party repair
- Location – Repair costs vary regionally
On average, expect to pay $150 – $350+ to get an iPhone 7 Plus fully fixed after water damage, depending on number of parts needing replacement. Going to Apple can be $500 – $800+ without device insurance.
Tips to Prevent Water Damage on iPhone 7 Plus
Here are some tips to help prevent liquid exposure that leads to water damage on your iPhone 7 Plus:
- Use a waterproof case – Cases create an extra barrier against water.
- Avoid baths/showers – Don’t use phone around sinks, tubs, pools where it can be splashed.
- Check charging port – Ensure rubber gasket around Lightning port is in place before charging.
- Turn on water lock – Use water lock setting when at beach or pool to seal ports.
- Dry hands before use – Excess moisture on hands can seep into phone.
- Keep away from drinks – Avoid setting phone near beverages which can spill.
- Store phone safely – Don’t leave phone someplace it can fall into liquid.
While the iPhone 7 Plus has decent water resistance, taking precautions gives added protection against water damage, costly repairs, and potential data loss.
Can You Fix an iPhone 7 Plus with Water Damage? – Conclusion
It is possible to fix an iPhone 7 Plus that has been exposed to water or other liquids and revive its functions. For minor exposure, thoroughly drying out the phone and cleaning any corrosion may be sufficient. For more extensive water damage, disassembly and cleaning or replacement of affected internal components is key.
With proper drying, cleaning, part replacements, and careful reassembly, even a severely water damaged iPhone 7 Plus can often be restored to full working order. However, there is no guarantee, so it’s critical to act quickly after liquid exposure and have technical repair skills to disassemble the phone and address all water damage internally.