Dealing with a water-damaged iPhone that won’t turn on can be extremely frustrating. Water can cause serious damage to the delicate electronic components inside smartphones. However, there is hope! Many water-damaged iPhones can be fixed with the right techniques and tools. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the steps for diagnosing and fixing a waterlogged iPhone that won’t power on.
Quick Diagnosis of a Water-Damaged iPhone
When an iPhone is exposed to water, it’s important to act quickly to limit the damage. Here are some quick things to check if your iPhone has gotten wet and won’t turn on:
- Is it completely unresponsive when you press the power button?
- Did you see any error messages before it shut off?
- Can you hear any sounds or see any activity when it’s plugged into power?
- Does the screen look warped or damaged?
- Are there any signs of water in the charge port or headphone jack?
If your iPhone won’t boot up or respond at all after getting wet, the internal components have likely been damaged by water exposure. Don’t panic yet though – many waterlogged iPhones can be revived with prompt disassembly and drying.
Step-by-Step Guide to Fixing Water-Damaged iPhones
Follow these steps to give your malfunctioning water-damaged iPhone the best chance of working again:
- Immediately power off the iPhone – If it’s still on, turn it off immediately to prevent short circuit damage.
- Remove any covers/cases – Take off any waterproof cases or covers to let the phone air out.
- Dry the exterior – Gently dry the outside of the phone with a soft cloth to soak up excess moisture.
- Do not charge it – Don’t try charging a wet iPhone – it can short circuit the device.
- Disassemble the phone – The key step! Carefully take the phone apart to access and dry out the interior components.
- Dry out the logic board – Use isopropyl alcohol and a toothbrush to gently clean the logic board.
- Dry out other components – Use dry towels, rice, or desiccant packets to absorb moisture from the battery, cameras, ports, etc.
- Let it dry completely – Give it at least 24-48 hours to fully air out before reassembling.
- Test and reassemble – Once totally dry, test components individually before fully reassembling.
The key steps are taking the iPhone apart, cleaning the logic board, and letting the internal components thoroughly dry out. Continue reading for more detailed information on these critical processes.
Disassembling a Wet iPhone
Getting inside a water-damaged iPhone as soon as possible is key to saving it. Here are the steps to safely disassemble an iPhone and remove components:
- Use a pentalobe screwdriver to unscrew the two bottom screws
- Heat the bottom edge with a hairdryer for 1-2 minutes to soften the adhesive
- Slide a suction cup between the screen and frame to gently lift up
- Disconnect the 3 cable connectors for the screen
- Unscrew and disconnect the battery connector cable
- Remove the logic board screws and carefully lift it out
Be very gentle when handling the logic board, battery, and other connectors. Don’t force anything – damaged ports or cables will make the phone much harder to revive. Refer to online visual guides for your specific iPhone model as needed.
Cleaning and Drying the Logic Board
The logic board contains the phone’s processors and many other delicate electronics that can malfunction if they get wet. To properly clean and dry the logic board:
- Use 90% isopropyl alcohol and a soft toothbrush to gently scrub away any corrosion, minerals, or residue
- Carefully brush both sides of the logic board as well as any connectors
- Shake out and air dry the logic board for at least 24 hours
- Check for any bent pins or damaged components
- Do NOT power on the board until completely dry
Drying the logic board for at least 24-48 hours is critical. Any remaining moisture can short circuit and fry the sensitive components when powered on. Be patient and let it completely air out before reassembly.
Drying Other iPhone Components
In addition to the logic board, take steps to dry out the other waterlogged iPhone components:
- Battery – Let the battery dry thoroughly before reinstalling. Dispose of it if you notice any swelling or damage.
- Cameras – Use a can of compressed air to blow out any water from the cameras and lenses.
- Speakers – Tap speakers face down to let water drain out then air dry.
- SIM card – Remove SIM tray and wipe card gently with cloth.
- Ports/buttons – Use cotton swabs and alcohol to carefully clean out any ports.
Drying everything thoroughly before reassembly will give you the best shot at getting your iPhone working again.
Reassembling and Testing the iPhone
Once the iPhone has had plenty of time to dry out, it’s time to put it back together and see if it works. Follow these tips for reassembly:
- Check for any damaged parts that need replacement (charging port, buttons, etc)
- Reconnect cables and screws carefully to avoid damage
- If possible, test components individually before full reassembly
- For example, connect just the logic board and screen first
- Power it on and test basic functions before adding other components
If the phone won’t power on or seems unstable, you may need to re-clean and dry the logic board before testing again. Be methodical and patient for the best results.
Water-Damaged iPhone Repair Options
If you don’t feel comfortable disassembling and cleaning your water-damaged iPhone yourself, consider these professional repair options:
- Mail-in repair services – Companies like iCracked, CPR Cell Phone Repair, and uBreakiFix offer mail-in iPhone repair service.
- Local repair shops – Check around for well-reviewed local shops experienced in water damage repair.
- Apple Store – Genius Bar technicians can assess damage and possibly replace damaged parts.
- Third-party technical specialists – Sites like Mobile Kangaroo and STS Telecom offer specialized water damage cleaning.
Professional iPhone repair services use sophisticated equipment and methods to revive waterlogged devices with minimal disassembly required on your part. This can be worthwhile if you don’t have the technical skill or time for DIY repairs.
Preventing Water Damage to iPhones
While it is sometimes possible to rescue a water-damaged iPhone, prevention is always best. Here are tips to keep your iPhone safe from water damage:
- Use a waterproof case when going near water
- Never use an iPhone in the bathroom or poolside
- Keep drinks away from iPhone usage areas
- Turn off phone before doing water activities
- Avoid leaving an iPhone in humid environments
- Immediately dry phone if it gets splashed or wet
Accidents can happen, but being mindful of conditions that could expose an iPhone to water will significantly reduce your chances of costly water damage.
Conclusion
Dealing with an unresponsive, water-damaged iPhone can be stressful, but don’t give up hope! In many cases, iPhones can be revived by quickly disassembling them, thoroughly cleaning and drying internal components, and carefully reassembling. The key steps are removing corrosion from the logic board, letting it completely air dry before powering on, and testing components individually before full reassembly. Preventative measures like waterproof cases can also help avoid water damage in the first place. With some persistence and the right techniques, you stand a fighting chance of getting your precious iPhone up and running again after a damaging encounter with water.