What causes water damage in iPhones?
The most common causes of water damage in iPhones are:
- Dropping the phone in water – This can happen when you’re at the pool, beach, or even just using your phone in the rain. If the phone is submerged, water can quickly seep into the ports and openings.
- Spilling liquid on the phone – Coffee, soda, juice – anything spilled onto the phone can potentially damage it.
- Using the phone in humid environments – Steam from a shower, for example, or very humid weather can cause moisture buildup inside the phone over time.
Any of these situations allows water to get inside the iPhone, where it can cause corrosion of the electronic components and connections. Even a small amount of water can render the phone unusable if it gets in the wrong places.
How does water damage an iPhone?
Water itself does not damage the iPhone directly. The real damage comes from corrosion and short circuits that water causes:
- Corrosion – Water causes oxidation on the metal contacts and connections in the iPhone. This corrosion interferes with the electrical contacts, preventing signals from getting through.
- Short circuits – Water can bridge disconnected contacts in the circuitry, allowing signals to flow where they shouldn’t. This can lead to malfunctions or failure.
- Interference – Water can physically interfere with moving parts or connections. For example, if water seeps under the screen it can prevent the display from working properly.
Corrosion will continue to get worse over time, so even if the phone appears to work at first, the damage can worsen and lead to more severe issues. This is why it’s important to address water damage right away.
What are the common issues caused by water damage?
Some of the most common problems seen in water damaged iPhones include:
- Display issues – Display may stop working completely, show weird artifacts/colors, or become unresponsive to touch.
- Audio issues – Speakers and microphone may stop working properly, with muffled or choppy audio.
- Charging issues – Phone may fail to charge reliably because of corrosion in charging port.
- Buttons malfunctioning – Physical buttons like power or volume may become unresponsive.
- Camera failure – Water can damage the delicate camera components, leading to malfunction.
- Short circuits – If water bridges separated circuits, it can lead to crashes, spontaneous reboots, or freezing.
The extent of the damage depends on how much water infiltrated the phone and where it got inside. Small amounts of contained water may only cause intermittent issues, while a thorough soaking can permanently destroy an iPhone.
Can you repair a water damaged iPhone yourself?
It is possible to repair a mildly water damaged iPhone yourself in some cases. However, there are risks involved if proper precautions are not taken:
- Safety – Working with electronics that have been exposed to water poses a safety hazard due to potential for electrocution.
- Further damage – Attempting DIY repairs can further damage the phone if not done properly, for example tearing flex cables.
- Voiding warranty – Apple will not cover any water damage if you have opened the phone yourself.
- Limited effectiveness – DIY repairs cannot fully restore some components like camera modules.
If the water damage is moderate or severe, it is safer to rely on professional phone repair rather than risk damaging the phone further. But for mild water exposure, some basic steps may be able to restore functionality.
How to dry out and recover a wet iPhone
If your iPhone has gotten wet, the most important thing to do is dry it out as quickly as possible to prevent long-term water damage:
- Immediately power off the phone – This prevents electrical shorts and gives time to dry out.
- Do NOT try to charge the phone while wet.
- Remove the SIM card and SD card from the SIM card tray.
- Gently wipe away any excess moisture with a soft cloth.
- Place the phone in front of fan blowing at low speed to air dry.
- Leave it to dry for at least 24 hours before attempting to use again.
Drying out the phone as much as possible gives you the best chance of being able to revive it after water exposure. Just be sure it is completely dry before attempting to power on again.
How to clean water damage inside iPhone
If the phone was heavily exposed to water, you may need to open it up and clean the interior to remove corrosion:
- Purchase a repair kit with the needed tools and supplies.
- Carefully open the phone following a repair guide for your model.
- Disconnect the battery immediately to prevent shorts.
- Inspect the logic board and connectors for corrosion and debris.
- Use isopropyl alcohol and cotton swabs to gently clean corrosion.
- Allow to fully air dry before reassembling.
Take care not to damage any delicate components while cleaning. Work slowly and methodically. Thorough cleaning can restore contact between connectors and remove shorts between circuits. Just be sure everything is completely dry before powering on again.
Useful tools/supplies for DIY iPhone water damage repair
Here are some of the tools and supplies I recommend having on hand for cleaning water damage inside an iPhone:
- iPhone repair toolkit – Specialized tools for opening the iPhone and removing components.
- Tweezers – For manipulating and handling small components.
- Isopropyl alcohol – For cleaning corrosion off contacts and circuitry.
- Cotton swabs – For applying isopropyl alcohol to connections.
- Microfiber cloth – For drying components.
- Toothbrush – Soft brush can help carefully remove debris.
- Magnifying glass – Helps inspect small components for damage.
Be sure to use 99% isopropyl alcohol as lower concentrations contain too much water. Also work in an organized space free of clutter and safely dispose of any liquids.
Pro tips for DIY water damaged iPhone repair
Here are some pro tips to follow for safely opening and cleaning a water damaged iPhone yourself:
- Always power off the phone and disconnect the battery before any repairs.
- Carefully follow repair guides for your specific model when opening.
- Document the repair with photos to help with reassembly.
- Gently clean contacts – don’t scrape or scratch them.
- Check under ICs for trapped moisture or debris.
- Let components fully air dry before reassembling.
- Check for functionality before reassembling.
- Apply fresh adhesive strips for a secure seal.
Rushing through a DIY repair risks permanent damage to components. Take it slow and be cautious. Also remember that liquid damage may continue to emerge over time.
Should you get professional iPhone water damage repair?
In many cases, you’re better off getting professional iPhone water damage repair rather than attempting it yourself:
- Safety – Trained technicians know how to safely handle wet electronics.
- Proper tools – Repair shops have commercial grade tools and equipment.
- Component cleaning – Ultrasonic cleaning can fully restore some components.
- Microsoldering – Shops can repair damaged solder points on logic boards.
- Warranty – Repairs include a warranty on parts and labor.
- Data recovery – Technicians may be able to recover data from wet phones.
Even if a DIY approach seems to work at first, issues caused by liquid damage can reemerge over time. Getting a professional repair provides the most thorough solution along with a warranty to guarantee the fix.
Cost of professional iPhone water damage repair
The cost of professional iPhone water damage repair varies depending on the severity of the damage:
| Damage Level | Average Repair Cost |
|---|---|
| Mild – No corrosion visible | $50 – $150 |
| Moderate – Some visible corrosion | $150 – $350 |
| Severe – Won’t power on | $250 – $500+ |
Additional charges may apply for extensive cleaning, component replacement, or data recovery. Cosmetic repairs for outer housing damage are also extra.
Always get an exact quote upfront – prices can vary widely shop to shop. Extended warranties are also available for additional peace of mind.
Should you claim iPhone water damage on insurance?
If you have phone insurance, you may be able to file a claim for water damage, with some caveats:
- Deductible – You will need to pay a deductible, often $99 -$249.
- Replacement phone – Carrier will send a refurbished phone, not repair original.
- Coverage limits – Make sure water damage is included in your policy.
- Fee increases – Too many claims may raise your rates.
- Time without phone – It takes 1-2 weeks to get a replacement.
Review your specific policy details to understand the costs and process for a water damage claim. Weigh the deductible and time without your phone against the cost of professional repair.
Should you trade in a water damaged iPhone?
Most carriers and vendors will not accept an iPhone with any sign of water damage for trade in or resale:
- Reduced value – Water damaged phones have significantly lower resale value.
- Rejected trade-ins – Signs of water damage will cause most vendors to reject the device.
- Repair required – Most will require professional repair before accepting a water damaged device.
- Upfront disclosure – Attempting to hide water damage constitutes fraud.
Unless the iPhone has been professionally repaired and completely restored with a warranty, you will likely get little to no trade in value. Be upfront about any liquid exposure when attempting to resell or trade in a used iPhone.
Can you prevent iPhone water damage?
While accidental spills or drops can always happen, you can take some precautions to avoid iPhone water damage:
- Use a protective case – Cases that seal the ports and openings can protect against splashes.
- Apply a screen protector – This seals the screen from moisture ingress.
- Avoid humid environments – Limit use in steamy bathrooms or rainy weather.
- Never use phone while plugged in – Prevent shorts from wet cables.
- Keep away from liquids – Avoid placing next to sinks or glasses.
- Dry hands before using – Excess moisture on fingers can seep in.
Also immediately dry out any iPhone exposed to moisture to minimize long-term water damage. With some care, you can greatly reduce the chances of your iPhone getting water damaged.
Conclusion
Water damage is one of the most common problems impacting iPhones, but professional repair services can often restore full functionality. For mild cases, DIY repairs may be possible if done very carefully. No matter what, immediately drying out the phone gives the best results. With proper care and handling, iPhones can be protected against most sources of water damage.
