Apple devices like iPhones, iPads, MacBooks, and Apple Watches are susceptible to water damage if exposed to moisture. Many Apple users wonder if Apple will accept water damaged devices for repair or replacement under warranty or AppleCare+ coverage. Here is a detailed look at Apple’s water damage policy.
What is considered water damage by Apple?
Apple considers any amount of liquid exposure, even small splashes, to be water damage. This includes but is not limited to:
- Dropping the device in water
- Exposing it to rain or snow
- Spilling liquid on it
- Using the device in steamy environments like a hot shower
Apple devices have liquid contact indicators that change color when exposed to moisture. Technicians will check these indicators to determine if water damage has occurred.
Does Apple warranty cover water damage?
Unfortunately, Apple’s standard 1-year limited warranty does not cover any kind of accidental damage, including water damage. The warranty only covers manufacturer defects. So if your Apple device gets water damaged within the 1-year warranty period, Apple will not repair or replace it for free under the standard warranty.
Does AppleCare+ cover water damage?
AppleCare+ is Apple’s extended warranty program. It provides up to 2 years of coverage and includes accidental damage protection.
Here is how AppleCare+ handles water damage:
- You get 2 incidents of accidental damage coverage, with each incident subject to a service fee. For iPhone, the fee is $99 for screen damage or external enclosure damage, or $299 for any other damage. For other devices like iPad, MacBook, and Apple Watch, see Apple’s support page for exact fees.
- Water damage counts as accidental damage. So if your device gets water damaged, you can get it repaired or replaced by paying the accidental damage service fee under AppleCare+.
- Both device repair and replacement count as an incident. After 2 incidents, you will no longer receive any more accidental damage coverage.
- AppleCare+ must be active when the water damage occurs. It does not cover damage that occurred before the plan started.
So in summary, water damage is covered by AppleCare+, subject to service fees and the 2 incident limit.
What if my AppleCare+ has expired?
If your AppleCare+ coverage has already expired by the time water damage occurs, Apple will not repair or replace your device for free. You will have to pay Apple’s out-of-warranty repair fees. These fees can be expensive, sometimes almost as much as buying a replacement device. So it is important to avoid water damage as much as possible outside of your AppleCare+ coverage period.
How can I prevent and prepare for water damage?
Here are some tips to keep your Apple device safe from water damage:
- Use a waterproof case when taking your device near water.
- Do not use your device in the bathroom or other steamy environments.
- Immediately dry your device if it gets splashed or wet to prevent liquid from seeping deeper inside.
- Consider getting AppleCare+ to protect against accidental water damage.
- Backup your data regularly so it is safe if water damage occurs.
- Avoid drinking or eating near your device to prevent spills.
- Do not charge your phone in a place it can get splashed, like next to a kitchen sink.
What if my device won’t turn on after water damage?
If your Apple device gets significantly wet and then won’t power on at all, it likely has serious internal damage. There are a few things you can try:
- Dry it thoroughly with a cloth and let it sit for at least 24 hours.
- Place it in a bag or container of uncooked rice, which can help absorb moisture.
- Do not try to charge it or turn it on until completely dry, as this can cause electrical short circuiting and permanent damage.
If these steps don’t revive your device, you will need to contact Apple Support and take it to an Apple Store or Apple Authorized Service Provider. Be prepared to pay out-of-warranty repair fees if covered by AppleCare+ or warranty. Data recovery services may also be necessary if your data cannot be retrieved normally from the device.
Can Apple technicians detect past water damage?
Yes, Apple’s technicians have ways to detect past water exposure even if your device currently appears to function normally. These include:
- Checking the liquid contact indicators – as mentioned, these change color irreversibly when exposed to moisture.
- Looking for corrosion, especially around ports, buttons, speaker grills.
- Testing the functionality of buttons, speakers, cameras, microphones for issues.
- Running diagnostic tests to check components like the logic board and battery for problems.
If evidence of past unauthorized liquid contact is found, your repair could be denied by Apple even if that damage is not directly related to your current repair issue.
Does Apple provide loaner devices during water damage repair?
Apple does not provide loaner devices while a water damaged product is being repaired or replaced. This is because water damage is considered accidental, so it is not covered under the complimentary loaner policy. You will be without your Apple device until the repair or replacement process is fully completed.
Can Apple repair water damaged devices?
For relatively minor water exposure, Apple may be able to successfully repair your device. This involves cleaning and drying components, testing functionality, and replacing any parts damaged by liquid. However, extensive internal water damage often cannot be economically repaired, so replacement may be recommended instead.
Does Apple replace water damaged devices?
If your Apple product has significant water damage, Apple will likely replace it rather than attempt a repair. This is because major liquid exposure often causes unfixable corrosion to internal components. The replacement fees without AppleCare+ are usually high, close to the cost of an entirely new device.
With AppleCare+, you will get one or two lower-cost replacements depending on how many incidents you have left in your coverage. Just be prepared to pay the accidental damage fee for a replacement.
Can I trade in a water damaged device?
Apple’s Apple Trade In program does accept water damaged devices, but at heavily reduced values. The amount offered will depend on the model, year, and extent of water exposure. In many cases it may be so low that it is not worthwhile compared to repairing or selling the device elsewhere. Be sure to disclose any and all water damage when getting a trade in quote from Apple.
Conclusion
In summary, Apple does not provide any warranty or AppleCare+ coverage for water damage by default. You have to pay repair or replacement fees unless you have active AppleCare+ coverage and this is your first or second accidental damage incident. To get Apple to accept a water damaged device for service, be honest about the extent of exposure and ready to pay out-of-pocket based on their policies. Your best bet is always to try to keep your Apple products away from moisture in the first place.