Apple, known for its sleek and stylish electronics, is a popular choice for many tech-savvy consumers. However, Apple products are not immune to potential mishaps such as liquid damage. Many Apple device owners have found themselves in the frustrating situation of dealing with a water-damaged phone, tablet, or laptop. This raises the critical question – does Apple repair liquid damage? Let’s take a closer look at Apple’s policies and recommendations regarding liquid damage repair.
Apple’s Official Stance
According to Apple, liquid damage is not covered under the standard Apple warranty. The Apple One Year Limited Warranty covers manufacturing defects for iPhone, iPad, iPod, Mac, Apple TV, and Apple Watch for one year after the original purchase date. However, the warranty explicitly states it does not cover damage caused by accident, abuse, liquid contact, or unauthorized modifications.
Therefore, any water or liquid damage repairs on Apple devices will not be covered for free by Apple under the standard warranty. The exceptions are if the damage was caused by a manufacturing defect or if the user purchased optional AppleCare+ coverage, which provides additional damage protection for up to two incidents of accidental damage coverage every 12 months. We’ll discuss AppleCare+ in more detail shortly.
Repair Options for Liquid Damage
Just because liquid damage is not covered under warranty does not mean Apple devices with water damage cannot be repaired. Here are some options owners of water damaged Apple products have:
- Pay for an out-of-warranty repair through Apple: Apple’s network of authorized service providers can repair liquid damaged devices for an out-of-warranty fee determined by the repair needed. Prices vary widely based on the type of repair.
- Purchase AppleCare+: Adding AppleCare+ to your device within 60 days of original purchase provides up to two instances of accidental damage coverage every 12 months, with service fees starting at $29 for screen damage or external enclosure damage on certain devices. Liquid damage repairs are covered under this plan.
- Use a third-party or DIY repair: Many third-party repair shops and mail-in repair services can also fix liquid damaged Apple products, often at lower prices than Apple. DIY repairs are also possible with the right technical skill, tools, and replacement parts.
- File an insurance claim: For more extensive water damage, filing a claim with your homeowners, renters, or device insurance may help cover repair or replacement costs. Make sure to check your policy details.
Ultimately, while Apple does not cover liquid damage under its standard warranty, there are still ways to get an Apple device repaired for water or liquid damage through Apple or third-party services. The costs for these out-of-warranty repairs vary significantly based on the type of damage and repair needed.
AppleCare+ for Accidental Damage
As mentioned previously, AppleCare+ can provide valuable coverage for liquid damaged Apple devices. Here is a more in-depth look at how AppleCare+ covers water damage:
- Covers up to two incidents of accidental damage per 12-month period, with a service fee per claim
- Service fees – $29 for iPhone screen or external enclosure damage, $99 for other damage to iPhone, iPad, or iPod, $299 for Mac or Apple Display
- Must be purchased within 60 days of your device purchase date
- Covers damage from liquid contact, spills, accidental drops, and other unintentional damage
- Does not cover damage from abuse, theft, loss, or unauthorized modifications
- Is available for iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch, Mac, and more
- AppleCare+ with Theft and Loss provides enhanced coverage including theft and loss protection
For anyone wanting to protect their Apple device investment against common accidents like liquid damage, AppleCare+ can provide useful protection for an additional fee. Just keep in mind only two damage incidents per year are covered, and service fees apply per claim.
How Apple Diagnoses Liquid Damage
Before repairing any water damaged product, Apple conducts diagnostic tests to check for liquid contact internally within the device. According to Apple support documents, here are some ways Apple technicians test for liquid exposure:
- Liquid Contact Indicators – Small paper-like stickers inside the device that change color when exposed to moisture.
- Corrosion – Evidence of liquid corrosion on electronic components.
- Residual liquid – Checking for pooling of liquid inside the device.
- Short circuits – Powering on the device and testing for symptoms of electrical short circuits.
In addition, technicians may disassemble the device and use visual and olfactory clues to detect moisture. They also inspect for erosion of metal surfaces within the electronics.
If no signs of internal liquid contact are found, then Apple will proceed with warranty covered repairs as normal. But if liquid exposure is confirmed within the Apple product, any further repairs would be considered out-of-warranty.
Typical Repair Costs for Liquid Damaged Apple Products
For those wondering just how expensive liquid damage repairs can be for popular Apple devices, here is a sampling of estimated out-of-warranty repair costs:
| Apple Device | Sample Repairs | Estimated Repair Cost |
|---|---|---|
| iPhone | Logic board replacement due to liquid corrosion | $349+ |
| iPad | iPad display replacement due to water damage | $299-$649 |
| MacBook | MacBook logic board replacement due to spill | $500-$1200 |
| Apple Watch | Apple Watch internal damage from water exposure | $229+ |
Costs vary significantly based on the model, type of repair needed, labor time, and parts required. In some cases, the repair costs can approach the value of replacing the device outright. Apple does provide repair cost estimates before any work is done, allowing you to decide if the liquid damage repair is worth the price.
How to Prevent Liquid Damage to Apple Products
They say an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Here are some smart ways to avoid costly liquid damage repairs for your Apple gear:
- Use cases and covers – Protect your iPhone, iPad, MacBook, Apple Watch and other devices with water-resistant cases and covers whenever possible.
- Keep away from water – Avoid placing Apple products near sinks, tubs, pools or other wet areas where splashing or spilling is a danger.
- No liquids nearby – Never eat or drink around your Apple device. Keep it safely away from any beverages.
- Handle with care – Be extra careful when carrying an iPhone or iPad around children or pets who could spill liquids onto the device accidentally.
- AppleCare+ – Consider investing in AppleCare+ coverage for your more expensive Apple items like iPhone, iPad, and MacBook.
- Dry immediately – If your device does get wet, dry it thoroughly with a soft absorbent cloth as soon as possible.
A little prevention goes a long way to avoiding the headaches and hefty repair costs of liquid damaged Apple products. But if an accident does occur, act quickly to dry the device and consider professional liquid damage repair options.
Apple’s Best Water Resistant Devices
While no Apple product is fully waterproof, some are designed with improved water resistance. Here are a few of Apple’s most water-resistant devices:
- iPhone 14 – Rated IP68 for up to 6 meters depth for 30 minutes. Allows spills, splashes, rain, and submersion with caveats.
- Apple Watch – Apple Watch models from Series 2 onward are rated IP68 water resistant to 50 meters per ISO standard 22810. Safe for swimming and shallow water activities.
- iPad Pro 11‐inch (3rd generation) – Rated IP68 like iPhone 14 for spills, splashes, and accidental submersion. Not recommended for intentional water exposure.
- AirPods Pro – Sweat and water resistant with IPX4 rating. Protected against splashing water from any direction.
For the utmost liquid protection, the latest high-end iPhones, Apple Watches, and iPad Pros provide greatly improved water and splash resistance. However, Apple still recommends avoiding unnecessary water exposure when possible.
What to Do if Your Apple Device Gets Wet
In the event your iPhone, iPad, MacBook, or other Apple device gets doused with liquid, here are some initial steps to take right away:
- Dry it off – Gently wipe off any excess moisture with a soft lint-free cloth.
- Don’t charge – Do not attempt to power on or charge the wet device initially.
- Dry out – Allow the device to air dry completely for at least 24-48 hours.
- Remove case – Take off any protective case or cover to help it dry thoroughly.
- Absorbent bag – Place the Apple product in a bag or container with uncooked rice or silica gel packs to help absorb residual moisture.
- Power on – After 48 hours minimum drying time, try powering it on to assess the damage.
- Service – If the device does not power on or seems damaged, take it to Apple or a repair shop for servicing.
Avoid the temptation to power on or charge a wet Apple device right away, as this can cause short circuits and even more damage. Letting it dry out completely first provides the best chance for the electronics to recover from any liquid exposure.
Does Homeowners or Device Insurance Cover Apple Liquid Damage?
Wondering if you can file an insurance claim on a soaked iPhone or MacBook? Here are some key things to know about homeowners and device insurance covering Apple liquid damage:
- Homeowners/renters insurance may cover accidental damage – But often with a deductible of $500 or more.
- Device protection plans like AppleCare+ provide coverage for liquid damage – For applicable service fees.
- Cell phone insurance through carriers may cover water damage – With a claims deductible.
- Damage from natural causes like floods may have limited or no coverage.
- Deliberate water exposure may constitute negligence, limiting coverage.
- Theft following liquid damage may not be covered without proof of forcible entry.
Before filing a claim for a water damaged Apple product, carefully review your homeowners/renters and device insurance policies for coverage details and exclusions. Damage deductibles, repair reimbursement limits, and intentional damage clauses can all limit potential payouts.
Third Party Water Damage Repair Options
In addition to Apple’s authorized service network, many third party repair shops offer liquid damage repair services for Apple devices. Here’s what to know about third party water damage repairs:
- Often less expensive than Apple repair costs
- Services may vary from mail-in to local repair shops
- Quality of parts and workmanship may be less consistent
- May void any remaining Apple warranty
- Research and vet any third party carefully before using
- Ask about pricing, guaranteed work, warranties, timelines
- May be unable to access Apple genuine parts
While third party services can repair Apple liquid damage for lower costs, it comes with greater risk than using Apple’s network. Thoroughly researching any third party repair service and getting guarantees upfront is advised.
DIY Repairs for Liquid Damaged Apple Products
For the really ambitious, it is possible to attempt DIY repairs on a liquid damaged iPhone, MacBook, or other Apple gear. Here’s what to know:
- Requires electronics repair knowledge and experience
- Correct tools and equipment needed for disassembly
- Must source reliable replacement parts yourself
- High likelihood of accidental component damage
- Voids any remaining Apple warranty
- Watch YouTube tutorial videos to learn
- Attempting advanced logic board repairs is very risky
Unless you are an electronics repair whiz, DIY repairs for Apple liquid damage often end up being more trouble than they are worth. While cheaper, the probability of damaging components, being unable to properly source quality parts, or irreparably botching the repair job is quite high. Leave it to the professionals if possible.
Will Apple Replace a Liquid Damaged Device?
In most cases, Apple will not provide free replacements for devices damaged by liquid contact, but there are a few potential exceptions:
- May replace under AppleCare+ accidental damage if incidents remaining
- Possible for manufacturing defect caused failure allowing liquid in
- Genius Bar technician discreet out-of-warranty exception
- Consumer laws in some regions require minimum lifetime
- Class action lawsuits for design flaws causing damage
But in general, replacing an Apple device outright due to liquid damage is quite rare. Instead, Apple will suggest various out-of-warranty repair options to attempt restoring the damaged device to working order.
Selling or Trading In a Liquid Damaged Apple Device
What if you want to sell, trade-in, or recycle an Apple product with prior liquid damage? Here are a few key points to know:
- Disclose any liquid damage history upfront if selling privately
- Trade-in and recycling programs inspect for and account for liquid damage
- Liquid damaged Apple devices have much lower resale value
- Testing before sale helps avoid buyer complaints or returns
- Be honest about cosmetic and internal water damage details
- Online listings should note “water damage – sold as-is”
While liquid damaged iPhones, iPads and MacBooks can still be sold, traded, donated or recycled, their value will be significantly lower than equivalent products without water damage. Be transparent about any prior liquid contact to avoid issues.
Conclusion
To wrap it all up, liquid damage is generally not covered under Apple’s standard warranty, but options exist to repair water damaged Apple devices through Apple, third parties, or DIY. AppleCare+ provides valuable protection against common liquid spills and accidents. If your Apple product gets wet, don’t panic. Dry it thoroughly for at least 48 hours, don’t power it on initially, and consider professional repair options. With some luck and care, a soaked iPhone or MacBook can often be revived. Just be ready for potentially costly repairs. And invest in a water-resistant case for your Apple gadgets for a little extra peace of mind.