Dropping your iPhone in water is a common accident that many users experience. Water can damage the internal components of an iPhone and render it unusable. However, the extent of the damage depends on factors like the depth of water, duration of submersion, and type of liquid.
Can an iPhone work after being dropped in water?
It is possible for an iPhone to still work after being dropped in water, but it depends on the situation. If the iPhone was only exposed to small splashes or drops of water and was retrieved quickly, it may continue to function normally. The water would not have had time to reach the internal components. However, longer immersion even in shallow water increases the risk of damage.
Factors that influence water damage
Several key factors determine the extent of water damage to a water-exposed iPhone:
- Depth of water – Deeper water puts more pressure on the seals and increases the chance of water ingress.
- Duration of submersion – The longer the iPhone stays submerged, the more water can seep into small crevices.
- Liquid type – Saltwater and chlorinated water are more corrosive than freshwater.
- iPhone model – Newer models like the iPhone XS have improved water resistance compared to older models.
- Water temperature – Warmer water may allow faster seepage into openings.
What types of water damage can occur?
An iPhone dropped in water can experience different types of damage based on which internal components get exposed:
Main logic board
The main logic board contains the phone’s processors and circuitry. If it gets wet, short circuits can occur, and corrosion can build up over time, preventing proper electrical contact between components. This can lead to sudden system crashes or freezing.
Battery
Water can corrode the battery charging circuits or cause short circuits. This can lead to rapid battery drainage, improper charging, overheating, or bursting.
Display
Water ingress past the display seal can interfere with the touchscreen and display driver circuits. This can manifest as an unresponsive, flickering, or discolored screen.
Cameras
Water can permanently fog up the iPhone’s camera lens or corrode the delicate image sensor circuits. This leads to blurry, hazy photos and videos.
Speakers and microphones
Water exposure can make speakers sound muffled or stop working altogether. Microphones may also malfunction resulting in garbled or muted sound during calls.
Can a water-damaged iPhone be repaired?
It is often possible to repair an iPhone with light or moderate water damage. Here are some common iPhone repair options:
Drying it out
If caught quickly, drying out the iPhone thoroughly before turning it on can allow it to work again. Leave it powered off in a dry environment for at least 24-48 hours.
Logic board cleaning
For corrosion buildup on the logic board, specialized cleaning solutions can be applied to remove oxidation and improve electrical contacts. Ultrasonic cleaning can also help.
Hardware replacement
Severely damaged components like the logic board, battery, speakers, or cameras may need to be replaced. This restores functionality.
Full device replacement
For very extensive water damage where repair costs approach replacement cost, it may be better to replace the iPhone with a new or refurbished unit.
| Repair type | Cost estimate |
|---|---|
| Logic board cleaning | $75 – $150 |
| Battery replacement | $49 – $99 |
| Speaker replacement | $25 – $50 per speaker |
| Full device replacement | $299 – $999 depending on model |
Does AppleCare cover water damage?
AppleCare and AppleCare+ for iPhone do not cover water damage as it is considered accidental damage. You will need to pay Apple’s out-of-warranty repair fees if you want Apple to repair water damage.
Preventing water damage to iPhones
You can take a few precautions to avoid iPhone water damage:
- Use a waterproof case when going near water – This seals the iPhone from water.
- Attach a floating strap – It will float the iPhone to the surface if dropped in water.
- Avoid swimming/bathing with the iPhone unless waterproof.
- Turn off and dry the iPhone ASAP after water exposure.
- Avoid excessive humidity and steam which can also damage electronics.
Drying out a wet iPhone – do’s and don’ts
If your iPhone gets wet, follow these dos and don’ts when drying it out:
Do:
- Remove the iPhone from the water quickly if submerged.
- Turn off the iPhone immediately – this avoids short circuiting.
- Remove all covers and accessories.
- Dry out ports and buttons gently with a soft cloth.
- Place the iPhone on an absorbent cloth or paper towels.
- Point a fan directly at the iPhone to quicken drying.
- Put the iPhone in a sealed bag/container with drying agents like silica gel packs.
- Wait at least 24-48 hours before turning on the iPhone again.
Don’t:
- Press any buttons or ports while the iPhone is wet – this can cause a short circuit.
- Plug in a charger until completely dry.
- Use a hairdryer or other heat source – excessive heat can damage internal components.
- Disassemble the iPhone unless experienced – this can expose wet internals to air leading to corrosion.
Summary
Dropping an iPhone in water can potentially damage it, but the extent depends on the water exposure circumstances. Quick action to dry it out can allow it to work again in some cases of mild water exposure. For more extensive water damage, professional repairs may be needed, or the iPhone may need to be replaced if beyond repair. Taking precautions like using waterproof cases can help prevent water damage in the first place.