If you suspect your iPhone 13 may have water damage, there are a few signs to look out for. In this article, we’ll cover how to tell if your iPhone 13 has water damage, what to do if it does, and steps you can take to help prevent water damage in the future.
How Can You Tell if an iPhone 13 Has Water Damage?
Here are some of the most common signs that indicate water damage on an iPhone 13:
- Condensation or fogging up inside the camera lenses or screen
- Muffled or distorted speakers
- Unresponsive touchscreen
- Flickering or non-working display
- Corrosion on the SIM card tray or Lightning port
- Presence of the Liquid Contact Indicator (LCI)
The Liquid Contact Indicator is a great way to know for sure if water has gotten inside your iPhone. Here’s what to look for:
- Locate the LCI inside the SIM card slot – it’s a small white sticker that will turn red if it gets wet.
- If the LCI dot is red, then water has gotten into that area and tripped the indicator.
- A red/pink LCI means your iPhone has water damage.
In addition to these physical signs, software issues like random reboots, crashing apps, or the device not turning on at all could also indicate water damage inside the iPhone.
What Should You Do if Your iPhone 13 Has Water Damage?
If you suspect or confirm water damage on your iPhone 13, here are the steps to take:
- Turn off the iPhone immediately – this helps prevent short circuits and further damage.
- Do not try to charge it, as this can be dangerous.
- Dry the iPhone thoroughly with a soft, lint-free cloth and allow it to air dry for at least 24 hours.
- Do not use things like hairdryers or vacuum cleaners to dry the iPhone.
- Remove any case or cover and dry the iPhone’s interior as best as you can.
- After 24 hours, try turning it on. If it works, back up data immediately.
- If it does not turn on, seek professional repair assistance as soon as possible.
Liquid damage requires professional repair in most cases. Do not attempt to self-repair water damage issues, as this can make the situation worse. Contact Apple Support or take your iPhone to an Apple Store or Apple Authorized Service Provider.
How Much Does iPhone 13 Water Damage Repair Cost?
The cost to repair an iPhone 13 with water damage can vary depending on the extent of the damage. Here are some general repair cost estimates:
| Repair Type | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| iPhone dried quickly, minimal damage | $0 – $200 |
| Logic board damage | $200 – $500 |
| Extensive corrosion, display/camera issues | $500 – $800 |
The liquid indicators turning red does not always mean damage has occurred. Get a professional assessment. AppleCare+ can offset repair costs as well.
How to Prevent Water Damage on an iPhone 13
While accidents happen, you can take proactive steps to help keep water away from your iPhone 13:
- Use a waterproof case – Cases rated IP67 or IP68 can withstand immersion.
- Avoid taking your iPhone in water, hot tubs, pools etc.
- Keep drinks, sinks, showers away from where you place your iPhone.
- Never charge your iPhone near water or in very humid rooms.
- Dry your hands before handling your iPhone, especially after washing.
- Invest in waterproof pouches for trips to the beach, lake etc.
- Consider getting AppleCare+ for cheaper repair costs if accidental damage does occur.
Does AppleCare+ Cover Water Damage?
AppleCare+ can provide some coverage for water damage, with a service fee. Here are the details:
- AppleCare+ covers two incidents of accidental damage, each with a $29 service fee for screen or back glass damage, or $99 for other damage.
- This means water damage repair can be as little as $29 with AppleCare+ coverage.
- After two covered incidents, you must pay full out-of-warranty repair costs.
- Important: You must have a functional, working iPhone to buy AppleCare+ after purchase. Water damage may prevent this.
- So it’s best to add AppleCare+ immediately when buying your iPhone for full coverage.
Does Homeowners or Renters Insurance Cover iPhone Water Damage?
Homeowners or renters insurance will sometimes cover iPhone water damage under your personal property coverage, but there are caveats:
- You will need to pay your policy deductible, often $500-$1000.
- The incident must involve a covered loss like a burst pipe, storm damage etc.
- Minor spills or accidental submersion may not qualify.
- Coverage amounts are limited, often $1500-$2000 for electronics.
- Filing claims can increase your premiums.
Review your specific policy details as requirements can vary between providers. Some may offer electronic device coverage options for an additional premium.
Conclusion
Determining water damage on an iPhone 13 involves checking for physical signs like condensation, corrosion, and liquid contact indicators. Software glitches can also indicate water has gotten inside. If you confirm water damage, turn off and dry your iPhone then seek professional repair right away. Preventative steps like waterproof cases can help avoid water damage in the day to day. AppleCare+ provides some affordable coverage for accidental water damage as well. With proper precautions and immediate action when needed, your iPhone 13 can survive an accidental splash.