What is the Liquid Damage Indicator on the iPhone 12?
The liquid damage indicator (LDI) on the iPhone 12 is a small sticker inside the device that is designed to detect exposure to liquids (Source). It is a way for Apple technicians to quickly visually inspect if water or other liquids may have gotten inside the phone.
The purpose of the LDI is to indicate possible liquid damage that could affect the internal components and electronics. When exposed to moisture, the small sticker changes color from white/silver to red or pink (Source). This makes it easy to see if water or liquid has tripped the indicator.
On the iPhone 12 models, the LDI sticker is located internally near the SIM card slot. The SIM card tray must be removed to visually inspect the LDI sticker inside.
Why Check the Liquid Damage Indicator?
Checking the liquid damage indicator on your iPhone 12 serves a couple important purposes:
1. See if water damage occurred – The liquid damage indicator lets you know if water or other liquids have gotten into the internal components of your iPhone. If the indicator is triggered, it means water exposure occurred which could potentially damage internal parts.
2. Assess if repairs/replacement needed – If the liquid damage indicator shows water exposure happened, you’ll need to determine if repairs or replacement of your iPhone is necessary. Water can corrode connections and damage electronic components over time. Checking the indicator and then inspecting your iPhone for issues will reveal if professional repair or replacement is required.
Knowing whether liquid made its way inside your iPhone 12 is the only way to confirm if water damage took place. A tripped indicator alerts you that a problem may exist so you can take action before the issue gets worse. For this reason, it’s a good idea to periodically check it even if you haven’t had an obvious water exposure incident.
Locating the Liquid Damage Indicator
The liquid damage indicator on the iPhone 12 is usually located near the SIM card slot. It’s a small white or pink sticker inside the phone that will change colors if it comes into contact with water or other liquids.
To find the indicator, you’ll need to locate the SIM card tray. On the iPhone 12, this is on the right side of the phone near the bottom. Open the SIM card tray to expose the slot. Look closely just inside the SIM card slot and you should see a small white or pink sticker.
This innocuous sticker is actually the liquid damage indicator. It’s designed to react when exposed to moisture by changing colors. So checking it regularly can give you an idea if any water or liquid has gotten inside your iPhone.
How to Check the Liquid Damage Indicator
Checking the liquid damage indicator on an iPhone 12 is easy to do once you know where to look. The most important thing is having a bright light source like a flashlight to properly inspect the indicator.
To check the LDI, first make sure your iPhone 12 is powered off. Remove any case or cover that may be obstructing the indicator. The LDI is located internally within the SIM card slot. You’ll need to open the SIM tray to view it.
Shine your flashlight directly on the exposed LDI once the SIM tray is open. Look closely for any change in color from the original white or pink hue to a reddish or pinkish-red color. A red LDI means your iPhone has been exposed to liquid at some point.
If you are having trouble seeing the LDI, try using the flashlight on another phone for added brightness. You may need to tilt or angle the light to properly illuminate the indicator. Checking in a well-lit room can also help. The change in color signifying liquid damage may be very subtle, so look closely.
Be sure to inspect the crevice surrounding the LDI as well using your flashlight. Liquid can sometimes seep into tiny spaces not directly on the indicator. If you see any signs of liquid exposure, assume the LDI has been tripped.
Reinsert the SIM tray once finished inspecting. Then you can power your iPhone back on. Knowing the condition of the LDI will help determine your next steps in handling potential water damage issues.
Interpreting the Liquid Damage Indicator
The liquid damage indicator on the iPhone 12 is very easy to interpret. Apple uses a smart indicator that changes colors based on exposure to moisture.
A white or pink indicator means no water damage has occurred on the iPhone. This is the color you want to see, as it confirms your iPhone has stayed dry.
A red or missing indicator means water damage has occurred at some point. The indicators are designed to turn red permanently when exposed to liquid, even if the iPhone then dries out. A missing indicator is also a sign that water damaged the adhesive and caused the indicator to fall off.
According to Apple, a red or missing indicator means “liquid has entered the device and tripped the liquid contact indicator” (source). It’s an instant way to know water damaged the internals at some point.
Water Damage Without Tripped Indicator
It is possible for an iPhone 12 to sustain water damage even if the liquid contact indicator does not change colors. This can happen when only a small amount of liquid comes into contact with the phone. Even minor exposure to moisture can cause corrosion and electronic malfunctions over time.
Some signs of water damage may still be present even without a tripped indicator, such as:
- Muffled or distorted speakers
- Unresponsive buttons
- Blurry camera
- Flickering or non-functional display
Additional checks that can detect water damage include examining ports and openings for corrosion, testing device functions like the camera and wifi, and inspecting for condensation or fog under the screen. The indicator does not cover all scenarios, so be thorough in checking for other signs of liquid exposure if you suspect water contact.
While the indicator remains untripped, quickly drying out the device can possibly prevent further damage. But it’s still a good idea to have a repair shop inspect it just in case, as moisture can cause gradual damage over time that may not be immediately apparent.
What to Do if Water Damage Occurred
If you suspect water damage has occurred to your iPhone 12, it is important to act quickly to try to minimize permanent damage. The first step is to immediately turn off your iPhone if it is still on. Do not try to restart it or charge it, as this can cause short circuiting which could make the damage worse. Remove your iPhone from any water source immediately.
Thoroughly dry your iPhone with a soft, lint-free cloth to soak up moisture. Do not use things like hairdryers or rice to dry out your device. Once dried, do not try to charge or turn your iPhone back on yet. The internal components need time to fully dry before powering up again.
For the best chance at saving your iPhone, you will likely need professional repair service. Cell phone repair experts have tools to open up devices and thoroughly dry internal components. They can also assess any corrosion and replace damaged parts. This gives the best chance for recovering an iPhone after water exposure. Apple does offer water damage repairs at authorized service providers as well.
Attempting DIY repairs is risky if you do not have proper technical expertise and tools. But if you wish to try, disassembling your iPhone to clean and dry internal parts may help in some cases. Just be extremely cautious working with the delicate internal electronics.
DIY Drying Tips After Water Damage
If your iPhone 12 got wet but the liquid damage indicator did not change colors, you may be able to save it by thoroughly drying it out. Here are some tips for DIY drying after water damage:
First, be sure to remove any case or screen protector from the iPhone to allow it to dry effectively. Leaving these on can trap moisture against the device.
Use a soft, lint-free microfiber cloth to gently blot away any water on the surface of the iPhone. Be careful not to move any internal hardware parts around.
Next, place the iPhone in a sealed bag or container with desiccant packs (moisture-absorbing material). These will help draw out any water from inside the device. Some common desiccants are silica gel packets or rice.
Let the iPhone sit for at least 48-72 hours to allow time for the desiccant pack to absorb the moisture. Periodically check on it and swap out the pack for a fresh, dry one.
Avoid trying to charge, turn on, or use the iPhone during the drying period as this can cause short circuiting if moisture is still present.
Once fully dry, you can check the ports and speakers for any remaining droplets. If no moisture remains, it should be safe to turn on and use the iPhone again.
With proper drying, it’s possible to revive an iPhone 12 after light water exposure. But if issues persist, you may need professional repair.
Professional Repair Options
If you have determined your iPhone 12 has suffered water damage that you are unable to repair on your own, there are professional options available to get your device fully functional again:
Local repair shops like uBreakiFix offer iPhone 12 water damage diagnostic and repair services. Experienced technicians can assess the extent of the damage, provide a quote for parts and labor, and perform the necessary repairs to get your iPhone working properly again. The benefit of a local repair shop is convenience and fast turnaround time.
You can also bring your iPhone 12 to an Apple Store or Apple Authorized Service Provider for inspection and repair. The Apple Genius Bar specialists can run diagnostics, determine what repairs are needed, and potentially replace damaged parts like the screen or logic board. Going through Apple ensures genuine Apple parts are used. The downside is longer wait times for appointments and service.
Finally, you can use a mail-in iPhone repair service to fix iPhone 12 water damage. You ship your device to the repair center, they diagnose the issue and provide a quote, complete the repair work, and ship the phone back to you. Mail-in services can be more affordable than local shops, but you will be without your iPhone for 1-2 weeks typically.
Researching options in your area for iPhone water damage repair is recommended to compare factors like pricing, experience, warranties, and turnaround time. This will allow you to make an informed decision on the best route to get your iPhone 12 fixed and back in your hands.
Summary
In this article, we discussed the purpose and process for checking the Liquid Damage Indicator on the iPhone 12. This small indicator sticker inside your iPhone changes color if it comes into contact with water, which can help you identify potential water damage issues.
It’s important to periodically check this indicator, especially if you suspect your phone may have been exposed to moisture. A tripped indicator doesn’t necessarily mean your phone is damaged, but it’s an early warning sign to be aware of.
If you find the Liquid Damage Indicator has turned red, don’t panic. First, try drying out the phone thoroughly. If it still doesn’t function properly after drying, you may need to seek professional repair options. Apple or an authorized service provider can fully diagnose any internal damage and replace damaged parts if needed.
Catching water damage early and quickly drying your phone gives you the best chance of avoiding serious issues down the road. Be diligent about checking the Liquid Damage Indicator and acting fast if it does turn red. With proper care, your iPhone can continue working just like new.