Apple charges varying amounts to fix an iPhone that has been damaged by water, depending on the model of iPhone and the extent of the damage. Getting a water damaged iPhone repaired by Apple can be an expensive proposition, but may be less costly than replacing the device entirely.
What are the costs to repair a water damaged iPhone at Apple?
If you have AppleCare+ coverage on your iPhone, you will pay a service fee of $29 for screen damage or $99 for any other damage to have your water damaged iPhone repaired. Without AppleCare+ coverage, repair fees can range from $229 to $549 depending on the model and damage.
Here are Apple’s current repair costs for water damaged iPhones without AppleCare+:
| iPhone Model | Screen Replacement Cost | Other Damage Replacement Cost |
|---|---|---|
| iPhone 14 Pro Max | $329 | Up to $549 |
| iPhone 14 Pro | $329 | Up to $549 |
| iPhone 14 | $279 | Up to $449 |
| iPhone 14 Plus | $279 | Up to $449 |
| iPhone 13 Pro Max | $329 | Up to $549 |
| iPhone 13 Pro | $329 | Up to $549 |
| iPhone 13 | $279 | Up to $449 |
| iPhone 13 Mini | $279 | Up to $449 |
| iPhone 12 Pro Max | $329 | Up to $549 |
| iPhone 12 Pro | $329 | Up to $549 |
| iPhone 12 | $279 | Up to $449 |
| iPhone 12 Mini | $279 | Up to $449 |
| iPhone 11 Pro Max | $329 | Up to $549 |
| iPhone 11 Pro | $329 | Up to $549 |
| iPhone 11 | $229 | Up to $399 |
| iPhone XS Max | $329 | Up to $549 |
| iPhone XS | $329 | Up to $549 |
| iPhone XR | $229 | Up to $399 |
| iPhone X | $279 | Up to $549 |
| iPhone 8 Plus | $169 | Up to $319 |
| iPhone 8 | $169 | Up to $319 |
| iPhone 7 Plus | $169 | Up to $319 |
| iPhone 7 | $169 | Up to $319 |
| iPhone 6s Plus | $169 | Up to $319 |
| iPhone 6s | $169 | Up to $319 |
As you can see, costs vary widely depending on the damage and iPhone model. The repair cost for an iPhone 14 Pro Max with extensive water damage could be as high as $549 if you don’t have AppleCare+.
What kind of water damage can Apple repair?
Apple can repair an iPhone with water damage as long as the main logic board is still functioning and has not been too severely corroded. Here are some examples of water damage Apple may be able to fix:
- An iPhone that was accidentally dropped in water briefly and then quickly dried out
- An iPhone that was splashed with a small amount of water or exposed to light rain
- An iPhone recovered shortly after falling into a pool, lake, toilet etc
- An iPhone with condensation or moisture under the screen after being exposed to humidity
Apple will test the iPhone to determine if basic functionality is still there before approving a repair. If the logic board is too badly corroded or components have been permanently shorted out, Apple will likely declare the iPhone “beyond economical repair.”
Liquid indicators
iPhones have special liquid contact indicator strips that change color when exposed to moisture. The strips are located both on the outside near charging ports and internally. Apple technicians will check these strips to help determine if water damage caused the issue and whether repair is feasible.
How does Apple test an iPhone for water damage?
When you take a water damaged iPhone to Apple for repair, here are some of the steps technicians will take to assess the damage:
- Visual inspection – They will look for obvious signs of external water damage like corrosion, fluid leaks, fogged up screens and cameras.
- Liquid contact indicator check – Technicians will check the external and internal water damage strips.
- Functionality tests – They will power on the iPhone and test basic functions like making calls, touchscreen response, charging ability, wifi and Bluetooth connectivity.
- Diagnostics – The iPhone will be connected to Apple’s proprietary diagnostic tools to assess the hardware and main logic board.
- X-rays – Apple may x-ray the device to check for corrosion and damage internally.
- Disassembly – In some cases the iPhone will be taken apart to allow for closer water damage inspection.
If the basic functionality is intact and the logic board is salvageable, Apple will be able to move forward with repairs. If the device fails these tests, Apple will deny service and recommend full replacement.
How does Apple repair water damage on an iPhone?
To repair a water damaged iPhone, Apple technicians will typically need to replace multiple components. Here are some of the common repair steps:
- Disassemble the device to access and dry out the interior.
- Replace corrosion damaged flex cables, connectors and ports.
- Clean or replace water damaged electronic components and circuitry.
- Replace the battery – Water exposure degrades battery performance and life.
- Replace any malfunctioning or shorted out chips on the logic board.
- Inspect and potentially refurbish or replace the main logic board.
- Replace touchscreen, screen, cameras and other components as needed.
- Thoroughly clean, dry out and re-seal the phone interior.
- Reassemble iPhone with new replacement parts and test thoroughly.
The extent of the work required will depend on how severely the internal components were exposed and corroded. With an iPhone disassembly tool kit, schematics and proper electronics experience, some of these repairs can be performed DIY. But Apple recommends going to a certified technician for reliable water damage repair work.
Is it worth paying Apple to repair a water damaged iPhone?
Whether it’s worth paying Apple’s out-of-warranty fees to repair a water damaged iPhone depends on these factors:
- Repair cost vs replacement cost – Compare Apple’s estimated repair fee with the cost of just buying a replacement iPhone. For an iPhone 14 Pro Max, full repair could cost over $500 vs $1099+ for a new one.
- Data recovery – Repair may be worth the high cost if you need to recover irreplaceable data and don’t have a backup.
- Sentimental value – You may opt for repair if the iPhone has sentimental value.
- Availability – Long wait times for replacement iPhones may make repair a quicker option.
- Warranty – Apple provides a 90 day warranty on water damage repairs.
Alternatives like third party repair or DIY can sometimes be more cost effective. But Apple is generally the safest option for reliable, high-quality iPhone water damage repair when needed.
Can you get Apple to repair a water damaged iPhone for free?
Unfortunately there is no way to get Apple to repair a water damaged iPhone entirely for free unless you have AppleCare+ coverage. However, here are a few tips to potentially lower repair costs if negotiating with Apple:
- Stay polite and escalate to a supervisor – Front line staff have limited flexibility, but supervisors can approve exceptions.
- Ask if an exception can be made – Especially if damage was minor or accidental.
- Inquire about out of warranty assistance – Apple sometimes offers one time “exceptional goodwill” repairs.
- Get a lower tier repair – Opt for screen only repair even if other damage exists.
- Use Apple credit card financing – 0% interest installment plans spread cost over time.
While Apple won’t repair severe iPhone water damage for free, with flexible negotiations you may be able to reduce the total bill somewhat.
Should I get AppleCare+ for water damage protection?
Investing in AppleCare+ for your iPhone can be worth it to minimize repair costs if accidental water damage occurs. Here are some benefits AppleCare+ provides:
- Reduced service fees – Just $29 for screen or $99 for other damage.
- Two incidents covered – AppleCare+ covers two separate repair instances.
- Extended warranty – Adds 1 year coverage beyond standard 1 year warranty.
- Theft and loss protection – Replacement fees apply.
- Battery coverage – AppleCare+ replaces worn batteries.
- Financing available – Spread AppleCare+ cost over monthly installments.
For the latest iPhone 14 Pro Max, AppleCare+ is $149 for 2 years total coverage. Compared to a $549 water damage repair bill, it can provide substantial savings with multiple incidents over its duration.
Should I buy AppleCare+ or insurance?
Both AppleCare+ and phone insurance can help cover cracked screens, water damage, theft and loss. Some key differences:
| AppleCare+ | Insurance | |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | Varies, $79-$199 | Varies, $5-$15 monthly |
| Coverage Length | 2 years max | As long as premiums paid |
| Deductible/Fees | $29-$99 incident fee | $50-$250 deductible |
| Replacement Device | Refurbished | New or refurbished |
AppleCare+ can be cost effective if you keep your iPhone for 2 years. Insurance has higher ongoing costs but no usage limit. Evaluate your repair incident risk tolerance and length of device ownership when choosing.
Should I get third party iPhone water damage repair?
Rather than pay Apple’s high out-of-warranty repair fees, you may be able to get significantly cheaper iPhone water damage repair from a third party repair shop. Here’s an overview of third party repair pros and cons:
Potential pros of third party iPhone water damage repair
- Much lower repair costs – $100-$300+ cheaper in many cases.
- More convenient locations – Repair shops are widespread.
- Faster turnaround times – Often repaired same day.
- Data preservation – Shops can preserve data if logic board intact.
- Component level repairs – May replace specific parts vs whole device.
Potential cons of third party iPhone water damage repair
- No Apple OEM parts – Third party components may be used.
- No Apple warranty – Repairs have shorter independent warranties.
- Data security concerns – Less vetting of repair techs.
- Quality variability – Reputable shops produce good results.
With some diligent research into local repair shop reviews and reputation, third party repairs can deliver huge savings compared to the Apple Store. Just be prepared to potentially sacrifice some Apple OEM part quality and proprietary diagnostics capabilities.
Can you DIY fix a water damaged iPhone?
With the right technical skills, proper tools and quality components, self-repairing water damage on an iPhone is technically possible. Here are some key considerations for DIY iPhone water damage repair:
- Tools needed – Precision screwdrivers, pry tools, suction cups, tweezers and an ESD mat.
- Component sourcing – Finding legit Apple parts like screens or batteries.
- Microsoldering ability – For logic board component level repair.
- Difficulty level – Intermediate to advanced repair skills recommended.
- Risks – Potential to damage connectors, ribbon cables etc.
If you have electronics repair experience and are willing to purchase specialty tools, DIY iPhone water damage repair can be rewarding and save substantially on costs. But for most people lacking proper skills, the Apple Store or a local repair shop remain the best options.
Conclusion
Getting a water damaged iPhone repaired by Apple officially can be very expensive without warranty coverage, ranging from $169 to over $500 in fees depending on the model and extent of damage. AppleCare+ or a reputable third party repair provider present more affordable alternatives in many cases. With the proper skills and tools, DIY iPhone water damage repair is also possibility, but only recommended for those experienced working with delicate electronics.