Water damage is one of the most common issues that can afflict an iPhone. If liquid seeps into an iPhone, it can cause corrosion and electrical shorts, which can permanently damage the device. The good news is that water damage is often repairable, but it typically comes at a cost.
What are the costs to repair an iPhone with water damage?
The cost to repair an iPhone that has been damaged by water can vary quite a bit based on the extent of the damage and where you go to get it fixed. Here are some of the main factors that influence the cost:
- Level of water damage – Was it just splashed or completely submerged? The more water exposure, the more extensive and expensive the repairs.
- Repair shop – Apple Store vs. third-party repair vs. DIY. Apple is generally the most expensive option.
- Parts needing replacement – If parts like the logic board were damaged, replacements can get pricey.
- Diagnostic fees – Some repair shops charge fees just to diagnose the issue before quoting repair costs.
- iPhone model – Repair costs tend to be higher for newer models like the iPhone X or iPhone 11.
- Additional damage – If the water caused other secondary damage, like a cracked screen, the costs go up.
To give you an idea, here are some typical repair costs:
- iPhone 6 – $200 to $350+
- iPhone 7 – $250 to $450+
- iPhone 8 – $300 to $550+
- iPhone X – $400 to $700+
- iPhone 11 – $500 to $800+
The range depends on the factors mentioned above. Minor water exposure on an iPhone 6 could be around $200, but extensice damage to an iPhone 11 could be over $800. Keep in mind that with liquid damage, costs can rapidly escalate if major components were affected.
How much does Apple charge for water damage repair?
Apple tends to be the most expensive option for water damage repairs on iPhones. Here are their typical out-of-warranty repair costs if you go through an Apple Store or contact Apple support:
| iPhone Model | Apple Repair Cost |
|---|---|
| iPhone 6 | $299 |
| iPhone 7 | $319 |
| iPhone 8 | $349 |
| iPhone X | $399 |
| iPhone XS/XR | $399 |
| iPhone 11 | $449 |
Keep in mind these costs are based on Apple’s flat-rate repair fees. Actual costs can sometimes be higher if additional components need to be replaced or if other damage is discovered during the repair process.
How much do third-party and DIY repairs cost for water damage?
Going through a third-party repair shop or doing a DIY repair yourself can significantly reduce the cost compared to going through Apple. Here are some ballpark figures:
- Third-party repair shops – $100 to $350, depending on damage and iPhone model. Shops that do microsoldering may be able to fix more severe liquid damage for less than Apple’s fees.
- DIY repairs – $50 to $200 for new replacement parts. You can find quality aftermarket iPhone parts on sites like iFixit that let you DIY the repair for much lower cost.
DIY repairs require technical skill and special tools, so it’s only recommended if you’re comfortable disassembling smartphones and have experience with electronics repair. For most people, a third-party repair shop is the easier and more reliable option for fixing an iPhone water damage issue.
What are the typical iPhone water damage repair costs by model?
Here is a more detailed breakdown of typical iPhone water damage repair costs for different models:
iPhone 6
- Apple – $299
- Third-party repair – $100 to $200
- DIY – $50 to $150 for parts
iPhone 7
- Apple – $319
- Third-party repair – $150 to $250
- DIY – $75 to $175 for parts
iPhone 8
- Apple – $349
- Third-party repair – $200 to $300
- DIY – $100 to $200 for parts
iPhone X
- Apple – $399
- Third-party repair – $250 to $350
- DIY – $150 to $250 for parts
iPhone XS/XR
- Apple – $399
- Third-party repair – $250 to $350
- DIY – $150 to $250 for parts
iPhone 11
- Apple – $449
- Third-party repair – $300 to $400
- DIY – $200 to $300 for parts
As you can see, Apple’s repair costs are consistent regardless of the iPhone model. Third-party and DIY costs increase for newer models but are still significantly cheaper than Apple in most cases.
Factors that influence iPhone water damage repair costs
Let’s go over some of the key factors that can raise or lower the cost to fix an iPhone with liquid damage:
Level of water exposure
The more water exposure an iPhone sustained, the more extensive the repairs need to be:
- Splash or brief water – $100 to $300 on average
- Partial submersion – $200 to $400 on average
- Complete submersion – $300 to $600+ on average
After full submersion, replacement costs go up because components like the logic board are much more likely to be damaged beyond repair.
Speed of repair
The longer an iPhone sits with water damage, the more corrosion has time to set in and spread to other components. Getting a phone repaired quickly (within 1-2 days) after water exposure will likely result in cheaper repairs.
Parts needing replacement
Water that reaches key components like the logic board, battery, cameras, or Lightning port will require these parts to be replaced, significantly adding to repair costs. Getting an accurate diagnostic is important to determine which parts need replacement.
Secondary damage
If water exposure also causes secondary damage like a cracked screen or malfunctioning buttons, these issues will need to be repaired as well and drive up costs.
iPhone model
Newer iPhone models typically cost more to repair due to higher part costs. However, newer phones also tend to have better water resistance.
Repair shop
Apple charges 2-3x more than third-party and DIY repairs. Shopping around for a quality independent repair shop can save $100+ compared to the Apple Store.
How long do iPhone water damage repairs take?
The repair time for an iPhone with water damage depends on the repair option:
- Apple Store: 1-2 weeks typically. Apple ships damaged phones to a centralized repair facility.
- Third-party shops: 1-3 days in most cases. Faster turnaround as repairs are done locally.
- DIY: 1-3 hours for someone experienced at iPhone repairs. Longer if it’s your first repair.
So you can expect to be without your iPhone for 1-2 weeks going through Apple, or just a day or two using a good local repair shop.
Tips to save money on iPhone water damage repairs
Here are some tips to get your iPhone fixed for less after water exposure:
- Act quickly to minimize corrosion damage. The sooner it’s repaired the better.
- Shut off your phone immediately after water exposure to avoid electrical shorts.
- Disassemble the phone yourself and dry out components with isopropyl alcohol to prevent further water damage while seeking repair.
- Shop around for repair quotes – costs can vary widely between shops for the same work.
- Consider DIY repairs using quality aftermarket parts if you have repair experience.
- Ask the repair shop about microsoldering for severely water damaged phones – this specialized technique can often save components that otherwise would need replacement.
- Check if your credit card provides mobile phone damage coverage as a benefit.
- Use a waterproof case to prevent water damage in the first place.
Does AppleCare+ cover iPhone water damage?
Apple’s extended warranty program AppleCare+ does provide some coverage for iPhone water damage, with a service fee. Here are the details:
- You can make 2 claims for accidental damage coverage during the 2 years of AppleCare+ coverage.
- Each accidental damage claim has a service fee: $29 for screen damage, $99 for any other damage.
- So for a water damage claim, you’d pay $99 and Apple will repair or replace your iPhone.
- Apple may restrict repairs for iPhones that have extensive liquid damage.
Keep in mind you need to purchase AppleCare+ within 60 days of buying your iPhone to get this damage coverage.
Does iPhone insurance cover water damage?
Mobile phone insurance from carriers or third-party providers typically covers water damage to iPhones, with some limitations:
- There is usually a deductible, around $50 to $200 depending on coverage level.
- Only a certain number of damage claims are allowed per year (typically 2).
- Water sensors in the iPhone must not be triggered – this indicates extensive water exposure.
- There may be exclusions for catastrophic damage beyond repair.
Read your insurance policy’s fine print to understand exactly what water damage is covered. And be sure to file a claim promptly after any water exposure incident.
Is it worth fixing an iPhone with water damage?
In most cases, it is worth repairing an iPhone that gets exposed to liquid rather than simply replacing the device. However, if the costs exceed 50-60% of the phone’s value, replacement may be a better option. Here are a few guidelines on when to repair vs. replace a water damaged iPhone:
- Minor damage under $200-300 – Always worth fixing vs. replacing.
- Moderate damage around $300-500 – Often worth repairing, but compare costs of a replacement iPhone.
- Severe damage over $500 – Consider replacing instead, or look into third-party microsoldering repairs.
- Extreme corrosion/shorts – Repair costs exceed replacement cost. Better to replace.
Also take into account the hassle of moving data and restoring settings to a new iPhone. Repairing retains all your personal content and configuration.
Can you fix an iPhone water damage yourself?
It is possible to fix an iPhone with mild water damage on your own, but only if you have repair experience. Here are some tips for DIY water damage repair:
- Completely disassemble the iPhone to access and dry all components.
- Rinse corrosion and residue off components with 90%+ isopropyl alcohol.
- Gently clean corrosion from logic board and connectors with flux remover.
- Let components dry out completely before reassembling (24-48 hours).
- Replace any parts that still show corrosion or don’t function properly.
- Apply fresh water-resistant conformal coating to the logic board when reassembling.
Even seasoned phone repair techs sometimes struggle with DIY water repairs. It’s generally better to leave extensive liquid damage to professional microsoldering experts.
How can I prevent water damage to my iPhone?
Here are some tips to keep your iPhone safe from costly water damage:
- Use a waterproof case – this is the best protection against immersion.
- Avoid exposing your iPhone to moisture in the bathroom or other wet environments.
- Keep your iPhone away from sinks, tubs, pools, and other sources of splashing.
- Never shower or swim with your iPhone unless it’s in a waterproof case.
- Invest in a waterproofing conformal coating if you have an older iPhone model.
- Turn off and fully dry your iPhone if it does get exposed to liquid ASAP.
- Consider getting AppleCare+ for cheaper water damage repairs.
A bit of caution goes a long way in avoiding the cost and headache of fixing an iPhone water damage. But if it does happen, follow the tips in this article to get your phone fixed properly without overspending.
Conclusion
Repairing an iPhone that has been exposed to liquid can range from $100 for minor damage up to $800+ for newer models with extensive water exposure. Apple tends to be the most expensive repair option at around $300-450, but independent repair shops or DIY fixes can reduce the cost significantly. The best approach is to quickly bring your iPhone in for professional repair any time it sustains water damage – this gives you the best chance of saving money compared to replacing the entire device. With the right precautions, you can also prevent iPhone water damage in the first place and avoid costly repairs altogether.