Having water damage in your iPhone can be a frustrating and potentially expensive issue. In this article, we’ll look at the typical repair costs for fixing water damage in different iPhone models and provide tips on how to avoid or minimize repair expenses.
What causes water damage in iPhones?
There are a few common ways that water can get into an iPhone and cause damage:
- Accidental water exposure – Dropping the phone in water, spills, etc.
- Condensation buildup – From temperature/humidity changes or going from cold to hot environments
- Submersion – Briefly being fully submerged in water
- Corrosion – Long-term water exposure leading to corroded internal components
iPhones are not designed to be waterproof, so any water entering the housing can cause issues like:
- Short circuiting of electronic components
- Corrosion of connectors, boards, etc.
- Damage to screen/display
- speakers/microphones failing
Newer iPhone models (iPhone 7 and later) have some improved water resistance compared to older models, but they are still vulnerable to water damage over time.
How much does it cost to repair water damage on an iPhone?
The cost to repair an iPhone with water damage can vary widely depending on the model, type of damage, and who does the repair work. Here are some typical costs:
iPhone 6s/6s Plus or earlier
- Apple (out of warranty)- $749 for replacement
- Apple Authorized Service Provider – $399-$649 for repair
- Third party/independent repair – $150-$350 depending on damage
iPhone 7/7 Plus
- Apple (out of warranty) – $549 for replacement
- Apple Authorized Service Provider – $399-$599 for repair
- Third party/independent repair – $200-$400 depending on damage
iPhone 8/8 Plus or later
- Apple (out of warranty) – $549-$699 for replacement
- Apple Authorized Service Provider – $429-$679 for repair
- Third party/independent repair – $250-$500 depending on damage
As you can see, Apple’s out of warranty replacement cost is quite high for any water damaged iPhone. Apple Authorized Service Providers can offer lower repair costs in many cases. Third party and independent repair shops typically offer the most affordable options, but quality may vary.
Factors that affect water damage repair costs
There are several key factors that can raise or lower the cost to fix an iPhone with water damage:
- Model – Newer models generally cost more to repair due to higher original prices.
- Type of damage – Was it a minor spill or full submersion? Short-term or long-term exposure?
- Components affected – Did water reach the logic board, battery, etc. Complex component damage raises costs.
- Repair shop – Apple/authorized providers tend to charge premium rates compared to independent shops.
- Location/accessibility – Shops in major cities can charge more than rural areas.
- Timeframe – Fast turnaround repairs may carry rush fees.
Tips to avoid high iPhone water damage repair costs
Here are some tips to help you avoid or minimize water damage repair costs for your iPhone:
- Use a protective case designed to resist water/spills.
- Avoid exposing iPhone to rain/snow if possible.
- Don’t intentionally submerge or use iPhone underwater.
- Dry iPhone thoroughly if it gets wet before trying to power on.
- Don’t try to charge a wet iPhone to avoid short circuiting.
- Have iPhone serviced at first sign of water damage to prevent bigger issues.
- Research repair costs – independent shops can save hundreds vs Apple.
- Consider warranty/insurance options to offset repair costs.
When to avoid repairing a water damaged iPhone
In some cases of extensive water damage, repair costs can exceed the value of an older generation iPhone. Here are signs that the phone may not be worth fixing:
- iPhone has been fully submerged underwater for long period
- Water indicators show full water penetration into housing
- Device won’t power on at all, even after drying out
- You see corrosion around charging port, headphone jack, etc.
- Repair quote exceeds ~60% of the iPhone’s used market value
With heavy water damage, it’s often more cost effective to put that money towards a replacement iPhone. But for minor-moderate water exposure, repairs can be well worth the investment.
Professional water damage repair options
If you need professional iPhone water damage repairs, here are a few good options to consider:
Apple
Apple and Apple Authorized Service Providers can perform reliable repairs using genuine Apple parts. But out of warranty pricing is very high. Best for recently purchased iPhones under factory or extended AppleCare warranty.
Mail-in repair services
Reputable mail-in iPhone repair companies like iCracked and uBreakiFix provide lower cost repairs by professional technicians. Convenient shipping both ways.
Local repair shops
Search for well-reviewed independent iPhone repair technicians in your area. Look for experience working specifically with water damaged phones. Provides fast turnaround without shipping.
DIY water damage repair tips
With the right tools and technical skill, minor iPhone water damage can sometimes be repaired DIY. Here are a few tips:
- Completely disassemble the iPhone to clean out all water residue.
- Use isopropyl alcohol and soft brush to gently clean water-exposed components.
- Thoroughly dry out all parts before reassembly.
- Check for damaged ports/connectors that may need replacement.
- Replace any malfunctioning modular components like the charging port or headphone jack.
Caution: DIY repairs require technical knowledge of iPhone components. Attempting advanced repairs like logic board cleanup risks causing further damage if not done properly. Consider professional repair for anything beyond basic cleaning/drying.
Cost to repair other water damaged phones
Here are some estimates for water damage repair costs on other common smartphone models:
| Phone | Typical Repair Cost |
|---|---|
| Samsung Galaxy S7 | $220 – $380 |
| Google Pixel 4 | $250 – $450 |
| LG G8 ThinQ | $180 – $350 |
| Motorola Moto Z4 | $130 – $300 |
Repair costs depend heavily on the make/model and level of water damage. Newer phones also tend to cost more for water damage repairs. As with iPhones, independent repair shops offer the most competitive rates vs the manufacturer.
Preventing water damage to electronic devices
Water can damage more than just your iPhone. Any electronic device is potentially vulnerable. Here are tips to help prevent water damage to any electronics:
- Keep devices away from bodies of water like pools or bathtubs.
- Don’t use electronics outside during rain/snowfall.
- Keep liquids away from electronics on desks/tables.
- Store devices in dry areas with low humidity when possible.
- Use water-resistant cases or dry bags for outdoor use.
- Never handle electronics with wet hands.
- Use phone as flash light instead of bringing other lighting near water.
Avoiding exposing electronics to moisture and splashes is the safest bet. But if damage does occur, act quickly to dry and repair the device before permanent failure happens.
Conclusion
Repairing an iPhone with water damage can cost anywhere from $150 to $749+ depending on the model, damage level, and who does the repair work. Newer iPhones tend to cost more. Apple quotes high out of warranty prices, so third party repair shops are recommended for affordable fixes in the few hundreds of dollars. With significant water exposure, replacement may be a better option than sinking more money into repairs. But for light-moderate damage, professional repairs can often restore even a waterlogged iPhone. Just be sure to act fast at the first sign of water exposure before corrosion has a chance to set in across components.