Seeing a flashing Apple logo on your iPhone 12 can be worrying, especially if you’ve recently exposed it to water. Flashing or frozen logos are common signs of water damage in iPhones. But there are also other potential causes to consider. In this article, we’ll look at the following questions:
What causes a flashing Apple logo on iPhone 12?
There are a few potential causes of a flashing or frozen Apple logo on an iPhone 12:
- Water damage – If water seeps into the iPhone, it can short circuit components and cause software glitches like a flashing logo.
- Hardware failure – Faulty hardware like a bad logic board can lead to freezing and glitching.
- Software issue – Software bugs, an unstable update or jailbreaking can also cause startup glitches.
- Battery issue – If the battery is unable to provide sufficient power, it may cause startup issues.
Of these, water damage is the most common culprit. The iPhone 12 has water resistance rated for IP68, meaning it can withstand being submerged in 6 meters of water for 30 minutes. However, that doesn’t make it completely impervious to water damage. Issues can still occur if the seals are compromised or if it’s exposed to water pressure beyond IP68 rating.
How can I confirm if water caused the flashing Apple logo?
Here are some ways to confirm if water exposure is behind your iPhone 12’s flashing Apple logo:
- Water contact indicators – There are small liquid contact indicators inside the SIM card slot. A reddish tint indicates water contact.
- Condensation or fog under screen – Droplets or mist under the display point to water ingress.
- Speakers/microphone not working – These components are vulnerable to water damage.
- Corrosion visible on charging port – The charging port is a common water entry point.
- Won’t charge or recognized by iTunes – Water can damage connectors and circuitry required for syncing and charging.
If you notice any of these signs alongside the flashing logo, there’s a high chance water is to blame. The biggest giveaway is those liquid contact indicators, as they are designed to indicate water exposure.
What parts of the iPhone 12 are affected by water damage?
Here are the core components that can be impacted by water exposure inside an iPhone 12:
- Logic board – This is essentially the iPhone’s main circuit board and microchip “brain.” If water reaches it, short circuiting and corrosion can occur.
- Power management chips – These regulate power from the battery to components. Water can disrupt their connections.
- Connectors – The flex cables and connectors that link components can corrode from water, interrupting critical connections.
- Display – Water can seep between the display layers and cause visibility issues.
- Cameras – Water can get inside the camera housing and cause condensation or component corrosion.
Even a small amount of water reaching these components can lead to glitching and freezing issues. The logic board, power chips and connectors are most directly linked to startup problems like a flashing logo.
How does water damage the iPhone 12 internally?
There are two main ways that water exposure harms iPhone 12 components and causes malfunctions:
- Short circuiting – Water can bridge connections and create short circuits on electronic components, disrupting critical power and data pathways.
- Corrosion – Dissolved minerals in water lead to corrosion over time, which can damage metal contacts and etch away protective coatings.
Both these effects can damage chips, connectors and logic boards inside the iPhone. Some components like the battery have water-resistant housing, but are still vulnerable over time. While pure, distilled water causes minimal damage, impure tap or pool water accelerates corrosion.
Can a iPhone 12 with water damage be fixed?
In some cases, it is possible to fix an iPhone 12 suffering from water damage and restore normal function. Here are some key factors:
- Level of damage – If corrosion is limited to connectors and hasn’t reached the logic board, there’s a good chance of fixing it.
- Quick action – If the phone is quickly power down and dried out, damage may be minimized.
- Professional repair – Experts may be able to clean or replace damaged flex cables and components.
- Waterproofing restoration – Waterproof seals can be reapplied if compromised.
With significant logic board damage however, full recovery may not be possible. It’s best to get professional advice for any water damaged iPhone. DIY tinkerers risk making the damage worse.
How much does iPhone 12 water damage repair cost?
The cost to repair an iPhone 12 with water damage can range from $200 to over $1000 depending on extent of damage. Here are some typical water damage repair costs:
| Repair Type | Typical Cost Range |
|---|---|
| Screen replacement | $200 – $300 |
| Battery replacement | $50 – $100 |
| Charging port fix | $100 – $150 |
| Logic board repair | $150 – $500+ |
| Full device replacement | $500 – $1000+ |
Additional costs may apply for diagnostic testing. Given the high cost, it’s worth considering comprehensive device insurance or an out-of-warranty repair program from Apple for water damaged iPhones.
How can I prevent water damage to my iPhone?
You can take a few precautions to keep your iPhone water-free and avoid expensive water damage:
- Use a waterproof case – A good case can protect your iPhone if unexpectedly exposed to water.
- Avoid wet environments – Try not to use your phone in the rain, poolside or at the beach.
- Turn off before wet exposure – Powering off your iPhone minimizes electrical issues if water gets in.
- Never charge wet iPhone – Only charge after your phone is fully dried out.
- Avoid humidity – High humidity can compromise water seals over time.
While the iPhone 12 has decent water resistance, it’s best to be cautious and avoid direct water exposure when possible. A little prevention goes a long way in avoiding issues like a flashing Apple logo.
My iPhone 12 won’t turn on after water exposure. What should I do?
If your iPhone 12 experiences water exposure and then fails to power on, follow these steps:
- Do not try to turn it on again. Powering up can cause short circuiting.
- Dry it thoroughly with a cloth. Do not apply heat. Place it in front of a fan.
- Once dried, place it in a bag or container of rice. Rice can absorb residual moisture.
- Wait at least 24 hours after placing in rice before attempting to turn it on.
- After 24 hours has passed, connect it to a charger and see if it powers on successfully.
- If it fails to power on, take it to a professional repair shop for service.
Avoid any DIY disassembly, as this can exacerbate any water damage. With professional repair there’s a good chance of recovering it even if won’t initially turn on.
Conclusion
In summary, a flashing Apple logo on the iPhone 12 can definitely indicate water damage, especially if accompanied by other signs like condensation under the screen. Water can damage internal components through short circuiting and corrosion. Professional repair is recommended, and costs can range from $200 to over $1000 depending on damage extent. While the iPhone 12 does have decent water resistance, it’s still vulnerable in some scenarios. Your best bet is to avoid getting it wet in the first place and take quick action if it does occur to limit any resulting damage.
