iPhones are delicate electronic devices that can be damaged when exposed to water. Water damage on an iPhone can range from minor issues to complete device failure. Knowing the signs of water damage can help iPhone users identify problems early and potentially prevent further damage.
Physical Signs of Water Damage
Some of the most obvious signs of water damage on an iPhone are physical changes to the device exterior and hardware components.
Water Droplets in Device
One of the clearest physical indicators of water exposure is the visible presence of moisture inside an iPhone. Tiny droplets of water may be visible underneath the screen, behind the camera lens, or in other crevices. Larger amounts of water can pool in the speaker, microphone, or charging port.
Corrosion
Exposing the metal contacts and ports on an iPhone to moisture can cause corrosion relatively quickly. Corrosion may appear as discolored metal or rust buildup on connectors like the Lightning port or headphone jack. Corroded parts may also develop pitting or rough textures.
Cloudiness
The adhesives and coatings used inside an iPhone can become clouded or foggy after interacting with moisture. This can cause the water damage indicator inside the SIM card slot to appear cloudy or white instead of its normal orange/pink color. Cloudiness may also develop on the iPhone’s camera lenses or under the oleophobic coating on the display.
Cracks and Peeling
Exposing the external plastic and rubber components of an iPhone to moisture can cause swelling, cracks, and peeling. The speaker and microphone grilles are prone to cracking, and the rubber gaskets around buttons and ports may swell and peel away from the housing.
Erosion of Internal Components
If moisture seeps deep inside an iPhone, it can cause erosion and corrosion of the internal circuit boards and components. The Liquid Contact Indicators (LCI) on the logic board and battery may turn red. Signs of extensive internal water damage include electrical shorts, component degradation, and damage to solder points.
Functional Impact of Water Damage
In addition to physical damage, water exposure can seriously impact the functionality of an iPhone in several ways.
Display Issues
If moisture seeps beneath the iPhone’s screen, it can interfere with the capacitive touch grid and LCD display underneath. This can result in unresponsive, flickering, or discolored screen issues. Lines or bars may appear on the display.
Speaker and Microphone Problems
Since the speaker and microphone ports are directly exposed to the elements, they are very vulnerable to water damage. Moisture buildup can immediately muffle or quiet sound from the speakers. Microphone issues may prevent phone calls or Siri commands from being recognized.
Charging and Battery Problems
Corrosion in the Lightning port can interrupt the electrical connection required for charging an iPhone. Water exposure can also damage internal battery components. An iPhone with water damage may display incorrect battery percentages or fail to retain charge.
Camera and Sensor Malfunctions
The advanced cameras and sensors inside modern iPhones contain very delicate components. If moisture builds up on camera lenses or reaches internal components, it can easily disrupt autofocus, image processing, and facial recognition features.
Backlight Failure
One of the most common issues caused by water damage inside an iPhone is failure of the backlight filter. This can leave the phone with a black screen, even if the underlying LCD is still intact and functional.
Short Circuits and System Crashes
If water reaches the logic board and other integrated circuits within an iPhone, it can create short circuits and voltage spikes that lead to reboots, freezes, app crashes, and general instability. This indicates very advanced water damage.
Diagnosing the Severity of Water Damage
It’s important to accurately assess the extent of water damage before determining next steps. Here are some key factors to consider:
Amount of Water Exposure
A few minor splashes or drops of water on an iPhone may only cause superficial damage to the exterior shell. Submerging an iPhone in several inches or feet of water can completely inundate internal components and make electrical issues much more likely.
Duration of Exposure
Brief moisture exposure may only cause minor, temporary problems until the iPhone sufficiently dries out. If an iPhone sits in water for a prolonged period, corrosion and internal damage is almost certain to occur as moisture permeates deeper into the device.
Type of Liquid
Water purity and composition affects conductivity and the potential for corrosion. Salt water and chlorinated water conduct electricity better and accelerate corrosion more than fresh water. Chemical additives found in some liquids can also increase conductive damage.
Power State During Exposure
Powering an iPhone off before water exposure helps protect internal components. If an iPhone is powered on when moisture penetrates it, electronic short circuiting is much more likely to immediately occur.
Age and Model of iPhone
Newer iPhone models have added improved water resistance with gaskets, seals, and waterproof adhesives around ports and cables. They are able to withstand moisture better than older models. However, long-term exposure risks exist for any iPhone.
Signs of Physical Damage
Carefully inspect an iPhone for indicators of physical water damage like corrosion, clouded adhesive, and erosion of external components. More extensive physical damage increases the likelihood of serious underlying component damage.
Results of Diagnostic Testing
Running diagnostics tests on iPhone hardware like the speaker, microphone, camera, battery, and display can reveal the extent of performance issues. If issues are only superficial, full function may return after drying out the iPhone.
Drying Out a Wet iPhone
If an iPhone is exposed to moisture, quick action is required to dry it out and minimize long-term water damage. Follow these steps:
1. Immediately Power Off iPhone
If an iPhone is currently powered on after getting wet, power it off immediately to prevent short circuiting and voltage spikes to components.
2. Avoid Rice & Heat Sources
Do not attempt to dry an iPhone using external heat sources like hairdryers or ovens. Also avoid dropping it in rice, which can introduce starch and dust into ports and vents.
3. Remove Protective Case
Take off any waterproof cases or covers to allow moisture on the iPhone to evaporate freely. Keep the SIM card tray closed to prevent internal moisture ingress.
4. Dry External Surfaces
Use a soft, lint-free cloth to gently dry off any external moisture on the iPhone. Pay special attention to drying speaker and charging ports where liquid may gather.
5. Absorb Internal Moisture
Place the iPhone in a sealed bag or container with moisture-absorbing desiccant packs. Let it sit for at least 24 hours to allow desiccant to extract internal moisture.
6. Aerate the iPhone
Remove the iPhone from the desiccant bag and let it air dry for several days in an open, dry environment to allow any residual moisture to fully evaporate.
Water Damage Repair Options
If drying out an iPhone does not fully restore functionality, your next steps for repair depend on the severity and type of water damage sustained:
Light External Repairs
For an iPhone with minor external physical damage after slight moisture exposure, cosmetic repairs may be possible. Replacement of external components like the screen or SIM tray may restore function.
Logic Board Repair
If internal diagnostic tests identify isolated issues like backlight failure or speaker malfunction, soldering repairs by a microsoldering expert can potentially fix the iPhone logic board.
Full Device Refurbishing
For an iPhone with extensive external corrosion and internal component damage confirmed via diagnostics, full refurbishment using replacement parts may be required to restore normal operation.
Data Recovery
Before discarding a water damaged iPhone with failed electrical components, choose a professional data recovery service to reclaim photos, messages, and other critical user data.
Full Device Replacement
If internal circuits and components within an iPhone are completely beyond repair due to liquid corrosion, replacement with a new or refurbished iPhone of the same model may be necessary.
Preventing Water Damage to iPhones
While no iPhone is fully waterproof, users can take proactive precautions to significantly reduce everyday water damage risks:
Use a Protective Case
Invest in a waterproof iPhone case specially designed to shield it from moisture. Cases that meet IP67 and IP68 ratings offer excellent water protection.
Avoid Wet Environments
Try to avoid exposing an iPhone to wet environments whenever possible. This includes water activities, bathrooms, and rain storms.
Dry Hands Before Use
Drying hands thoroughly before handling an iPhone can help prevent accidental moisture ingress through ports and openings.
Turn Off Before Wet Exposure
If an iPhone does get wet, make sure to power it off immediately to reduce short circuit risks until it dries out completely.
Invest in Moisture Sensors
Self-installed leak sensors, water alarms, and moisture indicators can provide early warning of leaks or floods to prompt quick iPhone protection or drying.
Know Repair Options
Research professional water damage repair services in your area so you know whom to call if your iPhone does sustain significant moisture damage.
Conclusion
Liquid exposure can severely damage key components within iPhones and seriously disrupt normal operation. Identifying the signs of physical damage and functional issues from water ingress quickly is critical to limit risks. Carefully drying a wet iPhone thoroughly and seeking professional repairs for any lingering issues can often restore full performance after minor to moderate water damage. With responsible precautions and prompt action, iPhone users can recover from most moisture setbacks and regain use of their trusted devices.