It can be very frustrating when your iPhone 6 won’t charge properly after being exposed to water. Water can cause serious damage to the internal components of your iPhone and prevent it from charging normally. In this article, we will examine the common reasons an iPhone 6 may not charge after water damage and steps you can take to try and fix the issue.
Water Damages Sensitive Internal Components
The inside of your iPhone contains many delicate electronic components that allow it to function properly. These components, such as the logic board, battery, charging port, and other chips and connectors, can be damaged when they come into contact with water. Water is conductive and can short circuit the tiny circuitry on your iPhone’s internal components. It only takes a small amount of water to cause big problems.
When water seeps into your iPhone, it can cause corrosion and oxidation on electronic contacts, leading to disrupted connections. This is why an iPhone may not properly charge after being exposed to moisture – the charging port or battery contacts have been damaged or corroded from the water. The water itself can also deposit trace minerals that can interfere with electrical contacts as they dry.
Water Damage May Disable the Charging Port
One of the most common reasons an iPhone 6 won’t charge after water exposure is due to damage to the charging port itself. The Lightning charging port on the bottom of the iPhone is particularly susceptible to water damage. The port contains several exposed metal contacts that transfer power and data between the charging cable and iPhone. If these contacts become corroded or shorted out from water exposure, power transfer through the port can be disrupted.
Additionally, the port may contain moisture sensors that disable charging capabilities when wet. These sensors are designed to prevent electrical damage when the iPhone is charging while wet. However, they can sometimes be tripped even after the phone has dried out, preventing normal charging function. In either case, it points to water-induced damage affecting the charging port’s ability to receive and transfer power.
Internal Battery Damage Can Prevent Charging
The rechargeable lithium-ion battery inside the iPhone can also sustain water damage that prevents normal charging. The battery contains delicate internal components that can be shorted out when they come into contact with water. Water can cause the battery’s internal positive and negative terminals to corrode, disrupting its ability to receive and hold a charge.
Additionally, most lithium-ion batteries contain small control circuitry that manages charging levels and voltages. If this circuitry gets damaged from water exposure, the battery may not be able to properly regulate incoming power from the charger. The battery may not charge at all, or its internal protection mechanisms may constantly trip to prevent overcharging or other hazardous conditions.
Logic Board Damage Can Disrupt Power Delivery
Your iPhone’s logic board houses critical controlling chips, connectors, and circuitry pathways that power all functionality. It also contains contacts necessary for power delivery for charging. If water reaches the logic board, it can cause oxidization and corrosion of these delicate components. The logic board may develop short circuits or open contacts that disrupt normal power transfer pathways.
Chips and connectors related to power regulation and charging can be particularly sensitive to water damage on the logic board. If moisture seeps under the logic board’s protective conformal coating, charging capabilities can be permanently damaged. Any corrosion or shorting on the logic board can prevent successful charging due to the improper power regulation and delivery.
How to Fix an iPhone 6 That Won’t Charge After Water Damage
If your iPhone 6 won’t charge properly after being exposed to moisture, there are several steps you can take to attempt to fix it:
- Dry it out completely – Make sure your iPhone is completely dry before attempting to charge it. Allow it to air dry for at least 24 hours in a dry environment.
- Clean the charging port – Use a toothpick or soft brush to gently clear any water, dirt or debris from the Lightning port. Be very careful not to damage the pins.
- Check for moisture sensors – Moisture sensors in the charging port may need to be reset after drying. This can sometimes be done through software reset.
- Try a different charging cable/brick – Test with a different Lightning cable and wall charger that you know works properly to isolate the issue.
- Reset the iPhone – A soft reset can clear any software bugs potentially preventing charging. Hold the Home and Power buttons together until the Apple logo appears.
- Clean corrosion from the battery terminal – Gently use a wire brush or alcohol swab to clean any corrosion on the battery terminal and logic board contacts.
- Replace charging port – If moisture sensors or pins are damaged, the charging port may need to be replaced.
- Replace battery – If the battery itself is damaged, it will need to be replaced for proper charging function.
- iPhone repair service – For severe water damage, take your iPhone to a repair shop for diagnosis and servicing of damaged components.
Water damage can be tricky to repair yourself without proper experience and tools. If you’ve tried the above steps without success, your best option may be to take your iPhone 6 to a professional service center. They will be able to properly diagnose the specific issue and make any necessary part replacements to restore normal charging function.
Preventing Water Damage to Your iPhone
To help avoid charging issues from water damage, it’s important to take steps to keep your iPhone away from moisture in the first place:
- Use a protective case – A waterproof case can protect your iPhone from rain, spills, and splashes.
- Keep it away from water – Avoid setting your iPhone near sinks or spills.
- Never charge when wet – Do not attempt to charge a wet iPhone, as this can cause short circuiting.
- Turn off before wet contact – If your iPhone gets wet, quickly power it down to minimize electronic damage.
- Don’t take it in the shower – Steam and spray from showers can also damage your iPhone over time.
- Check humidity levels – Avoid keeping your iPhone in very humid environments that can promote moisture accumulation.
- Inspect gaskets – Make sure rubber gaskets around ports are in good shape to block moisture ingress.
While the occasional splash may be harmless, repeated or prolonged exposure to moisture can compromise gaskets and seals, leading to internal water damage over time. If you suspect your iPhone has suffered water damage, have it evaluated by a repair technician as soon as possible to avoid charging issues.
The Bottom Line
An iPhone 6 that won’t properly charge after being exposed to water is likely suffering from corrosion or short circuiting of internal components from the moisture. Some of the most common culprits include water damage to the charging port, battery, and logic board. Taking proper steps to dry out the iPhone and clean or replace damaged parts can often restore normal charging function.
Preventing water damage in the first place by keeping your iPhone away from moisture and wet environments is key to avoiding charging issues down the line. When in doubt, do not attempt to charge or use an iPhone that has been exposed to significant water until after inspection by a repair professional.