While technology has gotten more and more advanced as the years progress, we have yet to have a fully waterproof phone on the market. Some may be labeled as water-resistant, but without the proper information, this can leave many consumers at risk of a damaged mobile device. In this article, we talk about how to fix a water-damaged iPhone, what signs to look out for that your device may be compromised, and how to best prevent future moisture-related problems.
What Are the 10 Signs of iPhone Water Damage to Look For?
The warning signs that your iPhone has been damaged due to exposure to water can greatly vary from obvious factors to questionable hints. We start off with five obvious indicators, which include:
#1 Water spots or discoloration on the display screen
#2 Malfunctioning or non-responsive buttons or touchscreen
#3 Muffled speakers when playing audio out loud
#4 Unusual sounds when moving the phone
#5 The phone won’t turn on, or it suddenly shuts off on its own
Understanding the iPhone liquid contact indicator
The sixth and perhaps most little-known sign that your iPhone is experiencing issues would be a red Liquid Contact Indicator (LCI). Most, if not all, modern models have a tiny light located on the charging port or SIM tray that turns red when exposed to liquid. This also flashes on devices marketed as water-resistant, and while it does not guarantee damage, it signifies exposure to liquid of any kind, not just water.
Common symptoms of a water-damaged iPhone
Moving on to common, yet less-evident symptoms. Your phone may have been exposed to too much liquid if you notice the following:
#7 Condensation under the screen, which can often be confused with smears
#8 Fog in the camera, often misunderstood to be blotches from fingerprints
#9 Boot loop issues, which is when the device repeatedly restarts instead of fully loading
#10 Face ID or Touch ID not functioning, which can also happen without moisture issues
How to detect corrosion in the charging port
A bonus indicator of water exposure is the presence of corrosion in the charging port, or even the SIM card tray and side buttons. Rusty parts, however, mean that the device has undergone prolonged exposure to moisture, and are not an indicator of brand-new spills.
How to Fix A Water-Damaged iPhone Immediately After Exposure
If you observe any of the indicators above and are looking for ways on how to fix iPhone water damage, start by turning off your iPhone immediately. Remove your casing, then remove the SIM card tray before giving your phone a total wipe down. Lastly, leave it to dry.
Why turn off your iPhone if it gets wet?
The best step to take when your phone is first exposed to moisture is to shut the system down completely. This lessens the risk of a short circuit and heightens your chances of a fully recovered device.
Emergency steps to remove water from your iPhone
Once your phone is off, we recommend removing your casing (if any) and your SIM card tray to get rid of any trapped water. Once all access is exposed, we recommend getting an absorbent cloth to soak up all the excess water. Leave the device for at least 48 hours, giving it the chance to completely dry up.
Common mistakes that cause further damage
While we all have good intentions when faced with a soaking phone, you can sometimes damage your iPhone further when taking action without gathering enough information. Some of the most common mistakes consumers make that may deem their smartphone unrepairable include:
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Not letting the phone dry and using the phone while it’s still wet
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Using a hairdryer or other heat sources to speed up the drying process
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Blowing air into the ports, or shaking the phone to check for water
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Charging the phone before it’s completely dry
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Putting the device in rice
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Disassembling the phone yourself
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Can I Repair My Water-Damaged iPhone at Home?
Trying to repair a water-damaged iPhone from the comforts of your own home is not recommended, as it can often lead to bigger issues that leave your device irreparable. You may try to dry it out and gently clean certain components, but beyond that, we highly encourage you to take it to the professionals.
Using silica gel packets to dry your iPhone
It typically takes at least 48 hours for an iPhone to dry out. If your phone has been exposed to water or other types of liquid, we suggest turning it off and leaving it to dry either on its own or enclosed with silica gel packets to hasten the process.
Is it safe to clean internal components myself?
Wiping the exterior parts of your phone post-spill can be helpful in soaking up all the excess moisture, but we don’t recommend opening the device to clean out the internal components. This not only affects warranty, but it can also lead to assembly issues and further damage due to non-industry-grade cleaning agents.
Does Apple's Warranty Cover Water Damage on iPhones?
Apple offers consumers a standard one-year limited warranty, but it does not cover liquid damage because it excludes impairment caused by accidental incidents.
Understanding AppleCare+ and liquid damage coverage
While Apple’s standard warranty doesn’t repair water-exposed devices, its AppleCare+ option can provide accidental damage protection. It also extends the warranty validity and covers replacement, subject to a service fee.
How the water damage indicator affects your warranty
The Liquid Contact Indicator (LCI) is activated once the phone is exposed to moisture. If it is on, it can affect warranty claims under Apple’s limited warranty.
How Long Should I Wait Before Turning on My Wet iPhone?
The time you allot to dry out your phone can make or break its chances of a full recovery. As a rule of thumb, the proper drying time to prevent short circuits is at least 48 hours. This is the minimum time often suggested to wait it out, but if you can last longer without the device, giving it as much time as you can is the best route.
Signs your iPhone is safe to power on
The best way to determine if your iPhone is safe to power back on is through the LCI. If it flashes red, this indicates that there is still moisture in the system, but if it is white or silver, it is a sign that the components are no longer exposed to liquid.
What is the iPhone's Level of Water Resistance?
Older iPhone models, such as those of the iPhone 6 or earlier, have little to no water resistance compared to later models. We categorize the most common iPhone models by water resistance level below, and link them to where you can get the best iPhone repair according to your phone model.
Little To No Water Resistance
IP67: Can withstand immersion in water up to 1 meter for up to 30 minutes
IP68: Can withstand immersion in water up to 6 meters for up to 30 minutes
How to Prevent iPhone Water Damage in the Future
The best ways to prevent iPhone water damage in the future are by investing in a waterproof casing, avoiding using your phone in areas prone to submersion, and contacting professionals such as our team at Square Repair the moment your device gets exposed to moisture. Instead of wondering how to fix a water-damaged iPhone, leaving it in the hands of trained technicians is the best and most reliable way to save your device.