How to Fix a Water-Damaged iPhone? Troubleshooting Guide

Water and electronics don’t mix—this is especially true for delicate devices like iPhones. Whether your iPhone was dropped in the sink, caught in the rain, or worse, immersed in a pool, immediate action is critical. A water-damaged iPhone may not be the end of the world, but how you respond in the minutes following exposure can determine whether it survives or dies permanently.

TL;DR (Too Long; Didn’t Read)

If your iPhone gets water-damaged, act quickly. Power it off, remove accessories and SIM card, and keep it in a dry environment—preferably with silica gel packets. Avoid rice and do not attempt to charge or use the phone until it’s completely dry. If problems persist, seek professional repair or an Apple-certified technician immediately.

Step-by-Step Guide to Fixing a Water-Damaged iPhone

1. Remove the iPhone from Water Immediately

Seconds count. The longer your iPhone is submerged, the higher the chance that water will seep into internal components and cause corrosion or permanent damage. As soon as you retrieve your iPhone from water, start the recovery process.

2. Turn Off the Power

This step is crucial. If the device is on, powering it down helps avoid short-circuiting. Press and hold the side button and either volume button until the power slider appears. Slide to power off.

Important: If the screen is unresponsive or already off, do not press buttons repeatedly. Instead, move on to the next step.

3. Remove External Accessories

• Take off any case or screen protector.
• Unplug any wired headphones or charging cables.
• Eject the SIM card using a small pin or SIM ejector tool. Water can enter through the SIM tray and damage internal circuits.

4. Dry the External Surfaces

Gently wipe the iPhone with a lint-free cloth to remove excess water. Avoid using a hair dryer or heating device as they may damage the internals or deform the casing.

Do not shake the phone vigorously in an attempt to get water out. This may cause water to travel further inside the device.

5. Avoid Common Mistakes

In an attempt to “save” the device, people often make mistakes that can worsen water damage:

• Do not charge the iPhone. Plugging it in can cause short-circuits if there’s moisture inside.
• Do not place it in rice. This popular myth does more harm than good as rice particles can get inside the charging port and do nothing to actually remove moisture effectively.
• Do not use a vacuum or compressed air. These can force moisture further into the device.

6. Use Desiccants to Draw Out Moisture

Desiccants like silica gel packets are far more effective than rice at absorbing moisture. Place the iPhone in a sealed airtight container with silica gel packets for at least 24 to 48 hours. If silica is not available, let the device air dry in a dry and well-ventilated area.

Make sure the iPhone is positioned so that gravity can help any moisture drain away—this means placing the device in an upright position.

7. Inspect for Signs of Water Damage

Apple devices have built-in Liquid Contact Indicators (LCIs) that show whether the phone has been exposed to water. Depending on your model, you can find the LCI in or near the SIM card tray. If the LCI turns red, it means your device has contacted water or a liquid containing water.

Note: A red LCI will typically void your warranty unless you are covered under AppleCare+ for accidental damage.

8. Test the Device

After allowing the phone to dry thoroughly (at least 48 hours), try powering it on. If it turns on:

• Test the touchscreen, cameras, and speakers.
• Try connecting to Wi-Fi and cellular networks.
• Check charging functionality by plugging it in carefully.

If any of these components fail, the damage might be more serious and require internal repairs.

9. Try a Hard Reset

If your iPhone isn’t turning on even after a proper drying period, a hard reset might help:

• iPhone 8 and newer: Quickly press and release the Volume Up button, then the Volume Down button, then press and hold the Side button until the Apple logo appears.
• iPhone 7 and 7 Plus: Press and hold both the Volume Down and Side buttons until the Apple logo appears.
• iPhone 6s and earlier: Press and hold both the Home and Top (or Side) buttons until the Apple logo appears.

10. Still Not Working? Seek Professional Help

If all else fails, it’s time to consult a professional technician. You can go to an:

• Apple Store for official diagnostics and repair (if your device is still under warranty or AppleCare+).
• Certified repair shop that has experience with water-damaged iPhones, especially if your warranty is void.

Third-party repair shops often offer more affordable solutions for out-of-warranty devices—including board-level repairs and component replacement if corrosion has set in.

Preventing Water Damage in the Future

1. Use a Waterproof Case

Invest in quality waterproof cases from trusted brands, especially if you’ll be around water frequently. These create a tight seal and can protect your device in up to 2 meters of water for extended periods.

2. Avoid Risky Environments

• Keep iPhones away from swimming pools, bathtubs, and the beach.
• Use Bluetooth accessories in wet environments to minimize direct contact.

3. Back Up Your Data Regularly

Should your iPhone suffer irreparable damage, having your data backed up either to iCloud or your computer ensures that you don’t lose important information.

FAQ: Common Questions About Water-Damaged iPhones

How do I know if my iPhone is water damaged?

Check the LCI near the SIM tray. If it’s red or pink, the iPhone has likely been exposed to water. Also, unresponsiveness, screen glitches, or charging issues are common signs.

Can a water-damaged iPhone be repaired?

Yes, but the success depends on the duration of exposure and how quickly you act. Internal corrosion can continue to spread if not addressed, so timing is critical.

How long should I wait before turning on my iPhone after water exposure?

Wait at least 48 hours, and only turn it back on if you are confident the device is fully dry. Attempting to power on too early can cause short-circuiting.

Is water damage covered under Apple warranty?

No, standard Apple warranties do not cover water damage. However, if you purchased AppleCare+ and you’re eligible, it may cover accidental liquid damage with a service fee.

Conclusion

Water damage can pose a serious threat to your iPhone, but it isn’t always a death sentence. Acting quickly with care and caution, avoiding harmful myths like the rice method, and consulting a repair professional when needed can go a long way. Keep in mind that prevention is your best defense. With proper protection and timely response, you may just save your iPhone from an untimely end.