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Salvage, repair, and work around an iPhone that has been water-damaged
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Did you accidentally get your iPhone wet? It's a common accident. Your iPhone is delicately perched in your hand when all of a sudden... kerplunk. Into the pool/lake/puddle/toilet it goes. Water damage doesn't just happen at lakes, pools, and in the bathroom. It can happen anywhere. One drop of water can wreak havoc on cell phones and other electronic devices . But don't panic; there are things you can do to salvage and repair your iPhone. If it can't be repaired, you may be able to work around the water damage. This wikiHow article teaches you how to salvage, repair, and use a water-damaged iPhone. So, let's dive in (too soon?)!
What to Do If Your iPhone Gets Wet
- If your iPhone gets wet, power it off immediately and dry it off with a lint-free absorbent cloth.
- Place your iPhone in a dry area and let it sit for at least 48 hours.
- If the indicator inside the SIM card tray turns red, your iPhone has received water damage.
Steps
Section 1 of 3:
Salvaging a Wet iPhone
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Remove your iPhone from the wet area immediately. The longer your iPhone is exposed to liquid, the more extensive the damage may be.
- Most iPhones are somewhat water resistant, but none are completely waterproof. To get a sense of how well your specific iPhone model holds up to water exposure, take a look at this guide from Apple .
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Power down the phone. The best way to do this depends on your model of iPhone. If you have an iPhone X or later, press and hold the side button and either volume button until the power slider appears, then swipe it to power off. For earlier models, press and hold the side or top button, then swipe the power slider. [1] X Research source The sooner you can turn off your iPhone, the higher its chances of recovery will be. [2] X Trustworthy Source Consumer Reports Nonprofit organization dedicated to consumer advocacy and product testing Go to source
- Do not attempt to power your phone back on or test it until it is completely dry. Powering on a water-damaged phone can cause the electronic components to short out, which will permanently damage your iPhone.
- If the phone is plugged in, unplug the charger quickly. [3]
X
Expert Source
Josef Storzi
Apple & Mobile Phone Repair Specialist Expert Interview. 7 December 2020. Unplug any other accessories, such as headphones or adapters, as well. - If the screen is off but you're not sure if the phone is on, quickly press the Power button to see if the screen turns on. If it does, proceed to power the phone off. If it doesn't, leave it off.
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Remove any case that is on the iPhone. If your iPhone has a case, it may be holding in moisture; removing the case will allow the phone to breathe.
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Use a dry, absorbent cloth to wipe down the phone. Get all of the excess moisture off with an absorbent cloth. Make sure to get the moisture out of the charging port, the volume keys, the headphone jack, and any other crevices. [4] X Research source
- A lint-free microfiber cloth works best for this. Use a lens cleaning cloth or something similar if you have one.
- If you got anything other than fresh water on the phone (such as chlorinated water, saltwater, or other liquids), rinse the phone with tap water before drying it off.
- Don’t insert anything into the ports on your phone to dry them, such as a cotton swab or paper towel. Doing so could do more harm than good.
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Tap your iPhone against your hand to remove excess liquid. Hold your phone so that the speakers and charging port are facing down, then tap the bottom of the phone against your palm. This should help get any liquid out of the speakers and port. [5] X Research source
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Place the iPhone in a dry, well-ventilated location. The best way to get rid of the water inside of your iPhone is to simply let it air dry in a warm place for as long as possible. To help it along, try placing the phone in front of a fan with the charging port facing the air flow. [6] X Research source
- Many guides will report that placing your iPhone in a bag of rice will help draw the water out. This has been proven false
--simply letting your iPhone air dry is the most effective way to fix it. [7]
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Research source
Also, the rice can leave a residue inside the charging part, which could cause even more damage to your device. [8]
X
Expert Source
Josef Storzi
Apple & Mobile Phone Repair Specialist Expert Interview. 7 December 2020.- A safer alternative is to use silica gel packets. Put the phone in a sealed container with several unopened packets for 24-48 hours. [9] X Research source
- Don’t use a heat source, such as a hair dryer, to dry your phone. The heat could damage the delicate internal components.
- Many guides will report that placing your iPhone in a bag of rice will help draw the water out. This has been proven false
--simply letting your iPhone air dry is the most effective way to fix it. [7]
X
Research source
Also, the rice can leave a residue inside the charging part, which could cause even more damage to your device. [8]
X
Expert Source
Josef Storzi
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Wait at least 48 hours. Wait until your iPhone is completely dry inside and out before turning it back on. The longer you can wait, the greater the chance of recovery. If you can wait longer than 48 hours, 72 hours may be even more effective.
- Consider taking your phone to a local repair shop to have it serviced right away, or contact Apple if you have AppleCare. Seeking a repair sooner than later could save you money—the longer the liquid is inside the device, the more damage it can cause.
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Remove your iPhone's SIM card and tray. If you’re worried that water might have gotten into the SIM tray, you can open it to air it out. However, Apple recommends waiting until the outside of the phone is completely dry before opening the SIM tray . [10] X Research source To open it, insert a SIM removal tool or an unbent paperclip into the SIM tray's hole to pop the tray out. Completely remove the tray so that water can escape.
- If you’re not sure where to find your SIM tray, see this guide from Apple to check your model of iPhone.
- Some newer iPhone models don’t have a physical SIM tray. This is true of the iPhone 14 and later models available in the US.
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Check for the water damage indicator. Each iPhone has a small indicator that tells repair technicians that the phone has received water damage. The indicator is a piece of plastic that turns red when it comes in contact with too much water. You can check this indicator to see if your phone is damaged. Use a flashlight to help you see inside the port. [11] X Research source
- This indicator usually means that you likely won't qualify for free repair, in which case you may want to consider fixing the phone yourself . [12] X Research source
- iPhone 5 and up: Look for a red indicator in the SIM tray port on the screen side of the phone.
- iPhone 4S and below: Look for a red indicator in the charging port or in the headphone jack.
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See if you get a liquid detection alert when you plug in your iPhone. If you have an iPhone XS or later, you may see an alert on your screen when you try to plug your phone in if there’s water in the charging port. If this happens, try tapping the phone against your hand again to get any remaining water out, then wait at least 30 minutes and try again. [13] X Research source
- If you still get a liquid alert after letting your iPhone dry for 30 minutes, let your iPhone sit in a dry place with good airflow for another 24 hours or so before you try again.
- If you urgently need to charge your iPhone, use a wireless charger
if you can.
- You can also use an emergency override to use your plug-in charger if you have no other choice, but keep in mind that this could damage your iPhone.
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Section 2 of 3:
Working Around Water Damage
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Back up your iPhone immediately after turning it back on. Backing up your iPhone as soon as possible will ensure that, even if your iPhone quits working a few days later, its information can be installed on a new device.
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Use AssistiveTouch if your Home button stops working. A common symptom of water damage in older iPhone models is a non-working Home button. You can bypass this issue by enabling the "AssistiveTouch" accessibility option that places shortcuts for hardware buttons on your screen.
- AssistiveTouch will also allow you to lock your screen, alter your phone's volume, and take screenshots.
- To turn on AssistiveTouch, go to Settings > Accessibility > Touch > Assistive Touch and toggle AssistiveTouch on at the top of the menu.
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Use a USB dock or Bluetooth headphones to play sound. If water damage has caused your iPhone's speaker or headphone jack, you may need to use an alternative audio output device instead of your iPhone's speaker. Try using a USB dock or Bluetooth headphones .
- Try to connect a USB dock that is compatible with your iPhone to the charging port at the bottom of your iPhone. It should be detected automatically.
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Use a wireless charger. If your iPhone's charging port stops working, you won't be able to charge it using a charging cable. However, you may still be able to charge it using a wireless charger, which you can purchase from Apple or a third-party vendor. [14] X Research source
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Keep your iPhone charged if your power button stops working. If your power button stops working, powering your iPhone on and off becomes very difficult. You’ll need to keep it charged and turned on to keep using it.
- If your iPhone runs out of battery and shuts off, it will turn on again when you plug it into power.
- On phones with the "Raise to Wake" feature enabled, simply picking up your iPhone will turn on the screen.
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Section 3 of 3:
Performing Advanced Repairs
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Power down the phone. If you’re handy with electronics and you’re pretty sure there’s still water in your phone, you can try opening it up and drying it out yourself. Just be aware that you could do more damage to your iPhone if you’re not careful.
- If you have an iPhone X or later, hold down one of the volume buttons and the side button at the same time until the power slider appears, then swipe it to power down.
- For earlier models, hold down the side or top button until the power slider appears, then swipe it to shut down your phone.
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Remove the SIM card. Take the SIM card tray and the SIM card out before you begin taking apart the iPhone.
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Remove the screws from the bottom of the iPhone. You’ll need a pentalobe (5-prong) screwdriver to remove the screws. The screws can be found to the left and right of the charging port.- You can purchase a repair kit for your specific iPhone model online. It should contain the tools needed to open it, cotton swabs and a cloth, a replacement battery, a corrosion cleaning solution, and a repair video. [15] X Research source
- Different iPhone models are assembled differently. Some may open from the front, and others from the back. You can find repair guides for your specific phone model online.
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Use a suction cup to remove the front cover. A strong suction cup is one of the easier ways to remove the front part of the iPhone body. This will prevent scratches when trying to pry the halves apart.
- Place a suction cup on the front and hold the back of the case with your other hand.
- Once the suction cup is applied, pull it apart from the back half.
- Use an opening pick or flat edge, like a flathead screwdriver, to cut through the adhesive. Heating the adhesive with a blow dryer or heating pad can help loosen it.
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Use a Phillips screwdriver or other flat tool to remove the battery. Set the battery off to the side for now.
- If the battery appears damaged, swollen, bloated, discolored, or melted, carefully remove it, put it in a fireproof container, and take it to a battery recycling center. A fireproof container is any container made out of glass, metal, or ceramic.
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Remove the cable connectors. There are several cable connectors that will need to be removed before you can access the logic board. Some of these will be pried off, while others may require a Phillips screwdriver.
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Remove the logic board from the plastic case. Once you’ve completely detached the logic board, you can remove it from the plastic housing.
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Submerge the logic board in 97% isopropyl alcohol. Let it soak until any visible residue has become loose.
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Use a soft brush to scrub away visible residue. Make sure to clean all contacts and connectors. Scrub the chips on the logic board. Repeat the cleaning process if necessary.
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Allow the logic board to air dry completely before reassembling. Make sure the logic board is completely dry. If it is still damp, you may cause more damage when you try to turn it on.
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Wipe down the LCD with the isopropyl alcohol. Wiping down the LCD screen can remove any liquid residue. Avoid submerging the screen, as this can cause permanent damage to the display.
- If you have a newer iPhone with an OLED display, don’t use alcohol to clean it. Instead, wipe the screen with a dry, lint-free cloth. If necessary, wipe the display with a little distilled water to remove any stubborn grime.
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Wait for your components to dry. Isopropyl alcohol will take a little while to completely dry, so leave all of your components out for at least four hours before reassembling the iPhone.
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Reassemble your iPhone. Put your iPhone back together by replacing all of the connectors and reinserting the screws in the reverse order that you took them out in.
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Power on your iPhone. If you’re sure that the iPhone is dry, you can try powering it on. If you performed a thorough cleaning and the parts weren’t too corroded, the phone may work again. [16] X Research source
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Expert Q&A
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QuestionWhat do I do if my iPhone gets wet?Josef Storzi is an Apple and Mobile Phone Repair Specialist and the Owner of Imobile LA, a mobile phone repair company based in Los Angeles, California. Josef specializes in repairing screens, charging ports, batteries, water damage, speakers, and microphones on all mobile phone brands including Apple, Samsung, LG, Nokia, and Sony. He also specializes in tablet, laptop, and computer repairs as well as the pros and cons of recent mobile software updates.The first thing to do for any electronic device that has liquid damage is to remove its power source. This will stop your device from becoming damaged further, and it could prevent any damage from occurring to your device. For phones, this includes both the charger and the battery.
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QuestionWhat if I can't take the battery out of my iPhone?Josef Storzi is an Apple and Mobile Phone Repair Specialist and the Owner of Imobile LA, a mobile phone repair company based in Los Angeles, California. Josef specializes in repairing screens, charging ports, batteries, water damage, speakers, and microphones on all mobile phone brands including Apple, Samsung, LG, Nokia, and Sony. He also specializes in tablet, laptop, and computer repairs as well as the pros and cons of recent mobile software updates.Visit a local repair shop as soon as possible to have the device professionally disassembled and inspected, even if it's still working. The reason for this is that damage can occur over time from liquid exposure, and in many cases devices will function for anywhere from a day up to a week before the liquid causes enough damage to decommission the device.
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QuestionShould I put my iPhone in rice if it gets wet?Josef Storzi is an Apple and Mobile Phone Repair Specialist and the Owner of Imobile LA, a mobile phone repair company based in Los Angeles, California. Josef specializes in repairing screens, charging ports, batteries, water damage, speakers, and microphones on all mobile phone brands including Apple, Samsung, LG, Nokia, and Sony. He also specializes in tablet, laptop, and computer repairs as well as the pros and cons of recent mobile software updates.In most cases, this will not help. Modern mobile devices are well-sealed, which prevents the rice from making its way inside the device to absorb the water. In many cases, the rice may leave behind a residue that will cause even more damage.
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References
- ↑ https://support.apple.com/en-us/118259
- ↑ https://www.consumerreports.org/electronics-computers/cell-phones/what-to-do-if-your-phone-gets-wet-a8515783391/
- ↑ Josef Storzi. Apple & Mobile Phone Repair Specialist. Expert Interview. 7 December 2020.
- ↑ https://support.apple.com/en-us/108039
- ↑ https://support.apple.com/en-us/108039
- ↑ https://support.apple.com/en-us/108039
- ↑ https://www.theverge.com/2015/9/14/9326035/can-rice-actually-save-your-wet-phone
- ↑ Josef Storzi. Apple & Mobile Phone Repair Specialist. Expert Interview. 7 December 2020.
- ↑ https://www.wired.com/story/how-to-rescue-a-wet-phone/
- ↑ https://support.apple.com/en-us/108039
- ↑ https://support.apple.com/en-us/109350
- ↑ https://osxdaily.com/2013/04/11/dropped-iphone-into-water-save-damage/
- ↑ https://support.apple.com/en-us/102643
- ↑ https://www.apple.com/shop/accessories/all/wireless-chargers
- ↑ https://www.cellphonerepair.com/common-issues/iphone-water-damage-repair/
- ↑ https://www.ifixit.com/Guide/Repairing+iPhone+Liquid+Damage/5825
About This Article
Article Summary
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1. Remove phone from water source.
2. Power down the phone.
3. Remove the case.
4. Remove the SIM card and tray.
5. Wipe phone with a dry, absorbent cloth.
6. Swab ports with a toothpick and piece of cloth.
7. Place phone into a warm, dry location.
8. Wait 48 hours or more before turning back on.
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