“How do I fix my water-damaged iPhone?”
If your iPhone took a dive into the water recently, don’t panic. Accidents like this are more common than you’d think. Whether it slipped into a pool, toilet, or puddle, water can quickly damage your device.
But don’t worry—we’ll walk you through exactly what to do.
In this guide, you’ll learn:
- How to tell if your iPhone has water damage
- What to do right after the incident
- Common types of water damage
- What not to do
- When to seek professional help
How to Tell if Your iPhone Has Water Damage
Before anything else, know this: Apple’s standard warranty doesn’t cover permanent water damage.
Here’s how to check for signs of water damage:
Liquid Contact Indicator (LCI): Most iPhones (since 2006) include an LCI that turns red if it comes into contact with water. It’s usually visible in the SIM tray area.
Other signs of damage:
- Distorted sound or audio issues
- Static or buzzing in headphones
- Charging problems
- Display glitches or dark spots
- If you’re unsure, it’s best to have a professional inspect it.
Is the iPhone Waterproof?
No iPhone is fully waterproof, but many are water-resistant under specific conditions.
- iPhone 7 to XR / SE 2nd Gen: Rated IP67 (resistant to water up to 1 meter for 30 minutes).
- iPhone 12 to 15 Series: Rated IP68 (up to 6 meters for 30 minutes in fresh water).
Important: These tests are done in labs with clean, still water at controlled temperatures. In real life, water with pressure, salt, or chemicals can quickly breach the seals. Plus, over time, resistance fades due to wear and tear.
Bottom line: Don’t treat water resistance as a guarantee.
Does Apple Cover Water Damage?
- Standard Apple Warranty: Does not cover water damage.
- AppleCare+: Offers accidental damage coverage. You can get your phone repaired or replaced for a reduced fee.
Common Types of Water Damage
Here are some typical effects of water exposure:
- Internal corrosion: Minerals in water react with electronics and cause rust.
- Short circuits: Water can create electrical paths that fry internal parts.
- Battery damage: Water exposure can lead to swelling, leaks, or rapid drain.
- Screen issues: You might notice flickering, dark spots, or water under the glass.
- Audio problems: Muffled speakers, poor mic quality, or static sounds.
- Charging port corrosion: Water can stop your phone from charging correctly.
- Camera fogging: Water may blur your photos or fog the lens.
- Button failure: Power and volume buttons may stick or stop working.
- Motherboard failure: The worst-case scenario—complete phone death.
What to Do Immediately After Water Exposure
Act fast! Here’s what to do right away:
Turn it off
Power it down immediately. Don’t turn it back on to “see if it works”—this can cause serious damage.
Unplug everything
Disconnect cables, headphones, and accessories.
Dry the exterior
Use a microfiber cloth. Focus on buttons, ports, and openings.
Remove the SIM card
Open the SIM tray and dry the card and slot.
Set it upright to drain
Let gravity do its job. Keep the charging port facing down.
Avoid heat and fans
No hair dryers, ovens, or compressed air—they can push water deeper or warp components.
Don’t use rice
The rice trick is mostly a myth. Use silica gel packets or let the phone air dry in a ventilated space.
Consider professional help
Even if it seems okay, hidden corrosion can build up over time.
What NOT to Do
Avoid these common mistakes:
- Don’t power it on
- Don’t charge it
- Don’t use heat (hair dryers, ovens, or direct sunlight)
- Don’t blow compressed air into it
- Don’t shake or tap it
- Don’t take it apart yourself
- Don’t freeze it
- Don’t assume it’s fine after drying
Even if your phone appears to work, internal damage may still be occurring.
How to Eject Water from Speakers
While iPhones don’t have an official “water eject” feature, you can use an app or shortcut that plays a low-frequency sound to vibrate water out of the speaker.
Steps:
- Download a water eject shortcut or app
- Play the sound
- Wipe away any water that gets pushed out
- Tap the phone gently to help water escape
This helps with speakers but won’t remove water trapped deeper inside.
When to Seek Professional Help
Call in the pros if:
- The phone won’t turn on after 48–72 hours
- You notice persistent display or sound issues
- The phone was exposed to salty or sugary liquids
- You see or smell signs of a short circuit
- You tried a DIY fix and it got worse
- You need to recover important data
How Much Does Water Damage Repair Cost?
Repair costs depend on:
- Your iPhone model
- The extent of the damage
- Type of liquid (saltwater = worst)
- Parts quality used in repair
Estimated repair ranges:
- Apple (without AppleCare+): $399 to $699+
- Independent repair shops: $100 to $500+
- Diagnostic fee: $30–$75
- Micro-soldering repairs: $150–$500+
Always get a quote first. If you have AppleCare+, that’s usually your cheapest option.
Final Thoughts from the P&T Repair Team
Water damage is stressful, but it doesn’t have to be the end of your iPhone. Knowing what to do in the first few minutes can make all the difference.
And if things go south, we’ve got your back. At P&T Repair, we specialize in restoring water-damaged iPhones. Whether you need a quick fix, professional diagnostics, or advanced micro-soldering, we’re your best shot at saving your device.
