Dropping your iPhone in water is a heart-stopping moment. Whether it slipped into a toilet, fell in a pool, or got caught in the rain, water damage can seem like the end of your device. But here’s the good news: a water damaged iPhone isn’t always beyond repair. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about fixing a water damaged iPhone, from immediate emergency steps to professional repair options.
Can a Water Damaged iPhone Really Be Fixed?
The short answer is: often, yes. The success of repairing a water damaged iPhone depends on several factors:
- How quickly you act – The first 30 minutes are critical
- Type of liquid – Clean water is easier to handle than saltwater or sugary drinks
- Duration of exposure – A quick splash is less damaging than prolonged submersion
- iPhone model – Newer models have better water resistance ratings
Modern iPhones (iPhone 7 and later) have some level of water resistance, but this doesn’t mean they’re waterproof. Water resistance diminishes over time, especially after drops or screen repairs. Even with an IP68 rating, your iPhone can still suffer water damage.
Immediate Steps: What to Do in the First 30 Minutes
Time is your enemy when dealing with water damage. Here’s exactly what you should do immediately:
Step 1: Power Off Immediately (If Still On)
Press and hold the power button and either volume button until the slide to power off appears. Turn off your iPhone immediately to prevent short circuits. If it’s already off, do not attempt to turn it on to “check if it works.”
Step 2: Remove Case and SIM Card
Take off any protective case and eject the SIM card tray. This allows better air circulation and prevents trapped moisture. Dry the SIM card separately with a soft cloth.
Step 3: Dry the Exterior Thoroughly
Use a soft, lint-free cloth to gently dry the outside of your iPhone. Pay special attention to:
- Charging port
- Headphone jack (if applicable)
- Speaker grills
- Volume and power buttons
- Any cracks or openings in the screen or back glass
Step 4: Shake Out Excess Water
Gently tap your iPhone against your hand with the charging port facing down. This helps remove water from the ports and openings. Don’t shake it violently – you might cause internal damage.
What NOT to Do
Avoid these common mistakes that can turn a repairable situation into a disaster:
- Don’t use a hair dryer – Heat can damage internal components and push water deeper into the device
- Don’t put it in rice – This is a myth that doesn’t work and can leave dust and starch in your ports
- Don’t charge it – Wait at least 24-48 hours before attempting to charge
- Don’t press buttons repeatedly – This can push water into the device
- Don’t wrap it in towels – This can trap moisture instead of removing it
Signs Your iPhone Has Water Damage
Even if your iPhone seems to work fine after exposure to water, internal damage might be present. Watch for these warning signs:
Immediate Symptoms
- Screen won’t turn on or shows distorted images
- Strange lines or spots on the display
- Touchscreen is unresponsive or erratic
- Speakers sound muffled or don’t work
- Microphone isn’t picking up sound clearly
- Cameras show fog or water spots
Delayed Symptoms (Can Appear Days or Weeks Later)
- Battery drains unusually fast
- Phone overheats during normal use
- Unexpected shutdowns or restart loops
- Charging issues or slow charging
- Bluetooth or Wi-Fi connectivity problems
- Face ID or Touch ID stops working
Checking the Liquid Contact Indicator (LCI)
iPhones have built-in Liquid Contact Indicators that change color when exposed to water:
iPhone 5 and later: Look inside the SIM card tray
- Normal: White or silver
- Water exposure: Red or pink
If your LCI is red, your iPhone has definitely been exposed to liquid, even if you don’t remember a specific incident. This can affect any service coverage.
DIY Repair Methods: What Actually Works
After you’ve completed the immediate emergency steps, here’s what can help:
The Silica Gel Method (Better Than Rice)
Silica gel packets (those little bags in shoe boxes) are actually effective at absorbing moisture. If you have access to enough of them:
- Place your iPhone in a sealed container
- Surround it completely with silica gel packets
- Leave it for at least 48-72 hours
- Don’t disturb or check it during this time
Where to find silica gel: Pet stores (cat litter section), craft stores, or order online.
The Airflow Method
If you don’t have silica gel, simple air circulation works better than rice:
- Place your iPhone in a dry area with good airflow
- Position a fan to blow air across (not into) the device
- Leave it undisturbed for 48-72 hours
- Ensure the area has low humidity if possible
Isopropyl Alcohol Displacement (Advanced)
For those comfortable with DIY tech work, high-concentration isopropyl alcohol (90%+) can displace water and evaporate quickly. However, this requires opening the device, which we only recommend if you have experience with phone repairs.
When DIY Methods Aren’t Enough
While the methods above can help with minor water exposure, they have serious limitations:
DIY methods cannot:
- Clean corrosion from internal components
- Test individual components for functionality
- Replace damaged parts like the logic board
- Guarantee long-term reliability
- Preserve your data if the device won’t turn on
Professional repair is necessary when:
- Your iPhone won’t power on after 72 hours of drying
- The screen shows persistent issues
- Speakers, microphone, or cameras aren’t working
- You’re experiencing any of the delayed symptoms mentioned earlier
- You need to recover important data from the device
Professional Water Damage Repair: What to Expect
When you bring a water damaged iPhone to a professional repair service like The Fix, here’s what happens:
Initial Diagnostic Process
Expert technicians will:
- Open the device in a controlled environment
- Inspect internal components for water presence and corrosion
- Clean the logic board using ultrasonic cleaning methods
- Test each component individually (screen, cameras, charging port, etc.)
- Identify which parts need replacement
This diagnostic process reveals the true extent of the damage and provides you with a clear understanding of what’s needed to repair your device.
Common Repairs for Water Damage
Depending on the damage, repair might include:
Component Cleaning
- Ultrasonic cleaning of the logic board
- Removal of corrosion from connectors
- Cleaning of charging ports and speaker grills
Parts Replacement
- Battery (often affected by water exposure)
- Display assembly
- Charging port flex cable
- Cameras
- Speaker or microphone assemblies
Advanced Repairs
- Microsoldering for damaged board components
- Data recovery from non-functional devices
- Motherboard restoration
Why Choose Professional Repair
Professional repair shops like The Fix offer several advantages:
Specialized Equipment Professionals use ultrasonic cleaners, microscopes, and microsoldering stations that aren’t available to consumers.
Experience and Expertise Technicians who repair dozens of water damaged phones weekly can quickly identify and fix issues that aren’t obvious to the untrained eye.
Component-Level Diagnosis Rather than replacing the entire device, professionals can identify and replace only the damaged components, often saving you money.
Same-Day Service Many water damage repairs, especially if caught early, can be completed the same day. Most repairs at The Fix are done in about 60 minutes.
Transparent Pricing You’ll know exactly what the repair costs before any work begins. Free diagnostics mean no surprises.
Preventing Future Water Damage
An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Here’s how to protect your iPhone:
Use a Quality Waterproof Case
If you’re frequently around water, invest in a reliable waterproof case:
- Look for cases with IP68 rating or higher
- Choose cases that are tested and certified, not just advertised as “waterproof”
- Popular brands include Lifeproof, OtterBox, and Catalyst
- Test the case with paper inside before trusting it with your phone
Simple Daily Precautions
- Don’t use your phone near bathtubs, sinks, or pools
- Keep your phone in a waterproof pouch at the beach
- Avoid using your phone in heavy rain
- Don’t store your phone in bathroom areas with high humidity
- Be mindful when using your phone while drinking beverages
Maintain Water Resistance
Your iPhone’s water resistance can degrade over time:
- Avoid extreme temperatures that can affect seals
- Replace cracked screens promptly (breaks compromise water resistance)
- Have repairs done professionally to maintain integrity
- Consider protective measures if your phone is older than two years
Data Recovery from Water Damaged iPhones
One of the most stressful aspects of water damage is potentially losing precious photos, messages, and data.
If Your iPhone Still Powers On
Act quickly to back up your data:
- Connect to a computer and create an iTunes/Finder backup immediately
- Ensure iCloud backup is up to date
- Transfer critical photos and files manually if needed
If Your iPhone Won’t Turn On
Professional repair shops can often recover data even from devices that won’t power on:
- Logic board can be temporarily repaired enough to extract data
- Data recovery specialists use advanced techniques to access storage
- Photos, contacts, messages, and other data can often be recovered
The sooner you seek professional help, the better the chances of successful data recovery.
Timeline: What to Expect
Understanding the timeline helps you make informed decisions:
0-30 minutes (Critical Period)
- Power off device immediately
- Remove case and SIM card
- Dry exterior thoroughly
- Begin passive drying process
24-72 hours (Drying Period)
- Allow device to dry completely
- Do not attempt to charge or power on
- Use silica gel or airflow method
After 72 hours (Assessment)
- Attempt to power on device
- If it works: Monitor closely for several weeks
- If it doesn’t work: Seek professional repair immediately
Professional Repair
- Diagnostic: 15-30 minutes
- Simple repairs: 60 minutes to 2 hours
- Complex repairs: Same day to 2-3 days
The Fix: Your Water Damage Repair Solution
When water damage strikes, you need a repair service that’s fast, reliable, and transparent. Here’s what makes The Fix the right choice:
Same-Day Service
Most water damage repairs are completed the same day, often in about 60 minutes. We know you can’t wait days to find out if your phone is salvageable.
Free Diagnostics
We’ll assess your water damaged iPhone at no charge and provide a transparent quote before beginning any repair work. No surprises, no hidden fees.
Expert Technicians
Our certified technicians have repaired thousands of water damaged devices. They use professional-grade equipment and proven techniques to give your iPhone the best chance of recovery.
Quality You Can Trust
We use high-quality replacement parts. If we repair your device, you can count on it to perform reliably.
250+ Locations
With locations across the country, there’s likely a The Fix store near you. Find your nearest location and get your water damaged iPhone assessed today.
Transparent Pricing
We believe in upfront, honest pricing. Before we begin any repair, you’ll know exactly what it costs. Our competitive prices offer excellent value without compromising on quality.
Final Thoughts: Act Fast, Choose Wisely
Water damage doesn’t have to mean the end of your iPhone. With quick action and the right repair approach, many water damaged iPhones can be fully restored to working condition.
Remember:
- The first 30 minutes are critical – power off and start drying immediately
- Don’t fall for myths like rice or hair dryers
- Professional diagnosis is essential for understanding the true extent of damage
- Quick professional intervention provides the best outcome
Whether your iPhone took a dip in the pool, fell in the toilet, or got caught in a rainstorm, The Fix is here to help. Visit one of our 250+ locations for a free diagnostic and expert repair service.
Don’t let water damage ruin your device or your day. Consider it done with The Fix.
Need help with a water damaged iPhone? Find your nearest Fix location for same-day repair service. Free diagnostics, expert technicians, and quality repairs you can count on.