This article teaches you how to dry or repair a water damaged iPhone. While the methods below increase the chances that your iPhone will work normally again, there's no guarantee that your iPhone can be repaired due to waterlogging.
Step
Part 1 of 3: Saving a Wet Phone
Step 1. Immediately remove the phone from the water
The longer your phone is submerged, the higher the chances of a short circuit. The difference of one second can determine the life and death of your phone.
Step 2. Turn off the phone power
To do this, press and hold the Power button, then slide the button at the top of the screen when prompted. The sooner the phone is turned off, the more likely it can be repaired.
If your phone's screen is off, but you're not sure if your phone is still on, quickly press the Power button to see if your phone's screen turns on. If so, turn off your phone's power. Otherwise, just let it be
Step 3. Remove all the cases on the phone
If your iPhone is wrapped in an extra case, water can get stuck in the gaps. Remove your phone case so all the water inside can be drained.
Step 4. Remove the SIM card and drawer from the iPhone
To do this, use a SIM eject tool or a paper clip that is straightened into the SIM drawer hole until the drawer comes out. Remove the SIM card drawer completely so that it can be drained.
Step 5. Use a dry, water-permeable cloth to dry the phone
Wipe everything wet from the charging port, volume buttons, headphone jack, and other recesses.
Step 6. Dry the ports with a toothpick and dry cloth
Take a piece of cheesecloth, for example from an old T-shirt, and wrap it around the end of a toothpick. After that, use this toothpick to absorb excess water from the charging port and headphone jack.
Step 7. Place your iPhone in a warm and dry location
The best way to dry the water inside your iPhone is to leave it in a warm place for as long as possible.
- Many people say that putting your iPhone in a bag of rice will attract moisture inside the phone. This proved wrong. Aerating your iPhone is effective enough to repair your phone.
- Aerating your phone is more effective if you can remove the battery from your iPhone.
Step 8. Wait at least 48 hours
The longer you leave your phone on, the more successful the drying process will be. If you can wait more than 48 hours, leave your phone on for 72 hours.
Step 9. Check the water damage indicator
Every iPhone has a small indicator that helps technicians know that the phone has been damaged by water. This indicator is a piece of plastic that turns red when exposed to a lot of water. You can check this indicator yourself to see if the phone has been damaged. Use a flashlight to look inside the port. This indicator usually indicates that your phone cannot be repaired on its own.
- for iPhone 5 and above, look for the red indicator in the SIM card drawer port on the side of the phone screen.
- for iPhone 4S, look for the red indicator on the charging port or headphone jack.
Part 2 of 3: Handling a Water Damaged Phone
Step 1. Instantly back up your iPhone data after restarting
Backing up iPhone data as soon as possible will ensure the information on the phone can be installed on the new device, even if your iPhone stops working a few days later.
Step 2. Use "AssistiveTouch" if your phone's Home button is not working
A common symptom of water damage is the Home button not working. You can get around this by enabling the " AssistiveTouch " option which displays hardware shortcut buttons on the screen.
The AssistiveTouch option also lets you lock the phone screen, change the volume, and take screenshots
Step 3. Use a USB dock or Bluetooth headphones to make sound
If water damage is causing your iPhone jack to malfunction, use a different audio output device instead of regular headphones.
- Try connecting an iPhone-compatible USB dock to the charging port on the bottom of your iPhone. The device should be detected automatically.
- If the phone's charging port doesn't work, you can't charge your phone.
Step 4. Continue to charge the iPhone if the Power button stops working
If your phone's Power button is off, you'll have a hard time turning your phone on and off. The phone must be constantly charged and powered on in order to use it.
- If your phone runs out of battery and turns off, charge it so it can turn on again.
- When the phone's Raise to Wake feature is activated, the screen can be turned on simply by picking up the phone.
Step 5. Check if the phone is still under warranty
AppleCare Standard doesn't always cover water damage, but your phone can be repaired if it's new enough and you get good staff.
Part 3 of 3: Performing Advanced Repair
Step 1. Turn off the phone power
To do this, press and hold the Power button, then slide the button at the top of the screen when prompted.
Step 2. Remove the SIM card
Grab the SIM card drawer and take it out before starting to disassemble your iPhone.
Step 3. Remove the screws from the bottom of the phone
You will need a pentalobe (5 prong) screwdriver to remove the screw. These screws can be found on the left and right of the charging port.
Step 4. Use the suction cup to remove the front case
The strong suction cup will release the front of the phone easily. This method also prevents the appearance of scratches when opening your phone.
- Place the suction cup in front of the phone, and hold the back of the phone with your hand.
- If the suction cup is already in place, pull it until the front case separates from the back of the phone.
Step 5. Use a Phillips screwdriver or other flat tool to remove the battery
Set aside your battery for now.
Step 6. Disconnect the cable connector
There are several cable connectors that need to be removed before they can access the logic board (iPhone motherboard). Some of these connectors need to be disassembled, but some require the help of a Phillips screwdriver.
Step 7. Remove the logic board from the plastic casing board
After the logic board can be completely removed, remove it from the plastic case.
Step 8. Soak the logic board in isopropyl alcohol
Leave until all visible residue has loosened.
Step 9. Use a soft brush to scrub away any visible residue
Make sure you clean all contacts and connectors. Rub the chip on the logic board. Repeat the cleaning process if necessary.
Step 10. Let the logic board dry completely before putting your phone back together
Make sure the logic board is dry. If it's still damp, your phone could be damaged even more when you turn it on.
Step 11. Wipe the LCD of the phone with isopropyl alcohol
Wipe all liquid residue on the LCD screen of the phone. Do not immerse the phone screen because it can cause permanent damage to the phone.
Step 12. Wait until all components are dry
It takes a while to dry the isopropyl alcohol. Therefore, leave all components for at least four hours before the iPhone is put back together.
Step 13. Reinstall iPhone
Place all connectors back into place and install all screws in the reverse order they were removed.
Step 14. Turn on iPhone
if you're sure your iPhone is dry, try turning it on. Your iPhone should work again if you clean the phone thoroughly and the components don't corrode too much.
