Fixing Tips: How to Fix a Water-Damaged iPhone

It’s quite common to see mobile phones getting damaged by water in our everyday lives. In this article, we’ll focus on how to fix an iPhone that has suffered water damage as a case study.

1. When our iPhone gets wet, the first steps we take are:

Take the iPhone out of the water: Take the iPhone out of the water quickly to minimize exposure.
Turn off the iPhone: Turn off the device immediately to prevent short circuits. If it is turned off, do not try to turn it on.
Remove the case and SIM card: Remove any case and remove the SIM card tray to let the accumulated water flow out.

2. Inspect and fix

We can disassemble the iPhone to dry the internal components. This includes removing the display and battery, and using isopropyl alcohol to clean the corrosion on the internal parts. When performing this step, we need to prepare the necessary tools that will be used:

Cell Phone Opening Tool
Non-dust Cleaning Cloth
Spudger
Brush
Isopropyl Alcohol

STEP 1: INSPECT FOR VISIBLE EXTERNAL DAMAGE

Check for residual liquid and residue between the touch screen and the display (LCD).
There is no obvious damage or corrosion on the bottom charging port.
There is no obvious damage or corrosion on the headphone jack.

STEP 2: DISASSEMBLE AND INSPECT

Use a mobile phone opening tool to assist in disassembly and inspect the liquid contact indicator (LCI) in the SIM card slot or other locations specific to your iPhone model. A red indicator indicates that water damage has occurred; test all functions, such as buttons, speakers, microphones, and wireless connections. If any problems persist, further cleaning or professional repair may be required.

STEP 3: REMOVE THE PROTECTIVE COVER ON THE MOTHERBOARD (DEPENDING ON THE WATER INGRESS CONDITION)

Note the recessed point clips on the edges of these protective covers. They are used to fix the protective cover to the motherboard. Use a Anti-static Nylon Spudger to carefully reach in from the edge of the recessed point and lift it up. Be sure to pay attention to all tiny components mounted on the surface. After lifting all the clips around a circle, the protective cover can be removed.

STEP 4: CLEAN THE MOTHERBOARD

Soak the motherboard in isopropyl alcohol (medical alcohol) and let it soak long enough to loosen the hardened residue and drain any remaining liquid. Use a Soft Brush to remove visible corrosion and residue.
Use a soft brush to clean all cable ends, battery contacts, connectors, chips and fuses on the motherboard.
If necessary or if you still see residue, you can clean it again.
Make sure to let the motherboard and other components dry completely before reinstalling.

STEP 5: CLEAN THE LCD SCREEN

Use a Non-dust Cleaning Cloth slightly moistened with isopropyl alcohol (medical alcohol) to wipe the LCD screen. Immersion heaters are not recommended as they may leave marks on the back of the display.

Once you’ve finished all the previous steps, take a moment to let it dry before you proceed with the installation. To prevent any potential damage to your iPhone, consider consulting a professional repair technician. If you’re in need of replacement parts or repair tools, Phonefix is a great place to shop for what you need.