In today’s digital age, smartphones have become an essential part of our daily lives. They serve as our personal assistant, mode of communication, entertainment, and whatnot! However, just like any other digital product, smartphones, too, are prone to damage, especially iPhones.

If you own an iPhone, you know how frustrating it is to be in such a situation where you just accidentally dropped your phone in the sink or in a pool or splashed water on it. When an iPhone is damaged by water, we instantly fear losing our valuable data or having to spend a lot of money to repair it. But worry not! 

In this article, we are going to explain some of the easiest ways through which you can fix your water damaged iPhone at home without spending a fortune. 

Key Takeaways

We’ll talk about the main reasons why your iPhone is damaged after you have accidentally or intentionally put it underwater. We will also mention some solutions, such as drying out your iPhone through various methods, which will fix any issues that your iPhone might be having due to water damage. 

Read the blog till the very end and learn about ways through which you can fix your iPhone at home without paying anything. 

iPhone screen with water damage

When an iPhone screen suffers water damage, it can be a cause for concern, especially if you use iPhone for important communication or business purposes. There can be many reasons why iPhone screen can get damaged by water. Some of them are:

• Dropping your phone in the pool or sink that you’ve actually seen happening in front of you. 
• Exposure to moisture, such as keeping your phone out with you when it’s raining. 
• Manufacturing defects can make iPhone screen more vulnerable to water infiltration.  

How to tell if your iPhone has water damage? What are the signs of iPhone water damage?

To find a quick solution for your water-damaged iPhone screen, it is important to find out how it was damaged in the first place. Here are a few ways through which you can figure it out:

• Your phone’s buttons or touch screen are not responding. If this happens, it may be a sign of water damage. 
• Look out for any corrosion on the screen or discoloration, which usually happens when the phone has been exposed to water. 
• Sudden battery drain, random reboots by itself, or any other unusual errors can also indicate water damage. 
• If your phone’s audio is distorted during calls or while playing media, it can be due to water damage. 
• Other glitches, such as unresponsive speakers or cameras, also show that your iPhone has been damaged due to water. 

How long does it take for water damage to affect an iPhone?

The time it takes for water damage to affect an iPhone can vary depending on several factors, including the severity of water exposure and the specific circumstances. Here are some general guidelines:

• If an iPhone has been exposed to a significant amount of water, such as dropping in a pool or ocean, you can see the effects immediately. The device may shut down, not reboot, display a funny screen, or become unresponsive. 
• In some cases, water damage results may show up later, such as hours or days. Internal damage can occur as the water starts seeping into the device gradually. 

How long can an iPhone survive in water?

The survival of an iPhone in water depends on several factors, including the specific model, the depth and type of water, and the duration of exposure. Apple's iPhones are not designed to be waterproof except for the latest models. 

Models like iPhone 7, iPhone 8, iPhone X, and newer models such as iPhone 11, 12, 13, and 14, have improved water resistance. These devices can tolerate shallow water for a limited time, around 30 minutes. However, older phones without official water resistance features are more prone to water damage. 

It’s important to remember that even if your iPhone has a water resistance feature, it doesn’t make it completely waterproof. It is always advised to use protection when you are going to be in or around water for a longer period of time. 

Can a water damaged iPhone be fixed?

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Yes. Water damage is not permanent, especially if you are using a newer model which is water resistant. The success rate for water damaged iPhone may vary depending on the amount of water your phone was exposed to, and what actions you take immediately. Below are some of the easy solutions to fix a water-damaged iPhone: 

• Power off the device: If your iPhone has water damage, turn it off immediately to prevent further damage to internal components.
• Wipe down your phone: Gently pat dry the exterior of the iPhone using a soft cloth or towel. Avoid using heat or blowing on the device, as it can push water further into the internals. Also, carefully clean the water from ports, such as the charging port, with a cotton swab. 
• Professional repair: If the water damage persists or if the iPhone shows errors, seek professional repair service providers from an authorized service provider. They have the expertise and tools to fix water damage issues.
• There are some homemade solutions as well, such as putting iPhone in uncooked rice or silica gel for at least 48 hours to take away its moisture, but professionally, we don’t recommend this. However, many people swear by these methods. If you wish to try them out, you can do it at your own risk. 

Does water damage the iPhone battery? 

Yes, water damage can potentially affect the iPhone’s battery. When water enters the device, it can cause short circuits and corrosion in the internal components, including the battery. The extent of the damage to the battery depends on the severity of the water exposure and how quickly the water is wiped off the iPhone. 

How long will the iPhone take to dry out? 

The duration depends on the extent of water and also the device model that you are using. Please keep in mind the water doesn’t dry out on its own (it can if the water had gone inside, and it’s not a lot – many iPhone models are made to tackle such an issue by themselves). But you have to give it a few hours to heal after you dry the iPhone. While it’s in the process of drying, don’t use any charger or connect your iPhone to anything. 

How can I dry my iPhone faster?

If you want to dry your iPhone faster, here are a few useful tips you can follow:

• Use a fan or air circulation: Position a fan near the iPhone to allow airflow and enhance evaporation. Ensure the fan is set to a low or medium setting to avoid excessive power that could potentially damage your iPhone further.
• Use a lint-free cloth: Gently wipe the exterior of the iPhone with a soft, lint-free cloth to remove any visible water droplets. This helps prevent excess moisture from seeping into the device. Using lint-free cloth will not give up any fibers or fluff when used as compared to other clothes and won’t damage your iPhone. 
• Avoid heat sources: While heat can accelerate drying, it's important to avoid excessive heat sources, direct sunlight, or hair dryers. High temperatures can damage the internal components of your iPhone. It’s recommended to stick with natural airflow methods and allow it to dry at room temperature and/or with a fan. 

Can I use a hairdryer to dry my iPhone?

No, it is not recommended to use a hairdryer to dry your iPhone. Hairdryers produce hot air, and the high heat can potentially damage the internal components of the iPhone. Exposing your iPhone to excessive heat can lead to further issues and may worsen the water damage. 

Does putting the iPhone in rice work?

The effectiveness of putting an iPhone in uncooked rice to dry it out is a subject of debate. Rice is often recommended as a do-it-yourself method to absorb moisture from electronic devices, including iPhones. While it may help remove some moisture, it is not the most efficient or reliable method for drying out a water-damaged iPhone as it can add further dust and particles into the phone leading to further problems. 

Which iPhone is waterproof?

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The older models of iPhone, such as iPhone 7 and 8, have IP67 rating, which means they are dustproof and can tolerate water up to 1 meter only for up to 30 minutes. However, the latest models, such as iPhone 12 up to iPhone 14, are certified IP68, which means they are water resistant up to 6 meters for about 30 minutes. 

What to do if the iPhone gets wet? 

If your iPhone gets wet, it's important to act quickly to minimize potential damage. Start by powering off the device and removing any accessories. Dry the exterior with a soft, lint-free cloth and dry ports with a swab. Avoid using heat sources to dry it and instead allow the phone to air dry in a well-ventilated area for at least 48 hours (you can also use a fan on low to medium setting).

Don’t turn your iPhone on until the issue is resolved and the water is dried out completely, allowing at least 24 hours. If issues persist, seek professional assistance from a repair service or authorized service provider.

iPhone speaker water damage 

Dropping your iPhone in water can give you a lot of stress, especially when water goes into the speakers of your device. Here is why your iPhone’s speakers were damaged and how you can fix them:

Why your iPhone speaker was water damaged?

• Your iPhone was dropped in deep water, and hence, it damaged the internal components, including the speaker.
• Your iPhone’s speakers were already damaged, and exposing them to water further caused issues. 
• You tried to clean your iPhone, but improper handling caused the moisture to go into the internal components, such as the speaker, leading to further damage. 

How to Fix iPhone speaker water damage?

• Power off our phone immediately to prevent further damage. 
• Dry the exterior of the iPhone gently with a lint-free cloth. Pay close attention to ports and speaker grille. 
• Test the speaker’s functionality; if it still doesn’t work, check for blockage or debris and clean it with a soft brush. 
• Reset the settings, which will help software-related issues caused by water damage. 

iPhone won’t charge water damage 

When your phone gets damaged due to water, the first thing it possibly affects is the charging port. Below are some of the main reasons why your iPhone won’t charge after water damage and how to fix it:

Why your iPhone won't charge after water damage?

• Water in the charging port can prevent the phone from charging. 
• If the water has damaged the internal components, it can refrain from charging properly. 
• When the water reaches the inside components of the iPhone, it can cause short circuits, which can disrupt the charging. 

How to fix your iPhone charging due to water damage?

• Allow your iPhone to dry out completely before connecting your charger to it. 
• After you dry it, try rebooting it and then charge it. 
• If the problem still persists, take your iPhone to an authorized repair service as soon as possible before it further damages the system. 

iPhone screen green tint water damage

If your iPhone screen has a green tint after water damage, it may indicate damage to the display or internal components. Here are a few reasons and solutions you can try to address the issue:

Why your iPhone has a green tint after water damage?

• Water exposure can damage the iPhone’s display, which leads to disrupted pixels resulting in a tinted screen. 
• Corrosion due to water damage can disturb the component responsible for creating colors on the screen. This can show a green tint. 
• Software glitches due to water damage can also show a green tint screen on your iPhone. 

How to fix the iPhone screen green tint after water damage?

• Power off and let the iPhone dry for a few hours. 
• Reboot your device after it dries completely and check if the tint has gone. 
• Perform a factory resists if the green tint is still there, or if that doesn’t work, take it for a repair. 

iPhone water damage repair 

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iPhone water damage is a serious issue, and it can lead to damaging the whole phone if not taken care of in time. If your iPhone is still showing issues after you have dried your iPhone and applied every possible thing, you should take it to a repair shop.

The best is to take it to the official Apple store, but if there is none nearby, take it to any local shop that specializes in iPhone repair.  

iPhone water damage repair cost 

The cost of water damage repair depends on where you are getting it done from. But on average, you should expect to pay between $45 to $700. The price can vary according to how much damage is done and the amount of repair needed. 

Conclusion

Fixing a water-damaged iPhone requires quick action and proper drying techniques. While it is not guaranteed that you can fix your iPhone by yourself, following the steps outlined in this blog can improve the chances of recovering your device before any further damage. Remember, prevention is always better than cure, so be cautious around water and consider investing in waterproof cases, especially if you are going to use your iPhone when traveling or keeping your phone away from potential water sources to avoid future mishaps.

 

 

Author: Madiha Khadim

LinkedIn: Madiha Khadim

Tech Writer | Photographer

Madi is a dynamic tech writer with a passion for simplifying complex concepts. Her expertise lies in creating clear and concise guides, blogs, manuals, and tutorials that empower users to navigate the technological landscape with ease. Throughout her career, Madi has worked with numerous leading tech companies, collaborating with engineers, developers, designers and marketers to create user manuals, FAQs, troubleshooting guides, and tech articles, on the websites such as "Technology Castle" and "Bilzimo". She can transform intricate technical jargon into user-friendly language, empowering users to understand and utilize products effectively.

 

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