This article shows you how to try to repair an iPhone that has been damaged by water. While the instructions in this guide are known to increase the chances that your smartphone will work properly again, there is no guarantee that the repair will actually be successful.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Dry a Wet iPhone
Step 1. Immediately remove the iPhone from the water
The longer the device is submerged, the greater the chances of a fatal short circuit occurring. Having your reflexes ready can make a difference and allow you to restore the correct functioning of the device.
Step 2. Turn off the iPhone
Press and hold the power key until the "slide to power off" slider appears on the screen, then slide it from left to right. It will appear at the top of the screen. The sooner you can turn off the device completely, the more likely you are to be able to get it back to working properly.
If the screen appears completely black, but you are not sure if the device is actually turned off, press the power button to check if the screen lights up. If so, proceed to shutdown immediately. If the iPhone is already turned off, read on
Step 3. Remove the iPhone protective case (if present)
Leaving the device inside the case could make the situation worse, as it will be partially or completely wet thus preventing quick drying. If necessary, remove the iPhone from the case so it can dry.
Step 4. Pull the SIM card out of the slot
Insert the SIM removal tool or the end of a paper clip into the small hole next to the housing to open it. At this point, pull the housing completely out of the device so that any water trapped inside can escape.
Step 5. Use a clean, dry cloth to wipe the iPhone
Eliminate any traces of water or moisture using an absorbent fabric. Make sure to completely dry the communication port of the device (the one you use to charge the battery), the keys to adjust the volume, the headphone jack and any other point or crevice of the case that gets wet.
Step 6. Blot the communication port and earphone jack with a toothpick wrapped in a clean piece of cloth
Use an old cotton shirt and wrap it in a single layer around the tip of a toothpick. Use it to absorb any moisture inside the iPhone's docking port and headphone jack.
Step 7. Place the iPhone in a warm and completely dry spot
The best way to get any residual water trapped inside the device to dry is to simply leave it in a dry and warm place for as long as possible.
- According to some guides, placing the iPhone inside a rice package can help the process of eliminating water and humidity. However, this is the wrong solution. Leaving the iPhone to air dry has proven to be the most effective method of solving this type of problem.
- If you are able to remove the iPhone battery, letting it air dry will be even more effective.
Step 8. Wait at least 48 hours
The longer you can wait, the more likely the process is to be successful. If you can wait more than two days, then let the device dry for 72 hours; it will be even more effective.
Step 9. Check the status of the liquid contact indicator
Each iOS device is equipped with a small indicator that provides repair technicians with very valuable information, that is, if the iPhone has come into contact with liquids. It is a small piece of plastic that turns red when it comes into contact with an excessive amount of liquid. Check the status of your iPhone's indicator to find out if it may have been damaged by water. Use a flashlight to be able to look inside the connection port or SIM card (location varies by iPhone model). Normally, if the indicator is red it means that the device needs a thorough repair which will probably involve costs. In this scenario, you may want to consider trying to repair yourself.
- iPhone 5 and later - Look for a red indicator located inside the phone housing where the SIM card is inserted. The latter is positioned along one of the sides of the body.
- iPhone 4S - in this case the red indicator is located inside the connection port of the device or inside the earphone jack.
Part 2 of 3: Solving Problems Caused by Water
Step 1. Back up your iPhone right after turning it back on
Performing this step as soon as possible will allow you not to lose your personal data in case the device stops working in the following days. If that happens, you can safely restore all data to a new iPhone.
Step 2. Use the "AssistiveTouch" feature if the Home button no longer works
One of the most common problems that occur when an iPhone comes into contact with water or liquid is that the Home button stops working. To solve this problem you can activate the "AssistiveTouch" function, which allows you to access the functions of the iPhone keys directly from the screen.
The "AssistiveTouch" function also allows you to lock and unlock the screen, change the volume level and take a screenshot
Step 3. Use a USB docking station or Bluetooth headphones to play audio files
If water has damaged the audio jack for connecting earphones or headphones, you will need to fix the problem using an alternate audio connection.
- Try using a USB docking station that is compatible with your iPhone model; it must be connected to the communication port located on the underside of the device. It should be automatically detected by the iOS operating system.
- If the communication port of the iPhone is no longer able to detect an incoming signal, you will no longer be able to recharge the battery of the device.
Step 4. Remember to always keep your device's battery charged if the iPhone's power button has stopped working
In this scenario, turning the iPhone on and off will be much more difficult, so remember to always keep it on and charged to be able to use it normally.
- If your iPhone's battery runs out of power and the device turns off, it will turn on automatically as soon as you plug it into the charger.
- If the "Raise to wake" feature is enabled, the screen can be unlocked by simply lifting the iPhone.
Step 5. Check if you are eligible for the warranty to make any necessary repairs
Apple's service and repair service doesn't always cover water damage as well, but you may be able to get the necessary technical assistance for free if your device is new or if you're lucky enough to meet a particular employee. kind and understanding.
Part 3 of 3: Performing an Advanced Repair
Step 1. Turn off the iPhone
Press and hold the power key until the "slide to power off" slider appears on the screen, then slide it from left to right. It will appear at the top of the screen.
Step 2. Remove the SIM card
Take it out of its slot before you start taking apart the iPhone.
Step 3. Unscrew the fixing screws located on the underside of the device body
In this case you will have to use a special screwdriver, called a pentalobe (with a 5-pointed head), to be able to unscrew the fixing screws of the iPhone. The screws are located on the left and right of the iPhone connection port (the one you normally use to charge the battery).
Step 4. Use a suction cup to remove the top of the iPhone shell
Using a powerful suction cup is perhaps the easiest way to disassemble the front part of the iPhone body made up of the glass that protects the touch-screen and the latter. This way you won't run the risk of scratching or chipping it during the removal process.
- Place the suction cup in the center of the screen, then grip the bottom of the case firmly.
- After applying the suction cup, pull it to separate the top of the iPhone case from the bottom.
Step 5. Use a flat head screwdriver or other very thin tool to remove the battery
After uninstalling it, keep it in a safe place.
Step 6. Remove the connecting cables
Before you can have access to the iPhone motherboard you will need to disconnect some connectors. Some of these can be easily disconnected using your hands, while others require the use of a Phillips screwdriver.
Step 7. Pull the iPhone motherboard out of its slot
After having disconnected all the connectors of the card, you can easily remove it from its seat.
Step 8. Dip the device motherboard in 97% pure isopropyl alcohol
Soak it until any visible residue has completely detached from the board.
Step 9. Use a soft brush to remove any residue from the card
Make sure you clean all connectors and contacts thoroughly. Clean the chips on the motherboard and repeat the entire cleaning process if you find it necessary.
Step 10. Before reassembling the iPhone motherboard let it air dry completely
If you put it back while it is still wet or damp, you could cause serious damage when you try to turn on the device.
Step 11. Clean the LCD screen with isopropyl alcohol
This will remove any liquid residue from the screen. In this case, avoid submerging the iPhone screen in isopropyl alcohol as it could be seriously damaged.
Step 12. Wait until all components of the device are completely dry
Isopropyl alcohol takes some time to dry completely, so leave all components in the air for at least four hours before reassembling the iPhone.
Step 13. Reassemble the iPhone
Reassemble it completely by reinstalling the motherboard, connecting all the connectors, reinserting the battery and screwing in all the fixing screws following the steps you used to disassemble it in reverse order.
Step 14. Turn on the iPhone
If you are sure that the device is completely dry, you can try turning it on. If you have performed a thorough cleaning and the individual components were not excessively oxidized or corroded by the water, the device should resume normal operation.
