iPhone Water Damage: Repair It Your Self or Take It to a Pro?

by Rizana hussin

September 23, 2024

Gadgets, Mobile

Smartphones and water simply don’t get along. Be it that ‘oops’ moment when your phone falls into the sink or that spill from your favorite drink onto your precious gadget, water damage is one of the most common mishaps that befall any iPhone user.As our dependence on smartphones grows, so does the anxiety of these liquid-related accidents. But when it does get wet, the question then becomes a dilemma of trying to fix it yourself or seeking help from professionals.

In this blog, we delve deep to understand iPhone water damage, discuss some common DIY fixes, and point out when professional services such as HelloRE’s can be your best solution.

iPhone Water Damage: DIY Fix or Professional Repair?

1. Understanding iPhone Water Damage

What happens when your iPhone gets wet?

Water in the iPhone can seriously damage all its components. Water will seep into the circuits and, if left alone, may result in a short circuit or even complete damage. Mainly, the battery, display screen, and speakers are vulnerable to water ingress. If, after a while, the water is not duly removed, rust may set in and, therefore making things more complicated.

Water Resistance vs Waterproof

But with water resistance now incorporated into newer iPhones, that doesn’t in the real world make them waterproof, technically. The devices with ratings such as IP67 or IP68 are intended to operate against limited water exposure. For example, an iPhone is at an IP68 rating, can withstand water to about 2 meters deep for approximately 30 minutes, but this is beyond which no protection is guaranteed with continued use or especially on saltwater or chemically treated water.

2. Signs Your iPhone Has Water Damage

Physical Indicators Water damage can be manifested in several ways. This may be through physical and invisible signs. The physical signs might include:

Screen flicker or dimming

Fog under the camera lens

Rust or discoloration around the charging port Functional Issues Internal damage may impede performance, such as: Distorted audio Charging malfunctions Unexpected shutdowns or failure to power on Liquid Contact Indicators (LCI) LCI is placed inside every iPhone by Apple to detect water exposure. Once LCI comes into contact with a liquid, color change occurs in it; most probably, the color turns to red. You can find these indicators near the SIM card slot or charging port, depending on the model.

3. DIY Repairs for Water-Damaged iPhone

What to Do Immediately After Exposure to Water. If your iPhone is exposed to water, the sooner you take action, the better. Here’s what you should do:

Immediately power off the iPhone to prevent a short circuit.
Take off cases and accessories, including the SIM card.
Gently pat it dry using a cloth.
Avoid charging or connecting it to a power source.

Common Mistakes

Of the weirder rumors, an irrational one is sticking a water-exposed iPhone in rice. While rice may absorb some of the moisture, it cannot completely dry out your phone. Small rice particles can block ports, creating more problems. Similarly, try to avoid using a hair dryer, as excess heat could damage sensitive components.

Using Silica Gel Packets

Instead, silica gel packets do a far better job in replacing rice. Those are those packets that usually come with new pairs of shoes or gadgets. These packets are pretty good at absorbing moisture without the slightest chance of introducing foreign particles.

When DIY Can Be Effective

If there is minor water exposure, such as a few drops of water or a brief splash, it may be OK to attempt a DIY fix. But if the phone was submerged, or if the water was salty or chlorinated, the chances that a DIY fix will work are low.

4. When You Should Seek Professional Help Serious Water Exposure

If your iPhone has been submerged in water, especially saltwater or treated water, you’ll need professional help. Water might have damaged the internal circuitry, and only a technician with proper equipment can properly dry and clean out the inside of the device.

Signs of Internal Damage

Even after drying your phone, if you notice that it is malfunctioning by turning off and on, buttons not responding, or even the system hanging-up, then this is a good time to get professional intervention.

Possible Dangers of DIY Repairs

DIY repairs can be enticing to cut a dollar, but most of the time, they render more harm than good. Handling fragile inner components in the wrong manner may cause irreparable damage and end up costing more than normal in the long run.

5. Merits of Professional Services Expert Diagnosis

Skilled repair technicians employ state-of-the-art equipment that identifies the extent of damage with high accuracy. For the protection of your iPhone, it can be safely taken apart in a controlled environment, and internal components subjected to special drying and cleaning equipment.

Safe Disassembly and Repair

The technician is experienced at disassembling an iPhone without causing further damage. A technician can handle every part with care, from motherboards down to the tiniest connector.

Quality Parts and Warranty

Another very important advantage of professional repair services is using high-quality replacement parts. Most repair centers, like HelloRE, also offer a kind of warranty, which can assure you that your phone is in good hands.

6.Why Choose HelloRE for Repairing Your iPhone from Water Damage?

Fast and Reliable Service

At HelloRE, we know your phone is a lifeline to you. Therefore, we provide same-day doorstep services at your location in Bangalore to ensure that you don’t face much downtime.

Experienced Technicians

Our team of technically skilled people has huge experience in handling all sorts of repairs in iPhones, including water damage and complex motherboard repairs. We use nothing but the best tools, such as ESD kits, for safely and efficiently completing the repair process.

Transparent Pricing and Warranty

HelloRE adopts transparency in all of its dealings. We provide ‘up-front’ pricing so that there are no surprises; moreover, we warranty our repairs to ensure you know your iPhone will stay smooth long after the repair is completed.

Conclusion

Although this may be very tempting to fix the water damage of your iPhone yourself, it is very crucial to first analyze how grave the situation is. Minor splashes may not hurt with the DIY fixes, but in cases of serious exposure, professional intervention is always advisable. Thanks to expert services like HelloRE, your device will be handled with care, restored to its previous condition, and quality parts and warranties assured.