A recent study shows that the number of iPhone users hit 1.46 billion in 2024, accounting for around 18% of the global population. The enduring appeal of iPhones and their user-friendly iOS operating system are evident in a world brimming with advanced smartphones. However, despite their popularity, iPhones, like most electrical gadgets, are not immune to water damage. 

Accidental drops into a pool, lake, puddle, or even the toilet, can cause significant harm to your device. Thankfully, professional repair services for iPhone water damage can help mitigate the damage. In this article, we’ll walk you through the meticulous process that experts follow to restore your iPhone to its original state.

1. Understanding Water Damage

Sometimes, water damage is not limited to a single cause but stems from various sources, such as an accidental spill of a drink, exposure to high humidity, or even excessive moisture in the environment. 

Each of these situations may introduce moisture into your device, leading to internal damage that might not be immediately apparent. Initially, the water can cause electrical shorts, disrupting the phone’s circuitry. Over time, when corrosion sets in, the components and connections may encounter further damage. These issues tend to escalate if not addressed promptly and can lead to erratic performance, reduced battery life, and complete device failure.

Has Your iPhone Been Exposed to Liquid?

If you’re uncertain whether your iPhone has been exposed to liquid, follow these steps to quickly assess the situation:

• Corrosion and Discolouration

Check for any signs of corrosion, staining, or fuzzy growth around the charging port, headset jack, SIM slot, or memory card slot.

• Moisture Under the Display

Observe if there is any moisture trapped beneath the screen, which can be visible as foggy or cloudy areas.

• Activated Liquid Contact Indicator

iPhones and most iPod devices produced after 2006 come with built-in Liquid Contact Indicators (LCIs) that reveal whether the device has been exposed to liquid. The indicator will change colour from its normal white or silver to a solid red when that happens. It’s important to note that LCIs are not triggered by humidity or temperature changes within the device’s specified environmental limits.

Source: Apple Support

First Aid: How to Prevent Electrical Damage Immediately?

• Power off your device as soon as possible.
• Remove any case or external accessories.
• Dry the exterior gently with a cloth to minimise the damage. 
• However, be mindful that the real “salvation” begins with professional iPhone repairs.

2. Professional Assessment

When you seek technical assistance, experienced technicians will employ specialised tools and diagnostic equipment to perform a professional iPhone water damage assessment to gauge the extent of the damage. The assessment typically covers the following aspects:

• Visual Inspection

Technicians start with identifying obvious signs of water intrusion by thoroughly inspecting the exterior and interior of the iPhone.

• Diagnostic Testing

Specialised diagnostic tools are used to test the functionality of the iPhone’s components, such as the battery, screen, buttons, and connectivity ports, to identify which parts are affected.

• Moisture Detection

Advanced tools, such as moisture sensors and thermal cameras, may be used to detect the presence of water within the internal components.

• Corrosion Check

Professional repairers check for signs of corrosion on the circuit board and other internal parts to determine if there is prolonged exposure to moisture.

3. Disassembly and Cleaning

To effectively repair iPhone water damage, technicians will disassemble your iPhone carefully. This process involves opening the device to access the internal components. 

The step-by-step process includes:

1. Powering down the device and removing the SIM Card.
2. Using specialised screwdrivers to undo the screws near the charging port.
3. Utilising suction cups and plastic picks to gently open the case.
4. Carefully disconnect the battery to avoid short-circuits.
5. Detaching the components: the display, logic board, battery, and connectors.

Once the technicians have gotten access to the inner components, they will clean each component meticulously with industry-grade solutions. The rationale is to remove any residual moisture and prevent long-term damage.

4. Component Replacement

Water damage can severely affect several critical components of your iPhone, particularly the battery, logic board, and connectors. In many cases, iPhone water damage replacements are needed to ensure all components and the repaired device work as intended. Therefore, high-quality replacement parts will be specifically chosen to match the original specifications. These components adhere to stringent safety standards, preventing potential hazards such as overheating, short-circuiting, or battery swelling, helping your iPhone function without hiccups and look as good as new.

5. Drying and Restoration

When the repair process is completed, advanced iPhone water damage drying techniques will be adopted to eliminate any remaining moisture as a prevention against future issues, such as corrosion or malfunction. The drying process may involve utilising vacuum dryers, heat-based drying systems, or other specialised drying machines, to accelerate the drying process. It can take several hours but it’s essential for the successful restoration of your device. 

Desiccant packs are sometimes used to draw out even the tiniest droplets of water from the internal components of the iPhone.

6. Testing and Quality Assurance

After the drying process and component replacement are complete, professional phone repair service providers will put your iPhone through rigorous testing to ensure full functionality. They will thoroughly check every feature of your device, including the touchscreen, camera, connectivity, and charging capabilities. This quality assurance in iPhone water damage repair guarantees that your iPhone is ready for use.

Why Choose LYK Mobile For Professional iPhone Repair?

Choosing professional iPhone repairs in Singapore offers numerous advantages over attempting a DIY fix. At LYK Mobile, our well-trained technicians have access to specialised tools and techniques that are not available to the general public. 

Learn more: Benefits of Opting for Expert iPhone Face ID Repair Services

The best part? We also offer doorstep repair services! This means that instead of travelling to a repair centre, you can have our skilled technicians come directly to your location. Whether you’re at home, at the office, or anywhere else, we bring the repair service to you as you wish.

If you find yourself, unfortunately, dealing with water damage, our expertise is always ready to handle your device with care, following a high-standard iPhone water damage repair process to preserve your valuable device.

Contact us today to find out more.