Quick decision summary
Water damage is a time-sensitive diagnosis problem, not just a repair quote. The first move is to power down, stop charging, dry the exterior, and get a professional inspection if the phone matters.
| Decision | Best when | Watch out for |
|---|---|---|
| Repair | Repair is worth considering if the phone contains valuable data or is a newer model with limited damage. | Confirm parts quality, warranty, data backup, and turnaround time. |
| Replace | Replacement may be better when corrosion is widespread, the phone is older, or repair costs are unpredictable. | Compare replacement cost to current device value and trade-in requirements. |
| Diagnose first | Symptoms are mixed, liquid exposure is possible, or data matters. | Do not erase, reset, or keep charging a damaged device before backup. |
Common symptoms
- Phone will not turn on after liquid exposure
- Screen flickers or shows lines
- Face ID, camera, or speaker fails
- Charging warning appears
- Phone heats up after getting wet
What to check before paying
- Turn the phone off if possible.
- Do not charge it until inspected.
- Remove case and dry the exterior.
- Avoid heat guns, ovens, and rice myths.
- Prioritize data backup/recovery if the phone powers on.
Need a real quote?
Use the estimate form to include your model, issue, city, urgency, and contact details so your next step is clear.
Start estimate requestWhen repair makes sense
Repair is worth considering if the phone contains valuable data or is a newer model with limited damage. Also consider repair when the phone has clean ownership history, enough storage, good battery health, and no signs of frame or liquid damage.
When replacement may be smarter
Replacement may be better when corrosion is widespread, the phone is older, or repair costs are unpredictable. If a repair is only one of several upcoming expenses, a refurbished or newer phone may have a better total cost of ownership.
Frequently asked questions
Should I put a wet iPhone in rice?
Rice is not a reliable repair method and can introduce dust. Dry the exterior and avoid charging.
Can a water-damaged iPhone be permanently fixed?
Sometimes, but corrosion can create delayed failures. Get the device inspected and back up data quickly.
Is data recovery possible?
Often the first goal is recovering data, even when full device repair is not economical.