Skip to main content

Repair information and guides for the Apple iPhone 5s that was announced on September 10, 2013. Model: A1533, A1453, A1457, A1528, A1530, A1518

3530 Questions View all

Water Damaged - How to Fix?

I've got an iPhone 5s that is water damaged and will not turn on. What is the best way to go about trying to repair it without replacing the logic?

Will acetone work to clean off the board and connectors? Should I just fully submerge it? Is there anything else I should try to clean other than the logic?

All help is much appreciated. Thanks!

Block Image

Block Image

Block Image

Block Image

Update (05/17/2017)

Block Image

Block Image

Block Image

Block Image

Answered! View the answer I have this problem too

Is this a good question?

Score 1
Add a comment

1 Answer

Chosen Solution

Do not put your phone in rice! The rice myth kills too many phones...

The water is inside the phone, on the logic board and under the shields, even under the IC's. The rice is nowhere near where the water is. So while it ‘’may’’ soak up some water vapour, the real problem is the corrosion that is taking place as the water evaporates. Powering on the phone accelerates the process. The longer you let a phone sit in rice, the more time you are giving corrosion to damage your logic board. The saltier or harder the water is, the more damage will occur.

  • Open your phone and remove the logic board (follow this guide)
  • Inspect the logic board, especially around the connectors and look for corrosion.
  • Inspect both sides of the board. Unfortunately, 80% of the board is covered in shields. That's usually where the damage is occurring.
  • Put your board in a container with >90% isopropyl alcohol and let it sit for a while.
  • Use a soft brush, like a toothbrush and lightly brush away any corrosion you see.
  • Rinse in alcohol and repeat.
  • Let it air dry for a day.
  • Re-assemble and hope for the best.

Use a tool like 3uTools to flash the firmware as it may be corrupted.

You should also consider getting a new battery

A professional repair shop that does water damage repair may be able to recover your phone or the data because they have access to pro-level ultrasonic baths and specialized cleaners as well as the skills to troubleshoot your board. Many shops have a no fix/no fee policy so you don't have to spend money to find out if the phone is fixable or not.

Was this answer helpful?

Score 4

12 Comments:

Removed the logic, it is a little sticky but the connections all look okay. Water damage indicator on screen was pink and battery is slightly bubbled. Guess I'll order a battery, screen, and clean this logic and inside of phone off with ISO alcohol and then hope for the best. Any other suggestions?

by

Start with what I suggested. If it doesn't work, then the shields will have to come off for a proper decontamination.

by

Thank you! Leaving the question open until I get parts in but I'd say that fixed it!

by

Got it all put together - new screen and battery. Unfortunately, nothing. How do I take the shields off? Would pictures of the board help? The board has no visible corrosion.

by

If you can take good, focussed, close-up pictures, than yes, please add them to your original question. As far as removing the shields, the easiest way is to use a hot air station and blow evenly around the shield. You can use tweezers to pull up on the shield but don't force it, it should just lift when its ready.

by

Show 7 more comments

Add a comment

Add your answer

devansmain will be eternally grateful.
View Statistics:

Past 24 Hours: 0

Past 7 Days: 0

Past 30 Days: 0

All Time: 145