How to Tell if Your iPhone Has Water Damage

This guide helps you determine whether your iPhone has been exposed to moisture and whether water damage is likely. You’ll learn how to check the Liquid Contact Indicators (LCIs), examine physical signs, and test functionality. No special tools are required, just a SIM eject tool or paperclip and a bright light.

What You’ll Need

SIM card eject tool or a straightened paperclip
Bright light (flashlight or desk lamp)
Magnifying glass (optional, for close inspection)
Soft, dry microfiber cloth

Step-by-Step

Check the Liquid Contact Indicators (LCIs). Apple builds small white or silver stickers into every iPhone that turn red or pink when they touch liquid. On most iPhone models (iPhone 6s and newer), the LCI is located inside the SIM card tray slot. Insert the eject tool into the small hole on the SIM tray, push gently until the tray pops out, and remove it completely. Shine a bright light into the slot and look for a small dot or strip. If it is white or silver, no liquid has reached that area. If it is red or pink, water damage is confirmed.
Check the charging port and headphone jack. Even if the SIM slot LCI looks fine, liquid can enter through the Lightning or USB-C port. Use the flashlight to look inside the port. Check for corrosion (white or greenish crust), discoloration, or a reddish tint on the metal contacts. Also inspect the headphone jack (on older models) for the same signs.
Inspect the SIM card itself. Remove the SIM card from the tray. Look at the metal contacts on the SIM card and the tray. If they appear tarnished, spotted, or have a chalky residue, moisture has been inside.
Look for visible moisture or fog. Hold the iPhone under a bright light and examine the camera lenses and the screen. Condensation or tiny water droplets under the glass or lens are a clear sign of internal moisture. Fog that doesn’t clear after a few minutes in a dry room is also a red flag.
Test the speakers and microphone. Play a song or a video with audio. If the sound is muffled, crackling, or much quieter than usual, water may have damaged the speaker. Then record a voice memo and play it back. If your voice sounds distant or distorted, the microphone may be affected.
Test the touchscreen and buttons. Swipe through apps and type a few words. If the screen responds slowly, jumps, or registers touches in the wrong places, liquid may have damaged the digitizer. Also press the volume buttons, the side button, and the mute switch. If they feel sticky or don’t click properly, that’s another sign.
Check the battery performance. If your iPhone suddenly drains battery much faster than usual, or if it shuts down unexpectedly even with a high charge, internal moisture could be causing a short circuit. This is especially telling if it happens right after a known splash or spill.
Look for a warning message. If you see a “Liquid Detected in Lightning Connector” alert when you plug in the charger, the iPhone has detected moisture in the port. This is an official sign of liquid exposure, though it doesn’t always mean permanent damage.

Common Mistakes

Relying solely on the SIM slot LCI. The LCI in the SIM slot only indicates liquid that entered through that specific opening. Water can enter through the screen, buttons, or speaker grills without tripping that indicator. Always check multiple areas.
Using rice. Placing your iPhone in a bag of rice is a popular myth, but it’s ineffective and can even introduce starch dust into the ports. Rice doesn’t draw moisture out of a sealed device well, and it can cause more harm.
Charging a wet iPhone. Plugging in a damp iPhone can cause a short circuit and permanently damage the logic board. Always dry the device thoroughly and wait at least 24 hours before charging.
Ignoring the “Liquid Detected” alert. If you see this warning, don’t keep trying to plug in the charger. Unplug everything and let the port dry completely before retrying.
Assuming water resistance means waterproof. Newer iPhones have an IP68 rating, which means they can handle splashes and brief submersion in fresh water, but not salt water, soapy water, or high-pressure water. The seals degrade over time, so a phone that was once water-resistant may no longer be.

Tips

Act quickly. If your iPhone gets wet, turn it off immediately, remove the SIM tray, and dry the exterior with a soft cloth. Do not shake it, as that can spread water further inside.
Let it air dry. Place the iPhone in a dry, well-ventilated area with the SIM tray removed. Use a fan on low speed to circulate air around the openings. Avoid heat sources like hair dryers, which can warp components.
Use silica gel packets. If you have them, place the iPhone in an airtight container with several silica gel packets. These absorb moisture more effectively than rice.
Check your warranty. Apple’s standard warranty does not cover water damage, but if you have AppleCare+ or a credit card that offers extended warranty, you may have coverage. Check your policy.
Back up your data. If you suspect water damage, back up your iPhone immediately (if it still works) to iCloud or a computer. This protects your photos and files in case the phone fails.

Troubleshooting

If your iPhone shows signs of water damage but still works, do not try to open it yourself. Opening the device voids any remaining warranty and can cause more damage. Instead:

If the LCI is red but the phone works fine: The phone may have been exposed to humidity or a small amount of moisture that has since dried. Continue to monitor it for a few days. If no issues arise, it may be okay, but the indicator will stay red.
If you see the “Liquid Detected” alert: Unplug the charger and don’t try to charge again for at least 24 hours. If the alert persists after 24 hours, the port may be corroded and need professional cleaning or replacement.
If the phone won’t turn on after being wet: Do not attempt to charge it. Leave it off and place it in a dry area with silica gel for 48 hours. Then try to turn it on. If it still doesn’t respond, you’ll need professional repair.
If the screen has lines or is unresponsive: This usually indicates liquid damage to the display. The screen will likely need replacement. Contact Apple Support or a certified repair center.
If the speakers sound crackly: Sometimes this clears up after the moisture dries. Wait a day or two. If it persists, the speaker may need cleaning or replacement.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I check the LCI without a SIM eject tool?
A: Yes, you can use a straightened paperclip or a thin, sturdy pin. Be gentle to avoid bending the SIM tray.

Q: My iPhone is still under warranty, but it has water damage. Will Apple fix it for free?
A: No, standard Apple warranty does not cover liquid damage. If you have AppleCare+, you may be able to get a repair for a service fee, but it’s not free.

Q: Is there a way to reset the LCI back to white?
A: No, the LCI is designed to be permanent once it contacts liquid. There’s no way to reset it, and attempting to do so could damage the phone.

Q: How long should I wait before charging a wet iPhone?
A: Wait at least 24 hours, and make sure the charging port is completely dry. Use a flashlight to check for any visible moisture. If you’re not sure, wait longer.

Q: Does the water damage indicator always turn red if there’s any moisture?
A: The LCI turns red when it contacts liquid, but it can also turn red from high humidity or condensation over time. However, a red LCI is strong evidence of liquid exposure.

Q: Can I use a hair dryer to dry the charging port?
A: No, heat can damage internal components. Use a fan or let it air dry naturally. You can gently use a cotton swab to dab at visible moisture, but don’t insert anything into the port.

General steps for current mainstream versions; menus can differ by device and version. See the disclaimer or report an error.

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