6 Effective Methods to Detect Water Damage on Your iPhone

Purchasing pre-owned smartphones is an excellent way to save both money and contribute to environmental sustainability. However, to avoid falling victim to scams, it’s essential to be aware of certain factors. Water damage is a critical concern; if moisture has infiltrated a phone, it may harm internal components and possibly void any existing warranty. This guide provides useful methods for detecting water damage on an iPhone.

1. Inspect the Liquid Contact Indicator in the SIM Tray

From the iPhone 7 onwards, all iPhones feature some level of water resistance, though they are not entirely waterproof. Consequently, it’s still feasible for water to penetrate the device if submerged. Apple has ingeniously integrated a tool to check for liquid exposure: a small white sticker known as the Liquid Contact Indicator or LCI, which turns red when wet.

This indicator is located within the SIM tray, and for those in the United States, it is not visible without disassembling the phone. If you’ve acquired your iPhone elsewhere, you can simply eject the SIM tray with a SIM ejector tool and examine inside while holding the iPhone horizontally to spot the LCI sticker.

If the sticker remains white, the device is free from water damage. However, a red sticker indicates that liquid has compromised the device.

2. Observe Display Discoloration

One of the earliest signs of liquid intrusion in smartphones is display discoloration. You might notice that the screen appears faded or that colors seem unusually dull.

Water damage could also manifest as green or pink lines appearing on the screen. Essentially, if your iPhone’s display does not look normal, there’s a strong possibility of water damage.

3. Check for Audio Distortion from Speakers

A significant indicator of water damage is when the iPhone’s speakers emit crackling or distorted sounds. This issue is typically more noticeable in older Mac devices, but iPhones can exhibit similar symptoms.

To test this, play a song or video and listen to the audio output. If you notice any static or interference during playback, it could mean that water has infiltrated the speakers.

Don’t forget to check both the bottom speaker and the speaker at the top. Make a call and listen for any irregularities in the sound.

4. Look for Liquid Detection Warning When Charging

When you plug in an iPhone that has liquid in the charging port, a warning message is displayed. This function serves as a safety protocol to prevent electrical shorts due to water exposure during charging.

If you see alerts saying Charging Not Available or Liquid Detected in USB-C/Lightning Connector upon connecting a charger, it suggests that the iPhone has encountered liquid.

Importantly, this warning does not necessarily mean that the iPhone is damaged; it could indicate that liquid was present in the charging port but hasn’t penetrated the internal components.

5. Monitor for Overheating and Random Reboots

While it’s typical for an iPhone to heat up under demanding conditions, such as gaming or prolonged exposure to sunlight, it is concerning if the device becomes excessively hot during normal use, as this could suggest water damage.

Perform basic tasks, like accessing the Settings app or sending a message. If you find the device unusually warm, it may have been compromised by liquid. Another warning sign is random reboots, which is an unusual behavior and could signal water damage.

6. Inspect for Water Inside the Camera Lens

If your iPhone has passed the previous checks, the last step is to look for condensation or water droplets inside the camera lens. Flip the device and examine closely for signs of moisture intrusion. Water could have accessed the camera area through the microphone openings near the camera module if the phone was submerged.

Accidents can happen, and should your iPhone end up submerged in water, it’s crucial to know how to dry out your device effectively. For those considering buying a used iPhone, or if an Apple technician declares your device water-damaged, the measures outlined in this guide will assist you in assessing the potential water exposure of the iPhone.

Image credit: Freepik

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