How Much Does iPhone Water Damage Repair Cost?

You probably don’t need us to tell you that water and electronics are a very bad mix, and iPhone models are no exception. Drops, spills, and submersions can all wreak havoc on smartphones, and wet phones aren’t always an easy fix. But what does it actually cost to fix water-damaged iPhone models? iPhone water damage repair costs may be more than you think, and confusing.

As you’re about to find out, the answer isn’t always straightforward. There are several factors affecting iPhone repair costs for water damage, including the extent of the damage — is the entire phone affected, or is it just a flickering screen?

There’s also the question of whether you have it fixed by Apple or an independent repair service, or if you try the DIY route with a water damage repair kit and a YouTube repair video (not recommended!). All of these factors and more can significantly influence how much it costs to repair a water-damaged iPhone.

What is iPhone Water Damage?

iPhone models have impressive water resistance, but they’re not entirely waterproof. Even the latest models can only handle a certain amount of exposure before water gets in. Early iPhone models were IP67-rated, which means they can resist water for up to 30 minutes in up to one meter deep. But every model since the iPhone 11 has had an IP68 rating — they can last a half hour in up to six meters of water without damage!

Still, there’s a big difference between water resistant and waterproof, and the iPhone is the former, not the latter. An IP68 rating helps a ton in situations where you spill liquid on your phone, but it’s not going to help much if it goes overboard in a deep lake. Once water gets inside, it can corrode the iPhone’s circuits, short out its connections, and cause lasting damage to the screen, battery, and processor.

How to Detect iPhone Water Damage

If your iPhone is exposed to water, there are some common symptoms you can look out for. If you spot your phone acting in the following ways, it might be water-damaged.

Screen Issues: Flickering on and off, dark spots, and unresponsive touchscreens are all common symptoms of water damage.
Speaker or Microphone Problems: Keep an eye (or an ear) out for muffled or distorted sounds that could indicate moisture in the phone.
Charging Issues: Is your iPhone charging inefficiently or not at all? This could be a sign that you have a wet phone.
Overheating: Water damage can make the phone’s processors heat up and even shut down.

If you spot any of these warning signs, open up the iPhone’s SIM card tray. Inside, you’ll find the Liquid Contact Indicator. If it’s red, this means your phone has water damage and you should seek repairs as soon as possible.

Expenses for Fixing a Water-Damaged iPhone

How much it costs to fix water-damaged phones varies based on whether you have an existing warranty or protection plan, as well as where you choose to have it repaired.

Apple Repair

If you go straight to Apple for repairs, you’ll quickly find that water damage isn’t covered by their standard warranty. If you don’t have AppleCare+, there are varying costs for different iPhone models. You’ll likely spend between $549 and $699 to fix your iPhone, although some older models can be fixed for less (roughly $399 for an iPhone 11 or iPhone XR, for example). What if you do have an AppleCare+ subscription? This drops costs significantly, as you’ll typically only need to pay around $99.

For those without protection plans or warranty coverage, Apple may be the most expensive service for iPhone water damage repair. That said, it might be worth it to get first-party service.

Third-Party Repair Costs

Another option is visiting an independent repair service. Costs can vary considerably based on where you live, which store you choose, the extent of your iPhone’s water damage, and more. If you only need minor repairs — such as screen repair — your total cost estimate could be cheaper than with Apple.

Some shops charge a diagnostic fee of around $50, although many will waive this fee if you decide to go ahead with the repairs. Basic cleaning and drying costs $50 to $100, as long as you don’t need any major components replaced. Battery issues can cost up to $150, and a full screen replacement can set you back up to $400. If the motherboard needs repairs, it could cost $500 or more.

In general, reputable third-party shops might be able to save you a few bucks, especially if the extent of water damage is relatively limited. That said, always make sure the shop uses genuine Apple parts for repairs, as using third-party equipment can affect warranties, trade-in value, and future repair costs.

DIY Repair Costs

If you’re especially tech-savvy or just looking to save money, you could consider fixing your own phone with a water damage repair kit. Assembling the kit costs less than you’d pay to have a professional fix your phone, but unless you have experience fixing electronic devices, the process could be trickier than you might expect.

You’ll need the appropriate tools to open up your iPhone, which will probably set you back around $20 (if you don’t have suitable tools already). Next, replacement parts can cost hundreds of dollars each, depending on which parts require replacing. You should also buy a corrosion cleaning solution and a lint-free cloth, costing as little as $20.

While this option eliminates the need to pay a service fee, the results can be awfully hit-or-miss, and more complex tasks like data recovery may not be possible at all. Water damage isn’t always a predictable fix, and opening your own iPhone will void any warranty you might still have. In other words, this avenue is very rarely recommended.

Is It Worth Repairing a Water-Damaged Phone?

This is the million-dollar question, isn’t it? Fixing water damage can be very expensive, and often isn’t worth it if your phone doesn’t have a high value. In our opinion, there are three key factors here.

The Phone’s Age

As a general rule of thumb, if your phone is less than two years old and in good condition, it could be worth repairing. If you’ve had it for three years or more, getting a new phone might be the better option.

Repair Costs vs. Replacement Costs

Will the repairs cost at least half of the price of a new or refurbished iPhone? If so, you might just want to replace it. This is another reason the phone’s age is so important, as older models simply aren’t worth enough to make repairs worthwhile.

Post-Repair Reliability

Water damage is unpredictable and can rear its ugly head again at any time, even after you think your phone is fixed. If the long-term reliability of your device is a priority, this is another aspect that might drive you to choose replacement over repair.

What Are My Options if I Don’t Repair My iPhone’s Water Damage?

If fixing your iPhone doesn’t seem worthwhile, you have some options. Even if your phone has water damage, ecoATM will accept it for recycling, and we may still offer you a cash payment if we think certain elements of the device can be salvaged.

You can also buy a refurbished phone, which will certainly cost less than a new one and often costs less than water damage repair. You can get a like-new device at a very reasonable rate with our sister company, Gazelle.

Finally, if money’s tight and you have an older-model iPhone lying around, power it back up and use it as a temporary solution until you can afford to fix your water-damaged device — or buy a new or refurbished one.

How to Avoid Water Damage

The best way to fix a water-damaged device is to never have it get wet in the first place! To avoid another expensive repair, try using a waterproof case. Brands like LifeProof and Catalyst offer solid protection. Using silica gel packs can help if your phone gets wet, as they can absorb moisture without having to open the phone.

Finally, know your iPhone’s limits. As we mentioned earlier, iPhone models are water resistant but not at all waterproof. Knowing the difference could save you hundreds in repair costs! Just avoid using your iPhone near water and you should be good to go.

In Conclusion

Repairing an iPhone with extensive water damage is expensive. In many cases, replacing the phone is the smarter option. If repair costs are too high, sell or recycle your damaged phone at your nearest ecoATM kiosk and do your part to keep electronic devices out of the waste stream.

Water damage is incredibly unpredictable, so preventing it is always a better choice than fixing it after the fact. Investing in a waterproof case or exercising extra caution around water can protect your phone from requiring costly fixes.