iPhone Water Damage Repair Cost 2026
Dropped your iPhone in water? You have about 60 minutes before corrosion sets in. Quick action can make this a $30 problem. Wait too long and you're looking at $99 (AppleCare+) to $899 (out-of-warranty replacement) at Apple — and that's only if the logic board survived.
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⚡ Act Fast — Dry It Right
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Pulls moisture out of the logic board in 24–48 hrs
Displaces water, prevents corrosion — must be 99%+ pure
Required if you open the phone after water exposure
If you DIY-open the phone to clean the board
Cost Breakdown — All Options
| Where | Cost | Wait | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Quick action (you, in 60 min) | $0–$30 | 1–2 days | Power off, wipe, dehumidify in silica gel |
| Local repair shop ultrasonic clean | $60–$150 | 1–3 days | Best chance if internal contact occurred |
| Apple — minor water damage (under warranty) | $0 | 1–7 days | Apple may decline if liquid-contact indicators tripped |
| Apple — water damage out of warranty (iPhone 14) | $469–$549 | Same-day to 7 days | Counts as 'other damage' service |
| Apple — water damage out of warranty (iPhone 15/16) | $549–$899 | Same-day to 7 days | Higher tier on newer models |
| AppleCare+ deductible (any liquid damage) | $99 | Same-day to 7 days | Counts as one of two yearly incidents |
| Logic board replacement (third-party) | $200–$450 | 3–7 days | Risky — better to replace phone if board is damaged |
First 60 Minutes — What To Do RIGHT NOW
- Power it off immediately. Don't try to use it, charge it, or even check if it works. Current + water = corroded board.
- Remove the SIM tray and case. Let any trapped water escape.
- Wipe everything dry with a microfiber cloth. Don't shake — that pushes water deeper.
- DO NOT use rice. Rice is a myth. It absorbs ambient humidity, not the water already inside your phone, and starch dust gets into ports.
- Place phone in a sealed bag with silica gel (the dehumidifier kits in the recommended products list). 24–48 hours minimum.
- Don't power on for at least 48 hours. Patience is everything here.
How Apple Detects Water Damage
Every iPhone has Liquid Contact Indicators (LCIs) — small white strips that turn red on water exposure. Apple checks them in:
- The SIM tray slot (visible if you pop the tray)
- Inside the bottom Lightning/USB-C port (with a flashlight, look for red)
- Internally on the logic board (only Apple sees this)
If LCIs are tripped, your standard 1-year warranty is voided. AppleCare+ does cover liquid damage at the $99 deductible regardless of LCI status.
When To Replace vs Repair
Use this rule of thumb:
- iPhone is 1+ year old and out of warranty: Apple's water-damage replacement at $549–$899 may be more than the phone is worth used. Compare to your trade-in value.
- iPhone is 2+ years old: Pay for an ultrasonic logic-board clean ($60–$150) at a third-party shop. If that doesn't bring it back, walk away — it's not worth it.
- iPhone is under 1 year and you have AppleCare+: Pay $99, get a replacement, move on.
Mail-In Repair Service
Don't have time to wait for Apple? We offer mail-in repair with overnight return shipping.