8 Common Signs of Water Damage on iPhone

Starting from iPhone 7, Apple has equipped its iPhones with water resistance and dust protection. However, that doesn't mean these devices are completely safeguarded against liquids, and Apple won't cover water damage under warranty. Therefore, this article will inform you about 8 indicators that your iPhone may have encountered water damage.

Camera Lens Fogging

One of the first things to check when inspecting your phone for any type of damage is its camera lens. They are sensitive hardware components that can be affected by scratches, drops, and water.

When water seeps into your iPhone camera, it can cause the lens to fog up and affect image quality. The front camera is especially susceptible to this type of damage, particularly if it has been replaced before.

If the photos you take are significantly lower in quality than usual, it could be due to water damage. If you notice this sign, turn off your phone and dry it thoroughly.

Face ID or Touch ID Malfunction

Apple's biometric security features like Face ID or Touch ID are prone to malfunction if water gets into them. Face ID operates by using the TrueDepth camera system embedded in the notch or Dynamic Island. While the front camera on the iPhone can be dried and return to its previous image quality, Face ID will malfunction if the iPhone is submerged in water. The same can happen to Touch ID on the 2022 models or older iPhone models.

Erratic Physical Button Operation

Dirty water often contains various particles that can seep into the small gaps of an iPhone and cause its physical buttons to operate erratically. If you notice that the buttons on your iPhone are sticking, making buzzing noises, or simply not responding, you may be holding a water-damaged iPhone.

Water Stains on the Screen

Unfortunately, water can also affect the iPhone screen. You may notice signs of water under the screen before it gradually forms dark patches, making the affected area appear blurrier.

When you see signs of water under the screen, dry the device and back up all your iPhone data. Whatever you do, don't put it in rice as that could make the device's condition worse. If there are still black spots after the phone dries, you may need to replace the screen assembly on your iPhone.

Touch Screen Malfunction and Flickering

This is rare on an iPhone, but if you don't see any cracks on the screen yet the touch function is erratic, your phone may have been submerged in water. When an iPhone gets wet, you may also notice your phone screen flickering. This can occur alongside touch screen sensitivity issues.

Clogged Speaker

Another clear sign of water damage on an iPhone is a clogged speaker. If you're considering buying a used phone, after checking the camera, you should play some sounds on the speaker to hear how it performs.

If the sound coming from the iPhone speaker is muffled, then you may suspect that the phone's hardware speaker has been damaged by water. You can also test the front speaker by playing a voice memo on iMessage and holding it to your ear.

Signs of Rust and Corrosion

iPhones are typically made of stainless steel or aluminum. Therefore, when they come into contact with high humidity or saltwater for too long, these metals can corrode or rust.

If you take the time to observe the body of the iPhone and notice small pits, peeling on the metal, that phone may have been exposed to water, and its owner may not have properly dried it.

Unstable Charging

Impurities in water such as sand, mud can infiltrate your phone's charging port and block the plugs. However, dirt from the environment can also cling to the iPhone charging port, causing the risk of unstable or very slow charging. Therefore, prioritize cleaning the iPhone charging port if you suspect the device has been submerged in water.