What does water damage look like on iPhone?

I have been wondering about the signs of water damage on my iPhone and what I should be looking out for. I know that exposure to water can cause serious issues with its performance and functionality, but I’m not exactly sure how to identify these problems. Are there visual indicators that could help me determine if my iPhone has undergone water damage? Additionally, are there specific symptoms or malfunctions I should be aware of that can indicate water has compromised my device? I would like to understand the typical appearance of such damage so I can take appropriate action as soon as possible.
4 Answers

Water damage on an iPhone is usually indicated by a number of noticeable symptoms. Here are some signs to watch for:
- Red Marks: One of the first indicators is a small red indicator inside the SIM card slot. This is known as the Liquid Contact Indicator (LCI) and turns red when it comes into contact with liquid.
- Screen Issues: You might notice discoloration or lines on the display. The screen might appear cloudy or have dark spots.
- Audio Problems: The speakers and microphone may produce muffled or distorted sounds.
- Unexpected Shutdowns: Your iPhone might shut down randomly or refuse to power on.
- Overheating: Water damage can cause the device to overheat during use or charging.
- Camera Condensation: You may see moisture trapped inside the camera lens.

In my experience, water damage on an iPhone can manifest in various ways. Key symptoms include:
- Touchscreen Malfunctions: The touchscreen might become unresponsive or register phantom touches.
- Sound Distortion: Audio output may become crackly or muted.
- Corroded Ports: Check the charging port and headphone jack for visible corrosion or debris.
- Functional Fluctuations: Apps might crash more frequently, and the phone could operate sporadically.

When checking for water damage on an iPhone, I’ve noticed a few tell-tale signs. Firstly, the red LCI is an immediate giveaway. On top of that, you might encounter difficulties with touch responsiveness and the screen displaying weird artifacts. The battery might drain faster than usual, and the device can get extremely hot quickly. Another clear sign is corrosion around the ports, or even water visible through the ports or seams of the phone.

Water damage on an iPhone is often highlighted by internal and external signs. Externally, I saw corrosion developing around the charging port and headphone jack. Internally, the symptoms were more insidious. The screen sometimes flickered, showing horizontal lines, and the speaker seemed quieter than usual. The phone also exhibited random shutdowns, which were particularly frustrating. Sometimes, the iPhone ran warm to the touch, even when I wasn’t using it intensively.