Whether it’s a splash in the Waitematā Harbour or a tumble into the kitchen sink, water damage is a race against time. While many modern smartphones claim to be “water-resistant” (IP68), this resistance wears down over time, and salt water or chlorinated pool water can still cause instant internal corrosion.
For iPhone users, unfortunately liquid damage is not covered under Apple’s standard warranty, even on newer models with water resistance. Therefore, acting quickly and correctly can make the difference between a successful repair and permanent failure.
Here is the updated 2026 protocol for saving a water-logged phone in Auckland.
1. Retrieve and Power Down Immediately
Get the phone out of the liquid. If it’s still on, turn it off immediately. Do not check for messages or try to take a “proof” photo. If it’s plugged into a charger, switch off the power at the wall before touching the cable. Liquid itself isn’t always the main issue — electrical current flowing through wet components causes short circuits and corrosion. Keeping the phone powered off reduces the risk of further damage. If the phone is already off, do not turn it back on.
2. Ditch the Rice (The Myth vs. Reality)
Stop! Do not put your phone in a bag of rice. Rice does not pull moisture out from inside a sealed smartphone. Instead, it introduces starch dust into the charging port and speakers, which can mix with the water to create a corrosive paste.
3. Remove SIM and SD Cards
Pull out the SIM tray. This is often the only “vent” in a modern smartphone. Removing the tray allows a small amount of airflow into the internal chassis and protects your SIM card and its stored contacts.
4. Dry the Exterior (No Heat!)
Wipe the phone down with a lint-free cloth.
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The Warning: Never use a hairdryer, oven, or microwave. High heat can melt the adhesive seals that keep the phone together and damage the delicate OLED screen.
5. Address the Charging Port
If your phone detects moisture in the USB-C or Lightning port, it will disable charging.
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The Tip: Gently tap the phone against your hand with the port facing down to remove excess liquid. Do not insert cotton buds or paper towels into the port, as these can damage the pins.
6. The “Salt Water” Emergency
If you dropped your phone in the ocean, the salt will crystallize on your motherboard within minutes.
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The Expert Advice: This is one of the few times we recommend professional intervention immediately. Saltwater is conductive and highly corrosive; it requires an ultrasonic chemical clean to prevent the phone from being “bricked” permanently.
7. Don’t “Test” it Too Early
Wait at least 48 hours before trying to turn the phone back on. Even if the screen looks dry, internal moisture can linger. If you try to power it on while a drop of water is bridging a connection, you will cause a short circuit that may be unrepairable.
8. Bring it to the Professionals
If the phone won’t turn on, or if the screen has “watermarks” or flickers, bring it to Advanced Computers. Devices seen within 24–48 hours have the highest recovery rate.
How to Check If Your iPhone Has Liquid Damage
Apple installs Liquid Contact Indicators (LCIs) in iPhones to show whether the device has been exposed to liquid.
How LCIs Work
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Normal colour: white or silver
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After liquid contact: solid red
LCIs are not triggered by normal humidity or temperature changes — only direct liquid exposure. You may be able to see the LCI using:
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A torch
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A magnifying glass
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The SIM tray opening (on many models)
Once an LCI is triggered, Apple classifies the device as liquid damaged.
When to See a Professional in Auckland
You should seek professional iPhone or Samsung phone repair if:
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The phone won’t turn on
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The screen flickers or shows lines
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Buttons or speakers stop working
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The phone overheats or drains battery rapidly
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Face ID, cameras, or charging stop functioning
Liquid damage symptoms can appear days or weeks later, even if the phone initially seems fine. Once your phone is repaired, taking steps to better protect your iPhone can reduce the risk of future incidents.
Advanced Computers provides professional iPhone repair services from our Penrose and North Shore (Rosedale) locations. Our Apple repair workshops assess liquid damage carefully and advise on the most cost-effective repair options before proceeding.