Water Damage Repair
Start diagnosis💧 Do this right now
- Don't charge it. Power plus water speeds up corrosion and causes shorts.
- Don't turn it on or press buttons to "check".
- Don't use rice. It doesn't dry the inside, and starch dust gets in the ports.
- No heat. No hair dryer, oven or radiator.
- Ship it fast. Every day matters. Corrosion keeps spreading after it feels dry.
Honest odds
Success depends mostly on two things: how long since it got wet, and what it got wet with.
| Typical outlook | |
|---|---|
| Fresh water, shipped within a few days, not charged | Best chance |
| Fresh water, charged or used while wet | Fair. Shorts may have damaged parts. |
| Salt water, pool water, coffee, pop | Lower. These corrode faster. |
| Weeks or months later | Lowest. Expect part replacements or data recovery only. |
Our process
- Disassemble and inspect under the microscope.
- Clean corrosion from the board with an ultrasonic cleaner and isopropyl alcohol.
- Test power lines and find failed components.
- Firm quote: board repair, part replacements (with part tiers if available), or data recovery only.
- Repair and test everything, including speakers, mics, cameras and charging.
What we can and can't do
We can often bring a water-damaged phone back, but it may not be as reliable long term, and water resistance won't be factory-level again. If it can't be saved, we'll tell you if data recovery is still possible.
Realistic timelines
Diagnosis in 1 to 3 business days after arrival (we prioritize water damage). Repairs take 2 to 7 business days after approval.