Dropped your iPhone in the pool? Spilled a drink on it? Caught in a Memphis summer downpour? Water damage is one of the most common repairs we see at iFix Memphis, and your actions in the first 30 minutes can be the difference between a recoverable phone and a permanently dead one. Here's exactly what to do.
Step 1: Power It Off Immediately
The most dangerous thing that happens when water gets inside an iPhone isn't the water itself — it's the water + electricity combination. As soon as you notice the phone has been exposed to liquid, power it off. Hold the side button and volume up (or side button and home button on older models) until the power-off slider appears, then power down.
If it's already off, do not turn it on to check if it works. That's how most phones die.
Step 2: Remove Cases and SIM Tray
Get the case off so water can evaporate. Pop out the SIM tray — this creates a drainage and airflow path. Dry any exterior moisture with a soft cloth.
Step 3: DO NOT Put It in Rice
The rice myth is the single most damaging "fix" you can attempt. Rice does not pull water out of an iPhone — it just sits next to the phone absorbing ambient moisture while your electronics corrode.
Also avoid:
- Hair dryers — the heat damages internal adhesives and can push water deeper
- The oven or microwave — will destroy the battery and logic board
- Shaking it — spreads water into areas it hadn't reached yet
- Charging it — do not plug in a wet iPhone under any circumstances
Step 4: Bring It to a Repair Shop Within 24 Hours
The real fix is ultrasonic cleaning — submerging the internal components in a specialized cleaning solution that removes water and corrosion from circuit boards. This is what Apple Stores do, and it's what iFix Memphis does in-house.
The sooner you bring it in, the better the chances of full recovery. After 24–48 hours, corrosion starts eating away at the logic board and internal components. After a week, most water-damaged iPhones are unrecoverable.
Water-Damaged iPhone? Act Fast.
Bring your phone to iFix Memphis immediately. Walk in any day — 2054 West St, Germantown. The first 24 hours matter most.
Call (901) 433-9284What Does Water Damage Repair Cost in Memphis?
At iFix Memphis, water damage diagnosis and ultrasonic cleaning starts at $69. If additional component replacement is needed (battery, charging port, display, or logic board work), we'll give you a firm quote before any work begins. Typical total cost:
- Minor water exposure (cleaning only): $69–$99
- Cleaning + battery replacement: $149–$189
- Cleaning + full display + charging port: $249–$349
- Full liquid damage restoration: $299–$449
If your phone can't be saved, we'll tell you honestly — and we won't charge for the attempt beyond the initial $69 diagnostic.
Does AppleCare+ Cover Water Damage?
AppleCare+ covers accidental damage (including water) for a $99 service fee. If your iPhone is under AppleCare+, the Apple Store at Saddle Creek is your cheapest option. Without AppleCare+, Apple charges significantly more — often $500+ for liquid damage repairs — making iFix Memphis the better value for most customers.
How to Prevent iPhone Water Damage in Memphis
- Keep your phone out of direct rain during Memphis summer thunderstorms
- Don't take photos poolside right next to the edge
- Use a waterproof case (not just "splash resistant") for outdoor activities
- Never bring your phone into the bathroom while showering
- Beware of condensation — don't leave your phone in a hot car then move to A/C
Most newer iPhones are rated IP68 for water resistance, but that rating degrades over time and doesn't cover saltwater, chlorinated pool water, or hot tubs. Don't trust the rating — protect your phone.
Need iPhone repair in the Memphis area? See our full service list or dedicated pages for Memphis and Germantown.