Water damage is one of the most common causes of iPhone malfunctions. When exposed to moisture, iPhones often show unpredictable behavior like continuous restarting. This problem requires immediate attention to prevent permanent damage to your device.
If your iPhone keeps restarting after water damage, switch it off immediately to prevent further damage. Let it sit in a dry, well-ventilated place for at least 48 hours. Then, look for internal water signs such as fog under the camera lens, corrosion near the SIM slot, or residue in the charging port. If the restarting continues, you might need to use recovery mode on a computer. If none of the steps help, it’s best to take your iPhone to a repair technician who can open it and clean or replace any damaged parts.
6 Steps to Fix a Water-Damaged iPhone That Keeps Rebooting
Here are quick and easy steps you can take if your iPhone is restarting after water damage:
1. Power Off Your iPhone Right Away
The longer your iPhone stays on after water exposure, the more damage it can cause. Exposure to electricity while wet can worsen internal damage. So, turn it off immediately. Here’s how to do that if you’ve an iPhone with working Face ID:
- To power off > press and hold the side + volume buttons > slide to power off > phone turns off.
Avoid charging it until it’s completely dry and checked.
2. Dry Your iPhone Properly
You need to use the right drying method. Avoid putting your iPhone in rice. It’s a common myth that doesn’t help much. Instead, do the following:
- Use a soft towel to dry the outside gently.
- Remove the SIM card tray.
- Leave your phone in a dry room for at least 48 hours.
- Place it near a fan or inside a silica gel bag (the little packets that absorb moisture) for at least 48 hours in a sealed container.
| Tip: Do not use a hair dryer. Too much heat can damage the internal parts. |
3. Check for Visual Signs of Water Damage
Once it’s dry, check your phone carefully. Look for:
- Water inside the SIM card slot.
- Fog under the camera lens.
- Discoloration or residue in the charging port.
- Corrosion on the metal contacts.
You can also check the Liquid Contact Indicator (LCI), which is a small white or red dot usually located inside the SIM tray area. If the dot has turned red, your phone has water damage.
4. Try a Force Reset
A hard reset is a way to refresh your iPhone without wiping any data. This can sometimes stop the restarting loop. Here’s how you can do a hard reset:
- For iPhone 8 or newer: Press and quickly release the Volume Up and Volume Down buttons. Then press and hold the Power button until you see the Apple logo.
- For iPhone 7 and 7 Plus: Hold the Volume Down and Power buttons together until you see the Apple logo.
- For iPhone 6 or older: Hold the Home and Power buttons simultaneously until the Apple logo appears.
If your phone still keeps restarting, move on to the next step.
5. Use Recovery Mode (Optional)
If your iPhone can connect to a computer and iTunes or Finder can detect it, you can try Recovery Mode. The following are steps to use recovery mode:
- Connect your iPhone to your computer using a USB cable.
- Follow the same button combinations used for a hard reset, but keep holding until the recovery mode screen appears.
- You’ll see options like Update or Restore.
Try ‘Update’ first to keep your data intact. If that fails, you may need to choose ‘Restore,’ which will erase everything.
6. Visit a Repair Technician
If none of the above steps work, or your iPhone keeps restarting after drying and resetting, it’s time to seek help from an iPhone repair technician. Wireless Waves Repair offers expert iPhone repair services and can safely open your phone to check for deeper damage. Our certified technicians can:
- Clean the internal parts safely.
- Replace damaged components like the battery or motherboard.
- Test for corrosion or long-term water damage.
Avoid repairing the phone yourself if you’re not trained—it could cause more damage.
Reasons Why Your iPhone Keep Restarting After Water Damage
Water entering an iPhone can harm its internal parts. The most common causes include:
- Short circuits: Moisture interferes with the phone’s electrical system.
- Corrosion: Water causes metal parts to rust and stop working properly.
- Battery damage: A wet battery may not hold or deliver power correctly.
- Sensor malfunctions: Water affects internal sensors, causing the phone to restart.
- Damaged charging port or internal connections: Water in the port disrupts power and charging flow.
These issues can lead to your iPhone restarting again and again or not working properly at all.
Conclusion
Dealing with a water-damaged iPhone can be stressful, especially when it keeps restarting. However, taking swift action can help reduce permanent damage and improve the chances of recovery. Always begin by turning off the phone, drying it properly, and checking for any signs of damage. Using recovery mode may help return it to normal. If not, visiting a trusted iPhone repair shop is the safest option.
Remember, if your iPhone keeps restarting after water damage, it’s a sign that something inside still isn’t right.