Is your iPhone screen flickering after water damage? This common issue arises when water seeps into your iPhone and damages its sensitive internal parts. If you take quick action, you can save your device.
To revive your phone’s performance, start by turning off your iPhone immediately, drying it thoroughly with rice or silica gel packs, trying a force restart after drying, and getting professional assistance if necessary. Following these easy yet efficient solutions can protect your precious smartphone.
Ways to Fix iPhone Screen Flickering After Water Damage
Here are the best ways to resolve screen flickering issues of a water-damaged iPhone:
1. Turn Off Your iPhone Immediately
If your iPhone screen starts flickering after water exposure, turn it off immediately. This is the most crucial first step to prevent further internal damage.
- Press and hold the power and volume buttons together until the “slide to power off” appears.
- Slide to power off.
- Do not attempt to use or power on the phone until you are certain it is completely dry.
If your iPhone gets wet and the screen stops responding, it could be due to moisture causing internal damage or a short circuit.
2. Dry Your iPhone Properly
Once your iPhone is off, you need to remove as much water as you can.
Using Silica Gel Packs (Recommended Method)
- Gently dry the exterior of your iPhone with a soft, lint-free cloth.
- Put your phone in a sealed container with silica gel packets.
- Leave it there for at least 48 hours.
- During this time, don’t check on it.
Unlike other home remedies, silica gel packs are made to soak up wetness and work better than others.
The Rice Method
Rice may help temporarily, but it’s not as good as silica gel:
- Place your powered-off iPhone in a jar with raw rice.
- Make sure that the whole phone is covered.
- Leave it there for at least 48 hours.
- Ensure that rice is not stuck in the speakers or the charging port.
Note: Rice is less effective than silica gel and can leave dust or starch behind. Use if silica gel is unavailable.
3. Try a Force Restart
After at least 48 hours of drying, you can restart your iPhone. Here’s how you can do it:
For iPhones 8 and Newer Models: Quickly press and release the volume up button, then the volume down button. Finally, press and hold the side button until the Apple sign appears.
For the iPhone 7: Hold the side and volume down buttons simultaneously until you see the Apple logo.
If the water damage wasn’t too bad, a force restart can sometimes fix the problem and stop the screen from flashing.
4. Seek Professional Repair
If the above solutions don’t work for your iPhone screen and the flickering persists, consult a certified iPhone repair technician or Apple Support. Do not attempt to open the phone yourself, as this can void your warranty and cause further damage.
Technicians have special tools that let them safely open your iPhone, dry out the insides, and fix or replace any broken parts.
Why Is My iPhone Flickering After Water Damage?
Water can cause several issues that lead to screen flickering:
- Short circuits in the display connector
- Corrosion on internal components
- Damage to the LCD or OLED display panel
- Water is trapped between the display layers
- Electrical interference with touch sensors
The flickering is usually a sign that water is still inside your device or has already caused some damage to the components.
How Long Are iPhones Water-Resistant For?
Modern iPhones have water resistance, but they’re not completely waterproof:
- iPhone 12, 13, 14, 15, and 16 Series: Can handle up to 6 meters of water for 30 minutes.
- Older models have less water resistance.
Remember that your iPhone’s water resistance can decrease as your phone ages. Also, Apple’s guarantee does not cover water damage, even if your iPhone is rated as water resistant.
Conclusion
If water damage has caused your iPhone screen to flicker, remember these important fix tips: Turn off your phone quickly and dry it completely with silica gel packs or rice for at least 48 hours. Once it’s dry, try a force restart, and if the flickering still happens, get professional help.
Wireless Waves Repair can fix your iPhone if the screen keeps flickering after it has been damaged by water. Don’t risk more damage by trying to fix your water-damaged iPhone yourself; instead, take it to our experts today!