Phone · Apple · iPhone 11 Pro Max
Apple iPhone 11 Pro Max Water Damage Repair
Water Damage Repair guide for the Apple iPhone 11 Pro Max
Before you begin
Tools
- P2 Pentalobe screwdriver
- Tri-point Y000 screwdriver
- Phillips #000 screwdriver
- Suction handle
- Opening picks
- Plastic spudger
- Soft bristle toothbrush
- ESD-safe tweezers
Parts / materials
- 99% Isopropyl alcohol
- Display replacement adhesive frame sticker
- Microfiber cloth
Safety
- Disconnect the battery immediately upon opening the device to prevent short circuits.
- Wear protective safety glasses when brushing components with isopropyl alcohol to prevent splashes.
- Work in a well-ventilated area to avoid inhaling alcohol fumes.
Overview
Step-by-step
- 1
Remove the SIM card tray
1 minInsert a SIM eject tool or straightened paperclip into the hole next to the SIM tray on the right side of the device. Press firmly to eject the tray, then remove it completely.
- 2
Unscrew the pentalobe screws
2 minUse a P2 pentalobe screwdriver to remove the two 6.7 mm screws located on the bottom edge of the phone next to the Lightning port.
- 3
Heat the lower display edge
2 minApply a heated iOpener or hairdryer to the bottom edge of the screen for two minutes to soften the perimeter adhesive seal.
- 4
Attach a suction handle
1 minPlace a suction cup onto the lower half of the screen, just above the bottom edge. Press down to form a tight seal.
- 5
Slice the display adhesive
5 minPull up on the suction handle to create a tiny gap at the bottom edge, then insert an opening pick. Slide the pick along the bottom and left edges to cut through the adhesive.
- 6
Open the display panel
2 minSwing the screen open to the right side like a book cover. Prop it up against a sturdy object so you do not strain the fragile display cables.
- 7
Unscrew the battery cover plate
3 minUse a Tri-point Y000 screwdriver to remove the two screws holding down the lower connector cover bracket over the battery terminal.
- 8
Disconnect the battery cable
1 minUse the edge of a plastic spudger to pry the battery press connector straight up off the logic board socket to cut electrical power immediately.
- 9
Unscrew the logic board shield
4 minRemove the six Y000 screws securing the metal shield over the display and sensor connectors. Lift the bracket off with tweezers.
- 10
Disconnect the screen assembly flex cables
3 minUse your spudger to disconnect the OLED screen cable, digitizer cable, and front sensor assembly connector. Set the display assembly aside.
- 11
Unscrew the logic board mounting fasteners
5 minRemove the standoff screws and remaining Y000 screws securing the logic board inside the rear enclosure.
- 12
Remove the logic board
4 minCarefully pivot the logic board out of the rear case, disconnecting any remaining antenna cables on the underside. Lay the board on an anti-static surface.
- 13
Scrub the board with isopropyl alcohol
10 minSubmerge the logic board in 99% isopropyl alcohol and use a soft-bristled toothbrush to gently clean away liquid residue and corrosion.
- 14
Dry and inspect the components
15 minAllow the logic board to air-dry completely for at least three hours before inspecting with a magnifying glass for remaining mineral deposits or damaged chips.
After your Apple iPhone 11 Pro Max water damage repair
Power the iPhone 11 Pro Max back on and test the water damage repair function before you put every screw away. Check touch/display response, charging, cameras, buttons, and wireless as relevant to this repair. If something fails after closing the device, reopen carefully and reseat the connectors for this Apple iPhone 11 Pro Max job before assuming the part is defective. Keep leftover adhesive and screws labeled in case you need a second pass.
Keep learning
Explore more Apple iPhone 11 Pro Max repair context in the encyclopedia, or open related DIY guides.

