Phone · Apple · iPhone 11
Apple iPhone 11 Water Damage Repair
Water Damage Repair guide for the Apple iPhone 11
Before you begin
Tools
- P2 Pentalobe screwdriver
- Y000 Tri-point screwdriver
- Phillips #000 screwdriver
- Suction cup tool
- Plastic prying tools
- Spudger tool
- Soft brush
- Heat gun
Parts / materials
- 99% Isopropyl alcohol
- Compressed air
- Display adhesive strips
- Lint-free wipes
Safety
- Disconnect the battery immediately upon opening to prevent short-circuiting live traces.
- Perform alcohol cleaning in a well-ventilated space away from open flames.
- Wear eye protection when using compressed air and isopropyl alcohol.
Overview
Step-by-step
- 1
Power Down the Device
1 minTurn off the iPhone immediately to prevent further electrical short circuits. Do not plug the phone into a charger.
- 2
Remove the Bottom Pentalobe Screws
2 minUse a P2 Pentalobe screwdriver to remove the two 3.4 mm screws on the bottom edge of the phone.
- 3
Heat the Perimeter Adhesive
3 minApply a hot air gun or heated tool around the bottom and sides of the screen to soften the display seal.
- 4
Attach the Suction Cup
1 minPlace a suction cup on the bottom half of the front display glass, just above the lower edge.
- 5
Slice the Display Adhesive Seal
4 minPull up on the suction cup to create a gap, then insert a plastic prying tool to cut through the adhesive perimeter.
- 6
Open the Display Assembly
2 minSwing the screen open from the right side like a book cover. Rest the display against a stable object to avoid straining the cables.
- 7
Remove the Battery Connector Bracket
3 minUse a Y000 Tri-point screwdriver to remove the screws holding the lower metal bracket over the battery connector.
- 8
Disconnect the Battery Connector
2 minPry the battery press connector straight up off its socket on the logic board using a spudger.
- 9
Disconnect the Display Cables
4 minRemove the upper metal shield plate and use a spudger to detach the display, digitizer, and front sensor flex cables.
- 10
Disconnect Logic Board Connectors
5 minCarefully pry up all remaining press connectors linked to the logic board, including camera, wireless, and charging port cables.
- 11
Remove the Logic Board Standoff Screws
4 minUse a Phillips #000 screwdriver or standoff driver to remove the mounting screws securing the logic board to the frame.
- 12
Extract the Logic Board
3 minGently tilt and lift the logic board out of the rear enclosure, ensuring no flex cables catch on the board.
- 13
Scrub Liquid Corrosion
10 minSubmerge the logic board in 99% isopropyl alcohol and scrub away corrosion using a soft brush.
- 14
Dry the Internal Components
15 minBlow away excess alcohol with compressed air and let the components dry completely in a well-ventilated area.
- 15
Reinstall the Logic Board
4 minLower the dried logic board back into the rear housing and secure it with its mounting standoff screws.
- 16
Reattach Display and Battery Connectors
6 minSnap the display and front camera cables back onto the board, followed by the battery connector, and reinstall all metal brackets.
After your Apple iPhone 11 water damage repair
Power the iPhone 11 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 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 repair context in the encyclopedia, or open related DIY guides.
