Phone · Apple · iPhone 16 Pro Max
Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max Water Damage Repair
Water Damage Repair guide for the Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max
Before you begin
Tools
- Precision screwdriver set
- Plastic opening tools
- Anti-static wrist strap
- Tweezers
- Magnifying glass or headlamp
- P2 Pentalobe screwdriver
- Y000 Tri-point screwdriver
- Heat gun or iOpener
- Soft-bristled ESD brush
Parts / materials
- 99% Isopropyl alcohol
- Lint-free wipes
- Replacement rear glass adhesive
- Replacement display adhesive
Safety
- Wear protective eyewear when working with liquid solvents.
- Ensure your workspace is well-ventilated to avoid inhaling alcohol fumes.
- Disconnect the battery before touching internal logic board components.
- Do not heat the device battery directly above 80°C (176°F).
Overview
Step-by-step
- 1
Power Off the iPhone
1 minPress and hold the side button and either volume button until the power slider appears, then slide to turn off the phone immediately.
- 2
Remove Pentalobe Screws
2 minUse a P2 Pentalobe driver to remove the two 6.8 mm screws located on the bottom edge near the USB-C port.
- 3
Warm the Rear Glass
3 minApply a heated iOpener or heat gun to the lower edge of the back glass for 2 minutes to soften the adhesive.
- 4
Slice the Rear Seal
4 minAttach a suction handle to the lower back glass, pull upward, and slide an opening pick into the resulting seam.
- 5
Open the Rear Panel
2 minSlice around the perimeter with the pick and swing the back glass open toward the right side like a book.
- 6
Remove the Battery Cover Bracket
3 minUnscrew the Y000 tri-point screws securing the metal battery connector shield and lift it out using tweezers.
- 7
Disconnect the Battery
2 minUse a plastic spudger to gently pry the battery press connector straight up from its socket.
- 8
Warm the Front Screen
3 minHeat the front glass perimeter with a heat gun set to 70°C for 2 minutes to loosen the display seal adhesive.
- 9
Separate the Screen Seal
4 minApply a suction tool to the display, lift slightly, and slice the adhesive along the edges with an opening pick.
- 10
Disconnect the Screen Flexes
3 minUnscrew the display cable cover plate, then disconnect the screen press connectors from the logic board using a spudger.
- 11
Unscrew the Logic Board Bracket
3 minRemove all Y000 and standoff screws securing the upper logic board metal shield plate.
- 12
Disconnect Internal Flex Cables
4 minCarefully detach the camera, sensor, antenna, and charging port press connectors from the logic board.
- 13
Remove Logic Board Screws
3 minExtract the remaining mounting standoff screws holding the logic board assembly inside the chassis.
- 14
Extract the Logic Board
2 minGently lift the logic board out of the phone frame using non-conductive tweezers.
- 15
Submerge Board in Isopropyl Alcohol
5 minPlace the logic board into a clean container filled with high-purity 99% isopropyl alcohol to displace trapped water.
- 16
Scrub Away Corrosion
5 minUse a soft-bristled anti-static brush to gently clean visible mineral deposits and corrosion off the board surface.
- 17
Dry the Board and Components
10 minLay the logic board on a lint-free cloth and let it dry completely under gentle warm airflow for at least 30 minutes.
- 18
Inspect Under Magnification
5 minExamine the logic board and housing connectors with a magnifying glass to confirm all liquid residue and corrosion are gone.
After your Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max water damage repair
Power the iPhone 16 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 16 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 16 Pro Max repair context in the encyclopedia, or open related DIY guides.
