Phone · Apple · iPhone 8
Apple iPhone 8 Water Damage Repair
Water Damage Repair guide for the Apple iPhone 8
Before you begin
Tools
- P2 Pentalobe screwdriver
- Tri-point Y000 screwdriver
- Precision Phillips #000 screwdriver
- Suction cup tool
- Plastic opening picks
- Spudger tool
- Tweezers
- Heat gun or hair dryer
- Soft brush
- Compressed air
Parts / materials
- 99% Isopropyl alcohol
- Replacement display adhesive seal
- Lint-free microfiber cloth
Safety
- Do not plug in or attempt to charge a water-damaged device before complete cleaning and drying.
- Wear eye protection when cleaning components with compressed air and high-purity isopropyl alcohol.
- Work in a well-ventilated area away from open flames when using isopropyl alcohol.
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. Press firmly to eject the tray and pull it out.
- 2
Remove bottom pentalobe screws
2 minUse a P2 pentalobe screwdriver to remove the two 3.5 mm screws located on either side of the Lightning connector.
- 3
Warm the display adhesive
2 minApply gentle heat from a heat gun or hair dryer to the lower edge of the phone for about 90 seconds to soften the waterproof seal.
- 4
Attach suction cup and create a gap
2 minPlace a suction cup on the lower half of the screen just above the home button. Pull up with firm, steady pressure to create a small gap between the screen and frame.
- 5
Slice lower and left edge adhesive
3 minInsert a plastic opening pick into the gap at the bottom edge. Slide the pick around the bottom-left corner and up the left edge to slice through the adhesive.
- 6
Slice right edge adhesive
3 minReinsert the opening pick at the bottom edge and slide it around the bottom-right corner and up the right side. Do not insert the pick too deep near the volume buttons.
- 7
Open the display like a book
1 minGently swing the display open from the left edge toward the right. Rest the display against a stable object so it does not strain the ribbon cables.
- 8
Unscrew the lower display bracket
3 minUse a Tri-point Y000 screwdriver to remove the four screws securing the lower display cable bracket to the logic board.
- 9
Disconnect the battery connector
1 minUse the edge of a spudger to pry the battery connector straight up out of its socket on the logic board.
- 10
Disconnect display ribbon cables
2 minPry the display cable connector and the digitizer cable connector straight up from their sockets using a spudger.
- 11
Remove the upper sensor bracket
2 minRemove the three Tri-point Y000 screws holding the metal bracket over the front panel sensor assembly connector.
- 12
Separate display from housing
2 minDisconnect the front panel sensor connector using a spudger, then completely remove the display assembly from the rear casing.
- 13
Unscrew and remove the logic board
5 minRemove all Phillips and standoff screws securing the logic board, then carefully lift the board out from the phone chassis.
- 14
Clean corrosion with isopropyl alcohol
10 minSubmerge the logic board in 99% isopropyl alcohol and scrub away liquid residue and corrosion using a soft-bristled brush.
- 15
Dry the logic board
15 minUse compressed air to blow liquid out from under chips and connectors, then let the board dry completely in a warm area.
- 16
Reinstall logic board and connect display
5 minPlace the dried logic board back into the chassis, tighten all retaining screws, and reconnect the camera, display, and battery cables.
- 17
Seal and screw housing shut
3 minAlign the top edge of the display with the frame, press the screen firmly into place around all edges, and reinstall the two bottom pentalobe screws.
After your Apple iPhone 8 water damage repair
Power the iPhone 8 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 8 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 8 repair context in the encyclopedia, or open related DIY guides.

