Phone · Apple · iPhone SE 2016
Apple iPhone SE 2016 Water Damage Repair
Water Damage Repair guide for the Apple iPhone SE 2016
Before you begin
Tools
- P2 Pentalobe screwdriver
- Phillips #000 screwdriver
- Spudger tool
- Tweezers
- Suction cup tool
- Plastic prying tools
- Soft brush
- Compressed air
Parts / materials
- 99% Isopropyl alcohol
- Lint-free wipes
- Shallow cleaning container
Safety
- Disconnect the battery immediately to reduce the risk of a electrical short.
- Perform cleaning in a well-ventilated area away from heat sources or open flames.
- Wear eye protection when using compressed air or handling isopropyl alcohol.
Overview
Step-by-step
- 1
Power Down Device
1 minTurn off the iPhone SE completely to prevent short circuits while working.
- 2
Remove Bottom Screws
2 minUnscrew the two 3.9 mm P2 Pentalobe screws located on either side of the Lightning charging port.
- 3
Attach Suction Cup
1 minPlace a suction cup onto the lower half of the front glass panel, positioned just above the Home button.
- 4
Pry Display Assembly
3 minPull up gently on the suction cup while inserting a plastic opening pick into the seam above the headphone jack.
- 5
Unhook Home Button Bracket
2 minSlightly open the screen and use tweezers to detach the small metal bracket covering the Touch ID flex cable.
- 6
Disconnect Touch ID Cable
2 minUse the flat edge of a spudger to pry the Touch ID cable connector out of its socket.
- 7
Remove Battery Bracket Screws
2 minUnscrew the two Phillips #000 screws securing the battery cable bracket to the logic board and lift the bracket out.
- 8
Disconnect Battery
1 minPry the battery connector straight up from the logic board using a spudger to cut power to the device.
- 9
Remove Display Bracket
3 minRemove the four Phillips #000 screws securing the upper display cable shield and remove the shield.
- 10
Disconnect Display Cables
3 minUse a spudger to disconnect the front camera flex, digitizer cable, and display data cable from the board.
- 11
Eject SIM Card Tray
1 minInsert a SIM eject tool or paperclip into the hole on the right side of the phone to remove the SIM tray.
- 12
Remove Logic Board Screws
4 minUnscrew the retaining screws securing the logic board, including the top standoff screw near the camera.
- 13
Extract Logic Board
3 minCarefully pivot the logic board out from the rear enclosure, ensuring no flex cables snag on the board edges.
- 14
Soak Board in Isopropyl Alcohol
10 minSubmerge the logic board in a shallow container filled with 99% isopropyl alcohol for 5 to 10 minutes to displace liquid.
- 15
Scrub Corroded Components
5 minGently brush corrosion and liquid deposits off the logic board connectors and components using a soft-bristled brush.
- 16
Dry Logic Board Completely
15 minUse compressed air to blow away excess alcohol, then leave the board in a warm, dry area for at least 15 minutes.
After your Apple iPhone SE 2016 water damage repair
Power the iPhone SE 2016 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 SE 2016 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 SE 2016 repair context in the encyclopedia, or open related DIY guides.
