Phone · Apple · iPhone X
Apple iPhone X Water Damage Repair
Water Damage Repair guide for the Apple iPhone X
Before you begin
Tools
- Precision screwdriver set
- Plastic opening tools
- Anti-static wrist strap
- Tweezers
- Magnifying glass or headlamp
- Suction cup
- Heat gun or hair dryer
- Soft-bristled brush
Parts / materials
- 99% Isopropyl alcohol
- Replacement display adhesive seal
- Microfiber cloth
Safety
- Perform isopropyl alcohol cleaning in a well-ventilated area away from open flames.
- Wear safety glasses and an anti-static wrist strap when working with liquid solvents and internal components.
- Never attempt to charge or apply heat directly to a wet or swollen lithium-ion battery.
Overview
Step-by-step
- 1
Power off device
1 minTurn off the iPhone X immediately to prevent electrical short circuits. Do not connect a charger to the wet device.
- 2
Remove pentalobe screws
2 minUse a P2 pentalobe screwdriver to remove the two 3.4 mm screws located at the bottom edge of the phone.
- 3
Warm the bottom edge
2 minApply heat to the lower edge of the device using a heat gun or hair dryer for two minutes to soften the screen adhesive.
- 4
Attach suction cup
1 minPlace a suction cup onto the lower portion of the front glass, just above the bottom edge.
- 5
Slice lower adhesive seal
3 minPull up on the suction cup to create a gap and insert a plastic opening pick under the front glass panel.
- 6
Slice side adhesive seals
3 minSlide the plastic opening pick along the left and right edges to cut through the remaining display adhesive.
- 7
Open display panel
2 minSwing the display open from the left edge like a book, supporting it so it does not strain the flex cables.
- 8
Remove bracket screws
3 minUnscrew the five Y000 tri-point screws holding the logic board connector bracket in place and remove the bracket.
- 9
Disconnect battery
2 minPry the battery connector directly up from its logic board socket using a plastic spudger to cut all power.
- 10
Disconnect display cables
3 minDisconnect the OLED display, digitizer, and front sensor assembly flex cables from the logic board.
- 11
Separate display assembly
1 minLift the display assembly completely off the rear housing and place it on an anti-static mat.
- 12
Remove logic board screws
4 minRemove the standoff screws and remaining bracket screws securing the logic board to the enclosure.
- 13
Extract logic board
3 minGently lift the logic board out of the housing, ensuring no lingering flex cables catch on its edges.
- 14
Clean board with alcohol
10 minSubmerge the logic board in 99% isopropyl alcohol and scrub away corrosion gently using a soft brush.
- 15
Inspect under magnification
5 minExamine the logic board beneath a magnifying glass to check for remaining residue, bridging, or damaged chips.
- 16
Dry components thoroughly
15 minAllow the logic board to air dry completely in a well-ventilated area for at least two hours before reassembly.
After your Apple iPhone X water damage repair
Power the iPhone X 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 X 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 X repair context in the encyclopedia, or open related DIY guides.
