What are the signs that an iPhone has suffered permanent damage from water exposure

Visual Signs of Damage

- Discoloration, corrosion, or unusual growth on the charging port, SIM card slot, or other openings[4]
- Patches of green or blue residue on the display or internal components, indicating corrosion[4]
- Fogging or clouding of the camera lenses[4]

Functional Issues

- Face ID or Touch ID not working properly[4]
- Unresponsive buttons or controls[4]
- Charging issues, such as the phone not charging or charging very slowly[1]
- Audio problems, like static or muffled sound from the speakers or microphone[1]
- Unexpected shutdowns or the phone not powering on at all[1]

Liquid Contact Indicator (LCI)

- The LCI, located in the SIM card slot, turns red when it comes into contact with liquid[4]
- If the LCI is red and other signs of water damage are present, it indicates the phone has been exposed to water[4]

It's important to note that the iPhone 15 Pro Max has an IP68 water resistance rating, which means it can withstand submersion in up to 6 meters of water for up to 30 minutes[4]. However, this rating is not a guarantee of waterproofing, and water damage can still occur.

If you notice any of these signs, it's best to seek professional repair services from Apple or an authorized repair center as soon as possible. Leaving a water-damaged iPhone unrepaired can lead to further corrosion and permanent damage over time.