Water damage can cause several problems for your iPhone, and one of the most serious is getting stuck in Recovery Mode. If this is the issue, disconnect all accessories off the phone. Dry it with a cloth and allow it to air dry. If issues continue, force restart, restore from iTunes or Finder, or go into DFU mode. If none of this works, you may want to seek assistance from Apple Support or a repair shop near you.

Immediate Actions to Take When Your iPhone Suffers Water Damage

Turn It Off: Shut down your iPhone right away to reduce the risk of a short circuit.
Remove All Accessories: Remove any cases, earbuds, and the SIM card to aid the drying process.
Wipe It Down: Dry the visible water from your iPhone’s surface with a lint-free cloth.
Let It Air Dry: Place your device in an open environment. Do not use a hairdryer because it can increase the damage.
Use a Desiccant: If you can access one, soak your iPhone in rice or silica gel packets. These can efficiently absorb excess moisture.

6 Ways to Fix iPhone Stuck In Recovery Mode After Water Damage

Here are some strategies you can try:

1. Check for Physical Water Damage

Before trying out any repairs, inspect whether your iPhone has any signs of water damage.

Inspect the Liquid Contact Indicator (LCI)

The LCI is a tiny sticker within the SIM card tray. If the LCI is red, the phone has been exposed to water.

Check For Visible Signs of Damage

Inspect for water under the screen or charging port.
Listen for any unusual sounds coming from your iPhone
If your iPhone shows visible water damage, approach with caution not to cause more damage.

2. Force Restart Your iPhone

A force restart can sometimes get your iPhone out of recovery mode. Here’s how to force restart:

For iPhone 8 and Later

Press and release the Volume Up button.
Press and release the Volume Down button.
Press and hold the Side button until the Apple logo is seen.

For iPhone 7 and 7 Plus

Press the Volume Down and Power buttons simultaneously until the Apple logo is seen.

For iPhone 6s and Earlier

Press and hold down the Home and Power buttons simultaneously until you see the Apple logo.

In case the force restart fails, try the next step.

3. Restore iPhone Using iTunes or Finder

If your iPhone is stuck in recovery mode, restore it through a computer. The steps involved in restoring are:

Plug in the iPhone via a Lightning cable

Open iTunes (on Windows or macOS Mojave and previous) or Finder (on macOS Catalina and later).

Insert the iPhone in Recovery Mode

Use the same button combination as the force restart process.
Tap “Restore” When Asked
This will restore all content and reinstall iOS.
If the restore is done, set up your iPhone as new or restore it from a backup.

4. Enter Your iPhone’s DFU Mode

Device Firmware Update (DFU) Mode: This mode lets the device communicate with iTunes/Finder without booting the operating system.

Steps to Enter DFU Mode

Connect the iPhone to the computer.
Press and immediately release the Volume Up button, then press and immediately release the Volume Down button.
Press and hold the Side button until the screen turns black.
While holding the Side button, press and hold the Volume Down button for around 5 seconds.
Let go of the Side button, but hold the Volume Down button for 10 seconds.

Restore in DFU Mode: If the screen is still black, the phone is in DFU mode, and you can try a restore through iTunes/Finder.

Warning: Entering DFU mode incorrectly can cause more problems. Be careful.

5. Use Third-Party Repair Tools

If iTunes is unable to repair your iPhone, use third-party recovery software. Some options are:

ReiBoot (by Tenorshare)
Dr.Fone – Repair
iMyFone Fixppo

These tools can help fix software issues without deleting your data. To repair your device, follow the instructions on their official websites.

6. Get Professional Help

If you’ve followed the previous steps and your iPhone still shows signs of water damage or isn’t functioning correctly, it may have sustained serious hardware damage. In such situations, it’s best to consult a professional repair service. Here are your options:

Apple Support: If your iPhone is still under warranty or you have AppleCare, call Apple Support. Depending on the severity of the damage, they can assist you in getting a repair or even a replacement unit.
Local Repair Shops: Another option is to go to a well-established third-party repair shop that offers professional iPhone repair services. These places tend to do water damage repairs cheaper than Apple. However, ensuring they have a good reputation and reviews is crucial to securing quality service.

Tips for Safeguarding Your iPhone Against Water Damage

Although you cannot always avoid accidents, there are measures you can take to help safeguard your iPhone from water damage in the future:

Use a Waterproof Case: If you frequently use your phone in the rain or shower, invest in a high-quality waterproof case.
Avoid Water: Be careful where you are, especially around the pool and hot tub and during rainy periods, to avoid accidental drops.
Avoid Using Your Phone with Wet Hands: Ensure your hands are thoroughly dry before touching your iPhone to avoid water entering the phone.
Be Careful When Charging: Never charge your iPhone when wet, as this can cause short circuits. Make sure to dry out the charging port properly before charging to prevent further damage.

Conclusion

If your iPhone gets stuck in recovery mode after water damage, start by turning it off, removing accessories, and letting it dry. You can try a force restart, restore it using iTunes or Finder, or even enter DFU mode for a deeper fix. If these methods don’t work, consider using third-party repair tools or seek help from Apple Support or local repair shops like Cell N Tech.

Invest in a waterproof case to prevent future water damage, and avoid using your phone near water. Keep your hands dry when handling your device, and refrain from charging it while wet. These simple precautions can help protect your iPhone from water-related issues.