How do I fix my screen?

Hi @djpifixit,

It may just be a faulty screen but then again it could also be a problem on the systemboard.

You need to dis-assemble the phone and check the amount of damage that has occurred to the components.

By damage I mean the corrosion that occurs when electronics are exposed to water and moreover if the power is still connected. Even though the phone may be switched “off” there is still power available from the battery to various components on the systemboard. The power switch is not a power isolating switch

Did you disconnect the battery at all after it got wet?

Depending on the amount of corrosion in evidence it will still be necessary to clean all the affected parts using Isopropyl Alcohol 90%+ (available from electronics parts stores) to remove all traces of corrosion to see if this may resolve the problem.

Do not use "rubbing alcohol" as in some cases this is only 70% IPA or less, can contain scents and generally is not as effective. If you do check the label to verify the amount of IPA

Here is a link that describes the process.

Electronics Water Damage

If after thoroughly cleaning the phone and the screen still doesn’t work you may have to temporarily replace the screen to determine whether the problem is with the screen or the systemboard. Don’t forget to remove any flex cables from their connectors and clean the ends of the cables as well as the connectors in case there is corrosion in there as well.

As always with electronics, especially surface mounted PCBs be gentle when handling and especially when brushing away the corrosion. You do not want to remove any components from the boards.

Hopefully after you have done all this the phone might possibly work correctly again.

Here is a link to a video that shows how to open the phone and replace the screen which may be of some help.

If this process seems too daunting, take your phone to a reputable, professional phone repair service and ask for a quote for a repair.