A Deep-Sea Discovery
A fascinating package arrived, courtesy of a YouTuber named Aquatic Monkey. Inside were several smartphones retrieved from the ocean’s depths, including an iPhone XR that had clearly seen better days. Alongside the phones, Aquatic Monkey also discovered a shopping cart submerged in the same waters—a reminder that we should be kinder to our oceans.
The mission? Attempt to restore the iPhone XR and, if possible, return it to its original owner. But judging by its salt-encrusted state, this was going to be a challenge.
First Impressions: Salt and Smell Galore
Upon unboxing, the condition of the phone was immediately apparent. Layers of salt and corrosion had taken over its internals, and an unpleasant odor confirmed its prolonged submersion. Equipped with gloves, I began the teardown process, unsure if the device could be revived.
Initial Findings
- Charging Port: Completely corroded and unusable. The pins were rusted beyond repair.
- Logic Board: Heavily oxidized with salt deposits across its surface.
Cleaning the Logic Board
Despite its dire condition, I decided to give the logic board a fighting chance. The first step was to carefully remove it from the housing. Once detached, the board underwent a thorough cleaning in an ultrasonic cleaner, a device that uses high-frequency sound waves to remove debris.
The Cleaning Process
- Ultrasonic Bath: The board was soaked and cleaned multiple times to dislodge all traces of salt and corrosion.
- Isopropyl Alcohol Rinse: After the ultrasonic cleaning, I applied isopropyl alcohol to remove any lingering moisture.
- Heat Pad: The board was placed on a heat pad to evaporate all remaining alcohol, ensuring it was completely dry.
The logic board emerged from the process looking significantly better, but the real test was whether it would function.
Transplanting to a Donor Housing
Given the state of the original housing, I opted to use a donor housing—a beat-up but functional frame—to test the logic board. Minimal components were installed to simplify troubleshooting:
- Battery
- Power Button Connector
- New Screen
Moment of Truth
With the components in place, I powered up the device, holding my breath. Unfortunately, there were no signs of life. Even wireless charging failed to elicit a response.
What Went Wrong?
Despite the extensive cleaning process, the damage from prolonged saltwater exposure likely rendered critical components of the logic board irreparable.
Lessons Learned and What’s Next
While this repair attempt ended in failure, it’s a reminder of the challenges posed by water damage—especially from saltwater, which is particularly corrosive. Salvaging waterlogged devices requires a combination of expertise, the right tools, and a bit of luck.
The good news? This isn’t the end of the story. Another iPhone, an iPhone 12, is on the way from Aquatic Monkey, and I’ll be attempting a similar restoration in an upcoming video.
