iPhone Water Damage Indicator Locations for All Models

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Is your iPhone water damage indicator showing exposure to moisture? Unsure of where the water damage indicators are for your specific iPhone model?

We’ve compiled a list to show you exactly where and how to identify if you or your customer’s iPhone has been exposed to water or other liquid damage.

Headphone Jack Water Damage Indicator

All iPhone models have a water mark indicator on the top headphone jack. This is where you insert your 2.55 mm headphone adapter. Since this water sensor is deep in the headphone jack, it can often be difficult to see without having proper lighting or using a small flashlight.

First, it’s most important that you’re able to detect the presence of the water exposure indicator. It’s often very hard to mistake the absence of a dark red sticker for not having water exposure when the indicator could have been removed by the owner (or previous owner). Always make sure the water indicator is present and then determine if it’s been exposed to moisture or not. If it’s missing, then it’s always best to assume that the iPhone had been exposed to moisture or tampered with.

I would estimate from our past iPhone buyback collection programs that 15% of iPhones have had the watermark indicator in the earphone jack removed by the previous owner.

Tips for Headphone Jack Water Sensor Indicator

If the water indicator is anything but white, it’s been exposed to some level of water.
Always check in proper lighting or with a small flashlight.
Always be cautious if the water sensor is absent and assume the iPhone has been exposed to moisture.

iPhone Models with Headphone Jack Water Mark Indicator:

iPhone 2G (1st Generation)
iPhone 3G
iPhone 4
iPhone 5
iPhone 6
All iPods
All iPads

Pictures of Headphone Jack Watermark Moisture Indicator:

iPhone Water Sensor Indicator in Headphone Jack

iPhone Moisture Sensor in Headphone Jack

Charging Port Watermark Indicator for iPhones

The second external watermark indicator is located in the charging port of the iPhone. Similar to the headphone jack, it can sometimes be tough to tell unless you’re under proper lighting or using a flashlight. In addition, it may be necessary to tilt the phone back and forth to catch a glimpse of the indicator.

iPhone Models with Charging Port Water Mark Indicator:

iPhone 2G (1st Generation)
iPhone 3G
iPhone 4
iPhone 5
iPhone 6
All iPods
All iPads

Picture of Water Indicator in the Charging Port of iPhone

iPhone Water Exposure Indicator in Charing Port

iPhone Water Exposure Indicator in Charging Port

Logic Watermark Indicator Location on iPhones

While the two external watermark sensors are a good way to find out about exposure to moisture, the internal sensors are the most critical. It’s possible that external indicator’s moisture exposure could indicate a positive reading when only the outside of the phone has been exposed; the internal indicators will let you know if moisture has been exposed to the most critical and valuable components of the iPhone. On almost all iPhone models, there are two round moisture sensors located on the head shield that’s attached to the main board.

iPhone Models with Internal Logic Board Water Mark Indicator:

iPhone 2G (1st Generation) X 2
iPhone 3G X 2
iPhone 4 X 2
iPhone 5 X 2
iPhone 6 X 1
All iPods
All iPads

Picture of Water Sensor on Logicboard:

iPhone 4 and 4s Water Sensor on Logic Board

iPhone 3G and 3GS Motherboard Water Sensor Locations

The iPhone 5 has an exception to the above water sensors. It has one in the SIM card tray.

iPhone 5 Water Sensor in SIM Card Tray

These locations for iPhone water damage indicators should help you determine if the phone has been exposed to moisture. As always, be on the lookout for corrosion or “rust” like wear on any metallic parts both externally or internally.