iPhone SE 3rd generation Home button press not working after water exposure

My iPhone SE 3rd generation is acting up


i was using it and suddenly although Touch ID still works and it still accepts taps, when I press down on it it refuses to accept that, meaning it works as a touch sensor and as a fingerprint scanner but not as a home button anymore


steps I have attempted to troubleshoot:


1: force reboot, failed to fix


2: enable assistive touch, did not fix but at least I have a home button now


3: reset settings, failed to fix


4: changing the haptic feedback on the touch sensor to try to get it working again, didn’t work


5: cleaning the sensor


6: checking for damage


circumstances prior to failure: phone fell in water, phone is right out of the box and rated for more than an entire meter under water for 30 minutes and it was only 1.5 seconds in 1 foot of water then immediately onto a towel to try and the port was not and still has not been plugged into anything to allow that to dry, according to the specs this should not have caused issues



[Re-Titled by Moderator]

Original Title: iPhone SE 3rd generation Home button press not working, fingerprint scan and double tap still work, and so does everything else

Posted on Jan 11, 2026 7:55 AM

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Posted on Jan 11, 2026 8:02 AM

Water and electronics are mortal enemies. Once an iPhone is water damaged, Apple won't attempt to fix it. iPhone is water resistant, but NOT waterproof. And the test parameters you refer to are under controlled laboratory conditions.


The simple fact is your phone is water damaged and you should schedule an appointment at your Apple Store Genius Bar, but be prepared as you'll very likely need to purchase a new iPhone.


Genius Bar Reservation and Apple Support Options - Apple


5 replies
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Jan 11, 2026 8:02 AM in response to ShadowSky44

Water and electronics are mortal enemies. Once an iPhone is water damaged, Apple won't attempt to fix it. iPhone is water resistant, but NOT waterproof. And the test parameters you refer to are under controlled laboratory conditions.


The simple fact is your phone is water damaged and you should schedule an appointment at your Apple Store Genius Bar, but be prepared as you'll very likely need to purchase a new iPhone.


Genius Bar Reservation and Apple Support Options - Apple


Jan 11, 2026 8:10 AM in response to ShadowSky44

Don't confuse the IP67 Water Resistant rating with it being Waterproof. The Water Resistant ratings are determined by third parties under controlled tests, none of which includes dropping the phone in water. There is quite a bit of information on the internet how these tests are performed where they are gradually lowered in water to a depth of 1 meter for 30 minutes with a controlled entry and exit. Water damage is not covered under the warranty at all. More information can be found here:


Jan 11, 2026 8:23 AM in response to ShadowSky44

ShadowSky44 wrote:

My old one worked fine after being lost in a lake for 3 minutes and being stepped on in there, then falling out of a tree and then onto concrete, and it didn’t even crack. In the end what finally killed it was being run over by a drunk friend and then it falling into water with a huge hole on the side of the case

None of that is relevant. Your phone is unrepairable. Either get an out of warranty replacement or buy a new one.

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iPhone SE 3rd generation Home button press not working after water exposure

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