Can iPhones Go in Water and What to Expect

If you accidentally drop your iPhone in water, the consequences can be dire. The damage can range from a minor malfunction to a complete hardware failure.

Water can seep into the phone's internal components, causing corrosion and short circuits. This can lead to a loss of data, a malfunctioning device, or even a complete breakdown.

The length of time your iPhone spends underwater greatly affects the extent of the damage. If it's submerged for just a few seconds, you might be able to recover it, but prolonged exposure can be catastrophic.

In the worst-case scenario, water damage can render your iPhone unusable, and you may need to have it repaired or replaced.

Water resistance is measured by the IP rating, which stands for Ingress Protection rating.

The IP rating consists of two digits, where the first digit represents protection against solid objects, ranging from 0 (no protection) to 6 (dust-tight).

For iPhones, the second number in the rating is key, indicating protection against liquids.

An IP67 rating means the device is protected against brief submersion, up to 1 meter for 30 minutes.

IP68 offers higher resistance, allowing deeper submersion, generally up to 2 meters or more, depending on the manufacturer's specifications.

Understanding these ratings helps make informed decisions about how much exposure your devices can handle.

Real-world conditions can vary, potentially affecting the effectiveness of these protections.

It's essential to remember that water damage is not covered under warranty, and following Apple's guidelines may improve your iPhone's chances in the event of water contact.

Avoid high-velocity water exposure, like showering or water skiing, as it can force water into your device's seals, leading to potential damage.

Water resistance is a valuable feature, but it's not a license to be careless. If you do need extra protection, consider using a waterproof case, which is particularly useful for activities like hiking or water sports.

Swimming with your iPhone is not recommended, even for models that can handle deeper water.

Water resistance is a valuable feature, but it's essential to understand that it's not a license to be careless. Avoid high-velocity water exposure, such as showering or water skiing, as it can force water into your device's seals and lead to potential damage.

Swimming with your iPhone is not recommended, even for models that can handle deeper water. Using a waterproof case is particularly useful for activities like hiking or water sports.

Light rain or splashes should not harm recent iPhones, but heavy downpours or using the device in very wet conditions should be avoided, as water exposure over time increases risk.

Apple has offered water protection for its iPhones since the iPhone 7, and knowing the IP codes can provide more detailed information about the respective protection.

You can't take your iPhone for a swim, but it's not entirely waterproof either. IP67 and IP68 ratings are the iPhone's protection against water, but it's not meant for diving.

The IP67 rating means your iPhone can withstand 30 minutes underwater at a depth of 1 meter, but this protection wears off after a few years or months.

If you have an iPhone with IP68, it's a bit more protected, withstanding 30 minutes at a depth of up to 4 meters. However, Apple doesn't recommend showering with your phone intentionally.

Moisture can accumulate in the phone's openings, such as the charging port, and cause damage over time. This is why it's best to avoid exposing your iPhone to a lot of water or moisture in general.

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You can use your iPhone in light rain or splashes without worrying about damage.

Recent iPhones, like the iPhone 14, have a water-resistant design that can withstand incidental water exposure. This is thanks to their tightly sealed enclosures and hydrophobic coatings on circuit boards and connectors.

However, it's still best to avoid heavy downpours or using the device in very wet conditions, as water exposure over time increases the risk of damage.

The IP68 rating on the iPhone 14 is a good indicator of its water resistance, but it's not a guarantee that it can withstand any amount of water.

The iPhone's water resistance is a hot topic, and for good reason. You can submerge your iPhone in water for up to 30 minutes at a depth of 6 meters, or 19.6 feet, without any issues.

This was tested by a group of people who submerged their iPhone in Lake Tahoe and found that the touchscreen, volume rocker, and cameras all worked perfectly after the 30-minute dive. The only issue was a slightly muffled speaker.

However, it's worth noting that exceeding the recommended depth and time limit can increase the risk of water damage. For example, submerging your iPhone at a depth of 26 feet for 30 minutes can still cause problems, even if the device looks fine on the surface.

In fact, after a 26-foot dive, the speakers on both the iPhone 11 and iPhone 11 Pro sounded muffled when playing back audio. This suggests that even if your iPhone looks fine after a deep dive, it may still be damaged in some way.

It's also worth noting that the depth of submersion can matter, even if your iPhone has a waterproof label. For example, the iPhone 14 can be submerged in around 6 meters of water for 30 minutes, but exceeding this limit increases the risk of water penetration and damage.

If your iPhone gets wet, act fast to prevent long-term damage. The first step is to retrieve your iPhone immediately and turn it off to prevent any short circuits.

Dry the exterior of your iPhone gently with a dry cloth, avoiding any buttons to prevent moisture from seeping inside. Don't use a hairdryer to dry your iPhone as it can push moisture deeper into the device.

You can also use a vacuum sealing machine to create a moisture-free environment, but this is an alternative method. Place your iPhone in a well-ventilated area and let it air dry for 24-48 hours to absorb the remaining moisture.

After drying, you can try to power on your iPhone and check its functionality. If it still has issues, seek professional help from Apple Support.

Act quickly if your iPhone gets wet to prevent long-term damage.

Retrieve your iPhone immediately and turn it off to prevent any short circuits. This is crucial in preventing damage to your device.

Gently wipe the iPhone with a dry cloth, avoiding any buttons to prevent moisture from seeping inside.

Place the iPhone in a well-ventilated area and let it air dry. Avoid using a hairdryer as it can push moisture deeper into the device.

You can also use a container filled with silica gel packets or uncooked rice to absorb moisture from your iPhone. Leave it for 24-48 hours to ensure it's completely dry.

After ensuring your iPhone is dry, power it on and check its functionality. If it still has issues, seek professional help.

Here are the steps to follow in more detail:

If your iPhone is behaving strangely or it doesn’t turn on, contact Apple Support immediately. They can offer repair options.

The iPhone 11 and 11 Pro may just withstand a lot more water than Apple gives them credit for.

In fact, our test showed that the iPhones were still working as normal even eight months later.

This is a good sign, but it's essential to remember that water damage isn't covered under warranty.

Our test was done in late 2019, and the phones were still working fine in summer 2020.

This isn't a scientific test, and it doesn't guarantee your iPhone 11 will survive if you drop it in deep water.

Apple's iPhones have made significant strides in water resistance, but how do they stack up against other brands? Samsung has long been a leader in this area, with many of its Galaxy S and Note series phones boasting IP68 ratings.

Some Samsung Galaxy phones can withstand submersion in up to 1.5 meters of water for 30 minutes. Apple's iPhones have also improved in water resistance, but the exact level of protection varies by model.

Google's Pixel phones, starting from the Pixel 2, offer IP67 or IP68 ratings, ensuring protection against accidental water exposure. Sony has been ahead of the curve, incorporating water resistance into its Xperia line for years.

Many Xperia models offer IP65/68 ratings, making them some of the most robust devices in terms of water protection.

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The iPhone 14 has a lot of exciting features, but it's not invincible. Despite its IP68 rating, it's best to avoid long exposure to water.

You should also be aware that salt water can corrode your phone's metal parts over time. This is especially true for ocean water, which can be harsh on your phone.

It's best to avoid intentionally immersing your phone in water, as prolonged exposure to water may eventually speed up the phone's demise.

Some water activities you should avoid doing with your iPhone 14 include scuba diving and snorkeling, as the pressure at depths of roughly 6 meters can compromise your phone's functionality.

Pools with chlorine can also be a problem, as the iPhone 14 may not be resistant to chlorine. It's best to leave your phone with the rest of your stuff while swimming in pools with chlorine.

Hot tubs or saunas are also off-limits, as the humidity and temperatures can affect the phone's functionality and internal components.

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Here are some activities to avoid with your iPhone 14:

Remember, your iPhone 14 is designed to handle occasional exposure to water, such as spills or accidental submersion. However, if you continuously expose your phone to water, you may weaken the phone's resistance.