Let’s cut to the chase: iPhones are not waterproof. Yeah, I know, you’ve probably heard otherwise, or seen commercials with people dunking their phones into water like it’s no big deal. But here’s the honest truth: your iPhone may be water-resistant, but it’s far from being truly waterproof. There’s a huge difference between the two, and knowing that could save you from an expensive repair or replacement bill.
I’m not here to sugarcoat things—Apple’s marketing can be a bit misleading when it comes to how much water your iPhone can actually handle. So, let’s dive (pun intended) into what water-resistant really means, what you should and shouldn’t do with your iPhone around water, and how to avoid the heartbreak of a water-damaged device.
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What Does Water-Resistant Really Mean?
The first thing you need to understand is the term water-resistant. It’s not the same as waterproof. Waterproof means an object can be completely submerged in water without any damage. Water-resistant, on the other hand, means it can resist water up to a certain point—but don’t push your luck.
Every iPhone since the iPhone 7 is marketed as water-resistant, but it’s important to know what that actually entails. Apple uses something called an IP rating (Ingress Protection) to measure how well its devices can withstand exposure to water and dust.
For iPhones, the rating varies by model:
- iPhone 7 to iPhone X: IP67 rating (water-resistant up to 1 meter for 30 minutes)
- iPhone XS, XS Max, and later models: IP68 rating (water-resistant up to 2 meters for 30 minutes)
- iPhone 12 and later: IP68 rating with improved resistance (water-resistant up to 6 meters for 30 minutes)
Sounds pretty good, right? But don’t get too excited. Just because your iPhone can technically survive a dunk in water doesn’t mean you should make it a habit.
The Fine Print: What Apple Isn’t Telling You
Now here’s where I get blunt: Apple’s IP ratings come with fine print that you absolutely need to pay attention to. For example, Apple’s warranty doesn’t cover water damage. That’s right. Even though your phone is marketed as water-resistant, if it gets damaged from water exposure, you’re on your own.
Apple clearly states that normal wear and tear can weaken the water resistance of your iPhone over time. So, if you’ve dropped your phone a few times, or it’s been exposed to heat, sand, or just everyday use, its ability to resist water might be significantly reduced. This means that while your shiny new iPhone 13 might survive a splash today, it might not handle the same exposure a year from now.
In short, just because your iPhone has a fancy IP rating doesn’t mean you should be carefree around water. That Instagram-worthy poolside photo could end up costing you more than a few likes.
Can I Use My iPhone Underwater?
Let me be blunt again: no, you should not be taking your iPhone swimming with you. Even though some models are rated to survive being submerged for short periods, it’s not meant to be used underwater.
Here’s why: the iPhone’s IP rating is based on lab tests done in controlled environments with fresh water. That’s a very different situation from real-world water exposure, which can be much more unpredictable. Saltwater, chlorinated pool water, and even soapy water from the shower are much more corrosive than the clean, fresh water used in testing. Your iPhone might be able to handle a brief dunk in the sink, but drop it in the ocean, and you’re likely looking at some serious damage.
Also, water resistance can degrade over time, as I mentioned earlier. That means if your phone is a couple of years old, it’s even more of a risk to expose it to water. Just don’t do it. If you need to take underwater photos, invest in a proper waterproof case or, better yet, get an actual waterproof camera. Your iPhone was not designed for that.
The Myth of Showering with Your iPhone
I get it—your iPhone goes everywhere with you, even the shower. You’re streaming music, catching up on the latest podcast, or maybe even watching a show while you’re rinsing off. But here’s the thing: even though your phone has that IP rating, showering with it is a terrible idea.
The steam, heat, and water pressure in a shower can wreak havoc on the seals that keep your phone water-resistant. Over time, this can cause the seals to weaken, meaning your iPhone could become more vulnerable to water damage. Not to mention, soapy water isn’t the same as regular water. The chemicals in soap can break down the seals even faster.
If you can’t live without your phone in the bathroom, at least keep it far enough away from direct contact with water. And no, putting it in a plastic baggie isn’t a good long-term solution either.
What Happens if Your iPhone Gets Wet?
So, what should you do if your iPhone accidentally gets wet? First, don’t panic. Not all water exposure is fatal, especially if you act quickly. Here’s what you need to do:
Step 1: Get It Out of the Water ASAP
This might seem obvious, but the longer your iPhone stays submerged, the worse the damage will be. As soon as you realize your phone is in water, get it out—fast.
Step 2: Turn It Off Immediately
If your iPhone is still on, turn it off right away. Water and electricity don’t mix, so keeping your phone powered on increases the risk of internal damage. If it’s off, leave it off until it’s dry. Unplug it from your iPhone charger.
Step 3: Dry It Off
Grab a microfiber cloth or something similarly soft and absorbent and dry off the exterior of the phone. Be especially careful around the charging port, speakers, and any other openings.
Step 4: Do Not Use Heat
This is where people get into trouble. Don’t use a hairdryer, oven, or any other heat source to try and dry out your iPhone faster. Excessive heat can damage the internal components or weaken the seals. Just be patient.
Step 5: Use the “Air” Trick
If water gets into the speakers or charging port, you can use a can of compressed air or gently blow into these areas to help remove any excess water. Don’t push too hard—being too forceful can actually push water deeper into the phone.
Step 6: Wait
The hardest part of all: waiting. You’ll need to give your phone time to dry out. This can take anywhere from 24 to 48 hours. Resist the urge to power it on too soon, as this can cause further damage. Just be patient, and cross your fingers that it survived the ordeal.
The Rice Trick: Does It Work?
Ah, the old “put your phone in rice” trick. You’ve probably heard this one before, and while it sounds like a solid idea, it’s not the magic cure everyone thinks it is. Yes, rice can help absorb moisture, but it’s not as effective as other drying methods, and it might not get all the moisture out of your phone.
If you’re serious about saving your phone, you’re better off using silica gel packets (the kind that come in shoe boxes or electronics packaging). These little packets are specifically designed to absorb moisture and are much more effective than rice. You can also try using a desiccant or even taking your phone to a professional who has the tools to safely dry it out.
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Waterproof Cases: Are They Worth It?
If you’re the type of person who is constantly around water—whether that’s swimming, boating, or just being accident-prone—it might be worth investing in a waterproof case. These cases are specifically designed to protect your iPhone from water damage, even in more extreme conditions.
Here’s the catch: you get what you pay for. Cheap waterproof cases might not hold up to their claims, and if water seeps in, you could be in worse shape than if you hadn’t used a case at all. If you’re serious about waterproofing your iPhone, invest in a high-quality case from a reputable brand. It’s more expensive upfront, but it could save you hundreds in repairs later.
What AppleCare Does (and Doesn’t) Cover
So, you’ve dropped your iPhone in the pool and now it’s a glorified paperweight. What next? Well, if you have AppleCare+, you might be in luck—sort of. AppleCare+ covers accidental damage, but there’s a hefty fee involved. It’s still going to cost you less than buying a brand-new iPhone, but it’s not free. Plus, AppleCare+ doesn’t cover all types of water damage, so you’re still taking a risk.
If you don’t have AppleCare+, well, I hope you’ve got some money saved up, because repairing or replacing a water-damaged iPhone can be costly. The moral of the story? Don’t rely on your warranty to save you from water mishaps.
Final Verdict: Treat Your iPhone Like It’s Not Waterproof
At the end of the day, the smartest thing you can do is treat your iPhone like it’s not waterproof. Even though it has water resistance, that resistance is limited and can degrade over time. Keep it away from water whenever possible, and if you must use it near water, take extra precautions like using a waterproof case or keeping it well above the splash zone.
Trust me, the short-lived thrill of taking underwater photos or streaming music in the shower isn
’t worth the headache of a water-damaged iPhone. So, be smart, protect your phone, and remember: when it comes to iPhones and water, it’s better to be safe than sorry.
