Which iPhones are waterproof?
This is a question whose answer you need to know before engaging in extreme activities with your beloved Apple gadget. This is because the term ‘waterproof’ itself is more nuanced than most people actually know.
Just because your phone is waterproof or water-resistant does not mean it can survive a journey to Atlantis and back. But since it seems you are itching to take your iPhone on some aquatic adventures, let’s dive in without further ado (pun probably intended).
iPhones and Water Resistance
There’s always a strong debate and misunderstanding between the terms ‘waterproof’ and ‘water resistant’. For a device to be considered waterproof, it should 100% remain functional even after extended exposure to water. Waterproof implies that a device is completely indestructible by water. That would mean you could go diving with your iPhone for hours and it would be just fine.
As it stands, no smartphone is waterproof.
Water-resistant, on the other hand, means there is a limit to how long it can be safely exposed to water. This means they are designed to withstand liquid contact to a certain extent, but may still be damaged by water under certain conditions.
To make it clear, Apple does not advertise any of their iPhones as “waterproof”. They do say they are water resistant under certain conditions, however. Depending on the iPhone model you own, the water-resistance capabilities may vary.
iPhone Water Resistance Classifications
The dust and water resistance levels of the iPhone are indicated with the Ingress Protection (IP), e.g. IP67.
The IP rating system is a system that classifies the protective qualities of electrical and electronic enclosures. Each IP rating uses a two-digit number to denote the specific level of protection the enclosure offers.
The first digit refers to the enclosure’s ingress protection against solid objects, ranging from dust to fingers and small hand tools. A rating of 1 is the most basic level of protection, while a rating of 6 indicates a totally dust-tight enclosure.
The second digit refers to the enclosure’s ingress protection against water. A rating of 0 indicates no protection against water, while a rating of 8 indicates a waterproof enclosure that can survive prolonged submersion. Note, though, that other liquids like oil and coolant are not included in this rating system.
The IP system combines the two numbers into a rating that provides a quick shorthand for an enclosure’s protective qualities.
IP67 and IP68: Similarities
Devices with IP67 and IP68 enclosure ratings are identical in many ways, as they offer protection against:
- Dust and other flying particulates
- Dripping, spraying, and splashing water
- Accidental contact by workers and small objects
- Pressurized water jets
- Submersion in up to 1 meter of water for up to 30 minutes
IP67 vs. IP68: Key Differences
The differences between IP67 vs. IP68 enclosures are:
- An IP67 enclosure will resist submersion, but only at a depth of 1 meter and for 30 minutes.
- An IP68 enclosure will resist submersion of at least 1 meter and up to 30 minutes, plus an additional depth and length of time specified by the manufacturer.
However, it is important to emphasize that buying an IP68-rated enclosure requires checking the manufacturer’s specifications.
Which iPhones are Waterproof?
As mentioned above, there are no waterproof iPhones.
The first water-resistant iPhones were the iPhone 7 and 7 Plus with an IP67 water-resistant rating. This means that they can survive in water at a maximum depth of one meter for up to 30 minutes. The following releases — the iPhone 8, 8 Plus, X, XR, and the iPhone SE (2nd Generation) — all received an IP67 rating as well.
The iPhone XS, XS Max, and 11 have an IP68 rating that allows them to resist liquid intrusion at a maximum depth of two meters for up to 30 minutes. iPhone 11 Pro and 11 Pro Max also have an IP68 rating, but Apple claims that they can withstand up to four meters of water depth for 30 minutes.
The iPhone 12 and later are the most water-resistant iPhones Apple has produced so far. Also with IP68 ratings, they can survive being submerged in water as deep as six meters for 30 minutes.
What’s more, every device from the iPhone XR onwards is resistant to spills from other liquids such as soda, beer, coffee, tea, and juice.
| Dust and water-resistant iPhone models | IP value | Time and depth |
|---|---|---|
| Apple iPhone 6 and older | – | – |
| Apple iPhone 7 (Plus), 8 (Plus), X, Xr, and SE 2 | IP67 | Up to 30 minutes and 1 meter deep |
| Apple iPhone Xs (Max), 11 | IP68 | Up to 30 minutes and 2 meters deep |
| Apple iPhone 11 Pro (Max) | IP68 | Up to 30 minutes and 4m deep |
| Apple iPhone 12 (Mini), 12 Pro (Max), 13 (Mini), 13 Pro (Max), 14 (Plus), 14 Pro (Max) | IP68 | Up to 30 minutes and 6m deep |
How to prevent liquid damage to your iPhone
To prevent liquid damage to your iPhone, avoid:
- Intentionally submerging your iPhone in water
- Swimming or bathing with your iPhone
- Using your iPhone in a sauna or steam room
- Exposing your iPhone to pressurized water or high-velocity water, such as when showering, water skiing, wakeboarding, surfing, jet skiing, and so on
- Operating your iPhone outside the suggested temperature ranges or in extremely humid conditions
- Dropping your iPhone or subjecting it to other impacts
- Disassembling your iPhone, including removing screws
Minimize exposing your iPhone to soap, detergent, acids or acidic foods, and any liquids—for example, perfume, insect repellent, lotions, sunscreen, oil, adhesive remover, hair dye, and solvents. And if your iPhone comes into contact with any of these substances, follow the instructions to clean your iPhone.
What to do if your iPhone gets wet
- If a liquid other than water splashes on your iPhone, rinse the affected area with tap water.
- Wipe your iPhone off with a soft, lint-free cloth—for example, a lens cloth.
Make sure that your iPhone is dry before opening the SIM tray.
To dry your iPhone, tap it gently against your hand with the Lightning connector facing down to remove excess liquid. Leave your phone in a dry area with some airflow. Placing your iPhone in front of a fan blowing cool air directly into the Lightning connector might also help the drying process.
Don’t dry your iPhone using an external heat source or insert a foreign object, such as a cotton swab or a paper towel, into the Lightning connector.
Your iPhone can also warn you if there is liquid in the Lightning port when you connect a Lightning cable or an accessory to your iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max, iPhone XR, or later.
All iPhones are equipped with Liquid Contact Indicators that indicate whether the device has been in contact with water or any other liquid. You can see it for yourself by removing the SIM card tray and looking closely inside the slot. When this indicator comes in contact with water, it will fully turn red.
This allows you to quickly check if your iPhone has been affected by water or liquid damage.
Can I charge my iPhone if it gets wet?
If your iPhone has been exposed to liquid, unplug all cables and do not charge your device until it is completely dry. Using accessories or charging when wet might damage your iPhone. Allow at least 5 hours before charging with a Lightning cable or connecting a Lightning accessory.
For wireless charging, wipe off your iPhone with a soft, lint-free cloth — for example, a lens cloth. Make sure that your iPhone is dry before you place it on a compatible wireless charging mat.
Does Apple’s Warranty Cover Water Damage?
Despite Apple’s water-resistant claims, the company’s warranty doesn’t cover any water damage.
Some people might think that Apple will not know for sure if they take a water-damaged iPhone for repair under warranty coverage. However, many smartphone manufacturers, including Apple, have built-in indicators that allow them to see if the phone has been in contact with water.
These are called Liquid Contact Indicators (LCIs). Depending on the model, the LCI is hidden in the iPhone’s SIM slot or headphone slot. If the iPhone has not had any contact with water, the LCI should be white. iPhones that have been spilled on or dunked in water will have red LCIs.
If Apple sees that the LCI is red, they will not cover the damage cost.
Is My iPhone Still Water-Resistant After Repairs?
If you replace any iPhone parts at an Apple-approved outlet, your water resistance should still be intact. However, third-party repairs could result in your iPhone losing its water-resistant capabilities. Opening the device breaks the waterproof seal, and you will need to replace it to ensure water resistance.
Most people prefer third-party repairers because they offer lower prices than Apple-accredited technicians. Apple-approved repairs cost quite a lot, but you can be sure that you will get what you pay for in the form of high-grade replacement parts and qualified technicians.
If you do decide to take your iPhone to a third-party service provider, be sure to confirm that they properly replaced the sealant strips.
Can I make my iPhone waterproof?
If you want to fortify your iPhone against all liquid intrusion, your best bet is to get a waterproof iPhone case. There are various third-party cases that advertise themselves as being waterproof, or water-resistant. For example, some fancier cases even claim to be waterproof enough for activities like snorkeling.
You can check out on Amazon various waterproof case options for iPhone and see what may work for you.
However, if you are simply looking for some quick water resistance improvement and some general protection against splashes and gunk, you can always put your iPhone into a ziplock bag and seal it, where the touch screen will still work. This is great for situations like cooking or where your hands are dirty, but where full waterproofing isn’t required. It will certainly help keep the iPhone more dry and clean if you’ve got fingers full of cookie batter, and grease, or if you are splashing around near a sink.
This is a handy trick for cooking with an iPad too if you use it to follow recipes, listen to podcasts or music, or otherwise keep you company. Just remember the obvious: a ziplock bag is not impenetrable or perfect. It is just a layer of thin protection that can help scatter splashes.
That being said, the simplest solutions are often the best. Keep your iPhone away from liquids to prevent its untimely demise.
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