How to Tell if Your iPhone Has Water Damage

Water damage can be a silent killer, causing internal corrosion and system malfunctions. Recognizing the signs of water damage is crucial to prevent further harm and save your device.

What is Water Damage in iPhones?

Water damage refers to the harm caused when your iPhone comes into contact with any form of liquid. This could be anything from a spill, a plunge into a pool, or even exposure to heavy rain. While iPhones since the iPhone 7 have an IP67 rating, meaning they can withstand being in water up to 1 meter for 30 minutes, they are not entirely waterproof.

How to Tell if Your iPhone Has Water Damage

Checking the Liquid Contact Indicator (LCI)

Every iPhone comes with a built-in Liquid Contact Indicator (LCI). This small, unassuming feature is your first line of defense in identifying water damage.

Where to find the LCI

The LCI is located in the SIM card slot. To access it, you’ll need to eject the SIM card tray on the right-hand side of your iPhone. Note: Starting with the iPhone 14 series, new iPhone models in the U.S. don’t have an external Liquid Contact Indicator (LCI).

How to interpret the LCI

Once you’ve removed the SIM card tray, shine a flashlight into the slot. Look for a small dot. If it’s white or silver, your iPhone is safe. But if it’s red, your device has been exposed to water or a liquid containing water.

Visual signs of water damage

Apart from the LCI, there are other visual cues that can indicate water damage:

• Discoloration, corrosion, or unusual growth on the charging set
• Patches on the display
• Foggy cameras

Functional signs of water damage

Water damage can also affect the functionality of your iPhone. Here are some signs to look out for:

• Face ID or Touch ID not working properly
• Buttons not responding as they should

Understanding iPhone Water Resistance Ratings

Different iPhone models have varying levels of water resistance, classified under the Ingress Protection (IP) system. This system defines the level of sealing effectiveness of electrical enclosures against intrusion from foreign bodies and moisture.

Here’s a breakdown of the water resistance ratings for various iPhone models:

IP68 Rating (Maximum Depth of 6 Meters up to 30 Minutes)

• iPhone 15
• iPhone 15 Plus
• iPhone 15 Pro
• iPhone 15 Pro Max
• iPhone 14
• iPhone 14 Plus
• iPhone 14 Pro
• iPhone 14 Pro Max
• iPhone 13
• iPhone 13 mini
• iPhone 13 Pro
• iPhone 13 Pro Max
• iPhone 12
• iPhone 12 mini
• iPhone 12 Pro
• iPhone 12 Pro Max

IP68 Rating (Maximum Depth of 4 Meters up to 30 Minutes)

• iPhone 11 Pro
• iPhone 11 Pro Max

IP68 Rating (Maximum Depth of 2 Meters up to 30 Minutes)

• iPhone 11
• iPhone XS
• iPhone XS Max

IP67 Rating (Maximum Depth of 1 Meter up to 30 Minutes)

• iPhone SE (2nd generation)
• iPhone XR
• iPhone X
• iPhone 8
• iPhone 8 Plus
• iPhone 7
• iPhone 7 Plus

Remember, these ratings are based on controlled laboratory conditions and real-world exposure to water might yield different results. Furthermore, splash, water, and dust resistance are not permanent conditions and resistance might decrease as a result of normal wear. Liquid damage is not covered under warranty, but you might have rights under consumer law.

Understanding IP Ratings: The Difference Between IP67 and IP68

IP stands for “Ingress Protection” and serves as the International Protection Marking. Developed by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC), IP ratings indicate how well a product protects against the entrance of solid or liquid particles, mainly dust and water. In all IP ratings, the IP is followed by two digits. The first digit represents how well a product protects against solids, and the second digit represents how well it protects against liquids in varying volumes, pressures, and temperatures.

What is IP67?

If a product has an IP67 rating, it is “waterproof.” The ‘6’ indicates “complete protection against dust over an extended time” as well as “protection against contact with objects greater than 1mm in diameter, such as a wire or a small tool.” The ‘7’ indicates the system is “protected against short periods of immersion in water while under pressure between 15cm and 1m.” IP67 products offer a greater degree of protection than those with IP65 or IP66 ratings, both of which are merely “water-resistant.”

What is IP68?

An IP68 rating, on the other hand, means that the system is completely protected against solids (6) and can stay immersed in water under pressure for an extended time (8). The exact depth and duration of this immersion vary by manufacturer, so it’s always a good idea to check the specifics for your particular device.

It’s important to note that while these ratings indicate a device’s ability to withstand dust and water under specific conditions, they do not guarantee protection under all circumstances. For example, high-pressure water jets or prolonged submersion beyond the rated depth and duration could still cause damage. Always refer to your device’s specific guidelines for handling and exposure to water and dust.

IP67 vs IP68 Comparison Table

What Should I Do if My iPhone Gets Wet?

If your iPhone gets wet, don’t panic. Here’s what you should do:

• Rinse the affected area: If a liquid other than water splashes on your iPhone, rinse the affected area with tap water.
• Wipe your iPhone: Use a soft, lint-free cloth, like a lens cloth, to wipe your iPhone off.
• Ensure your iPhone is dry before opening the SIM tray: The SIM tray is a direct path to the internals of your iPhone. Opening it while the iPhone is wet could cause more damage.
• Remove excess liquid: Tap your iPhone gently against your hand with the Lightning connector facing down to remove excess liquid.
• Leave your iPhone in a dry area with airflow: This will help speed up the drying process. You can also place your iPhone in front of a fan blowing cool air directly into the Lightning connector.
• Do not use an external heat source or insert a foreign object into the Lightning connector: This could cause additional damage to your iPhone.
• Wait before charging: If your iPhone has been exposed to liquid, unplug all cables and do not charge your device until it’s completely dry. Allow at least 5 hours before charging with a Lightning cable or connecting a Lightning accessory.
• Check if water is in the microphone or speaker: Place your iPhone, speaker side down, on a lint-free cloth and see if water drips out. Water in the port might degrade speaker or microphone performance until it completely evaporates.

Best Waterproof Case for iPhone: Prevention Tips

While understanding your iPhone’s water resistance rating is crucial, adding an extra layer of protection can be a smart move, especially if you frequently use your iPhone around water. One of the best ways to do this is by using a waterproof case.

According to Good Housekeeping’s independent research and testing, the LifeProof FRĒ case is the best overall waterproof phone case. This case, from the OtterBox brand, offers impressive waterproof and drop protection. It features a built-in screen protector and, according to the brand, can safely be dropped from at least six feet.

The LifeProof FRĒ case is lightweight yet protective, and it has been tested to survive being submerged in 6.5 feet of water for an hour without any incurred damage while successfully using the fingerprint sensor. However, it’s worth noting that the case’s sturdy, sealed design can be a bit tricky to remove (you’ll need a coin handy to pry it open), and the side switch that controls whether your phone is on loud or silent could be easier to adjust.

In addition to using a waterproof case, here are some other tips to prevent water damage:

• Avoid using your iPhone in the rain or around bodies of water whenever possible.
• Do not take your iPhone into the bathroom, especially when showering. The steam from the shower can cause condensation inside the device.
• Be mindful of where you place your iPhone when eating or drinking. Spills can happen easily.
• If your iPhone gets wet, dry it off immediately. Do not let water sit on the device.
• Avoid charging your iPhone if it has recently been exposed to water. Wait until it is completely dry before plugging it in.

Conclusion

Water damage can be a serious issue for iPhones, but with quick action and the right knowledge, you can minimize the harm. Remember to check your LCI if you suspect water damage and take the necessary steps to dry your device. With proper care and handling, your iPhone can serve you well for many years to come.