We all know the feeling of dread that comes with accidentally dropping a device in water - but how long can an iPhone last underwater? If youve ever found yourself in this situation, youll want to know the answers.
In this article, well explore what happens to iPhones when they are submerged in water, what Apple recommends, how to check for water damage, and tips for avoiding it altogether.
Well review what to do if you accidentally drop your iPhone in water, and look at other smartphone options for those who want to avoid water damage altogether.
Read on for all you need to know about iPhones and water.
Table of Contents
Short Answer
iPhone devices are not waterproof and are not designed to be submerged in water.
If an iPhone device is submerged in water, it could be damaged beyond repair.
Generally speaking, an iPhone device should not be submerged in water for any length of time, as it is not designed to handle the pressure of being underwater.
Any amount of time underwater can cause irreparable damage to the device.
What Does Apple Recommend?
When it comes to taking your iPhone underwater, theres one simple answer: dont do it. Apple does not recommend submerging any iPhone in water, and water damage is not covered under the warranty. This means that if you do take your iPhone underwater and it gets damaged, youll be left with a hefty repair bill.
But why is Apple so against taking your iPhone underwater? The main reason is that water can cause corrosion and damage to the internal components of your device, reducing its lifespan.
Even if your iPhone does survive a brief immersion in water, it may not work as effectively afterwards.
Apple also doesnt want users to risk their expensive devices by taking them underwater, as the consequences can be costly.
So, how long can an iPhone last underwater? The answer is simple: not long. Apple recommends avoiding any exposure to water, even for a brief period. Even if your iPhone seems to be functioning fine after a brief dip in the pool or a splash in a puddle, the risks of water damage to the internal components are too high to ignore.
What Can Happen to Your iPhone if Submerged in Water?
When it comes to iPhones and water, the old adage better safe than sorry definitely applies.
While some iPhones may be able to survive brief immersions in water, Apple does not recommend submerging any iPhone in water and will not cover any water damage under the warranty.
There are several potential repercussions that could result from taking your iPhone underwater for any length of time.
First, the water can cause corrosion and damage to the internal components of the phone, reducing its lifespan and potentially leading to more costly repairs in the future.
The water can also seep into the ports and jacks, causing them to become blocked with debris or water and causing further damage.
Additionally, the water can lead to short circuits, damaging the battery and other components as well.
Finally, the water can cause the phone to malfunction, leading to slow performance, system crashes, and other issues.
Although the phone may seem to be working after it is taken out of the water, the damage may not be immediately apparent, and the phone can slowly deteriorate over time.
This is why its important to take extra precautions to ensure your phone stays safe.
How to Check Your iPhone for Water Damage
Water damage can be a serious issue for any electronic device.
It can lead to corrosion and electrical damage, meaning your device wont be able to last as long as it should.
When it comes to iPhones, the problem is even worse since they are not waterproof.
If youre worried about how long your iPhone can last under water, you can check for water damage and subsequent wear and tear by inspecting your device for certain signs.
The first thing you can look for is any discoloration on the exterior of your phone or any of the ports.
If you see any discoloration, that could be a sign that water has seeped into your device and caused damage.
You should also check for any signs of warping or corrosion, as this could indicate that water has gotten into your phone.
Next, you should check the internals of your phone.
You can do this by removing the back panel of your phone and examining the circuit boards, chips, and other components.
If you see any signs of corrosion, warping, or discoloration, then it could be a sign that water has seeped into your device and caused damage.
Finally, if you want to make sure your iPhone is still in good condition, you should check the battery.
If the battery appears to be swollen or discolored, then it could be a sign that water has damaged the battery and caused it to overheat.
This could drastically reduce the lifespan of your device.
These are just some of the ways you can check your iPhone for water damage.
By following these steps, you can make sure your device is still in good condition and determine how long it can last under water.
What to Do if Your iPhone Has Been Submerged in Water
If your iPhone has been submerged in water for any length of time, it is important to take immediate action to try and save it.
The first step is to turn off the device by pressing and holding the power button.
Once the phone is turned off, gently wipe off any excess water from the outside of the device.
This will help to reduce the amount of water that is able to seep into the phones internal components.
Next, remove the SIM card tray and any other removable parts such as the battery.
Then, remove the phones case, if it has one, and place the device in a bowl or container of uncooked rice.
The rice will help to draw out any moisture that may have seeped into the internal components.
Allow the device to sit in the rice for at least 24 hours.
After the 24 hours have passed, remove the device from the rice and try to turn it back on.
If the phone turns on, you may want to back up your data just in case the phone is not functioning properly.
If the phone does not turn on, it is likely that the water damage has caused irreversible damage and the device will need to be replaced.
In any case, it is important to take your phone to an authorized repair shop to have it professionally checked out.
They will be able to determine the extent of the damage and can help to determine the best course of action.
It is also important to note that water damage is not covered under the Apple warranty, so you will be responsible for any repairs that need to be made.
In conclusion, iPhones are not waterproof and should not be submerged in water for any length of time.
If your iPhone has been submerged in water, it is important to take immediate action to try and salvage the device, as well as have it professionally checked out by an authorized repair shop.
By following these steps, you may be able to save your device from water damage and extend its lifespan.
Tips for Avoiding Water Damage to Your iPhone
Its no secret that iPhones are not designed to be submerged in water and should not be taken underwater for any length of time. While some iPhones may survive a brief immersion in water, its important to be aware of the risks associated with taking your phone underwater. Apple does not recommend submerging any iPhone in water and will not cover any water damage under the warranty. If your iPhone does come into contact with water, its important to take the necessary steps to protect your device. Here are a few tips to help you avoid water damage to your iPhone:
1. Use a waterproof case. A waterproof case is the best way to protect your device from water damage. Look for cases that are designed to provide additional protection from water, dust, and other elements.
2. Avoid carrying your iPhone in your pocket near water. If youre planning to go swimming or to the beach, try to keep your phone out of your pocket or away from the water.
3. Dry your device after use. After using your iPhone near water, be sure to dry the device thoroughly. You can use a soft, lint-free cloth to wipe away any moisture.
4. Avoid submerging your iPhone in water. Even if you have a waterproof case, try to avoid submerging your iPhone in water for any length of time. Water can cause corrosion and damage to the internal components, reducing the lifespan of the device.
5. Use a drying agent. If your iPhone does come into contact with water, you can use a drying agent, such as silica gel, to absorb the moisture. Place the silica gel packets in a container with your iPhone and close the lid tightly.
By following these tips, you can help protect your iPhone from water damage and ensure that it lasts as long as possible.
Remember, Apple does not recommend submerging any iPhone in water and will not cover any water damage under the warranty, so its best to take the necessary precautions to keep your device safe.
Other Waterproof Smartphone Options
If youre looking for a smartphone that can survive a dip in the pool or a dunk in the ocean, you may be out of luck when it comes to Apple devices, but dont despair! There are several other smartphone manufacturers who offer devices designed to be waterproof and to withstand a certain amount of water exposure.
For instance, Samsung offers several of its models with an IP68 rating, which means that the phone is dustproof and can be submerged in up to 1.5 meters of water for up to 30 minutes.
Other manufacturers like Motorola and Sony also have waterproof models available.
While these devices may cost a bit more than their non-waterproof counterparts, they could be a great option if youre looking for a smartphone that can withstand a bit of water exposure.
What to Do if You Accidentally Drop Your iPhone in Water
Accidents happen, and its possible that your iPhone could get submerged in water, whether it be from a spilled drink, a dropped phone in a pool, or a phone that has been exposed to water from the rain.
If your iPhone has been submerged in water, the best thing to do is to act quickly.
Try to remove it from the water as soon as possible and turn it off.
This will help to reduce the amount of damage done to the device.
If the water is fresh, you may be able to dry it off and remove any liquid that has been absorbed into the device.
Remove the SIM card and any other removable parts and place the phone in a dry container with some silica gel.
This will help to absorb any moisture that is still present in the device.
If the water is saltwater, it is important to rinse the device with fresh water to remove any salt residue that could cause corrosion.
Then, follow the same process as above with the silica gel and dry container.
If you are able to dry the device off and remove any water, then you may be able to turn it back on and continue to use it.
However, it is still important to be aware that the device may have sustained damage, and its best to take it to a professional to have it examined.
The bottom line is that it is not recommended to take your iPhone underwater for any length of time, as water can cause damage to the internal components and reduce the lifespan of the device.
If you do accidentally drop your iPhone in water, it is important to act quickly and remove it from the water as soon as possible.
Then, follow the steps above to try and dry the device and remove any liquid that has been absorbed.
If you are still unsure, its best to take it to a professional to have it examined.
Final Thoughts
Overall, while iPhones may not always be waterproof and may not be able to survive a long period of time underwater, there are some precautions you can take to ensure the longevity of your device.
Checking for water damage, avoiding submerging your device in water and investing in a waterproof case can all help you keep your iPhone safe.
If you do accidentally drop your phone in water, you can try to dry it out as quickly as possible and avoid further damage.
In any case, make sure you are aware of the risks and take steps to protect your device from water damage.