Protect Your iPhone from Water Damage: Tips to Keep Your Device Safe

Posted by iCoverLover on Jun 12, 2023

We’ve all been there; that moment when your eyes widen in horror as you see your precious iPhone drop into a pool of water. But all hope is not lost! Sure, it’s not ideal and the panic that ensues is totally normal, but it doesn’t have to be the death of your beloved device. In this post, we’ll look at 6 tips you can implement to protect your iPhone from water damage and help keep it working – and looking – like new. Read on to nd out more!

You can protect your iPhone from water damage by keeping it in a waterproof case when near water and using a sealing adhesive sticker to cover the ports. Additionally, be sure to avoid submerging the phone in water and always clean away any liquid immediately if it comes into contact with your device.

iPhone in Water

The Most Important Part of Protecting Your iPhone from Water Damage

To protect your iPhone from water damage, the most important part might be an unexpected one - preventive maintenance. Regular drops of water can’t penetrate through the iPhone’s membrane, but dust and debris can. Small particles of dirt that accumulate on the exterior of your device can compromise its water-resistant abilities since they cause microscopic gaps in the protection. It's essential to keep your phone maintained by cleaning its external parts with a lint-free cloth every once in a while.

Additionally, there are certain situations where you might find yourself unable to take preventive measures - for instance when dropping your device into a swimming pool or sea of water. In those cases, the survival of your phone will depend on its resistance to humidity or spills: if its technologies are outdated or failing, then it might not be waterproof anymore. All these factors mean that to protect your iPhone from water damage, keeping up with the latest technologies is essential.

By implementing both preventive maintenance strategies and making sure that you are up-to-date with the latest resistive technologies, you will dramatically reduce the chances of water infiltrations in case of unexpected events. This has been proven effective for many users worldwide and it's something you should consider when looking for ways to keep your phone safe from any liquids. With that in mind, let’s examine another key aspect when it comes to protecting our devices from potential dangers: resistive screens vs. humidity and spills. According to Apple, all iPhones since the iPhone 7 are rated as IP67 water-resistant.

Resistive Screens vs. Humidity & Spills

The most important part of protecting your iPhone from water damage is safeguarding it against humidity and spills, which makes understanding the primary differences between resistive and capacitive touchscreens integral. Resistive touchscreens are highly sensitive to both humidity and liquids like water, soda, and coffee making them more prone to failure when exposed to them. However, capacitive touchscreens are far less susceptible to moisture and liquid, but if exposed to them for long periods at a time, can become sluggish or unresponsive. While some Android devices occasionally use resistive screens, Apple uses only capacitive technologies in all of its iOS products. This prevents an extended malfunction from occurring if the phone comes into contact with a spill or high levels of moisture in the environment. With that being said, one should avoid exposing their device to even low-level moisture as much as possible.

More importantly, always have your device protected with some type of waterproof case or screen shield before bringing it out in wet environments. Not only will this safeguard it from day-to-day exposure to rain or occasional spills, but you'll also have peace of mind knowing that your phone's original integrity is preserved. In addition to greater protection against moisture and liquids, cases and shields also aid with impact events by limiting the range of motion experienced by the screen during drops or other impacts. With these two measures taken together, you're certain to be well on your way to successful device protection against water damage.

So long as you know when to draw the line between taking precautions without becoming overprotective of your iPhone’s survival out in the world, exercising caution with humidity and spills is key for ensuring that your device lives a long life no matter where you take it. Now that we've explored how resistive and capacitive screens vary in regards to moisture-related damage and quick steps one can take when using their devices out in wet environments, it is also important to consider other factors that boost protection against water damage.

Other Important Factors in Protecting Your iPhone from Water Damage

When considering the best way to protect an iPhone from water damage, look beyond resistive screens and think about other potential factors. One key factor to consider is how the device itself is made. Differences in materials used along with a thorough seal around any ports or junctions can make a huge difference in the protection of your iPhone from water damage. For example, the Apple Watch and features such as the Force Touch display include a much deeper waterproof seal than traditionally seen on earlier generations of iPhones, which makes it more resistant to water damage.

On another hand, certain hard plastic cases that are available commercially and online should always be carefully inspected before purchase to ensure they offer enough surface coverage and have properly secured gaskets when closed. While there are always exceptions to these trends, generally speaking, a poorly made case could leave an iPhone vulnerable in the event of heavy moisture exposure.

Finally, no discussion of protecting an iPhone from water damage would be complete without mentioning certified splashproof and waterproof devices. Although many manufacturers still recommend keeping their devices away from all sources of liquids, it's worth noting that some ‘waterproof’ iPhones have been tested up to depths of five meters and have passed with no issues whatsoever.

Tips for Avoiding Water Damage to Your Phone

When talking about protecting your iPhone from water damage, it is important to also note the steps you can take to avoid water damage in the first place. For instance, try to avoid taking your phone into humid environments, keep the device away from open liquids, and don’t use it while using wet hands or under direct rain! Additionally, turn off the screen and close your apps when around a pool - chlorine could damage the internal components of your device.

Use a Waterproof Case

Using a waterproof case can add an extra barrier of protection against water and high humidity that can damage your internal components. Although no case is fully waterproof, cases with IP ratings between IP65 and IP68 will keep your phone safe to a certain degree depending on how deep underwater it goes for how long. Cases such as these are made of high-quality materials that are tested to withstand different types of weather conditions.

Use a Screen Protector

While a screen protector's primary job is to protect against scratches and breakages, it can also provide a small degree of protection against water damage. By preventing water from entering through the edges of the screen, it can add an extra layer of safety.

Avoid High Humidity Environments

High-humidity environments can cause condensation within your iPhone, leading to water damage. Such environments include bathrooms during a hot shower, or the kitchen when cooking. Keep your iPhone out of these areas whenever possible.

If all else fails, consider getting an insurance plan for your device so that you can get it replaced if it takes on too much moisture. Some plans may cover water damage if the cause is accidental and not intentional. But at the end of the day, taking preventative measures is always the best option to protect your phone from any water damage.

By being diligent in avoiding any risk factors associated with damaging your device due to moisture, you can rest assured that your phone will remain safe no matter what environment you're in. And while these measures provide some protection for your device, it doesn't hurt to reinforce their defence by using additional protective covers and cases for extra security. 

Precautions to Take When Using an iPhone in the Rain

When using your iPhone in the rain, it is important to take a few precautions to ensure that your device does not get damaged by water. First, make sure you keep your device in an area that is protected from the rain as much as possible, such as in an inside pocket or under an umbrella. Additionally, don’t use your device near any large bodies of water, like pools or oceans as these could pose an even greater risk of damage. Since iPhones are not waterproof, try to avoid any contact with rain droplets or splashing. If you accidentally get water on the device, immediately turn it off and dry it thoroughly by patting it with a clean cloth. Finally, don't attempt to charge the phone while it's wet and be sure to give your device some time to dry out completely before attempting to power it back on.

What to Do If Your Phone Gets Wet

If your phone does happen to get wet, the first step is to turn it off immediately and avoid turning it back on until it is completely dry. Doing so could cause a short circuit and more serious damage. Furthermore, never use an open flame or hair dryer to try and speed up the drying process, as this can also cause damage. Instead, you can use a vacuum cleaner’s hose attachment that is designed to pull water out of phones without damaging them. You can also purchase special kits to help draw water away faster.

If possible, remove the battery and any other removable parts - your phone's manual should indicate which parts these are. Next, leave your smartphone in a bowl with uncooked rice or silica gel packets (the kind you find inside many packaged goods) overnight - both will absorb the remaining moisture within your device. You can also use an earbud to gently brush away any remaining water droplets in the nooks and crannies of your device. Once all the moisture is removed and there are no signs of visible corrosion, you may be able to turn it on again and see if it works, although you still might want to take it into a repair shop for professional assessment if it isn't working properly.

Overall, knowing what steps to take if your phone gets wet can be essential in avoiding extensive damage from happening. If you act quickly and take appropriate measures, there’s still a chance of salvaging the device instead of losing all of its contents.

Conclusion

At the heart of it, your iPhone is more than just a device—it’s a personal hub of communication, organisation, entertainment, and so much more. As a significant investment and integral part of daily life, it’s only logical to want to safeguard it against potential damages, including water damage. However, even with Apple's advancements in water resistance, your device is not impervious to water hazards.

By exercising a level of caution and awareness about your iPhone’s environment, you can markedly reduce the risk of water damage. Being mindful of where and how you use your device, especially in proximity to water bodies, can go a long way in preventing unwanted accidents. Investing in preventive measures, like waterproof cases and screen protectors, also add layers of protection that keep your iPhone safe.

Even with the best of precautions, remember that accidents can happen. Being prepared for such situations is equally crucial. Familiarise yourself with what to do in case your iPhone gets exposed to water. Quick and appropriate actions can make the difference between a minor hiccup and a substantial repair bill.

Consider protecting your investment further with insurance options, such as AppleCare+. Although it requires an additional cost, the benefits can outweigh the expense in the face of water damage. It can provide peace of mind knowing you have a safety net should the worst happen.

Ultimately, preserving your iPhone's lifespan is not just about preventing water damage. It’s about responsible usage and understanding that your device, although robust, has its limits. With conscious steps and care, you can ensure your iPhone serves you well, remaining a reliable companion for years to come.