The iPhone 13’s water resistance rating allows it to withstand splashes and brief submersions, but it is not invincible against water damage. With proper precautions and immediate action after water exposure, an iPhone 13 can survive many water-related accidents. However, there are limits to what it can handle.
What is the iPhone 13’s water resistance rating?
The iPhone 13 line (iPhone 13 mini, iPhone 13, iPhone 13 Pro, and iPhone 13 Pro Max) has an IP68 water resistance rating under IEC standard 60529. This means it can withstand immersion in fresh water up to 6 meters (about 19 feet) for 30 minutes.
However, Apple cautions that the IP68 rating does not indicate a permanent condition or cover all types of liquids. Factors like water depth, temperature, movement, and chemical composition can impact resistance.
Can the iPhone 13 survive being dropped in water?
The iPhone 13 can survive being briefly dropped and submerged in fresh water up to 19 feet deep. However, longer submersion periods increase risk.
According to Apple, the iPhone 13 can withstand:
- Splashes, spills, and brief submersion in fresh water
- Short accidental drops into fresh water up to 19 feet, like a pool or ocean
- Being used in the rain, snow, shower, or humidity
It’s best to dry off and stop using your iPhone if it gets wet, even if it seems to work normally. Water exposure can cause issues over time.
How long can an iPhone 13 stay submerged in water?
Apple claims the iPhone 13 can survive submersion below 19 feet of fresh water for up to 30 minutes without issues. However, exceeding 30 minutes significantly increases risk of water damage or failure.
Many real-world water accidents fall well short of full submersion for 30 minutes. Briefdrops into puddles, toilets, sinks, pools, baths, rivers and oceans often last only a few seconds or minutes.
In these shorter submersion cases, the iPhone 13 stands a good chance of surviving with proper post-water care. The most serious issues typically occur from very lengthy or deep submersion.
Does water temperature affect iPhone water resistance?
Water temperature does impact the iPhone 13’s water resistance. Apple notes the IP68 rating applies specifically to fresh water.
Warmer fresh water poses less risk than colder water. Cold water below about 40°F (5°C) can more quickly compromise the phone’s seals and gaskets. Hot tubs, hot springs, and very warm baths accelerate wear on the water seals as well.
Salt water and chlorinated water also create added risks not factored into the IP68 rating, which only covers fresh water.
Does the depth/pressure of water affect iPhone water resistance?
Greater water depth and pressure creates increased risk for the iPhone 13, despite its IP68 rating.
At greater depths, the pressure can more quickly breach seals and gaskets meant to keep water out. Even without any movement, pressure increases by about 1 atmosphere (14.5 psi) for every 33 feet of depth.
Most real-life iPhone water accidents involve minimal depth, like a toilet, sink, or shallow tub. But drops into deeper bodies of water, like a lake, river, or deep end of a pool, substantially increase pressure on the water seals.
Can an iPhone 13 survive saltwater or chlorinated water?
The iPhone 13 is not designed to withstand submersion in saltwater or chlorinated water. Apple specifies the IP68 rating only applies to fresh water.
Saltwater is very corrosive and can damage electronic components like those inside an iPhone. The salinity and chemical composition of saltwater pose risks not present with fresh water.
Heavily chlorinated water from pools and hot tubs can also gradually degrade rubber gaskets and seals. The iPhone 13 may survive brief accidental drops into chlorinated water, but risks increase the longer it remains submerged.
Can an iPhone 13 survive being washed with water?
The iPhone 13 can withstand light splashing and rinsing under fresh water. For example, briefly washing the outside with running tap water or lightly rinsing the phone if it gets dirty presents minimal risk.
However, do not intentionally wash or submerge the iPhone 13 to clean it. The ports are most vulnerable to water damage, so avoid directing pressurized water or soaking in water when washing.
How to dry out a wet iPhone 13
If your iPhone 13 gets wet, drying it thoroughly should be your first priority:
- Wipe wet surfaces gently with a lint-free cloth.
- Avoid heat sources like radiators and hair dryers. Excessive heat can damage internal components.
- Absorb excess moisture with dry rice in a sealed bag or container. Rice absorbs ambient moisture.
- Place the phone in front of a fan blowing cool air to speed up drying.
- Remove any cases or covers to prevent trapping moisture.
- Insert a Simoniz Dry & Clean cloth to help absorb residual moisture from ports and speakers.
The longer moisture stays inside your iPhone 13, the greater the potential for corrosion, electrical shorts, and other internal water damage. Thoroughly drying out the phone before turning it on again improves the chances of normal function.
What to do if your iPhone 13 won’t turn on after water exposure
If your iPhone 13 experienced significant water exposure and then will not power on, do not attempt to force it on. Follow these steps:
- Dry it thoroughly for at least 24-48 hours.
- Try connecting it to power and let it charge for a few hours if possible.
- Only attempt powering it on again once completely dry.
- If it still won’t turn on, schedule an appointment at an Apple store or authorized service provider.
- Be transparent about the water exposure so they can accurately assess damage and repair options.
Never try to hide water damage from Apple. Their technicians have tools to easily detect internal water exposure. Honesty gives you the best chance of saving the phone.
How to check iPhone for water damage
If you suspect your malfunctioning iPhone 13 suffered water damage, inspect these areas:
- Liquid contact indicators – Small paper-like stickers inside the SIM card slot and/or headphone jack change color when wet.
- Condensation – Droplets or fogging inside the camera lenses, screen, or back glass indicate water penetrated the seals.
- Corrosion – White, yellow, blue, or green deposits around ports, screws, and openings may signal liquid corrosion.
- Speakers and microphones – Muffled or staticky audio could mean water remains trapped internally.
You may be able to spot external water damage, but internal damage is tougher to diagnose without professional help. If you suspect water damaged your iPhone 13, have it evaluated by an authorized technician.
Can iPhone water damage be repaired?
Water damaged iPhones can often be repaired, but the cost varies case by case:
- Minor cosmetic damage like foggy lenses may just require replacing the damaged parts.
- Corroded electronic components could need soldering replacements.
- Extensive corrosion may require a full logic board swap.
- Beyond economical repair, a replacement phone may be needed.
Apple does not consider water damage a warranty-covered defect, so expect to pay out-of-warranty fees for water damage repair.
Costs range from $200-$1000+ depending on severity. Apple does not publicize exact water damage repair costs.
Best ways to keep iPhone 13 waterproof
While no iPhone is truly waterproof, you can take proactive steps to protect your iPhone 13 from water damage:
- Use a waterproof case for wet environments like the pool, lake, or beach.
- Fix any cracked screens to maintain water sealing.
- Keep ports covered with tight plastic port plugs when wet.
- Never charge or use an iPhone that recently got wet. Dry it out first.
- Avoid excessive pressure, depth, hot water, or soap when washing.
- Dry out any interior moisture immediately after wetting.
- Never purposefully submerge or swim with your iPhone.
Remaining vigilant against water exposure reduces the need for costly repairs down the line. Exercise caution around water to get the most out of your iPhone 13.
Key takeaways
- The iPhone 13 has an IP68 water resistance rating, meaning it can withstand submersion up to 19 feet for 30 minutes.
- Brief accidental drops in fresh water have a good chance of survival.
- Longer submersion duration, greater depth/pressure, and saltwater/chlorine increase risk of damage.
- Thoroughly drying out the iPhone after wetting is crucial to prevent issues.
- Water damage repairs are expensive and not covered by warranty.
- Proactive precautions can help avoid most potential water damage.
Conclusion
Under the right circumstances, the iPhone 13 can survive a surprising amount of fresh water exposure thanks to its IP68 water resistance rating. However, there are distinct limits to what it can handle when subjected to depths beyond 19 feet, durations beyond 30 minutes, hot water, cold water, saltwater, chlorinated water, and other risks.
While the iPhone 13 is impressively water resistant compared to predecessors, it is still vulnerable to permanent water damage without proper precautions. Understanding how to dry out a wet iPhone, get water damage repaired, and prevent water exposure in the first place helps keep your iPhone safe, functional, and ready to withstand the inevitable splashes and spills of everyday use.