Can iPhone 6 Plus get wet?

by
Can iPhone 6 Plus get wet

Getting your iPhone 6 Plus wet is a common concern for many users. Accidents happen and sometimes our phones may get exposed to water, whether it’s rain, spills, or drops in the sink or toilet. The good news is that the iPhone 6 Plus is more water resistant than previous iPhone models, but it still has limitations. In this article, we’ll look at how waterproof the iPhone 6 Plus is, what to do if it gets wet, and tips for keeping it safe around water.

Is the iPhone 6 Plus waterproof?

No, the iPhone 6 Plus is not completely waterproof. Apple does not advertise it as a waterproof phone. However, it does have some improved water resistance compared to earlier iPhone models. The iPhone 6 Plus has an IP67 ingress protection rating under IEC standard 60529. This means it can withstand being submerged in up to 1 meter of water for up to 30 minutes without damage. However, Apple cautions that direct exposure to water should be avoided.

So while the iPhone 6 Plus has some water resistance, it is not designed for underwater use or to be submerged for long periods of time. Quick accidental splashes or drops in water should be ok, but extended submersion risks damaging the phone.

What happens if an iPhone 6 Plus gets wet?

If your iPhone 6 Plus accidentally gets wet, here’s what you can expect:

  • Minor splashes and spills should not damage the phone, as long as it is retrieved and dried off quickly.
  • Submerging the phone could allow water to get into the ports (Lightning port, headphone jack, speaker grilles) and cause damage over time due to corrosion.
  • Being submerged in water deeper than 1 meter and/or for longer than 30 minutes may exceed the phone’s water resistance and cause immediate damage.
  • Salt water, chlorinated water, soapy water, and other liquids increase the risk of damage compared to fresh water.
  • Water exposure may trip the Liquid Contact Indicator inside the phone, a strip that changes color when wet, which voids the warranty.

If your iPhone seems to be working normally after getting wet, power it off, dry it thoroughly with a soft cloth, leave it to air dry, and monitor for any issues. Do not try charging it until you are sure all liquid is dry. If you notice any issues like no power, distorted sound, or flickering display, you will need to get it repaired or replaced.

Quick tips if your iPhone 6 Plus gets wet

Here are some quick dos and don’ts if your iPhone 6 Plus accidentally gets doused:

  • DO gently dry it with a soft, lint-free cloth and allow air drying.
  • DO turn it off and disconnect any cables.
  • DO NOT try to charge it until completely dry.
  • DO NOT dry with heat like a hairdryer or oven.
  • DO NOT use vacuum or compressed air which can force in liquid.
  • DO NOT drop it or shake it to get water out.

Following these steps gives your iPhone the best chance of surviving a wet accident. Do not try to revive it prematurely or with excessive force. Be patient and allow it to air dry before testing it.

How to dry out a wet iPhone 6 Plus

If your iPhone 6 Plus gets dunked or doused, here are some smart tips for drying it out:

  • Remove it from the liquid immediately if submerged. The less time in water, the better.
  • Turn off the phone right away. This prevents shorts and fires if water is in ports.
  • Lightly rinse fresh water to remove dirt, sand, or debris. Do not rinse if submerged in corrosive liquid.
  • Pat dry with a soft lint-free cloth. Fiberless cloths prevent scratching the screen.
  • Do not rub excessively as this generates heat which can damage internal components.
  • Use a can of compressed air around openings and ports to push out liquid. Keep the can upright to avoid propellant leaks.
  • Absorb remaining moisture with drying packets, a box of dry rice, or a desiccant dehumidifier bag. Do not immerse phone fully.
  • Let air dry for at least 24 hours before testing. Longer if heavily soaked.

Take your time and be gentle. Rushing the drying process risks short circuiting and permanent damage. Letting it air dry in stages gives the best results.

How to keep your iPhone 6 Plus safe around water

While the iPhone 6 Plus has improved water resistance, it’s still important to keep it away from water damage. Here are some useful tips:

  • Use a waterproof case for wet activities like boating, swimming, rainstorms, or skiing.
  • Attach a lanyard so it doesn’t fall out of pockets into puddles or toilets.
  • Keep away from sinks, tubs, pools, and other wet areas.
  • Never deliberately submerge or use underwater.
  • Install a waterproof screen protector as an extra barrier.
  • Avoid steam rooms, saunas, hot tubs which can also damage seals.
  • Dry hands before handling phone to prevent liquid drips.
  • Store in a dry place during rainy or snowy weather.
  • Keep in a ziplock bag or dry case at the beach or pool.

A little prevention goes a long way to keeping your iPhone safe. Be mindful of using it around water and have a plan if it takes an unexpected dunk or splash.

Does AppleCare cover water damage on iPhone 6 Plus?

Unfortunately Apple’s warranty and AppleCare+ do not cover water damage on the iPhone 6 Plus or any iPhone model. The warranty specifically states it does not apply to:

“Damage caused by accident, abuse, misuse, liquid contact, fire, earthquake or other external cause.”

Getting an iPhone 6 Plus wet, even accidentally, is considered liquid contact and will void the warranty. The Liquid Contact Indicator inside the phone is designed to change color and indicate water exposure, so Apple will know if it was wet. Your best bet is to keep it away from all moisture in the first place.

Cost to repair water damaged iPhone 6 Plus

If your iPhone 6 Plus does sustain water damage, repair costs will vary depending on the extent. Here are estimated costs:

  • Level 1 – Wet but still functions: $0
  • Level 2 – Speakers, charge port damaged: $75-$150
  • Level 3 – Corrosion on logic board: $150-$300
  • Level 4 – Short circuit, no power on: $250-$400
  • Level 5 – Beyond repair, needs replacement: $300-$450

Liquid damage requires disassembling, cleaning, drying, and often part replacing. The more extensive the damage, the higher repair bills climb. A new replacement iPhone 6 Plus can cost $300 to $500+. Getting AppleCare+ can offset some of these costs.

Should I get AppleCare+ for iPhone 6 Plus water damage?

AppleCare+ can be a smart idea if you are worried about potential water damage on your iPhone 6 Plus. Here are the benefits it provides:

  • Covers up to two incidents of accidental damage with a service fee.
  • $99 service fee for screen or back glass damage.
  • $299 service fee for any other damage like liquid.
  • Extends warranty coverage to two years from purchase date.
  • Provides priority access to Apple support.

While AppleCare+ does not cover water damage entirely, it does significantly offset the cost of repairs. For serious liquid damage, the $299 service fee is less expensive than a full logic board replacement. However, you need to purchase AppleCare+ within 60 days of getting your iPhone 6 Plus.

Water damage repair options

If your iPhone 6 Plus suffers water damage, here are your repair options:

  • Apple Store – Set up a Genius Bar appointment for Apple to assess and service water damaged devices. This will void any warranty and cost you out of pocket.
  • Apple Authorized Service Provider – Many local repair shops are authorized by Apple and can service damages not covered under warranty.
  • Third party phone repair – Generic phone repair shops may offer cheaper prices than the Genius Bar but quality can vary.
  • Mail-in repair services – Companies like iCracked and UBreakiFix allow you to mail in your iPhone for professional assessment and servicing.
  • DIY repair – Attempting to dry out and repair your phone has risks but costs nothing. Only for minor damage.

For reliable quality, Apple authorized service is recommended, albeit more expensive. Research reviews and options in your area to find the best value.

Professional water damage repair tips

For the best results getting a wet iPhone 6 Plus repaired, consider these professional tips:

  • Do not attempt to turn on or charge until completely dry, even if it seems to work.
  • Be honest if Liquid Contact Indicator is triggered when seeking Apple service.
  • Back up data and prep for possible factory reset or replacements.
  • Do not disassemble phone yourself; let pros access internal components.
  • Take photos documenting water damage to components.
  • Ask about drying techniques and equipment shops utilize.
  • Inquire about warranty on water damage repairs in case issues reappear.
  • Consider replacement cost if damage exceeds 50% of device’s value.
  • Be patient; liquid damage often cannot be repaired overnight.

Getting water-damaged electronics professionally serviced delivers the best outcome. For severe damage, replacement may be safest option vs. costly component repairs.

Can rice fix a wet iPhone 6 Plus?

Placing a wet iPhone 6 Plus in rice is a popular DIY method, but how well does it work? Here’s an overview of using rice to dry out and fix an iPhone:

  • Rice can help absorb ambient moisture overnight.
  • It works best for minor splashes that affect the exterior case and ports.
  • The phone should be placed in a sealed bag with lots of rice grains.
  • Rice has limited effectiveness if water reached internal hardware.
  • Power off phone first to prevent shorts- never put a wet powered-on device in rice.
  • Alternatives like silica gel packs work similarly but more powerfully.
  • Monitor closely and remove phone if liquid seems trapped.
  • Never attempt to charge or power on until 100% dry.

Rice can buy you time if a phone gets mildly wet, but has mixed results for serious submersion damage. Professional service is much safer for major water exposure incidents.

Does putting an iPhone 6 Plus in rice void the warranty?

Simply putting a wet iPhone 6 Plus in rice does not necessarily void the warranty. However, if the underlying liquid damage is discovered, the warranty is forfeit. Here are the nuances to understand:

  • The warranty covers defects in materials and workmanship, not water damage.
  • Liquid contact indicators inside the phone turn color if water enters, voiding warranty.
  • Visible corrosion around ports can also indicate liquid exposure.
  • Rice dust or grains stuck in ports is not covered and may also void warranty.
  • If phone seems to function normally, Apple isn’t likely to investigate closely.
  • If issues arise later that suggest past water damage, warranty claim will be denied.

So while using rice alone won’t void the warranty, it also doesn’t mean liquid damage inside the phone will be covered. The iPhone must be 100% dry internally and externally for warranty protection.

Other DIY ways to dry an wet iPhone 6 Plus

If rice doesn’t dry out your soaked iPhone 6 Plus, some other DIY tricks to try:

  • Silica gel packets – More absorbent than rice. Save these from shoe boxes, etc.
  • Isopropyl alcohol – High % solution to displace water in tight spaces.
  • DampRid or calcium chloride – Pulls moisture from the air in sealed containers.
  • Vacuum compressed air – Helps blow water out of cracks and speakers.
  • Kitty litter – Absorbs dampness like rice and silica gel.
  • Sunlight – Warmth helps evaporate aqueous liquid.
  • Drying machines – Remove phone first! Home food dehydrators work well.
  • Do not microwave or use heat! Causes damage.

Again, these DIY tricks are not guaranteed, so proceed with caution. Seeking professional help is wise if phone was submerged or heavily soaked.

Water damage myths and misconceptions

There are some common myths and misconceptions when it comes to getting electronics like the iPhone 6 Plus wet. Here are some important facts:

  • Myth: Waterproof cases make phones 100% waterproof. Fact: Even rugged cases have limits for depth and time submerged.
  • Myth: Water damage is immediately apparent. Fact: Failure can occur later as corrosion spreads.
  • Myth: Laptops and tablets survive water better than phones. Fact: Their tighter seals often trap water instead.
  • Myth: Clean water won’t damage a phone. Fact: Minerals and impurities in any water can corrode connections over time.
  • Myth: Water damage repair is quick and cheap. Fact: Comprehensive servicing takes time and significant cost.
  • Myth: If phone seems to work at first, it’s fine. Fact: Damage may surface despite initially normal operation.

The risks of liquid are often underestimated for electronics. Waterproof ratings like IP67 are not infallible either. Assume water of any kind can create both immediate and future problems in smartphones.

Should I trade in or replace my water damaged iPhone 6 Plus?

If your iPhone 6 Plus experiences moderate to severe water damage, it may be smarter to replace it or trade it in rather than paying for expensive repairs. Here are factors to consider:

  • Cost of repairs vs replacement value of phone
  • Age and lifespan remaining, considering Apple’s software support policy
  • Peace of mind knowing damage won’t reoccur or worsen
  • Availability of good condition used/refurbished iPhone 6 Plus models
  • Current deals and incentives for trading in to upgrade
  • Whether damage has also impacted the battery and performance
  • How much of your data can be restored from a backup

With high repair costs and shorter residual lifespan, replacement often makes more financial sense for older generation iPhones like the 6 Plus model. Just don’t expect much trade-in value for a water damaged device.

Conclusion

While the iPhone 6 Plus has improved water resistance compared to earlier iPhones, it is still advisable to keep it away from moisture. Minor splashes and spills on the exterior of the phone should not cause damage if dried quickly. However, immersion past one meter depth or 30 minutes time can allow fluid ingress that causes corrosion. Attempting rice or other DIY drying methods has limited effectiveness, so seek professional repairs following any significant water exposure. Liquid damage is not covered under warranty and costs several hundred dollars to fix in many cases. Being proactive about preventing contact with water and acting quickly if an accident occurs will give you the best chance of avoiding expensive iPhone 6 Plus repairs or replacement.