Taking pictures underwater is something many smartphone users want to do. Waterproof cameras allow you to capture amazing underwater shots on your next snorkeling or swimming adventure. But can you take pictures underwater with the iPhone XR?
Quick Answer
No, the iPhone XR is not waterproof and cannot take pictures underwater without damage occurring. The iPhone XR does not have an IP water resistance rating which means it should be kept away from water exposure.
IP Ratings Explained
Smartphones that are designed to be waterproof and withstand water exposure have an IP rating. IP stands for Ingress Protection and the rating consists of two numbers that indicate the device’s level of water and dust resistance.
The first number rates protection against solid objects like dust getting into the device. The second number rates liquid ingress protection.
Here’s what the IP levels mean:
| IP Rating | Protection Level |
| IP00 | No protection |
| IPX1 | Protected against dripping water |
| IPX2 | Protected against directly dripping water when tilted up to 15° |
| IPX4 | Protected against splashing water |
| IPX5 | Protected against water jets |
| IPX7 | Protected against immersion in water up to 1 meter for 30 mins |
| IPX8 | Protected against immersion in water greater than 1 meter |
As you can see, a phone needs a high IP rating of IPX7 or IPX8 to be considered waterproof enough for underwater photography. The iPhone XR does not have any IP rating at all.
iPhone XR Lacks Water Resistance
The iPhone XR was launched in 2018 alongside the iPhone XS and iPhone XS Max. Both of the higher-end iPhone XS models had IP68 water and dust resistance. However, the cheaper iPhone XR lacked any official water resistance rating.
Without an IP rating, Apple advises to keep the iPhone XR away from water and other liquids. They warn that exposure to liquids could damage the device.
Some users have reported being able to briefly submerge the iPhone XR without issues. However, this is not recommended by Apple and there is a very high risk of damage.
Minimum IP Rating For Underwater Photos
To safely take pictures underwater without risking water damage, a phone needs an IP rating of at least IPX7. This means it is tested for water resistance when submerged in 1 meter of water for 30 minutes.
IPX8 offers an even higher level of water protection for use at deeper depths. It indicates the device withstands being submerged beyond 1 meter.
The iPhone XS and XS Max with IP68 ratings meet the IPX7 and IPX8 levels. But the iPhone XR falls short of having any water ingress protection.
Use a Waterproof Case
While the iPhone XR itself does not have a waterproof design, you can use a waterproof case to take it underwater.
There are waterproof phone cases specially made for the iPhone XR that allow using the touchscreen and camera while submerged.
When inside one of these waterproof cases, the iPhone XR can safely be used to take photos underwater. Just make sure to test the case in shallow water before going too deep.
Third Party Waterproof Cases
Here are some top recommended waterproof cases to use with the iPhone XR:
- JOTO Universal Waterproof Phone Pouch
- Vexta Velocity Waterproof Case
- Ghostek Nautical Waterproof Case
- LifeProof FRE Waterproof Case
These cases allow full touchscreen functionality so you can use the camera app and buttons. This enables underwater photo taking up to depths of 30+ feet.
When shopping for an iPhone XR waterproof case, look for an IPX8 rating to ensure it can be submerged past 1 meter depth.
Use Underwater Camera Mode
When taking underwater photos with the iPhone XR in a waterproof case, make sure to use the underwater camera mode in the standard Camera app.
Underwater mode automatically adjusts color settings and applies a warmer white balance. This helps compensate for the bluish hue underwater lighting casts on photos.
To turn it on, open the Camera app and swipe left on the various mode options until you reach the Underwater mode.
You’ll see a swimming fish icon indicating underwater mode is activated. Then you can start snapping aquatic life photos!
Extra Underwater Photography Tips
Here are some additional tips to help you take great underwater pictures with iPhone XR:
- Use natural light and avoid using the flash.
- Get close to your subject for clarity.
- Tap the screen to focus before snapping.
- Clean water makes nicer shots than murky water.
- Stay steady to avoid blurry pics.
Conclusion
The iPhone XR does not have waterproofing and cannot safely take pictures underwater. To use it for underwater photography, you need a waterproof case with at least an IPX8 rating.
Top waterproof case picks allow full touchscreen and camera functionality at depths of 30 feet or more. Just be sure to activate the iPhone’s underwater camera mode first.
With the right waterproof case and some practice, your iPhone XR can capture amazing underwater images.
