Water damage is one of the most common ways that iPhone screens can become damaged. With the iPhone 11’s water resistance rating of IP68, it may seem like the phone should be able to withstand some water exposure without issue. However, there are some important factors to consider when it comes to water and your iPhone 11 screen.
How water resistant is the iPhone 11?
The iPhone 11 has an IP68 water resistance rating. This means that it can withstand being submerged in up to 6 meters of water for up to 30 minutes without damage. However, Apple specifies that this rating is in laboratory conditions. Real world conditions can be more challenging for an iPhone.
Factors like water pressure, temperature, salinity, and sediment can all impact the iPhone’s water resistance. Moving or turbulent water is more likely to breach the phone’s seals than still, calm water. And water resistance diminishes over time as the phone’s seals wear down from normal use and exposure to elements.
So while the iPhone 11 has excellent water resistance compared to earlier iPhones, it is not completely impervious to water damage, especially over time. The water resistance is more of a safety net rather than a guarantee.
How does water damage an iPhone screen?
There are a few ways that water exposure can damage an iPhone screen:
- Direct water damage to screen – If water gets behind the screen, it can damage the display and touchscreen components.
- Damage to display cables – Water that seeps into the phone can corrode and damage the flexible cables connecting the display.
- Oxidation – When water interacts with the phone’s electronic components, it can cause oxidation and corrosion.
Even a small amount of water in the wrong place can render an iPhone’s touchscreen unresponsive, disable the display entirely, or cause issues like flickering or discoloration. The damage may not be immediately apparent, and could show up progressively as components corrode over time.
Factors that increase risk of water damage
There are certain factors that can make an iPhone 11 more vulnerable to water damage. These include:
- Age of phone – Older iPhones with worn down water seals are more susceptible.
- Prior water exposure – Past water damage compromises water resistance for future exposure.
- Depth/water pressure – Deeper water puts more pressure that can breach seals and gaskets.
- Hot temperatures – Heat accelerates oxidation and corrosion from water exposure.
- Saltwater or chlorinated water – Salts and chemicals in these liquids increase conductivity and corrosion.
- Turbulent water – Movement pushes more water past seals compared to calm water.
Under the right conditions, even brief water exposure can damage an iPhone 11 screen. It’s important to thoroughly dry out a wet iPhone and have it checked out if you notice any issues.
Signs of water damage on an iPhone 11 screen
Here are some signs that your iPhone 11’s screen may have water damage:
- Blurry, distorted, or discolored display
- Flickering, shaking, or strobe-like effect on screen
- Dead spots or pixelation on display
- Touchscreen unresponsive or acting erratically
- Display brightness turning down randomly
- Horizontal or vertical lines on screen
- Display not turning on
- Distorted or buzzing sound through speakers
- Condensation or fog under screen glass
Any of these issues can indicate water has damaged the display, cables, or other components. The damage may start minor but get worse over time. If you notice water damage symptoms, stop using your phone and have it checked out.
How to dry out a wet iPhone 11
If your iPhone 11 gets wet, it’s important to dry it thoroughly and as soon as possible. Here are the steps:
- Immediately power off the iPhone if it’s still on, and don’t try turning it on.
- Do not try charging a wet iPhone, as that can damage it.
- Use a lint-free cloth to wipe off any exterior water.
- Point a fan directly at the iPhone to help evaporate water.
- Place the iPhone in front of a dehumidifier or in a sealed bag with silica gel packs.
- Allow to dry for at least 24 hours before using again.
The quicker you can remove water and dry out the iPhone, the better chance of avoiding long term damage. Avoid heat, rice, or other DIY methods, as these can sometimes do more harm than good.
How to stop water getting in iPhone 11
To help prevent water damage in the future, consider these precautions:
- Use a waterproof case when going near water.
- Seal the SIM card tray with a bit of waterproof tape.
- Avoid exposing iPhone to moisture in humid environments.
- Don’t take iPhone in saunas or steam rooms.
- Install a water-repellant screen protector.
- Turn on water lock mode before wet activities.
- Avoid checking iPhone underwater or using it in the rain.
While the iPhone 11 has decent water resistance, it’s not completely waterproof. Taking a few simple precautions can help keep water out and prevent costly damage down the line.
Fixing water damaged iPhone 11 screen
If your iPhone 11 screen is exhibiting issues from water damage, there are a few options to fix it:
- DIY screen replacement – Replace just the screen if that’s the only damaged component.
- Apple Store repair – Apple can replace screen and seals to restore water resistance.
- Third party repair – Often cheaper than Apple but quality can vary.
- Insurance claim – If phone is insured, water damage may be covered.
A screen replacement typically costs $200-$300 depending on where you go. Only Apple uses genuine OEM parts and provides a warranty with repairs. DIY repairs are the cheapest but also riskiest option.
Cost to repair water damaged iPhone 11
If the water exposure caused damage beyond just the screen, the repair costs go up quickly. Here are typical costs for full iPhone 11 water damage repairs:
| Repair Option | Typical Cost |
|---|---|
| Apple Store (official repair) | $500-$700 |
| Third party repair shop | $200-$400 |
| DIY component level repair | $100-$300 for parts |
The cost can vary significantly based on the extent of the damage. Corrosion that spreads across multiple components will be far more expensive to repair than just a damaged screen.
Preventing water damage to iPhone
Here are some tips to help prevent water damage to your iPhone 11 or any iPhone model:
- Use a protective waterproof case for wet or outdoor activities.
- Never charge phone if it gets wet; dry it thoroughly first.
- Avoid excessive humidity & steam from showers or cooking.
- Don’t deliberately submerge or expose phone to water.
- Dry hands before handling phone to prevent liquid drips.
- Keep food and drinks away from iPhone to prevent spills.
- Inspect seals regularly and replace if worn or damaged.
- Turn on water lock mode when near water to seal ports.
While iPhones have improving water resistance, water damage remains among the top causes of iPhone repairs. A bit of care and precaution goes a long way in keeping water out of your iPhone.
Conclusion
While the iPhone 11 is designed to withstand splashes and submersion to a degree, its water resistance has limits. Under the wrong conditions, even a small amount of water can damage components like the screen. Signs of water damage include distorted display issues, unresponsive touchscreen, and condensation under the screen. To repair a water damaged iPhone 11 screen, options include DIY screen replacement, Apple Store repair, third party repair shops, or insurance claim. With proper precautions, you can help prevent water damage to your iPhone and avoid expensive repairs.
