Water and electronics generally do not mix well, so it is reasonable to be concerned about whether exposing an iPhone 6 to water can “spoil” it or cause damage. In this article, we will look at the different ways an iPhone 6 could come into contact with water and how waterproof the phone is in different scenarios.
Quick Answers
– An iPhone 6 is not fully waterproof, so water exposure can damage it in some cases. However, it has some water resistance that protects it in certain situations.
– Splashes or brief immersion in water may not cause damage if the water is quickly dried. Complete submersion or prolonged exposure can damage an iPhone 6 depending on factors like depth and duration.
– Liquids other than fresh water, like saltwater or chlorinated water, are more likely to damage an iPhone 6 due to their conductive and corrosive properties.
– Water damage to an iPhone 6 can include issues like malfunctioning speakers, buttons or charging ports, glitchy touch screens and fogging or condensation under the screen. It may stop working completely if critical components are damaged.
– You can help protect an iPhone 6 from water damage by using a waterproof case and avoiding unnecessary water exposure. If it does get wet, drying it thoroughly right away improves the chances of it recovering.
IP Rating of the iPhone 6
The iPhone 6 has an IP67 ingress protection rating. This means:
- It is dust-tight, and not susceptible to any dust interference in its components.
- It can withstand immersion in freshwater up to 1 meter deep for up to 30 minutes.
So while the iPhone 6 is not fully waterproof, it does have some decent water resistance capabilities. According to the IP rating, it can withstand:
– Splashes of water – for example, if you spill a glass of water on it or use it in light rain. As long as the water is promptly wiped off, it should be fine.
– Brief accidental immersion in freshwater, like dropping it briefly in a sink or toilet. As long as it’s retrieved quickly, dried off and given time to dry out, it may continue working normally.
However, the IP67 rating does not cover:
– Being immersed in any liquid other than freshwater. Things like chlorinated water, saltwater, drinks besides plain water, etc can damage the iPhone 6.
– Being submerged deeper than 1 meter (about 3.3 feet).
– Being submerged for longer than 30 minutes continuously.
Impact of Different Types of Water Exposure
Here is some more detail on how different types of water exposure can impact an iPhone 6:
Splashes and Brief Immersion
As covered by its IP67 rating, an iPhone 6 can withstand splashes of water or being briefly dropped in water if it is promptly recovered and dried off. For example, a splash from a sink, or being dropped in a puddle or toilet and quickly fished out.
The outer surfaces and components of the phone are designed to withstand water splashes and brief dunks. As long as the water doesn’t penetrate deeper into the phone’s internals, brief exposure followed by thorough drying can allow the phone to continue functioning normally.
Extended Immersion
If an iPhone 6 gets immersed for longer than the IP67 30 minute rating, or deeper than 1 meter, damage is very possible. When immersed for an extended time, water has more opportunity to work its way into tiny interior gaps and reach electronic components.
The depth also creates pressure that can force water into the phone faster. An iPhone 6 left underwater for too long may stop working immediately, or gradually develop issues like audio problems or glitchy touch screens as water reaches internal chips and circuit boards.
Saltwater or Chlorinated Water
Water resistant ratings are based on freshwater only. Any other liquids, like saltwater or chlorinated water, can damage an iPhone 6 with extended exposure.
Saltwater is very conductive and the salts can corrode components and circuitry. Pool or hot tub water contains chemicals like chlorine that can also corrode parts over time.
Even if the phone seems to work fine initially, chemical and mineral deposits or delayed corrosion can cause problems down the line after exposure to non-freshwater liquids.
Water Damage Symptoms
Here are some signs that your iPhone 6 may have water damage:
– Malfunctioning speakers/microphone – crackling, muffled or low audio
– Buttons not responsive or sticking
– Charging port not working properly
– Glitchy or unresponsive touchscreen
– Fog/condensation under screen glass
– General sluggishness or freezing
– Automatically powering off
At first you may notice small intermittent issues like speaker problems. But if water reached critical components like the logic board, the phone may stop turning on entirely.
Condensation is also a giveaway that liquid has gotten inside your iPhone 6, as moisture in the air condenses on cold components. This fogs up the inside of the screen, camera lens, or back glass.
Protecting Against Water Damage
Here are some tips to help prevent water damage to your iPhone 6:
– Use a waterproof case – Cases rated IP68 or higher provide superior water protection in case of immersion or falls into water.
– Avoid unnecessary exposure – Don’t use the phone in the rain, near sinks or bodies of water, etc. Be careful not to drop it into puddles, toilets or other liquids.
– Dry it off quickly – If it does get wet, dry it immediately and thoroughly with a soft cloth. Clear any standing liquid, and leave it to air dry before using again.
– Don’t charge wet phone – Only charge your iPhone once completely dry, as electricity and water are a hazardous mix.
– Investigate water damage issues – If you notice condensation under the screen or other symptoms, have it checked in case components need to be replaced.
Drying a Wet iPhone 6
If your iPhone 6 does get wet, proper drying technique gives you the best chance of saving it:
– Immediately power off the phone and do not charge it while wet. Disconnect any connected chargers or cables.
– Clear excess moisture – Gently shake the phone to clear off any exterior water, then wipe down with a soft, dry cloth.
– Absorb remaining moisture – Place phone on an absorbent, dry surface like a towel. Leave the phone to air dry for at least 24-48 hours before attempting to power on again.
– Do not use things like hairdryers or heaters to dry, as excessive heat can damage components. Let it dry at room temperature.
– Check for condensation under screen glass before powering on again. Condensation means liquid is still present internally. Leave to dry further if present.
– Once completely dry, try turning it on. If it doesn’t power on or seems damaged, it will need to be repaired or replaced.
Water Damage Repairs and Cost
If your iPhone 6 suffered water damage and is malfunctioning or unresponsive, you can contact Apple Support to explore your repair options:
– Out of warranty repairs – Apple charges a flat rate of $299 for any out of warranty iPhone repairs in the US. Additional costs may apply for part replacements if liquid caused corrosion.
– Warranty/insurance claim – If the phone is still under Apple’s 1 year manufacturing warranty or you have a carrier insurance plan, water damage may be fixed for reduced cost or free. Check warranty status and contact service provider.
– Third party repair – Many independent repair shops can fix water damaged iPhones for less than Apple. Prices range from $50-150+ depending on extent of damage.
– DIY parts replacement – If you are technically skilled, you can buy replacement iPhone parts online and attempt to fix some water damage issues yourself.
– Full replacement – In cases of severe water damage, full replacement of the iPhone may be most cost effective option rather than paying for extensive repairs.
No matter the repair route, it’s important to act quickly if your iPhone 6 gets water damaged. Drying it thoroughly right away and seeking professional help can potentially save your phone and prevent permanent loss of function.
Conclusion
While the iPhone 6 has some water resistance, it is still possible for water exposure to damage the phone in certain conditions. Brief splashes and drops in water are less likely to cause issues if the phone is dried quickly afterward. However, extended immersion, submersion over 1 meter deep, or liquids other than freshwater heighten the risk of permanent damage to components.
To keep your iPhone 6 safe from water damage, use appropriate protective cases and avoid unnecessary exposure to water. Thoroughly drying a wet phone right away and not attempting to charge it until completely dry also helps minimize damage and any potential repair costs. With proper precautions, your iPhone 6 can withstand the occasional minor water incident. But significant exposure requires immediate attention to try preventing irreversible damage or malfunction.