The iPhone XR offers some water resistance, but it is not fully waterproof. Apple has designed the iPhone XR with features to protect against moderate exposure to water and dust, but it still carries some risk of liquid damage if submerged or exposed for extended periods.
According to Apple, the iPhone XR has an IP67 rating for water and dust resistance under the IEC standard 60529 (About splash, water, and dust resistance of iPhone 7 and …). This means it can withstand being submerged in up to 1 meter of water for 30 minutes without damage. However, Apple cautions that water resistance is not permanent and can decrease over time with normal wear.
While the iPhone XR has decent water resistance, it is still important to avoid excessive exposure to water. Even short submersion in deeper water can potentially damage the phone. Understanding the iPhone XR’s water protection capabilities and limitations can help avoid costly liquid damage.
IP Rating
The iPhone XR has an IP68 rating for water and dust resistance under the IEC 60529 standard [1]. The IP68 rating means the iPhone XR can withstand being submerged in up to 2 meters (about 6.5 feet) of water for up to 30 minutes without damage.
The IP68 rating is the highest level of protection in the IP rating system against dust and water. The first digit, 6, indicates the iPhone XR is dust tight and has complete protection against contact with dust. The second digit, 8, signifies the iPhone can be immersed beyond 1 meter and up to the specified depth, which is 2 meters for 30 minutes for the iPhone XR [1].
So in summary, the IP68 rating confirms the iPhone XR has excellent protection against dust and can handle being submerged under water to a depth of 2 meters for 30 minutes without damage under ideal test conditions. However, Apple recommends not intentionally submerging the iPhone [1].
Maximum Depth
The iPhone XR has an IP68 rating for water and dust resistance. According to Apple’s specifications, the iPhone XR can withstand immersion in water up to 1 meter (about 3.3 feet) deep for up to 30 minutes [1]. This means the phone should survive accidental water exposure from splashes, spills, or brief submersion without leaking or damage.
However, Apple cautions that the iPhone XR should not be used for underwater activities or intentionally submerged in water. The IP68 rating provides protection in case of accidental exposure to water, not for prolonged swimming or diving. Exceeding the maximum depth of 1 meter or 30 minute duration could allow water to enter and damage the iPhone XR.
While the iPhone XR has impressive water resistance compared to earlier iPhone models, other newer iPhone models such as the iPhone XS can withstand submersion up to 2 meters deep. So the iPhone XR has slightly less water protection capabilities than some other recent iPhones.
Duration Underwater
According to Apple’s official support page, the iPhone XR has an IP67 water resistance rating. This means it can withstand immersion in up to 1 meter (or 3.3 feet) of water for up to 30 minutes without damage (1). So the iPhone XR can survive being submerged under 3 feet of water for half an hour before potential water damage may occur.
As noted by Hellotech, exceeding the specified 30 minute timeframe significantly increases the risk of water damage. Water exposure beyond the IP67 rating is not covered by Apple’s warranty. So it’s important not to leave the iPhone XR underwater for longer than 30 minutes at a time (2).
In summary, according to its IP67 rating, the iPhone XR can safely stay submerged under 3 feet of water continuously for up to 30 minutes. Exceeding this duration may allow water damage to occur.
Water Damage
Water damage on an iPhone XR can manifest itself in several ways. According to GopherMods, visible signs of water damage include discoloration, corrosion, or unusual growth on the charging set. Patches may also appear on the display screen. The cameras can become foggy after water exposure.
MakeUseOf notes a few other symptoms of a water-damaged iPhone XR. The Face ID or Touch ID features may stop working properly. The buttons can also start malfunctioning and become unresponsive. There could be patches visible on the display screen as the water seeps inside. In severe cases, the screen might stop working altogether.
One clear indicator is the Liquid Contact Indicator (LCI). This is a small white or silver sticker inside the SIM card slot. When it comes into contact with water, the sticker turns red. This provides visible confirmation that water has gotten inside the iPhone XR.
Avoiding Damage
To avoid water damage to your iPhone XR, here are some tips:
- Do not take your iPhone XR in the shower, pool, ocean or other bodies of water, as it is not fully waterproof (source: https://www.hellotech.com/blog/is-iphone-xr-waterproof). The iPhone XR has an IP67 water resistance rating, meaning it can withstand splashes and being submerged in 1 meter of water for 30 minutes, but it is not designed for prolonged water exposure.
- Use a waterproof case if you plan to take your iPhone XR near water. Look for a case specifically designed for water protection that has been independently certified as waterproof.
- Dry your iPhone XR immediately if it gets wet. Water itself does not damage the iPhone, but over time corrosion can occur if moisture gets inside the device (source: https://support.apple.com/guide/iphone/important-handling-information-iphbbe12ba1/ios).
- Do not charge your iPhone XR if it is wet. Make sure it is completely dry before connecting any cables or chargers.
- Avoid exposing your iPhone XR to soap, detergent, pool chemicals or other liquids which can enter the ports and degrade water seals.
Taking simple precautions can help prevent liquid damage and allow you to safely use your iPhone XR without worry.
After Exposure
If your iPhone XR has been exposed to water, it is important to take steps quickly to help avoid permanent damage. According to Cell Phone Repair, the first thing you should do is avoid pushing any buttons, as this can force water further into the device’s circuits.
You’ll also want to avoid using a hairdryer to dry the phone, as this can push water deeper into the phone’s ports and crevices. Instead, Cell Phone Repair recommends gently dabbing away excess moisture with a soft, lint-free cloth. You can also place the phone in front of a fan to help air dry it.
Once fully dried, it’s a good idea to put the phone in a bag or container of dry, uncooked rice. The rice will help absorb any remaining moisture inside the phone. Let it sit for at least 24 hours. According to Hellowtech, this is one of the most effective methods for saving a water-damaged iPhone.
After 24 hours, take the phone out of the rice and check if it powers on and functions normally. If it seems to work fine, you may have successfully saved your iPhone from water damage.
Repair Costs
The cost to repair a water damaged iPhone XR can vary significantly depending on the extent of the damage. According to Flipsy, simple drying and cleaning of a water damaged iPhone XR starts around $45. However, if components like the logic board need to be replaced, the cost can go up to $599 or more.
According to uBreakiFix, a leading third-party iPhone repair company, their water damage diagnostic starts at $99. From there, the actual repair cost depends on which components need to be replaced. They note that water damage repairs can easily cost over $200 in most cases.
If you go directly through Apple for a water damage repair on an iPhone XR, you’ll likely need to pay $549 or more for a full device replacement, as Apple does not do component-level repairs, according to discussions on Apple’s forums. This replacement cost is out of warranty.
The key factors that determine iPhone XR water damage repair costs are how quickly it was dried out, which components were exposed, and whether corrosion has started to develop. Acting quickly after water exposure and going to a professional repair shop can help minimize costs.
Warranty
The Apple One-Year Limited Warranty does not cover liquid damage to iPhones. If your iPhone XR is exposed to water and sustains damage, Apple will not repair or replace it for free under the standard warranty coverage. According to Apple’s support page, “Liquid damage to iPhone or iPod isn’t covered under the Apple One-Year Limited Warranty or AppleCare+.”
So if your iPhone XR stops working properly after getting wet, you will likely need to pay Apple or an authorized service provider for any repairs, even if the phone is still under the original 1-year warranty period. The warranty only covers defects in materials or workmanship under normal use. Water exposure is considered accidental damage which voids the standard coverage.
Summary
Based on Apple’s testing specifications, the iPhone XR can withstand up to a depth of 1 meter (about 3.3 feet) for up to 30 minutes without sustaining water damage. The iPhone XR achieves an IP67 rating for water and dust resistance, meaning it’s capable of withstanding water immersion between 15cm and 1 meter. While the iPhone XR has impressive water resistance, Apple still recommends avoiding extended exposure to water to prevent potential damage or issues.
