It’s a common question for iPhone users – what happens if my phone gets wet? With an iPhone 11, you don’t have to worry too much if it gets splashed or even fully submerged in water briefly, thanks to its water resistance rating.
Can the iPhone 11 get wet?
Yes, the iPhone 11 is designed to be water resistant and can withstand being submerged in up to 2 meters of water for up to 30 minutes. Apple says it has been tested in “controlled laboratory conditions” and has an IP68 rating under the IEC standard 60529.
This means that the iPhone 11 is rated to withstand:
- Submersion in fresh water up to 2 meters deep
- For up to 30 minutes
So for example, if you accidentally drop your iPhone 11 in a pool or spill a glass of water on it, it should be fine as long as you retrieve it quickly and follow proper post-water procedures (more on that below).
Important things to know about water and iPhone 11
While the iPhone 11 is water resistant, it’s not completely impervious to water damage. Here are some important things to keep in mind:
- Water resistance is not permanent – The water resistant seals can wear down over time. Apple does not recommend intentionally submerging an iPhone.
- Warranty does not cover water damage – If your iPhone 11 does sustain water damage, Apple may not cover it under warranty.
- Avoid saltwater, chlorinated water, drinks – The iPhone 11 is tested in freshwater. Exposure to saltwater or chlorinated water may impact water resistance.
- Avoid high-velocity water – The iPhone 11 can withstand sustained low-velocity water exposure. High-velocity water jets may breach water resistance.
- Avoid excessive depths and times – Only submerge your iPhone 11 to the recommended 2 meters for up to 30 minutes. Greater depths and times increase risk.
- Heat and debris can compromise seals – Avoid exposing your iPhone to sharp objects or high heat after water exposure, as these can damage water-resistant seals.
While the iPhone 11 is quite water resistant, it’s best to avoid purposefully submerging it if possible and be aware that water resistance may be compromised over time.
What to do if your iPhone 11 gets wet
If your iPhone 11 accidentally gets splashed or even submerged in water briefly, follow these steps:
- Retrieve it quickly – The sooner you can get it out of the water, the better.
- Dry it off – Use a clean, soft cloth to gently dry your iPhone as much as possible.
- Don’t charge it – Avoid plugging your wet iPhone into power, as this can damage it.
- Allow it to air dry – Let your iPhone sit at room temperature for several hours to allow any residual moisture to evaporate.
- Check for damage – Make sure the speakers, cameras, microphone and other components are working properly once fully dried.
- If damaged, seek repair – If your iPhone isn’t working properly after drying, you may need professional repair.
Following these steps can help ensure any water exposure doesn’t lead to long-term damage. Be patient and allow your iPhone to fully dry before trying to use it again.
Does AppleCare+ cover water damage on iPhone 11?
Standard AppleCare+ warranty for iPhone 11 does not cover water damage. However, you can pay an additional fee for AppleCare+ with Theft and Loss coverage, which does cover accidental damage from liquid.
Here’s a breakdown of AppleCare+ coverage for iPhone 11 water damage:
| Plan | Covers Water Damage? |
|---|---|
| AppleCare+ for iPhone | No |
| AppleCare+ with Theft and Loss | Yes (with additional fee per incident) |
So if you simply have the basic AppleCare+ coverage, any water damage repairs would not be covered. With the Theft and Loss coverage, you can get water damage covered by paying a deductible fee per incident – $99 for iPhone 11.
How to dry out a wet iPhone 11
If your iPhone 11 gets drenched in water, you’ll need to thoroughly dry it out for any chance of saving it. Here are some dos and don’ts for drying out a wet iPhone 11:
DO:
- Immediately power off the iPhone – This helps prevent electrical damage.
- Remove it from the water source – Get it out of the liquid as fast as possible.
- Dry the exterior – Use a clean, soft cloth to dry the outside of the iPhone.
- Allow air drying – Let the iPhone sit for at least 24 hours in a dry environment.
- Place it facing down – This allows water to drain out of ports and speakers.
- Use a fan – Direct a fan towards the iPhone to accelerate drying time.
- Pack it in rice – Burying it rice can help extract moisture; change rice as needed.
- Try a desiccant pack – These moisture-absorbing packs can aid the drying process.
DON’T:
- Press any buttons or turn it on – This could short circuit electrical components.
- Charge it while wet – Only charge once completely dry, as this poses a safety risk.
- Dry with external heat – Avoid hairdryers, stoves, heaters, etc. as extreme heat can damage parts.
- Disassemble it – Taking apart your iPhone could cause permanent damage.
The key is to be patient and allow your iPhone to sit powered off in a dry area for at least a full day before attempting to use it again. This gives any internal moisture a chance to fully evaporate.
How to tell if water caused internal damage
Even if your iPhone 11 seems to work initially after getting wet, water may have still caused issues you can’t see. Here are some signs that water has damaged internal components:
- Display problems – Hazy/spotty visuals, flickering, unresponsive touchscreen
- Camera malfunctions – Trouble focusing, foggy lens
- Speakers/microphone not working
- Charging issues – Won’t charge, charges intermittently
- Corrosion around ports/buttons
- Unresponsive buttons or features
If you notice any issues like these that persist even after your iPhone has dried out, you likely have internal water damage that requires professional repair. Don’t attempt to charge or use your iPhone in this state, as it risks further damage.
How much does it cost to repair an iPhone 11 with water damage?
The cost to repair an iPhone 11 with water damage can vary depending on the extent of the damage. Here are approximate repair costs:
| Repair Type | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| Display replacement | $200 – $300 |
| Battery replacement | $49 – $99 |
| Headphone jack replacement | $99 |
| Charge port replacement | $99 |
| Speaker replacement | $79 |
| Back glass replacement | $149 – $199 |
| Full device replacement | $450 – $550 |
Costs can go up the longer moisture damage goes unchecked and causes corrosion. Replacing just a single damaged component is typically cheaper than a full device replacement. Always go to a reputable repair shop and get a quote before any iPhone 11 water damage repair.
Will rice fix a water-damaged iPhone 11?
Placing a wet iPhone 11 in rice is a popular DIY solution for trying to extract moisture from the device. Here’s an overview of using rice to fix an iPhone with water damage:
- How it works – Rice absorbs ambient moisture. Burying a wet iPhone in rice allows the rice to slowly draw water vapor away from the phone.
- Effective drying method – Rice can be an effective way to help dry out a slightly wet iPhone, especially in hard-to-reach areas like headphone ports.
- Works best alongside air drying – For best results, combine rice with leaving your iPhone powered off and exposed to open air.
- May not fully fix severe damage – If your iPhone was fully submerged, rice alone likely won’t resolve any internal issues caused by the water.
While the rice technique can help dry out a slightly wet iPhone, it may not be enough for an iPhone that was fully submerged. You’ll likely need to combine rice with proper air drying and possibly professional repair if there is any internal water damage.
Does putting an iPhone 11 in rice actually work?
Here is a breakdown of how effective using rice can be for drying out and fixing an iPhone 11 with water damage:
- Works for minor exposure – If your iPhone just got a little wet or damp, burying it in rice can help absorb some of the moisture.
- Draws moisture from tight spaces – Rice can extract water from hard-to-reach crevices like headphone ports.
- Cheap and readily available – Rice is an affordable and easy DIY solution for slight iPhone water damage.
- Requires patience – It can take 24-48 hours or more for rice to dry out an iPhone.
- May not fully dry inner components – Rice alone often can’t fix major internal damage from liquid.
- Works best with other methods – Combine rice with powering off your iPhone, air drying, fans, etc.
For minor, external water exposure, rice can potentially help dry out and recover an iPhone 11. But for major damage after submersion, rice is usually insufficient as a solo solution. It works best paired with proper air drying techniques.
DIY vs Professional iPhone 11 Water Damage Repair
If your iPhone 11 suffered major water damage, you have two main options – DIY repair techniques or professional repair services. Here’s how they compare:
| DIY Repair | Professional Repair |
|---|---|
|
|
For slight water exposure where your iPhone remains functional, DIY rice drying or air drying techniques may do the trick. But if liquids caused internal component damage, your best bet is to take it to a professional iPhone repair shop for proper servicing. Paying more can greatly reduce the risk of permanent damage.
Can you fix water damage on iPhone 11 yourself?
It is possible to successfully fix a slightly water-damaged iPhone 11 yourself using the right techniques. Here are some tips for DIY iPhone water damage repair:
- Immediately power off your iPhone and dry it with a soft cloth.
- Never try to power on or charge a wet iPhone.
- Allow ample time for air drying – 24 hours or more.
- Use rice, desiccant packs, or a fan to help extract moisture.
- Check for and resolve any stuck buttons or ports.
- Clean any corrosion on external parts with isopropyl alcohol.
- If needed, replace external parts like the screen or battery.
With minor exposure that doesn’t damage internal components, these DIY techniques have a decent chance of success. But for major submersion damage, you’ll likely need professional help to fix any issues inside the iPhone.
Should I put my water damaged iPhone 11 in the sun?
You may be tempted to put your wet iPhone 11 directly in sunlight thinking it will help dry it out faster. But this isn’t recommended, for a few reasons:
- The sun’s UV rays can actually damage your iPhone display and plastic components.
- Direct sunlight can cause additional moisture in your iPhone to quickly evaporate, which can cause corrosion issues.
- The hot temperature of the sun can potentially damage iPhone internal components and parts.
It’s better to let your iPhone dry out of direct sunlight. Indirect natural light is fine, but avoid exposing your wet iPhone to the concentrated heat and UV rays of direct sunlight. Keep it in shade and use a fan to circulate air instead.
Conclusion
The iPhone 11 is impressively water resistant and can handle occasional minor splashes or even brief submersion thanks to its IP68 rating. But it’s still important to dry it out properly and avoid exposing it to liquids as much as possible. For major water damage, professional repair may be necessary. With proper precautions, your iPhone 11 can withstand the occasional spill.