Getting your iPhone 13 Pro wet can be a scary experience. Water can cause serious damage to the internal components of your phone and in some cases may even render it unusable. Fortunately, the iPhone 13 Pro has an IP68 rating for water resistance, meaning it can withstand being submerged in up to 6 meters of water for up to 30 minutes without damage.
Will my iPhone 13 Pro still work if it gets wet?
If your iPhone 13 Pro gets splashed or briefly submerged in water, there is a good chance it will still work normally. The key is to not panic and follow a few important steps:
- Immediately remove your phone from the water and dry it off with a lint-free cloth. Be sure to pat gently and avoid rubbing.
- Do not attempt to charge your phone while it is still wet. Make sure it is completely dry first.
- Do not try turning your phone on right away. Water in the ports and openings can short circuit the device if powered on.
- Allow your phone to dry out completely for at least 24 hours before attempting to use it. Place it in a dry, warm area with airflow.
If you follow these steps, there is a good chance your iPhone 13 Pro will still work normally once fully dried out. The water resistance is designed to protect it in situations like an accidental drop in water.
Are there any indicators if water damage has occurred?
There are a few signs that can indicate water damage to your iPhone 13 Pro:
- Condensation or fogging up of the camera lenses, screen, or back glass.
- Rattling or muffled speaker sound.
- Unresponsive buttons, ports or volume controls.
- Presence of moisture or corrosion inside charging port.
- Discoloration on metal sides or internal components.
If you notice any of these issues, there is a chance liquid has infiltrated the internal components and caused corrosion. Your best bet is to have the phone evaluated by an Apple Authorized Service Provider.
How does the water resistance work on the iPhone 13 Pro?
The iPhone 13 Pro has an industry-leading IP68 rating for water and dust resistance. Here is a quick breakdown of what that rating means:
- The IP68 rating means the device was tested and certified to withstand dust, dirt and sand without damage.
- The 6 refers to the highest level of protection from liquid ingress, with the phone able to be submerged in up to 6 meters of water for up to 30 minutes.
- The water protection applies to fresh water only – not liquids like chlorinated water, beverages, soaps or shampoos.
- Apple used advanced gaskets, seals and waterproof adhesives around the openings to prevent water from entering the phone.
- The water resistance is not permanent and can diminish over time with normal wear.
While the IP68 rating offers excellent protection, it does not make the iPhone 13 Pro impervious to water damage. It is still important to dry the phone off and avoid exposing it to moisture when possible.
What are some common ways iPhones get wet?
Some of the most common scenarios where an iPhone can get exposed to moisture include:
- Dropping it in the sink, tub or toilet: Accidentally knocking your phone into water is one of the most prevalent ways it gets wet. Using your phone near sinks or tubs increases this risk.
- Spills and splashes: Leaving drinks or wet items near your phone can result in spills and splashes that get moisture in openings.
- Using it in the rain or snow: Getting caught in precipitation without enough protection can wet your phone, especially if in a heavy downpour.
- Swimming or boating with it: Unless specifically using a waterproof case, do not intentionally submerge or use your phone underwater.
- Exercising with it: Sweat from working out while wearing or holding your phone can accumulate and seep into cracks.
Being aware of these common water exposure risks allows you to take precautions to keep your iPhone dry. Consider using a waterproof case or avoiding having your phone around water altogether.
What should I do if my iPhone 13 Pro gets wet?
If your iPhone 13 Pro accidentally gets splashed, dropped in liquid or exposed to moisture, follow these steps:
- Immediately retrieve it from the liquid and gently shake off excess water. Do not press any buttons yet.
- Dry the phone with a soft, lint-free cloth. Gently pat dry all surfaces, openings, and connectors. Do not rub vigorously.
- Do not attempt to turn on your phone or charge it until completely dry.
- Place the phone in a dry, warm spot to air dry for at least 24-48 hours. Point a fan at it to speed up drying.
- Once fully dried, try turning it on. If it does not power on, you may need to take it to Apple Support for inspection.
- Avoid using your phone around moisture until you can get it serviced. Consider investing in a waterproof case for protection.
Following these steps gives your iPhone 13 Pro the best chance of surviving liquid exposure. Never try charging it while wet, as this can short circuit and damage components.
How can I dry out my wet iPhone 13 Pro as quickly as possible?
If your iPhone gets wet, you’ll want to dry it out as quickly and thoroughly as possible. Here are some tips to expedite the drying process:
- Use a lint-free cloth to gently blot up any excess moisture. Don’t rub vigorously.
- Do not apply heat directly to the phone. Heat can damage internal components.
- Point a fan directly at the phone to speed up evaporation. Allow lots of air circulation.
- Place the phone on an absorbent towel or cloth, which will help draw out moisture.
- Insert a moisture-absorbing pack (silica gel) into a bag or storage box with the phone.
- You can also leave the phone submerged in a bowl of uncooked rice. The rice will help absorb the moisture.
- Avoid using blow dryers or other heating devices which may overheat and damage the phone.
Be patient and allow the phone to air dry for at least 24 hours before trying to use it again. This gives moisture on the inside a chance to fully evaporate so you don’t risk short circuiting components.
How does moisture damage an iPhone?
Water and moisture can damage an iPhone in a few key ways:
- Short circuiting: Water conducts electricity. If water bridges connections on logic boards or connectors, it can short circuit and fry components.
- Corrosion: Water reacts with metal surfaces and can cause oxidization or corrosion, especially on delicate electronics.
- Mineral deposits: As water evaporates, it leaves behind mineral deposits on logic boards that can cause electrical shorts.
- Component degradation: Moisture can degrade glues, adhesives, protective coatings and seals designed to keep water out.
- Interference: Water can interfere with touch screen functionality, button presses, and the wireless signal.
To avoid permanent damage, it is critical to dry an iPhone that gets wet as quickly and thoroughly as possible. Water penetration to internal components must be prevented.
What components are most vulnerable to water damage?
Here are some of the iPhone components most prone to water damage:
- Logic board: The main circuit board containing the CPU and other electronics is very susceptible to short circuiting and corrosion from moisture.
- Battery: Water can corrode exposed battery terminals and internal battery components, posing a safety issue.
- Display: The OLED display and backlighting system can fail if moisture seeps behind the screen.
- Cameras: Water can permanently fog up camera lenses and degrade autofocus motors.
- Speakers: Speakers can produce muffled, scratchy sound if moisture enters the speaker grille.
- Dock connector: The dock connector is vulnerable to corrosion and sediment buildup from wetness.
Preventing water from reaching these components is key to avoiding major device failure. Waterproof cases provide an added layer of protection when using your phone around moisture.
What should I do if my wet iPhone won’t turn back on?
If your iPhone 13 Pro gets wet and then will not power back on after drying out for over 24 hours, it likely has internal water damage. Here are some steps to try:
- Re-dry it for 72 hours using fans, rice, and desiccant packs to ensure all moisture is gone.
- Try a different charger and charging cable to rule out a connection issue.
- Force restart the phone by pressing Volume Up, Volume Down, then holding the Side button.
- Reset the phone by holding Volume Up, Volume Down and Power until the Apple logo appears.
- Clean out the Lightning port for any water or debris preventing charging.
- If you have AppleCare+ coverage, take it to an Apple Store for repair evaluation.
- Without coverage, seek professional microsoldering data recovery services.
Getting a wet iPhone to successfully turn back on after drying requires patience. If it powers on intermittently or loses functionality, internal water damage is likely the cause.
How much does it cost to repair an iPhone with water damage?
The cost to repair an iPhone 13 Pro with liquid damage can vary significantly depending on the parts affected. Here are some average repair costs:
- Full device replacement: $549+ without AppleCare+
- New logic board: $200-300
- Battery replacement: $69+
- Display repair: $279+
- Speaker or microphone: $25-50
- Dock connector replacement: $60-80
- Corrosion cleaning: $60-100
Liquid damage is not covered under Apple’s standard 1-year warranty. AppleCare+ covers damage from accidents like water at a lower service fee of $99-129. Without coverage, a single spill can result in hundreds in repair bills.
How can I avoid water damage to my iPhone?
Use these precautions to keep your iPhone dry and avoid costly water damage:
- Keep your phone away from sinks, tubs, pools, puddles, sprinklers and high splash risk areas.
- Never intentionally submerge your iPhone, even briefly.
- Invest in a waterproof case for outdoor activities, water sports and beach days.
- Use a hydrophobic screen protector to repel spills and raindrops.
- Avoid spills by not eating or drinking near your phone.
- Dry your hands before handling your phone, especially after washing.
- Never charge your phone if it is wet. Wait for it to fully dry.
- Back up your data regularly so it can be restored if water damage occurs.
A few simple precautions can go a long way in preventing headaches from liquid damage. If your iPhone does get wet, act quickly to dry it thoroughly and avoid using it until it has had time to dry out completely.
Conclusion
Getting an iPhone 13 Pro wet can definitely be scary, but fortunately the water resistance helps protect it from minor splashes and accidents. Make sure to dry it off immediately, let it air dry for at least 24 hours before using, and watch for any signs of internal water damage. With proper precautions, you can avoid expensive liquid damage repairs and safely use your iPhone around water.
