For a few generations, the Apple iPhone has been “waterproof” (this might also apply to other models, like the iPhone X), but the iPhone 11 isn’t always worry-free. It is so water-resistant that it might also be waterproof in everyday usage and environmental conditions. However, IP68 is still regarded as water-resistant by International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) standards; continue reading to find out why.

Understanding IP Ratings 

According to IEC standard 60529, the iPhone 11 has an IP68 rating. The IP rating is an industry standard for measuring how resistant a device is to water, dirt, and dust. How resistant it is to solid material, such as dirt and dust, is indicated by the first number in the IP rating (in the case of the iPhone 11, “6”). Six is rated as “protection from contact with harmful dust” in the IP chart.

The second number, which is “8” on the iPhone 11, measures the device’s “water resistance,” which is how resistant it is to liquids. “Protected from immersion in water with a depth of more than one meter” is the meaning of an eight on the scale.

Though not always, most ratings include a time estimate, which is typically around 30 minutes. This indicates that the iPhone 11 is nearly completely resistant to dust and dirt and can withstand immersion in water for 30 minutes at a depth of 1.5 meters (about five feet). There is a big difference between something being “waterproof” and “water resistant,” so you don’t want to leave it submerged in too much water.

The IP rating only applies to water, so keep that in mind. The iPhone 11 shouldn’t be damaged by a small amount of water, but this guarantee does not cover other liquids like soda, beer, milk, or coffee.

The iPhone 11 is among the most water-resistant gadgets thanks to its IP68 rating. However, this does not imply that you should intentionally subject it to liquid or moisture. An intact device is tested for water immersion by the IP rating. Your iPhone 11’s housing may have cracks or breaks that let water inside, damaging the internal parts.

Can I use the iPhone 11 in the shower? 

Using an iPhone 11 in the shower is not a good idea. Direct contact with the showerhead’s stream is more likely to harm than ambient moisture does. If you must use your phone in the restroom, leave it by the sink and wait to respond to any texts until you have finished your shower.

Can I use my iPhone 11 underwater? 

The same idea holds for using a phone while in the pool. If the pool isn’t too deep, the phone may be able to survive a brief submersion. Refrain from attempting to take underwater pictures. You might succeed without breaking your phone, but is the risk worth it? Invest in a waterproof phone case for taking underwater photos if you want to.

Saltwater’s corrosive and conductive properties make it even more harmful. It’s riskier to drop a device in the ocean than in a swimming pool.

What to do if the iPhone 11 gets wet? 

If your phone gets wet, you should do two things: 

1. If your phone got wet and you didn’t use a waterproof case, you must dry it immediately. Wipe any moisture from its exterior with a dry towel or cloth. Place the device in a dry area if water has gotten inside of it, and wait for it to dry. The previously mentioned rice trick works because rice grains can absorb moisture, but a dry environment will also do the trick.

2. Please do not turn it on until the iPhone is dry or connect it to a charger. Water can harm an electronic device, but the real threat comes from an electric current passing through it. Water conducts electricity, which can overtax delicate circuits and cause them to burn out. If you completely dry the device before turning it back on or attempting to charge it, your chances of regaining use of it without damage are the highest.

Apple states that it could take up to 24 hours for your iPhone to dry completely. Before charging your iPhone 11 with a lightning cable, you should wait at least 30 minutes to prevent permanent damage. Before placing the smartphone on top of the charging device for wireless charging, make sure the back is dry.

How to tell if your iPhone has water damage? 

Since 2006, every iPhone has included a Liquid Contact Indicator (LCI) that turns red when it comes into contact with liquids, including water. This will reveal whether water managed to enter your iPhone. The LCI can be found inside the SIM card tray on more recent iPhone models.

With a paper clip or other long, pointed object, open your SIM card tray on an iPhone 11 to access the Liquid Contact Indicator. In order to hold your iPhone at an angle under a light, first remove the tray. If the small sticker beneath the serial numbers is red, your iPhone has internal water damage.

Final Thoughts 

The iPhone 11 is a powerful device, but despite the protections put in place to increase the phone’s longevity, it is not intended to be used in environments with a lot of moisture. In other words, there is currently no “waterproof iPhone.” That being said, a spill or drop into a puddle unintentionally won’t likely cause the phone to malfunction, but it’s better to handle the phone gently than to push the limits of its IP68 rating. Also, avoid immersing an iPhone entirely underwater. A waterproof case, which can be found through various online retailers, may also be brilliant.