iPhone can withstand salt water: What to do if your device gets wet

For some time now, mobile phones have incorporated the ability to withstand water. And, as expected, the case of iPhones is no different. In fact, relatively recent models, such as the iPhone 7, already included some type of protection against water. However, An iPhone can withstand salt water? What can you do if your device comes into contact with it? Let's see.

The fact that our mobile is waterproof It does not mean that it is able to withstand any conditions extreme to which we subject it. Rather, what it means is that in the event of accidental contact with liquids, you will not suffer significant damage. So, can an iPhone resist water or not?

Can an iPhone resist water?

If your phone accidentally got wet with water or another liquid, you may be wondering if an iPhone can withstand water. The short answer is yes.. You won't lose your phone because it got a little wet or for a few moments. This is due to the IP68 or IP67 certification according to the IEC 60529 standard that Apple mobile phones incorporate.

For example, the latest iPhone models have IP68 certification, which makes them splash, water and dust resistant. In this sense, Apple states that since iPhone 12 Pro Max, even the iPhone 15 supports a time of up to 30 minutes in water at a maximum depth of 6 meters.

Now, the truth is that this certification is the result of studies carried out in controlled laboratories. Hence It does not give us permission to submerge the iPhone to take photos or record underwater. This point is extremely important, since the same Apple warranty warns that it does not cover damage caused by liquids.

Yes, an iPhone can withstand water: the problem is salt

We have already seen that your iPhone can withstand water if it accidentally falls into it. But beware! Here we are talking about fresh water, The situation changes abysmally when it comes to salt water. Because? Because salt water is much more corrosive than fresh water. Even if you dry your phone completely, it is possible that salt remains on some of its parts and they either rust, or worse, there is a short circuit.

Something that will help prevent your phone from suffering significant damage is that it is in good physical condition. This will allow the protection offered by the manufacturer to be completely effective. So obviously The risk increases when the mobile phone has a break or a knock on its screen or in its main holes. Also, keep in mind that water resistance decreases with normal use and the passage of time.

iPhone can resist water: What to do if it gets wet in salt water?

Well, let's assume that your phone has indeed been wet with salt water. You went to the beach with your phone in your pocket, you were taking photos and it fell into the water, you went surfing with it... let's say it was an accident. What to do now? If you are thinking of drying it, don't do it! The first thing to do is Soak the phone in water. “In water?” Yes, in fresh water.

If your phone got wet with salt water, It is very important to remove all the salt that could have entered its internal parts. This way, once you take step number two (drying it) there will be no salt crystallizations left anywhere. All in all, if your phone is cracked, it is best to avoid pouring more water on it, as this can cause a worse problem than the initial one. If this is the case, dry it with a soft, lint-free cloth.

What else can you do if your iPhone has gotten wet with salt water? After soaking it in fresh water, follow the suggestions below:

• Give it a few gentle taps with your hand while holding it cwith the USB-C connector pointing downward.
• Place the iPhone facing a stream of cold air to help with the drying process. Never dry iPhone with an external heat source, or insert foreign objects, such as Q-tips or napkins, into its connectors.
• Use a application as Clear Wave to remove any water that has entered its holes.
• Avoid charging your phone for at least 5 hours. Please note that it may take up to 24 hours for this to dry completely.
• Don't put your iPhone in rice, since small particles could enter its interior and damage some of its parts.
• If you want to charge it wirelessly, make sure its surface is completely dry. You can wipe it with a soft cloth, such as a glasses cleaning wipe.
• When you decide to charge it, pay attention if the iPhone alerts you that there is liquid in the Lightning or USB-C port.

What you should avoid to avoid causing liquid damage to an iPhone

Finally, How can you prevent your iPhone from coming into contact with salt water? Obviously, there are some actions you should avoid to reduce the chances of a water accident occurring. For example, if you are going to shower before or after entering the beach or pool, make sure your cell phone is not in your pocket.

Also, do not expose your iPhone to sports such as water skiing or surfing. Also do not take it if you are going to ride a jet ski or any attraction at the beach or pool. Furthermore, it is important that avoid using your cell phone in humid places like a sauna or steam room. Nor in direct contact with your sweat.

In conclusion, although an iPhone can resist water, It is best that you never intentionally submerge it in it., much less if it is salty. It is also essential that you minimize exposure to any liquids. And, if your phone accidentally gets wet, follow the tips discussed in this article to avoid further damage.