Are iPhones Still Waterproof If They Have A Cracked Screen?

August 7, 2021

Are iPhones Still Waterproof If They Have A Cracked Screen?

One situation where a waterproof or water-resistant iPhone doesn’t live up to its tag is when it has a cracked screen. It has been stated by Apple in its literature that each device’s water resistance is temporary, and the waterproof rating diminishes with wear and tear. Consequently, your iPhone will not be protected from water damage if it has a cracked screen because it leaves the device’s water seal integrity compromised. Therefore, your phone is at greater risk if the screen is not in good condition.

Are iPhone 11 waterproof with a cracked screen?

Nothing is water proof, it's simply water resistant. In the case of a phone with a cracked screen, it's compromised. Water will get in and trash the device.

Are iPhones Still Waterproof If They Have A Cracked Screen?

The difference between waterproof and water-resistant iPhones

Taking the iPhone 8 as an example, it is water-resistant but not waterproof. For a device to be waterproof means that no amount of liquid can enter it. It is completely sealed off from the liquid. Therefore, if you immerse a waterproof product in water for an indefinite period of time, it can't seep through. Meanwhile, a water-resistant product means that water cannot enter the device only in certain conditions. These conditions include the depth of water pressure and the duration of exposure time.

Is my iPhone actually waterproof?

Each iPhone 14 model is IP68 certified per the IEC standard number 60529. In layperson's terms, your phone can be submerged in up to 19.7 feet of water, or 6 meters. It can also resist dust and other small debris. Going beyond the designated depth limit can damage or destroy your phone.

Can a wet iPhone be repaired?

Iphones can be fixed after suffering water damage! We can replace any affected parts, and try to get your iPhone up and running. We can even use our skills form macbook board repair to replace surface mount components to remove any shorts thus making the phone bootable.

Can I dry my iPhone with a hair dryer?

Do not -- we repeat, do not -- use a blow dryer; the heat can damage the phone. If you have a phone or a gadget with a cover that comes off, take it off, and take out the battery, the SIM card, and anything else that can easily be removed. Dry all those things off. The question of whether iPhones with cracked screens are still waterproof is a common concern among Apple device users. Apple's marketing often boasts about the water-resistant capabilities of their products, but what happens when the screen is damaged? In this article, we'll delve into the intricacies of iPhone waterproofing and address the myths and realities surrounding cracked screens. Understanding iPhone Waterproofing: Before addressing the impact of cracked screens, it's crucial to comprehend how Apple designs its iPhones to be water-resistant. Apple has introduced various models with different levels of water resistance, but most of them adhere to the IP (Ingress Protection) rating standards. For example, an iPhone with an IP68 rating is designed to withstand being submerged in up to 6 feet of water for 30 minutes.
The Role of Screen Damage: A cracked screen affects the structural integrity of the iPhone. The screen, made of glass, is a vital component of the device's overall design. A crack can compromise the phone's ability to maintain a tight seal, which is necessary for water resistance. The question is, to what extent does screen damage impact water resistance?
Apple's Stance on Screen Damage and Waterproofing: Apple's official stance is that cracked screens can indeed affect an iPhone's water resistance. The company advises against exposing damaged iPhones to water, as the seal may be compromised. They make it clear that cracked screens are not covered by their warranty for water damage.
The Extent of the Impact: The extent to which a cracked screen affects water resistance varies depending on the severity of the damage. A minor crack may not have a significant impact, while a shattered screen with visible gaps can pose a more considerable risk. The potential water damage can extend beyond the screen itself and impact the internal components.
DIY Solutions and Aftermarket Repairs: Some users attempt to repair their cracked screens with DIY kits or seek third-party repairs. While these can be cost-effective solutions for fixing the screen, they may not fully restore the device's original waterproofing capabilities. The quality of the repair and the adhesives used play a crucial role in this regard.
Regular Maintenance and Best Practices: To ensure your iPhone remains as waterproof as possible, regular maintenance is essential. This includes promptly addressing screen damage, using high-quality screen protectors, and being cautious when exposing the device to water.
In conclusion, iPhones with cracked screens are generally not as waterproof as their undamaged counterparts. The extent of the impact depends on the severity of the damage, and it's always advisable to exercise caution when using a damaged iPhone around water. Repairing the screen through authorized channels is the best way to maintain the device's original waterproofing capabilities and protect your investment. While I've provided a comprehensive overview of the topic, it's important to keep in mind that specific circumstances may vary, and individual experiences with cracked screens and water resistance can differ.

Can water get through a cracked phone screen?

You will likely be having to replace the screen and digitizer soon if the water made it through the cracks in the outer screen. If your phone screen is cracked you will have to get it replaced anyways. The difference is if water gets in your screen is gone and other components may also suffer damage.

What are the first signs of water damage on a phone?

Just as with Samsung and Android devices, if the LCI has made contact with a liquid the white strip will turn red. Unfortunately, a discoloured strip in your brand-new Samsung usually renders your phone ineligible for a standard manufacturer warranty.

Can I still use my iPhone if the screen is cracked?

There are a lot of ways your phone can actually get further damaged if you continue using it with its broken screen. For one, the ability for the touch screen to function will get less and less, often to the point where it will finally stop responding to any touches you make.

Is the iPhone 13 waterproof if cracked?

They are water resistant. The iPhone 13 is water resistant with an IP68 rating, which means it can survive submersion in water for up to 30 minutes if the water is less than 6 meters (19.6 feet) deep. Damage to the iPhone, like dents, bends, or cracks may compromise its water resistance rating.

What are the first signs of water damage on a phone?

Does putting phone in rice work?

Rice doesn't dry out your phone faster or more effectively. It's not going to pull all that water out. Instead, the dust and starch will get into your phone and cause more damage down the line. You can also get rice, dust and starch stuck in the different ports of your phone.

Are iPhones Still Waterproof If They Have A Cracked Screen?

What To Do If Your iPhone Comes Into Contact With Water

So, your phone fell into the water. You don’t need to panic. The next line of action should be your concern. The rate of contact with water depends on the IP rating. Some iPhones can resist water damage when three feet underwater for over 20 minutes, like the iPhone 8. However, since the waterproof seal may diminish with time, the following precautions need to be taken:

Turn off the device.
Clean up the remaining water with a cloth quickly.
Tap the phone against your palm lightly to remove excess water with the charging port facing down.
Place the phone in a dry place with access to air, and it is important not to connect it to a charger during that period. You can also direct a cool air fan towards it to hasten the process.
For clarity and to be on the safe side of things, visit the Apple store for inspection.

How to Prevent Water Damage

It’s not advisable to take your phone into the shower, or is it? The best way you can reduce the risk of water damage is to avoid contact with water or any form of liquid as much as possible. You can take extra precautions by starting to use a waterproof case. This protective case offers you another layer of protection on the IP moisture scale, increasing the device’s waterproof rating from IP67 to IP68. This means your iPhone can go another half metre deep into the water for more than 20 minutes without the fear of damage. Although for a water-resistant case to be fully waterproof, the moisture rating would need to be at the maximum grade of 9 out of 9.

What to Do If Your iPhone Screen Cracks

Unless it is total damage, you can live with a cracked screen for a while before you get it fixed. Do the following to ease your pain:

Try to remove any remnants of glass remaining on the damaged screen and be careful with your fingers to prevent splinters.
Cover the badly cracked part with tape. Make sure you didn’t cover the microphone, speaker, or home button.
If you’re the tech-savvy type, you can try to fix it yourself with the tools and equipment needed (not advisable).
Ultimately, if the damage is way past your jurisdiction, contact Apple Care and they will get it fixed.

It might even be at a low cost or free of charge, depending on your device model and service plan. Note that liquid damage is not included in the one-year warranty.

Ways to Prevent Your iPhone's Screen From Cracking

There are some things you can do to prevent the issue of cracked phones from being a recurring action. This is also useful for new devices.

Purchase a good screen protector and a waterproof case because the iPhone is water resistant but not waterproof.
Prevent impact. No matter what happens, try as much as possible to minimise the impact by breaking the fall of your iPhone. You will do well by preventing a front-side-down impact. Create a backup plan.
Back up your phone regularly if you are the type that can’t trust yourself enough to prevent accidents. Also, you can get an insurance policy that will cover you