Is iPhone 8 Waterproof? Everything You Need To Know
Is iPhone 8 Waterproof?
Recently dropped your iPhone 8 in the sink? and wondering if the device is waterproof?
This article will quickly and clearly cover everything you need to know about the iPhone 8’s waterproof rating.
Similar to the iPhone 7 and 7 Plus, the iPhone 8, and iPhone 8 Plus are also IP67 rated as per tests outlined by the IEC 60529 standard.
What does this IP67 rating mean?
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What does IP67 Rating Mean? Does it Mean iPhone 8 and iPhone 8 Plus are Waterproof?
The ‘IP67′ rating on the iPhone 8 stands for Ingress Protection. The ’67’ denotes that the new iPhones are fully protected against dust ingress and can withstand being submerged in water for up to 30 mins at 1.5m depth. The first digit ‘6’ is the dust-proof rating, and the second digit ‘7’ is the waterproof rating of the device. So, iPhone 8 and iPhone 8 Plus are water-resistant, they’re not waterproof.
Difference between Waterproof or Water Resistant?
First, let’s clarify the difference between the terms waterproof and water resistant.
“Waterproof” means that a device is 100% sealed off from liquid entering inside it. Waterproof products can therefore withstand submersion in water for an indefinite period of time without liquid seeping into them.
On the other hand, “water resistant” means that a device is protected from water under certain conditions. Water resistance is typically associated with a depth of water pressure and a duration of exposure time.
Also read: What to do if Your iPad is Charging Slow
The Fine Print
The important thing to note, however, is that the IP rating of your device does not make it resistant to all and any kind of liquid. Pressurized water can easily breach the water resistance seal of the handset and seep inside the device thereby damaging the internals. Similarly, salt/sea water is a strict no-no. Do NOT take your iPhone 8 or iPhone X with you to the beach for swimming thinking nothing will happen.
Seawater can cause a lot of damage to water resistant devices. If you do end up dropping your new iPhone in salt/sea water, quickly take it out of the water and even if it is working fine, wash it thoroughly with fresh water and then dry it properly. Follow the same steps if you spill any other liquid on your new iPhone as well.
Wear and Tear
The iPhone X and iPhone 8 achieve their IP67 certification by sealing the internals using rubber gaskets. The IP certification of the devices will deteriorate over time, though this should not make a huge difference. Most importantly, though, if you drop your iPhone 8 or iPhone X and its frame or the structure of the chassis is affected in any way, its IP rating can be compromised.
Does Apple’s Warranty Cover Water Damage?
Unfortunately, no it doesn’t.
Despite Apple marketing the waterproof nature of the iPhone 8, the company’s warranty does not cover liquid damage. Apple’s warranty documentation explicitly states this.
Moreover, Apple specifically advises against bringing your iPhone 8 into contact with water. So, if your iPhone 8 has water damage, unfortunately Apple will not repair or replace it for you without charging you their out-of-warranty replacement cost.
In fact, every iPhone 8 even comes with an internal Liquid Contact Indicator (LCI) which activates on contact with liquid. Here’s a diagram of the LCI’s location on an iPhone 8 or iPhone 8 Plus. If the LCI has been activated as in the image below, Apple is unlikely to honour their warranty on the phone.
Also read: What does iOS stand for
What To Do If Your Device Gets Wet
If your iPhone 8 comes into contact with water, don’t fret, it’s probably fine.
Referring back to your phone’s IP rating, it should be able to resist water damage under 1 meter (3 feet) of fresh water for up to a maximum of 30 minutes.
That being said, Apple warns that the waterproof seal may diminish with time, so you should still take the following precautions:
- If your phone is on, turn it off. If it turns itself off, leave it off!
- Wipe up the water with a cloth as soon as possible.
- Shake out any excess water from the device by lightly tapping it against your hand, charging port facing down.
- Set your iPhone 8 in a dry location, and make sure you don’t charge the device while it’s drying. You can speed up this process by aiming a cool air fan at the device, ideally directly at the charging port.
- When in doubt, take the phone to the Apple Store or to a certified technician to have it inspected.
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