The iPhone 11 is not waterproof, but it does have a water-resistance rating of IP68. According to Apple, that means the iPhone 11 can withstand being submerged in six feet of water for up to 30 minutes, while the iPhone 11 Pro and Pro Max can be submerged in 13 feet of water for 30 minutes.
However, the water-resistance of the iPhone 11 will decrease over time from normal wear and tear. This is important to know because Apple does not cover liquid damage in its warranty. So, you might have to buy a new iPhone if it breaks due to water damage.
If your iPhone has been damaged by water, it might be time to upgrade to a newer model. Check out Amazon’s iPhone page to find one that works best for you.
Can You Swim or Shower With an iPhone 11?
Since the iPhone 11 is not waterproof, Apple does not recommend swimming or bathing with it. Since it has an ingress protection (IP) rating of IP68, the iPhone 11 will be damaged by high-pressure water jets or steam, according to the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC). That means you should also avoid using your iPhone in the shower, sauna, or while doing water sports.
What to Do If Your iPhone 11 Gets Wet
If your iPhone 11 gets wet, wipe it down with a lint-free cloth. Then gently tap it against your hand to remove excess water. Finally, place your iPhone 11 in front of a fan until it is completely dry, which can take up to a day.
- If your iPhone 11 gets wet with a liquid other than water, rinse the area with tap water. If your iPhone was submerged in water, you can skip this step.
- Then wipe it down with a lint-free cloth. It is recommended that you use a lens cloth, like the kind made for cleaning eyeglasses. Do not insert a cotton swab or paper towel into the lightning port to dry it.
- Next, gently tap it against your hand with the lighting port facing down to remove excess water. Apple warns users against putting their iPhones in rice, as the particles could damage the device.
- Finally, place your iPhone 11 in front of a fan until it is dry. For the best results, point the lightning port on the bottom of the device toward the fan. Do not dry your phone using compressed air or any device that blows hot air, like a blow dryer.
According to Apple, it might take up to 24 hours for your iPhone to fully dry. You should wait at least 30 minutes before charging your iPhone 11 with a lightning cable, otherwise, you can permanently damage it. For wireless charging, make sure the back of the smartphone is dry before placing it on top of the charging device.
Once your iPhone is dry, check out our guide on how to clean your iPhone.
How to Tell If Your iPhone Has Water Damage
All iPhones released since 2006 have a built-in Liquid Contact Indicator (LCI) that will turn red when it comes into contact with water. This will let you know if water was able to get inside your iPhone. You can find the LCI inside the SIM card tray on newer iPhone models.
To access the Liquid Contact Indicator in an iPhone 11, open your SIM card tray using a paper clip or another long, pointy object. Then remove the tray and hold your iPhone at an angle under a light. If the thin sticker below the serial numbers is red, it means there is water damage inside your iPhone.
If you have tried everything and your iPhone is still malfunctioning, check out our step-by-step guide on how to factory reset your iPhone.
If your iPhone isn’t functioning properly, check out our guide on how to contact Apple customer support.
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