Is the iPhone 12 waterproof? What You Should Do When Your iPhone 12 is wet

Is the iPhone 12 waterproof? One of the most important marketed features of the new iPhone 12 Pro Max is water resistance, sometimes even demonstrated in pictures of the phones being splashed with water. But just how waterproof is Apple’s first 5G phone, the iPhone 12? Do you need a case?

For people like myself who’s ever suffered that sinking feeling that comes from getting their phone wet and realizing it doesn’t work anymore, water resistance is a huge plus. 

The fact that the Tech Giant, Apple is much-emphasizing water resistance in its marketing efforts for the new iPhone 12 series, which includes models iPhone 12 Pro, iPhone 12 Mini, and iPhone 12 Pro Max is no coincidence. As we all know losing an expensive phone to water damage is a problem that thousands of consumers face every year. Water damage accounts for around 39% of all smartphone accidental damage incidents.

Is the iPhone 12 waterproof?

To answer your question, Is the iPhone 12 Waterproof?, No but it has water resistance; Apple’s iPhone 12 is resistant. And so too are the iPhone 12 Pro, iPhone 12 Mini, and iPhone 12 Pro Max.

So when you buy a new iPhone 12, not only are you getting OLED displays across the entire range, and 5G, but you also get full IP68 certification for water and dust resistance.

It’s crucial to keep in mind that water-resistant does not imply waterproof. Water-proof refers to a device that is completely impervious to water, whereas water-resistant refers to a device that can endure a limited level of water exposure. You won’t be able to take any ocean cliff-diving footage with the iPhone 12 Pro Max’s camera because it’s only water-resistant, not waterproof. High-velocity water can destroy the phone, therefore high-speed drops into multiple feet of water will almost surely kill your phone.

While the iPhone 12 is not waterproof, it does have a water-resistance rating of IP68. According to Apple, that means all iPhone 12 models can be submerged in roughly 20 feet (6 meters) of water for up to 30 minutes without being damaged. However, Apple states that the water-resistance of the iPhone 12 will degrade over time. This is important to note because liquid damage is not covered under Apple’s warranty, so you will have to buy a new iPhone if it breaks.

ALSO, READ; Is the Samsung s21 ultra waterproof? Find Out

Water-Resistance isn’t a new feature for the iPhone

According to the Tech Giant, Apple, these iPhone models are splash, water, and dust resistant and were tested under controlled laboratory conditions:

• iPhone 13
• iPhone 13 mini
• iPhone 13 Pro
• iPhone 13 Pro Max
• iPhone 12
• iPhone 12 mini
• iPhone 12 Pro

• iPhone 12 Pro Max
• iPhone SE (2nd generation)
• iPhone 11
• iPhone 11 Pro
• iPhone 11 Pro Max
• iPhone XS
• iPhone XS Max

• iPhone XR
• iPhone X
• iPhone 8
• iPhone 8 Plus
• iPhone 7
• iPhone 7 Plus

These models have a rating of IP68 under IEC standard 60529 (maximum depth of 6 meters up to 30 minutes):

• iPhone 13
• iPhone 13 mini
• iPhone 13 Pro

• iPhone 13 Pro Max
• iPhone 12
• iPhone 12 mini

• iPhone 12 Pro
• iPhone 12 Pro Max

These models have a rating of IP68 under IEC standard 60529 (maximum depth of 4 meters up to 30 minutes):

• iPhone 11 Pro
• iPhone 11 Pro Max

These models have a rating of IP68 under IEC standard 60529 (maximum depth of 2 meters up to 30 minutes):

• iPhone 11
• iPhone XS
• iPhone XS Max

These models have a rating of IP67 under IEC standard 60529 (maximum depth of 1 meter up to 30 minutes):

• iPhone SE (2nd generation)
• iPhone XR
• iPhone X
• iPhone 8

• iPhone 8 Plus
• iPhone 7
• iPhone 7 Plus

Which iPhones is Waterproof?

There are no iPhones that are fully waterproof. We are hoping to get a device that will be fully waterproof in the future. However, for now, all models since the iPhone 7 are water-resistant. The iPhone’s water-resistance rating has increased over the years, and the iPhone 12 is more waterproof than any other model.  

This is what to do When Your iPhone Gets Wet

Here is a step you can follow when your iPhone gets wet.

• If a liquid other than water splashes on your iPhone, rinse the affected area with tap water.
• Wipe your iPhone off with a soft, lint-free cloth—for example, a lens cloth.
• Make sure that your iPhone is dry before opening the SIM tray.
• To dry your iPhone, tap it gently against your hand with the Lightning connector facing down to remove excess liquid. 
• Leave your iPhone in a dry area with some airflow. 
• Placing your iPhone in front of a fan blowing cool air directly into the Lightning connector might help the drying process.
• Don’t dry your iPhone using an external heat source or insert a foreign object, such as a cotton swab or a paper towel, into the Lightning connector.
• Unplug all cables and do not charge your device until it’s completely dry. 
• Using accessories or charging when wet might damage your iPhone. 
• Allow at least 5 hours before charging with a Lightning cable or connecting a Lightning accessory.

How to Tell if Your iPhone 12 Is Water Damaged

All iPhone 12 models have a built-in Liquid Contact Indicator (LCI) that will turn from white to red if it comes in contact with liquid. You can find this sticker by opening the SIM card tray below the power button on the side of your iPhone 12.