Summer is Coming for Your iPhone:7 Ways to Prevent Water Damage
Pools, beaches, BBQs — summer is basically a minefield for your iPhone. In fact, Apple-authorized repair shops see about three times as many water damage cases in July and August as they do in winter. Here's how to avoid becoming a statistic.
Key Takeaways
- iPhone IP68 rating degrades over time. Apple states water resistance is not permanent
- Test waterproof cases with tissue paper before relying on them in water
- Apple does not recommend using rice to dry your iPhone. Use silica gel or air drying instead
Table of Contents
1. The 3 Big Reasons Water Damage Spikes in Summer
Pool parties, beach days, river trips, water sports — you're just bringing your iPhone near water more often. The classic mistakes? "Forgot it was in my pocket and jumped in," or "Dropped it while taking a picture."
A ton of summer sweat is a serious threat to your iPhone. The hot, humid environment inside your pocket can cause condensation inside the device, letting moisture sneak in without you even realizing it.
Spilling a drink at a BBQ or festival is a common one. Liquids with sugar or alcohol are way more corrosive than plain water, and they leave behind a sticky residue that can destroy the logic board even after they dry.
2. Scenario Breakdown: Risks & Fixes
The Beach
Saltwater is dozens of times more corrosive than fresh water. When it dries, salt crystals form on the logic board and slowly eat away at the circuits. Real talk: a waterproof pouch is non-negotiable at the beach. If it does take a dip in the ocean, the golden rule is to give it a quick rinse with fresh water *before* you dry it.
The Pool
Chlorine is bad news for the rubber gaskets that keep your iPhone water-resistant. That IP68 rating is based on tests in pure, still water—not a chlorinated pool. Don't trust it. Leave your phone in a locker or seal it in a waterproof pouch by your chair.
Camping & BBQs
When you're camping by a river, it's easy to leave your iPhone on an unstable rock or table. The classic combo is a fall straight into the water. Even just keeping it in a Ziploc bag can make a huge difference.
Festivals & Outdoor Events
Sudden downpours and surprise thunderstorms are a summer staple. So are spilled drinks in a crowded space. Your best bet is a waterproof pouch or a Ziploc bag on a lanyard around your neck.
3. 7 Proactive Steps You Can Take Right Now
Your Summer Water-Proofing Checklist
Keep a Waterproof Pouch in Your Bag
Even if you're not planning a beach day, just having one in your bag means you're ready for a sudden rainstorm or an impromptu water fight.
Install WaterKick Ahead of Time
It's too late once your phone is already wet. By installing it now, you can blast water out of your speakers the second it happens.
Turn On iCloud Backup
Even if water damage bricks your phone, at least your data is safe. Go to Settings → [Your Name] → iCloud → iCloud Backup and flip it on.
Pockets Are Out, Bags Are In
The number one cause of water damage is dropping your phone from your pocket. Near water, put it in a zipped-up bag and keep it somewhere high and dry.
Use a Case with a Lanyard
A simple neck or wrist strap means that even if you drop it, you can catch it before it sinks to the bottom.
Wipe It Down After You Sweat
Sweat can seep into the charging port and speaker grilles. Make it a habit to wipe your phone down with a microfiber cloth after a workout.
Get AppleCare+
If the worst happens, this will save you a ton of money on repairs. Water damage repair can cost hundreds, but with AppleCare+ it's a flat service fee. Getting it before summer is a smart move.
4. Our Go-To Waterproofing Gear
Here are a few items that can seriously help you prevent a summer water damage disaster.
We recommend one that's rated for underwater photography. Look for a triple-lock seal and a neck strap for peace of mind. Price range: $15-$30.
This is a case you leave on all the time. Many are MagSafe compatible, so you get everyday protection and waterproofing in one. Check out our Waterproof Case Guide for more.
No dedicated gear? The old-school Ziploc is your emergency backup. It's not perfect, but it's great for protection against rain and light splashes. Use two for extra security.
5. Okay, It Happened. What Now?
Summer Water Damage: Emergency First Aid
Get It Out of the Water. Fast.
The less time it's submerged, the better its chances. Every single second counts.
Power It Off → Wipe It Down
Water + electricity = dead phone. Killing the power is your top priority. Then, carefully wipe down the entire exterior.
Use WaterKick to Eject Water
If the speakers are still making sound, run WaterKick *before* you power it off. This can stop water in the speaker cavity from spreading deeper inside.
Let It Dry for 48+ Hours
Put it in a well-ventilated spot out of direct sunlight. In the summer, be extra careful—drying it in a hot car or in the sun can cause the battery to swell.
Special Warning for Saltwater
If your phone fell in the ocean, it's critical to give it a quick rinse with fresh water before drying it. If you let the salt dry inside, it will crystallize and corrode the components later. Just be gentle—don't blast water directly into the ports or speakers.
Get Your Summer Sidekick: WaterKick
Don't wait until your speaker sounds like it's underwater. Get the app now so you're ready for anything summer throws at you.
🚀 Download for FreeiOS 17+ ・ Free ・ No Ads
6. Frequently Asked Questions
Nope. That IP rating is for lab tests in pure, still fresh water—not the salty, wavy ocean. Plus, water resistance degrades over time. Always use a waterproof pouch at the beach.
You bet. Sweat contains salt, which is corrosive and can cause damage over time. It's a really good idea to wipe down your phone, especially around the speakers and charging port, after a run or a gym session.
It's not a direct risk, but it can lead to one. If you take a very hot phone into a cold, air-conditioned room, condensation can form inside the device. It's the same reason a cold can of soda "sweats" on a hot day. Try to avoid drastic temperature swings.