The Ultimate Guide to Protecting Your iPhonefrom Typhoons & Storms
Typhoon season means a huge spike in water damage risk from sudden, violent storms. We're talking about getting caught in a downpour on your commute, dropping your phone into a flooded street, or even dealing with a leaky roof. Here's how to prep for the unique ways a typhoon can wreck your phone.
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. How Typhoons Can Wreck Your iPhone
Getting your iPhone wet during a typhoon isn't like dropping it in a pool. The risks are totally different.
An umbrella won't save you from driving, sideways rain. It gets into pockets and bags from angles you wouldn't expect. We're talking way more water than a normal shower.
If you drop your phone while walking through a flooded street, it's sinking into dirty, muddy water. That gunk is way more corrosive than clean water.
You might not even be outside. A leaky window or roof can leave your iPhone sitting in a puddle without you even realizing it.
The power goes out, you start stressing about your battery, and you end up grabbing your phone with wet hands. This is a super common way to get water into the charging port and speakers.
2. What to Do Before the Storm Hits
Pre-Typhoon Checklist
Run a Manual iCloud Backup
If the worst happens and your phone dies, at least your data is safe. Go to Settings β Apple ID β iCloud β Back Up Now.
Install WaterKick
If your speakers do get wet, you'll want this app ready to go to eject the water immediately.
Grab a Waterproof Case or Ziploc Bag
Seriously, even a Ziploc is a lifesaver for your commute if you get caught in a downpour.
Charge Everything to 100%
Get your phone and any power banks fully charged. This stops you from panicking and trying to charge it in a damp environment during a power outage.
Move Your Phone Away from Windows
Don't let a leaky window frame be the reason your phone gets soaked. Find a safer spot for it.
3. Staying Safe During the Typhoon
- Don't touch your iPhone with wet hands: It's an easy way to get water into the charging port or speaker grilles. Dry your hands first.
- Use a Ziploc bag if you go outside: Even with an umbrella, that sideways rain will get you.
- Keep it in your pocket near flooded areas: Don't pull it out to take a picture. The risk of dropping it is way too high, and you might not get it back.
- Use Low Power Mode during an outage: This will stretch your battery life and keep you from getting desperate enough to try charging it somewhere sketchy.
Heads Up: Charging During a Typhoon
Charging your phone in a damp environment (leaks, flooding) is a seriously bad idea. If you see the "Liquid Detected" warning, do not ignore it and force a charge. Wait until it's completely dry.
4. After the Storm Passes
The danger isn't over just because the wind has died down.
- Check all the openings: Look closely at the speaker grilles and charging port for any signs of moisture.
- Take off the case: Water or condensation can get trapped between the case and your phone.
- Do a quick function check: Muffled sound or a wonky touchscreen are classic signs of water damage.
- Look for the "Liquid Detected" warning before charging: If it pops up, drying is your top priority.
5. What to Do if Your iPhone Gets Wet
First Aid for a Storm-Soaked iPhone
Wipe Down the Outside
Use a microfiber cloth. Pay extra attention to the speaker grilles and charging port.
Use WaterKick to Eject Speaker Water
The 165Hz sound wave will push water out of the speaker cavity and stop it from seeping deeper inside.
For a light splash, dry it and see
If it just got hit by some rain, wiping it down and running WaterKick is usually enough. Let it air dry for a few hours.
If it was fully submerged, power it off & dry for 48 hours
Dropped it in a flooded street? Follow the standard water damage procedure: power off immediately and let it dry.
Be Ready for Typhoon Season
If your speakers get swamped by a sudden downpour, WaterKick can clear them out in seconds.
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6. Frequently Asked Questions
A little bit of normal rain is usually fine if you wipe it off. But a typhoon's driving rain is a different storyβit can force water into the speakers and charging port. This is especially risky if your phone is older and its water-resistant seals have worn down.
That's bad news. Muddy water contains sand, dirt, and all sorts of gunk that's way more corrosive than tap water. If you get it back, turn it off immediately, wipe it down, and let it dry for at least 48 hours. You should probably take it to a repair shop for an internal cleaning.
Turn on Low Power Mode and drop your screen brightness to the minimum. Turn off any non-essential notifications and location services to save juice. Whatever you do, don't try to charge it if the area is damp.