Can You Make Your iPhoneWaterproof with a Spray Can?
You've probably seen it on social media: someone dousing their iPhone in waterproof spray, claiming it's now invincible. Let's cut through the hype and talk about what *really* happens—and why it's a terrible idea.
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 Short Answer: Don't Spray Your iPhone
Long story short: do not use waterproof spray on your iPhone. Not only is it completely useless for preventing water damage, but you're also way more likely to break your phone than protect it.
Seriously, Just Don't Do It
Waterproof Spray Can't Protect Your iPhone
These sprays are designed for fabric, creating a water-repellent layer on the surface. They do absolutely nothing to seal the tiny gaps where water *actually* gets in—like your charging port, speaker grilles, and SIM tray.
2. Why Waterproof Sprays Are Useless for Phones
Spray makes water bead up and roll off a surface. Waterproofing stops water from getting inside under pressure. Dropping your phone in water involves pressure, making a simple repellent coating totally ineffective.
The real weak points are the openings: speaker grilles, the Lightning or USB-C port, the mic holes. A spray can't physically seal these gaps. That's what internal gaskets are for.
Even if it offered a tiny bit of surface protection, the coating would rub off from just being in your pocket or hand in a matter of hours. It's just not a practical solution.
3. The Real Dangers: How You Can Damage Your iPhone
The spray's chemicals can clog the delicate mesh on your speakers and microphones, leading to muffled audio or people not being able to hear you on calls.
A chemical film on your screen can mess with touch sensitivity and even interfere with Face ID's ability to see you clearly.
Get that gunk inside your charging port, and you could end up with a phone that won't charge at all. We see this one a lot.
Apple's warranty doesn't cover damage from unapproved chemicals. If they see evidence of spray, you could be on the hook for the full repair cost.
4. What Actually Works: Real Waterproofing Solutions
Our Top Recommendations
• A good waterproof case: The best bet for daily protection. Look for one with at least an IP67 rating.
• A waterproof pouch: Perfect for the beach or pool. An IPX8-rated pouch costs just $10-$20.
• Keep WaterKick handy: If water *does* get in your speakers, our app can eject it with sound waves in seconds.
• Enable iCloud backups: The ultimate safety net. Even if your phone is toast, your data is safe.
A Smarter Fix Than Spray
If your speakers sound muffled from water, don't reach for a spray can. Use WaterKick's 165Hz sound waves to vibrate the water right out.
🚀 Download for FreeFor iOS 17+ ・ Free ・ No Ads
5. Frequently Asked Questions
They're great for making the screen slick and repelling fingerprints, but they offer zero waterproofing. Think of it as a cosmetic upgrade, not a protective one against water damage.
Wipe it off immediately with a soft, dry, lint-free cloth. If your audio sounds weird, try a gentle puff of compressed air from a distance. If that doesn't work, it's best to consult a professional repair shop.