Whether you’re thinking about buying an iPhone 13, or you already own one and have had an accident/are concerned about water damage, this article is for you!
If you’re in a rush, here’s the quick answer: the iPhone 13 is resistant to water but not completely waterproof.
In other words, getting a splash of water on your iPhone 13 should be okay, but we definitely wouldn’t recommend going swimming with your iPhone 13! (Especially since liquid damage is not covered under Apple’s warranty.)
Read on for more specific details and practical tips on how to prevent and remedy iPhone 13 water damage.
How Waterproof Is the iPhone 13
What is a waterproof iPhone?
While many customers interpret “waterproof” as meaning no water can ever enter the device, the way companies use this term is more nuanced. In marketing-speak, “waterproof” is interchangeable with “water resistant,” and means the device is protected from water to some degree.
You can tell how much water an iPhone can withstand from its IP code. (IP stands for “International Protection” or “Ingress Protection”.) This code is a standardized measure of the device’s resistance to solid particles (such as dust) and moisture.
The first digit of the IP code (ranging from 0 to 6) refers to the device’s resistance to dust. The second digit of the code (ranging from 0 to 9) refers to its moisture resistance.
Generally, higher numbers are more moisture-resistant, and “8” is the highest level of moisture resistance that applies to smartphones. For more details on IP rating, read here.
iPhone 13 IP Rating
The iPhone 13 carries a rating of IP68, meaning it is 100% resistant to dust (dust rating of 6) and largely resistant to immersion in water (moisture rating of 8).
A moisture rating of 8 is the highest rating that applies to devices like iPhones, and suggests that the device is water resistant at depths of at least 1 metre (3.3 feet) for at least 30 minutes. And in fact, Apple’s waterproofing goes above and beyond the strict requirements of the IP68 rating: according to Apple’s tests, the phone will survive depths of six metres for up to 30 minutes. With that being said, Apple specifically advises not to submerge your iPhone 13 in water.
This brings us to a key point: how long is the iPhone 13 waterproof? And for that, there may not be a certain answer. As Apple admits in its fine print:
“Splash, water, and dust resistance are not permanent conditions. Resistance might decrease as a result of normal wear.”
In other words, a new iPhone 13 starts with a high degree of water resistance, but it’s all downhill from there. How long water resistance will last can vary based on how much wear and tear your device gets, which is why it’s generally best to treat the iPhone 13 as if it can’t get wet at all.
What To Do If Your iPhone 13 Gets Wet
- If your iPhone 13 gets wet with water, simply wipe it off with a soft cloth. If the liquid is anything other than water, Apple recommends rinsing the affected part of your iPhone with a small amount of tap water before wiping it up.
- Next, hold the device Lightning-connector-side-down and gently tap it against your hand. This will help shake any excess water out of the device.
- Place your iPhone 13 in a dry location (ideally with the Lightning connector exposed to cool air produced by a fan) and leave it there to dry.
- Make sure you don’t apply heat to the iPhone 13 or insert anything into the Lightning connector while drying your device. Let it dry naturally or with cool air from a fan.
Never attempt to charge your iPhone 13 if it has recently come into contact with water. Your phone’s moisture detection alert should let you know when it’s safe to plug it back in.
What To Do If Your iPhone 13 Has Water Damage
If you’ve followed all of the instructions above and are still left with what you believe is a water damaged iPhone 13, don’t panic — you have options!
As mentioned above, Apple does not cover liquid damage under its warranty. So while you can bring your iPhone 13 to an Apple Store to get it checked, if they conclude that it has water damage then your warranty will not cover the replacement.
In that case, you’ll have two options:
- Repair your water damaged iPhone 13, or
- Replace your device altogether.
It should be noted that iPhone water damage is usually not repairable. It really depends on the severity of the incident and the dissolved mineral content of the water that came into contact with the phone.
We recommend contacting a reputable local cell phone repair shop to get a sense of iPhone 13 water damage repair costs. However, repair shops generally charge a few hundred dollars to try to repair a water-damaged phone, and because of the complexity of the repair, usually can’t guarantee success.
Alternatively, you can replace the device outright. Naturally, an iPhone replacement is also going to be a steep financial decision, but unlike a repair, it guarantees you a working phone.
Unfortunately, Apple has discontinued the sale of brand new iPhone 13 devices. If you want to replace your water damaged iPhone 13 with a similar brand new device, your next best option is to buy an iPhone 14, which retails starting at $849 CAD at the time of writing (January 2025).
If that price is making you groan, you can get a refurbished iPhone 13 from Orchard, or even treat yourself to the iPhone 14 at Orchard for a lot less than the iPhone 14 at Apple. At the time of writing, the iPhone 13 starts at $565 and the iPhone 14 at $669.
How To Prevent iPhone 13 Water Damage
The best way to prevent water damage to your iPhone 13 is, of course, to keep it far away from water.
- Here are a few additional tips for preventing iPhone 13 water damage:
- Avoid bringing your iPhone 13 into a sauna or other steamy rooms.
- If possible, keep your iPhone 13 in low humidity environments.
- Avoid dropping your iPhone 13. Doing so could compromise your device’s water resistance.
- Don’t disassemble your iPhone 13 or tamper with its original build. This will break the water seal.
But if you know you need to bring your phone near water or just want to guard against every possibility, you can protect your iPhone 13 with a waterproof case. These cases have the additional benefit of shielding the phone from scratches and drop damage.
Here are a few iPhone 13 waterproof case options:
- Sportlink iPhone 13 Waterproof Case ($29.99 CAD): This case claims to meet an IP68 rating and comes in black and blue options. It’s also drop-proof up to 2 meters.
- AirRunTech iPhone 13 Phone Pouch ($15.75 CAD):If you're looking for a case for the sole purpose of submerging your iPhone 13 in water (e.g. for taking underwater photos), you can buy a phone pouch. A phone pouch is like a reusable baggie, but more secure. It’s cheaper than a case and compatible with most iPhone models.
Swimming
Should you take your iPhone 13 swimming? Probably not. While water resistance is there to help protect your phone in case of accidents, the iPhone isn’t intended to be an aquatic device, and waterproofing degrades over time.
With the iPhone 13’s level of water resistance, it may not be a big deal if you wade in and realize your iPhone is in your pocket, but even in 2025, it’s best to leave your electronics safely on shore.
Saltwater
Although Apple tested the iPhone 13 for water resistance, its tests were performed in laboratory conditions using fresh water. What difference does that make? Well, salt (and other minerals found in ocean water) is extra corrosive compared to water alone. These chemicals could degrade the watertight seal or damage external components of your iPhone like the charging port.
So while you should always be cautious about getting your phone wet, when it comes to the ocean, extra care is warranted.
Pool
For similar reasons to saltwater, pool water is a no-go for your iPhone. Chemicals like chlorine and other pool additives can have damaging effects beyond what water would do on its own. A splash or two might not hurt, but for the most part, try to keep the phone away from your swimming pool.
Shower
Taking your iPhone 13 in the shower is probably the smallest phone-wetting sin, since it doesn’t involve submerging the iPhone in water. Still, it’s something you should avoid if possible, since water protection is never 100%, especially as the phone ages. Even hot, steamy air in your bathroom can produce levels of moisture that would damage electronics.
If you really can’t pull yourself away from TikTok for long enough to take a shower (or you’re expecting an important call), the old trick of putting the phone in a plastic baggie should help keep things safe and dry.
Can the iPhone 13 Take Pictures Under Water?
As the saying goes, just because you “can” doesn’t always mean you “should.” While the iPhone 13 technically can take pictures underwater, we wouldn’t recommend doing so – at least not with the phone in its naked state.
If you’re really keen on diving into the world of underwater iPhone photography, we’d suggest investing in a waterproof case or phone pouch.
Is Liquid Damage Covered Under Apple’s Warranty?
Since the iPhone 13 comes with a water resistance rating from Apple, it might be natural to assume that if your phone gets damaged by liquid, Apple will offer a replacement. Sadly, that is not the case.
As we mentioned above, Apple cautions its customers against submerging your iPhone 13 in water. Apple also explains that splash, dust, and water resistance are temporary conditions. Therefore, iPhone 13’s waterproof rating may diminish due to natural wear and tear over time.
For these reasons, Apple’s manufacturer warranty does not cover instances of water damage.
Is there any iPhone that is waterproof?
Taking “waterproof” to mean “completely resistant to water,” no iPhone is waterproof. However, all iPhones since the iPhone 7 have at least some water resistance. The latest models (the iPhone 16 line) offer the same water resistance as the iPhone 13: an IP68 rating, with moisture resistance for 6 metres of water up to 30 minutes.
Does the iPhone 13 have dust protection?
Yes, the iPhone 13 has dust protection. According to its IP68 rating, its dust resistance code of 6 means it is completely protected against dust, and no dust should be able to enter the device. But note that like water resistance, dust resistance doesn’t last forever, and could be compromised if your device is dropped, cracked or disassembled.
