Water damage is one of the most common ways that smartphones like the iPhone 11 Pro Max get damaged. With an IP68 water resistance rating, the iPhone 11 Pro Max is designed to withstand water exposure to a certain extent. However, the phone is not completely waterproof and there are limitations to its water resistance capabilities.
IP68 Water Resistance Rating
The iPhone 11 Pro Max has an IP68 ingress protection rating under IEC standard 60529. This means that the phone is rated to withstand immersion in fresh water up to 6 meters (19.7 feet) for 30 minutes without damage. However, Apple does warn that splash and water resistance is not a permanent condition and can degrade over time with normal wear.
The IP68 rating is limited to fresh water only. Apple cautions against exposing the iPhone 11 Pro Max to substances other than fresh water, such as chlorinated water, beverages, soapy water, ocean water, pool water, perfume, detergent, acids or acidic foods, lotions, solvents, sprays, or oils as they can all damage the water seals.
Limits of IP68 Water Resistance
While the IP68 water resistance rating provides excellent protection against common water exposure like accidental spills and splashes, it has some limitations:
- Water resistant, not waterproof – While resistant to water at certain depths and durations, the phone is not completely impervious and water tight.
- Does not cover water damage – Apple’s warranty does not cover any liquid damage to the device.
- Water resistance may decrease over time – The water resistant seals can degrade with normal wear and tear over time.
- Avoid exposing phone to pressurized water or high velocity water – The IP68 rating does not guarantee protection against pressurized water jets, shower heads, or fast moving water like ocean surf or rapids. This can exceed the seals’ capacity.
- Avoid depths beyond rating – Do not intentionally submerge deeper than 6 meters or keep submerged longer than 30 minutes. Exceeding the IP68 limits can allow water ingress.
- Temperature dependent – The IP68 rating is based on tests done in room temperature water. Exposing phone to colder water can reduce the sealing effectiveness.
Maintaining Water Resistance
To help maintain the iPhone 11 Pro Max’s water resistance over time, follow these tips:
- Avoid exposing phone to soaps, shampoos, fragrances, solvents, oils and acidic foods or liquids which can deteriorate seals.
- Thoroughly rinse and dry phone in case of any liquid exposure before charging.
- Do not charge phone when wet. Ensure all ports and openings are 100% dry first.
- Do not expose phone to pressurized water jets.
- Have phone serviced immediately if you notice any evidence of liquid ingress like fogging inside camera lens or display.
- Replace any damaged parts like cracked display right away to prevent compromising water resistance.
- Use Apple authorized service providers for any repairs to ensure proper re-sealing.
What to Do If Phone Gets Wet
If your iPhone 11 Pro Max accidentally gets splashed or wet, follow these steps:
- Immediately retrieve phone and wipe it down with a clean, soft, lint-free cloth to dry it.
- Do not charge phone while wet. Avoid plugging in any cables or accessories until completely dry.
- Do not use external heat sources like hair dryers or ovens to dry phone quicker. Let air dry naturally.
- Gently shake out any trapped water in ports, buttons, speaker, camera lens and microphones.
- Place phone in front of a fan or leave phone powered off in a dry environment for 24 hours to allow any residual moisture to evaporate.
- Once fully dried, power on phone and check for any moisture indicators inside charging port, headphones jack, or SIM tray.
- Backup phone data and take it to an Apple Authorized Service Provider if you notice any evidence of liquid damage or corrosion.
Water Damage Indicators
Apple has placed special liquid contact indicators inside the iPhone 11 Pro Max to alert you if water manages to ingress into internal components:
- LCI by charging port – A small white sticker deep inside charging port changes color if it comes in contact with liquid.
- LCI for SIM tray – A small white dot above the SIM tray turns red if water seeps in.
- LCI by headphone jack – A small indicator in headphones jack turns red upon detecting moisture.
If you notice any of these indicators have been triggered, immediately backup data and take the phone to Apple for servicing. Leaving liquid damage unchecked can corrode internal components and cause serious issues down the line.
Repairing Water Damaged iPhone 11 Pro Max
If your iPhone 11 Pro Max suffers from liquid damage despite precautions, Apple recommends taking it to an Apple Authorized Service Provider. Apple stores and authorized repair shops have advanced diagnostic tools to accurately assess water damage and specialized equipment to open up device without compromising water resistance seals.
Liquid damaged parts like logic board, battery, cameras and other components may need replacement. Any compromised water seals will need to be replaced and properly sealed again. The repair costs can range from $200 to over $1000 depending on extent of damage.
Liquid damage is not covered under Apple’s 1 year limited warranty. You will need to pay out of pocket for any water damage repairs, unless you have additional coverage like AppleCare+.
Preventing Water Damage
While the iPhone 11 Pro Max has excellent water resistance, it is best to take precautions and prevent liquid exposure when possible:
- Use a protective waterproof case for added protection when going near water.
- Avoid taking phone in saunas, steam rooms or hot showers.
- Don’t swim or surf with phone even if using waterproof case.
- Keep phone away from sinks and running water.
- Never charge phone when wet or near liquids.
- Wipe off any spills or splashes immediately with clean cloth.
- Turn on water lock mode via volume buttons when near water to prevent accidental screen touches.
Conclusion
The iPhone 11 Pro Max has excellent IP68 water resistance that protects it from accidental splashes, spills and submersion up to 6 meters depth. However, it is not completely waterproof and has limitations, especially with pressure, velocity, depth and duration of exposure.
To maintain water resistance, avoid purposeful liquid exposure and get water damage repaired immediately by Apple authorized technicians only. With proper care and precautions, your iPhone 11 Pro Max can enjoy long-lasting water protection against common mishaps and splashes.