iPhone with a visibly cracked screen lying on a surface, raising concerns about its waterproof capability

Are iPhones Still Waterproof If They Have A Cracked Screen?

We get asked this all the time: “Is my iPhone still waterproof if the screen is cracked?” The short answer is no, and we’ll explain exactly why.

When your iPhone leaves the factory, it may come with a water resistance rating like IP67 or IP68, depending on the model. However, Apple makes it clear that water resistance is never permanent. Over time, general wear and tear reduces its effectiveness, and a cracked screen can completely break the seal that’s meant to protect your device from water damage.

Are iPhones Waterproof or Just Water-Resistant?

Let’s clear up the confusion. iPhones, including models like the iPhone 11 and iPhone 13, are water-resistant, not waterproof. That means they can tolerate a splash or even a short dunk in water, but only under specific conditions like shallow depth and limited exposure time. If your screen is cracked, the seal is no longer intact, making it far easier for water to enter the phone.

So, if your iPhone has a cracked screen, it’s no longer protected, even if it was IP68-rated when new. Water will seep in and potentially damage your screen, motherboard, and internal parts.

Is My iPhone Waterproof With a Cracked Screen?

Simply put: no. A cracked screen compromises the water-resistance entirely. It doesn’t matter if it's a small hairline crack or a shattered front, moisture can make its way through, damaging components like the logic board, screen, charging port, and battery.

That’s why we strongly advise getting your screen repaired quickly if it’s cracked. The longer you wait, the higher the risk of expensive water damage, especially with the unpredictable British weather.

What Happens If Water Gets Into My iPhone?

iPhone lying on a flat surface with visible water droplets, showing risk of internal damage from liquid exposure

Water inside a cracked iPhone can:

  • Short out internal circuits

  • Cause corrosion over time

  • Trigger the Liquid Contact Indicator (LCI) to turn red (which voids most warranties)

  • Disable your touchscreen or Face ID

  • Leave you with a phone that won’t switch on at all

You might not even notice the damage straight away as it often builds up over days. That’s why it’s important to act quickly and responsibly.

Can Water-Damaged iPhones Be Repaired?

Yes! We’re proud to say that at Imfixed, we’ve restored hundreds of water-damaged devices, including iPhones and MacBooks. Our skilled technicians can replace affected components, run micro-soldering on surface mount chips, and get your phone booting again even if it’s been through serious liquid damage.

If your phone’s been exposed to water, turn it off immediately, don’t charge it, and bring it to us as soon as possible.

Don’t put your iPhone in rice, that’s a myth. It won’t dry it properly and can cause more harm with dust and starch inside your ports.

Should You Use a Hair Dryer?

Absolutely not. Using a hair dryer or any direct heat source can melt internal components. Instead:

What To Do If Your iPhone Gets Wet

Here’s what you should do:

  1. Switch it off immediately

  2. Wipe off visible moisture

  3. Tap it gently (screen side down) to drain liquid

  4. Let it air dry in a ventilated area

  5. Avoid charging it until it's professionally checked

Should You Continue Using a Cracked iPhone?

Person holding an iPhone with a cracked screen, considering the risks of continued use without repair

Using a cracked iPhone is risky, and not just for water damage. Over time, your touchscreen may stop responding, or you could even cut your fingers on broken glass. Small cracks tend to spread, especially with regular handling and pressure.

If your screen is cracked, we recommend bringing it to Imfixed for a fast, affordable, and professional screen repair. We even offer a 12-month warranty on all repairs, giving you peace of mind.

Don’t Trust DIY Fixes

We’ve seen plenty of DIY jobs go wrong, like adhesive leaking into internals, screen mismatches, or phones that wouldn’t turn on after being “fixed.” Trust us, it's not worth the risk. Not only do you void your warranty, but you could make the damage worse.

Instead, book your repair with us at Imfixed. Whether you visit our store or send your device via post, we’ll handle your phone with care and precision.

Preventing Water Damage

The best way to avoid water damage is prevention. Here's what we recommend:

  • Use a high-quality waterproof case

  • Avoid using your phone in the shower or rain

  • Don’t take it swimming even if it’s “water-resistant”

  • Install a premium screen protector for extra durability

  • Backup your data regularly just in case

  • Avoid impacts that might crack your screen in the first place

What If Your Screen Is Already Cracked?

If your screen is already damaged:

  • Don’t delay the repair

  • Cover sharp edges with transparent tape temporarily

  • Avoid getting it wet under any circumstance

  • Visit Imfixed for fast, expert repairs at competitive prices

We understand accidents happen, and we’re here to help, not judge. Whether it’s a small chip or a fully shattered screen, we’ve got the tools and experience to restore your phone.

FAQs

1. What if I live too far?
No worries, you can easily book your repair online and send your device to us by post.

2. Do you repair iPads too?
Yes! We offer repairs for iPads and all major devices.

3. How much warranty do I get?
We provide a full 12-month warranty on all our repairs.

4. Will I lose my data?
Not at all, we take care to preserve your data.

5. How much does it cost?
The price depends on your device model. Contact us for a quick quote.

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