Whether you’re thinking about buying an iPhone 14, or you already own one and have had an accident / are worried about water damage, this article is for you.
If you’re in a rush, here’s the quick answer: the iPhone 14 is water-resistant, but not waterproof.
In other words, a splash should be fine—but we definitely wouldn’t recommend swimming with your iPhone 14. (Especially since liquid damage isn’t covered under Apple’s warranty.)
Read on for more specific details and practical tips on how to prevent—and deal with—iPhone 14 water damage.
How Waterproof Is the iPhone 14?
Many people hear “waterproof” and assume that means zero water can ever get inside the phone. In reality, companies usually mean water-resistant, that the device is protected to some degree against moisture.
How much water an iPhone can handle is shown by its IP rating (short for Ingress Protection). This standardized system measures resistance to dust and liquid.
- The first number (0–6) refers to dust resistance.
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The second number (0–9) refers to moisture resistance.
Higher numbers mean better protection. For smartphones, “8” is the highest meaningful water-resistance rating.
iPhone 14 IP Rating
The iPhone 14 carries an IP68 rating, meaning:
- 6 = completely dust-tight
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8 = resistant to immersion in water
An IP68 rating means the phone should survive submersion in at least 1 metre (3.3 ft) of water for 30 minutes. Apple goes further than the minimum standard, stating that the iPhone 14 can handle depths of up to 6 metres for 30 minutes in lab conditions.
That said, Apple still advises not intentionally submerging your phone.
Which leads to an important point: how long is the iPhone 14 waterproof?
There isn’t a firm answer. Apple notes in its fine print:
“Splash, water, and dust resistance are not permanent conditions. Resistance might decrease as a result of normal wear.”
Translation: a new iPhone 14 starts off highly water-resistant, but that protection fades over time. Drops, cracks, and general aging can all weaken the seals—so it’s best to treat the phone as if it can be damaged by water.
What to Do If Your iPhone 14 Gets Wet
If your iPhone 14 comes into contact with water:
- Wipe it off with a soft, dry cloth.
- If the liquid wasn’t water, gently rinse the affected area with fresh tap water first, then dry it.
- Hold the phone with the charging port facing down and lightly tap it against your hand to dislodge moisture.
- Leave it in a dry place with airflow—ideally near a fan blowing cool air.
- Don’t use heat and don’t insert anything into the charging port.
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Don’t plug it in until the moisture-detection alert disappears.
Let it dry naturally.
What to Do If Your iPhone 14 Has Water Damage
If you’ve followed those steps and your phone still isn’t behaving normally, you’re not out of options.
Apple doesn’t cover liquid damage under warranty. You can bring the phone to an Apple Store for evaluation, but if water damage is confirmed, repairs or replacement won’t be free.
At that point, you’re choosing between:
- Repairing the phone, or
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Replacing it entirely.
Water-damage repairs are tricky. Success depends on how bad the exposure was and what kind of water was involved. Repair shops often charge a few hundred dollars and usually can’t guarantee the fix will hold long-term.
We recommend contacting a reputable local cell phone repair shop to get a sense of iPhone 14 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 14 devices. If you want to replace your water damaged iPhone 14 with a similar brand new device, your next best option is to buy an iPhone 16e, which retails starting at $899 CAD at the time of writing (February 2026).
If that price is making you groan, you can get a refurbished iPhone 14 from Orchard, or even treat yourself to the iPhone 15 at Orchard for a lot less than the iPhone 14 at Apple. At the time of writing, the iPhone 14 starts at $545 and the iPhone 15 at $735.
How to Prevent iPhone 14 Water Damage
The safest approach is simple: keep your phone away from water whenever possible.
Additional tips:
- Avoid steamy environments like saunas.
- Stick to low-humidity areas when you can.
- Don’t drop your phone—impacts can compromise water seals.
- Never disassemble the device yourself.
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Consider a waterproof case if you’ll be near water often.
Waterproof cases and phone pouches can add another layer of protection, and they help with drops and scratches too.
Here are a few iPhone 14 waterproof case options:
- Cozycase Waterproof Shockproof Dustproof Case ($26.99 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.
- ESR Waterproof Phone Pouch ($11.99 CAD):If you're looking for a case for the sole purpose of submerging your iPhone 14 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 14 swimming? Probably not.
Water resistance is meant for accidents, not recreation. It degrades over time, and repeated exposure raises the risk. If you accidentally walk into shallow water with your phone in your pocket, you’ll probably be okay—but intentionally swimming with it is asking for trouble.
Saltwater
Apple’s water-resistance tests use fresh water. Ocean water is far harsher. Salt and minerals are corrosive and can damage seals and ports.
Extra caution is warranted at the beach.
Pool Water
Pools aren’t much better. Chlorine and other chemicals can damage internal components faster than plain water. A splash is unlikely to kill your phone—but don’t make a habit of bringing it poolside.
Shower
Showering with your iPhone 14 isn’t ideal either. Steam and humidity can work their way into the device, especially as it ages.
If you absolutely must bring it in, keeping it sealed inside a plastic bag can help reduce risk.
Can the iPhone 14 Take Pictures Underwater?
Technically? Yes.
Recommended? No.
Unless the phone is inside a proper waterproof case or pouch, underwater photography isn’t worth the gamble.
Is Liquid Damage Covered Under Apple’s Warranty?
No.
Even though the iPhone 14 is water-resistant, Apple warns against submersion and notes that resistance decreases over time. For that reason, liquid damage isn’t covered by the standard manufacturer warranty.
Is Any iPhone Truly Waterproof?
No iPhone is fully waterproof.
That said, all models since the iPhone 7 have offered some water resistance. Current models like the iPhone 17 carry the same IP68 rating as the iPhone 14: up to 6 metres for 30 minutes under lab conditions.
Does the iPhone 14 Have Dust Protection?
Yes. Its IP68 rating means it’s completely protected against dust entering the device.
Just remember: dust resistance, like water resistance, can be compromised by cracks, drops, or repairs.
FAQ
What if my iPhone 14 falls in water?
It will usually be fine, since it’s water-resistant—but not guaranteed. Dry it off, avoid charging it until the port is fully dry, and keep it away from heat. If problems appear, have it checked by a professional.
