Are refurbished iPhones still water resistant?
A refurbished iPhone usually keeps some water resistance, but not the guaranteed factory rating. Apple tests ratings like IP68 on brand-new devices under controlled conditions, and that protection fades with age, normal use, and any repair that opens the phone. Treat water resistance on a refurbished iPhone as a helpful safety net, not a feature you can rely on. No iPhone, new or refurbished, is fully waterproof.
Are refurbished iPhones waterproof?
No iPhone is truly waterproof. Newer models are water resistant to a rated depth for a limited time when new, but that is not a waterproof guarantee. On a refurbished unit, the rating is best treated as reduced, especially if the phone was opened during refurbishment.
What reduces water resistance?
- Age. The seals and adhesives naturally degrade over time, even on a lightly used phone.
- Repairs. Opening the device to replace parts can disturb the original gaskets, and resistance is only fully restored with a proper reseal.
- Earlier damage. A previous drop or pressure can weaken seals before refurbishment.
Does Apple guarantee water resistance?
No. Apple does not guarantee water resistance on any iPhone, including new ones, and its warranty explicitly excludes liquid damage. This is the same for Apple-refurbished iPhones.
How should I treat it?
Assume the phone is splash-resistant at best. Avoid deliberately submerging it, and use a waterproof case near water. If resistance matters to you, look for a newer model (iPhone 12 or later) in Excellent condition, which is less likely to have been opened or heavily used.
