How long can Iphone 8 withstand being in snow?

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Level 1

10 points

How long can Iphone 8 withstand being in snow?

I have lost my Iphone 8 on the mountain while snowboarding somewhere in the woods. I coudn't find it with Find My Iphone because my carrier network was off. I was wondering if the phone could withstand the temperature of the snow. It has been buried in the snow almost a month and a half now. Could it still be functioning? The interesting thing is that the phone still rang and the battery was holding up even after a week I droped the phone in to the snow.
Hope someone can help.

iPhone 8, iOS 11.3

Posted on May 10, 2018 3:03 PM

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Answer 1

macmeaux

Level 1

8 points

May 10, 2018 3:29 PM in response to djomlica

Few factors to consider...

Apple states that it is IP67 splash and water resistant. If the phone is not heating up too much and melting surrounding snow, you will probably fare OK.

Apple also states...

Operating ambient temperature: 32° to 95° F (0° to 35° C)
Nonoperating temperature: −4° to 113° F (−20° to 45° C)
Relative humidity: 5% to 95% noncondensing

These are lab test numbers and are there to save the rear ends of apple (IMO), because I live and use an Iphone in an area that dips below 32F and hits above 100F. And I have been in -13F and seen phones left on dashboards that I am sure reached over 140F. By no means am I recommending any of these situations are OK or a good thing.

I'd say as long as no water puddles and penetrates the exterior and the low temps do not permanently damage the battery or screen, you'll be in good shape if you can find it.

iPhone 8 tech specs: iPhone 8 - Technical Specifications - Apple

Good Luck!

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Answer 2

djomlica Author

Level 1

10 points

May 11, 2018 6:42 AM in response to macmeaux

Thank you very much. I'm gonna go for it and try.
Cheers!

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Answer 3

y_p_w

Level 6

17,784 points

May 10, 2018 4:00 PM in response to djomlica

It really depends. Apple doesn't guarantee that IP67 lasts. If the snow is melting, then it’s going to be exposed to water a heck of a lot longer than 30 minutes. The worst thing I’d think is if it’s melting and then freezing into ice. Strangely enough people have frozen iPhones in ice as some sort of stunt.

The cold might not be great for electrical performance, but it could slow down self discharge.

You could get lucky. Do you know where to look for it?

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Answer 4

djomlica Author

Level 1

10 points

May 11, 2018 6:56 AM in response to y_p_w

Thanks for info!
Yeah, I know where it might be. I was freeriding next to a ski slope, and it wasn't long after I noticed my phone was missing. I had a gopro on my helmet that recorded the whole ride, and I couldn't find a thing in a video, but at least I know exactly where to look for.
I'll inform about the search. Thanks again!

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How long can Iphone 8 withstand being in snow?

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