How waterproof is my phone really?

This is a question we often get at ThePhoneLab. It happens with regularity that someone comes by with a broken phone or tablet that has suffered water damage. They found this very strange because they thought the device was completely waterproof.

We understand the confusion, which is why in this blog we are going to explain to you in great detail what waterproofing means and how it is possible that water damage has occurred.

Ingress Protection (IP Gradation)

Whether you have an IOS or Android, all devices (except a OnePlus) display what is known as Ingress Protection (IP) grading. This is a gradation that indicates how well your phone is protected from dust and water. The first number indicates how dustproof your device is; this number ranges from 0 to 6. The other number indicates how waterproof your phone or tablet is, this number ranges from 0 to 8.

Starting with the Apple iPhone 7, for example, Apple phones have IP-67 certification. So this means that the Apple iPhones are ”waterproof” from the iPhone 7 onwards. Now I hear you thinking, ”IP-67, that’s not IP-68?” That’s right, the only difference is that an IP-67 certification can be submerged under water for half an hour to a depth of one meter, and the devices with an IP-68 for an indefinite time to three meters deep. The deeper the device falls into the water, the more pressure is put on the device and thus it can be broken by a water damage.

Snag

But before you jump into the water now with your IP-certified Android or Apple phone, we at ThePhoneLab want to remind you that this can only be done with a brand new phone under perfect conditions. Thus, the devices were tested in a ”laboratory” in a tank of spring water (i.e., not in the sea and/or swimming pool). So don’t just jump into salt water or a pool full of chlorine. Your certified Android or Apple device has not been tested for this.

We at ThePhoneLab also want to emphasize that you should better never jump into the water with your phone or tablet. Even if your phone or tablet has not suffered any damage, manufacturers do not guarantee water damage. Over time, your device ”wears out,” and so manufacturers never warranty a water damage. Also, if your device is dropped once, there may be dents in the frame. You then think that there is nothing wrong with it, only then your phone or tablet is already no longer waterproof and so it can suffer a water damage. Even a small dent can cause air to get between the frame and screen, allowing water to enter your device.

Conclusion

So be careful with your Apple iPhone or Android at all times. Even the smallest dent can cause your phone or tablet to no longer be waterproof, even though you think it is. Otherwise, also read the manufacturer’s fine print about the warranty they give when you have a water damage, as they do not give this at all!

Still suffered water damage?

Then stop by ThePhoneLab in Amsterdam, Haarlem or Utrecht soon! We can clean your device within an hour and will then investigate if it is still workable. For all repairs, check out Repair