How waterproof is my phone really?

• Ingress Protection (IP Gradation)
• What does an IP rating mean in practice?
• Snag
• Conclusion
• First aid for water damage at ThePhoneLab

Ingress Protection (IP Gradation)

Whether you have an iOS or Android, virtually all modern devices are displayed with what is known as an Ingress Protection (IP) rating. This is a rating that indicates how well your phone is protected against dust and water. The first digit indicates how dustproof your device is, this rating ranges from 0 to 6. The other figure indicates how water-resistant your phone or tablet is, this figure runs from 0 to 8.

Starting with the Apple iPhone 7, for example, Apple phones have IP-67 certification. So this means that starting with the iPhone 7, Apple iPhones are officially water resistant. Now I hear you thinking, “IP-67, that’s not IP-68?” That’s right. The difference is that an IP-67 certification is tested for up to 30 minutes under water up to one meter deep, while IP-68 devices are tested at greater depths, often up to one and a half or even three meters, depending on the manufacturer.

The deeper the device falls into the water, the more pressure is put on the device and thus it may break down due to water damage.

Note that more and more new devices now have higher IP certifications or additional claims about water resistance. Still, the reality remains the same: 100 percent waterproof does not exist in practice.

What does an IP rating mean in practice?

What many people don’t know is that IP certifications are tested under controlled laboratory conditions. This is done with clean, still water and a completely new device. In everyday use, the situation is rarely so ideal.

Once a device ages, its water resistance may decrease. The rubbers and seals dry out, wear out or become damaged by small drops or temperature fluctuations. Previous repairs can also affect the device’s seal.

In addition, water resistance does not mean your phone is safe in the sea, a swimming pool or in the shower. Salt water, chlorine and soap residue are much more aggressive than clean test water and can cause faster damage.

Snag

But before you jump into the water now with your IP-certified Android or Apple phone, we at ThePhoneLab would like to point out that this can only be done with a brand new phone under perfect conditions. The phones have been tested in a laboratory in a container of clean water, not in the sea or a swimming pool. So don’t just jump into salt water or a pool full of chlorine. This is not what your certified device has been tested for.

We also want to emphasize that you should better never jump into the water with your phone or tablet. Even if your phone has not sustained any damage, manufacturers almost never warranty water damage. The fine print of many manufacturers states that liquid damage is outside the standard warranty, even on IP-rated devices.

Over time, your device wears out. Even a small fall can cause microscopic cracks in the frame. You may think there is nothing wrong, but your phone may no longer be fully water resistant. Even a small dent can create a space between the frame and the screen that allows water to enter.

In addition, many customers report water damage after being used in the rain or while showering. These types of situations also fall outside the circumstances in which an IP rating is tested.

Conclusion

So be careful with your Apple iPhone or Android device at all times. The smallest dent can cause your phone to be no longer water resistant, even though you think it is.

Also, always read the manufacturer’s fine print on warranty for water damage. In almost all cases, manufacturers do not warranty liquid damage, even on IP-rated devices.

First aid for water damage at ThePhoneLab

Did your device get wet anyway? Then stop by ThePhoneLab in your city quickly. The sooner you are there, the better your chances of a full recovery. We can professionally clean your device within a short time and examine whether it is still operable. For all repairs, check out Repair.