What do IP ratings mean on smartphones? Water and dust resistance for dummies

If you’ve ever shopped for a smartphone, you’ve probably come across terms like IP67 or IP68. They’re often listed alongside the camera specifications and battery size, but unless you know what they mean, they’re easy to overlook.

An IP rating tells you how well a device is protected against dust and water. It can be a useful indicator of durability, but it’s also one of the most misunderstood smartphone specifications.

Many people assume an IP68 phone is completely waterproof, when in reality there’s a bit more to it than that. Here’s what those numbers really mean, what they don’t mean, and whether they should influence your next smartphone purchase.

What is an IP rating?

IP stands for Ingress Protection, an international standard used to measure how well electronic devices resist the entry of solid particles, such as dust and liquids like water. Every IP rating consists of two numbers.

The first refers to dust protection, while the second relates to water resistance. The higher each number, the greater the level of protection. Take IP68 as an example. The ‘6’ tells you the phone is completely protected against dust, while the ‘8’ indicates it has been tested for continuous immersion in fresh water under conditions specified by the manufacturer.

The first number ranges from 0 to 6 and measures protection against dust and other solid objects. A rating of 6 is the highest possible, meaning the device is dust tight. That’s why you’ll often see flagship smartphones advertised as IP67 or IP68, with both carrying the maximum dust protection.

The second number ranges from 0 to 9 and measures resistance to water. This scale begins with protection against dripping water and progresses through splashes, jets of water and temporary immersion

The ratings you’ll encounter most often on smartphones are IP67 and IP68. Although, some rugged devices also carry an IP69 rating. Let’s take a look:

 

 

 

 

What’s the difference between IP67 and IP68?

Both ratings provide excellent protection against dust, but they differ when it comes to water. An IP67 phone is tested to survive being submerged in up to one metre of fresh water for up to 30 minutes. An IP68 phone can withstand deeper water, but there’s no single depth requirement. Instead, manufacturers decide the testing conditions themselves, provided they meet the requirements of the certification. Some devices are tested at 1.5 metres, while others are certified for much greater depths. This means two phones with an IP68 rating haven’t necessarily been tested in the same way.

Does IP68 mean a phone is waterproof?

Not quite. The more accurate term is ‘water resistant’. IP testing takes place in laboratory conditions using clean, still fresh water. Everyday life is rarely that predictable. Salt water, chlorinated pools, soapy water, hot tubs and even fast-moving water can all behave differently and may affect your phone in ways that aren’t covered by the certification tests. That’s why manufacturers generally describe their devices as water resistant rather than waterproof.

Can you take your phone swimming?

Personally, I wouldn’t recommend it, even if your phone has an IP68 rating. Water resistance is designed to protect your phone from accidents, like dropping it into a sink or getting caught in heavy rain. So not exactly suitable for you to take nice pics of the sea floor.

If your phone does end up in fresh water, dry it thoroughly before plugging it in to charge. Many modern smartphones can detect moisture in the charging port and will temporarily disable charging until it’s safe.

Does water resistance last forever?

Nope. An IP rating reflects how the phone performed when it was tested as a brand-new device. Over time, the tiny seals and adhesives that help keep water out can naturally deteriorate. A significant drop may create microscopic gaps around the frame, while screen or battery repairs can affect the original sealing if they aren’t carried out to the manufacturer’s standards.

That means a phone that was IP68 certified when new may not offer the same level of protection after a few years.

Does the warranty cover water damage?

In many cases, no. Although manufacturers advertise water-resistant phones, liquid damage is often excluded from standard warranties. That’s because it’s almost impossible to determine exactly how or when the water entered the device, or whether it was exposed to conditions outside those used during testing. An IP rating reduces the risk of damage but doesn’t eliminate it.

Is an IP rating worth having?

For most people, definitely. Accidents happen, so a good IP rating adds an extra layer of protection that could save you from an expensive repair. Just remember that it’s there as a safety net rather than a guarantee. It’s worth treating your phone with care.

Frequently asked questions (probably)

Can I use my IP68 phone in the sea?

Don’t. Salt water is corrosive and can damage both the seals and internal components. If your phone is exposed to seawater, rinse the outside with fresh water if recommended by the manufacturer, dry it thoroughly and don’t charge it until it’s completely dry.

Can I use my phone in the shower?

It’s not advisable. Steam, soap and hot water weren’t part of the certification tests and may affect the waterproof seals over time.

Does a phone case improve the IP rating?

Nope. A protective case can help absorb impacts from drops, but it doesn’t change the device’s certified IP rating or make it more water resistant.

Should I choose an IP68 phone over one without an IP rating?

If you regularly use your phone outdoors, travel frequently or simply want extra peace of mind against everyday accidents, an IP-rated phone is well worth having.

Thanks for coming to my TedTalk.