Waterproof Phones, do they Exist? - Help from the AT&T Community

Learn about water-resistant ratings and what they mean

It’s the age-old question, “Is my phone waterproof?” The short answer is not exactly. Most recent devices are water-resistant. This means your device can survive short dips in the tub and are safe from splashes of water.  

What does IP Mean?

It is a measurement of resistance, from dust and liquid, a device can take. It stands for "Ingress Protection". Most devices are water-resistant up to a certain point and depth. For example, a device with a rating of IP67 can withstand being submerged 1 meter (3.29 feet) for up to 30 minutes. A device with an IP68 rating can withstand being submerged 1.5 meters (4.92 feet) for up to 30 minutes.

Heads Up: This is an average for the device in static water or standing water. These devices ARE NOT rated for salt water which can cause damage.

Other Device Waterproof ratings include:

Samsung – IP68 Rating

• The latest devices like S23 series, S22 series, and S21 series 

• Check out what Samsung has to say about water and learn what other devices are listed

Apple – IP67 Rating

• iPhone 14 series, iPhone 13 series, and iPhone 12 series

• Check out what Apple has to say about water and learn what other devices are listed

Do's and Don'ts

Do’s

• Get a waterproof case. Especially if you are going to be around water for long periods of time. 

• Dry your phone after it has been exposed to water.

Don'ts

• Saltwater is bad for water-resistant devices.

• Do not keep your phone in the water longer than the rating suggests.

• Do not charge your phone if it has been exposed to water - most devices display a warning message as well as a tone. 

Knowledge is Power!

Check out our techbuzz page to learn what “waterproof” really means. 

Personal Story

I went to Zion National Park and hiked threw The Narrows. It is an area of the park where you are able to hike through a river. Sometimes the water is ankle height, others hip. I had my phone in my pocket. I did not think it would be an issue since I would not be hip deep for more than a few minutes at a time. 

The girlfriend recommended I put my phone in a waterproof case. Of course, I ignored her. Long story short, my phone ended up with water damage. Moral, get a waterproof case and keep it in there. 

ChrisZ, AT&T Community Specialist