Waterproof Phones, do they Exist?

It’s the age-old question, “is my phone waterproof?” The short answer, 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

• Note9, S9, S9+, Note8, S8, S8+, S7, and S7 edge.

• Check out what Samsung has to say about water and their devices.

Apple – IP67 Rating

• iPhone X, iPhone 8, iPhone 8 Plus, iPhone 7, and iPhone 7 Plus.

• Check out what Apple has to say about water and their devices.

Do's and Don'ts

Do’s

• Get a water-proof 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

• Salt water 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. 

ChrisZ, AT&T Community Specialist