Is My Phone Waterproof? Check Your Phone's Water Protection

Did your phone dropped near the sink or get caught in the rain? The first thing that comes to mind, whether my phone is waterproof or if it may be damaged after water exposure. Modern smartphones are water-resistant, not waterproof.

What's the difference between these two? Mobile phone protection could help save the costly repairs. In this guide, I will help you check your phone's water resistance, the IP ratings, and things to do if water damage occurs.

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Water-Resistant vs. Waterproof

Generally, users confuse these terms. No mobile phone is truly waterproof.

Water resistant: A phone's water resistance means it can survive splashes and brief submersion under specific conditions.
Waterproof: A waterproof device can handle unlimited water exposure at any depth.

Why Manufacturers Use "Water-Resistant" Instead of "Waterproof"?

The mobile phones are marked as water-resistant with a clear limit. The manufacturer ensures to use this term for legal concerns. Both terms have apparent differences. Using the terminology protects companies from liability when phones fail in extreme water conditions.

How to Check Your Phone's Water Resistance?

The “IP rating” of your device indicates whether your device is water-resistant or not.

Easy Ways to Find Your IP Rating

Here are the four steps to check your phone's water resistance.

Check your phone's original box: The Ingress Protection rating is usually printed on the packaging with other specifications.
Check your phone's settings: Open the settings and scroll to the About Phone or General section. Water-resistant information is generally given in this section.
Search the model number online: Write your phone's model number followed by "IP rating” in a search engine.
Visit the manufacturer's official website: Smartphones brands list water resistance specifications for mobile phones in their support sections. It is an ideal source to get accurate information.

What If Your Phone Has No IP Rating?

If you could not find the IP rating of your phone, it means it has no water protection at all. Now you should be conscious about your phone's safety and ensure you keep it away from liquids. An accidental splash could cause permanent damage to your phone.

Understanding IP Ratings

Is the term IP new to you? Let's break down what it actually is and how it matters in smartphones' water resistance capability.

What Does IP Mean?

IP or Ingress Protection is an international standard used to measure how much the devices resist solid particles and liquids. The rating is generally mentioned in two digits that indicate how much your phone can handle.

First Number: The first number rates protection against dust and solids on a scale from zero to six.
Second Number: The second number measures water resistance on a scale from zero to nine.

Higher numbers indicate more protection. Some ratings show X elements, which indicates that the device has not been tested or rated.

Standard Phone IP Ratings Explained

IP67 Protection

IP67 shows solid protection. The phone has a dust-tight seal that prevents solid particles from penetrating the phone. Similarly, the device can survive in fresh water up to 30 minutes.

IP68 Protection

IP68 phones handle deeper submersion, typically between 1.5 and 6 meters. The phone can stay underwater for up or 30 minutes or longer under test conditions. Like the IP67, IP68 phones are completely dust-tight.

IPX8 Protection

IPX8, which shows that the phone was only tested for water protection. X replaces the first digit, indicating that dust protection doesn't meet the full standard.

What Your Water-Resistant Phone Can Actually Handle?

Safe Water Exposure Scenarios

Water-resistant phones can handle the following everyday situations.

Light Rain and Weather Exposure: The light rain cann’t damage the sealed phone. Your phone can handle the rainstorm with a high IP rating.
Accidental Splashes and Spills: Phones can withstand accidental splashes from sinks, drinks, or puddles. Coffee spills, water splashes don’t cause damage.
Kitchen and Bathroom Use: The phones are compatible for use near sinks or in the kitchen while cooking.

Situations That Can Damage Your Phone

The phones with high IP ratings can handle water under certain conditions. The following are the situations that can damage your phone.

Swimming Pools: Swimming pools contain chemical water, like chlorine, that can easily damage the rubber seal protection of your phone. The chemicals break it down faster than pure water.
Ocean Water and Salt Water Exposure: Ocean water is generally salty. Your phone's exposure to the salty water can cause corrosion that weakens the phone's protection.
Hot Water and Steam: Hot water and steam cause seals to expand, creating gaps where water can enter your phone.

Are Phones with eSIM More Waterproof Than Regular Phones?

A physical SIM card in a phone is the primary entry point for the liquid that can cause damage. The SIM provides the direct path for liquids to reach your phone's internal components. So, here the question arises, is eSIM card compatible phone more protected against water damage?

How eSIM Technology Improves Water Protection?

The eSIM advantage offers a solution to this vulnerability. Unlike physical SIM cards, eSIMs are embedded directly into your phone's circuitry.

No Physical Openings for Water Entry: eSIM-compatible phones eliminate the need for a physical SIM. It doesn’t have the removable tray that lets water penetrate.
Better Long-Term Reliability: The eSIM card in the phone doesn’t change the official IP rating. But it removes the common failure point for water damage.

Note: If you are switching to an eSIM device, the eSIM Card is an ideal brand that offers a variety of cost-effective eSIMs for 200+ destinations. The carriers offer eSIM data only and data, voice and text plans with further short and long-term plans for each country.

Users can install the eSIM in an iPhone or Android with just a QR code scan. The support team remains active 24/7 for efficient assistance. If you get stuck at any point during eSIM setup, just text for support, and they will reach out in a few minutes.

What to Do If Your Phone Gets Wet?

The following are actions to take if your phone gets wet.

Immediate Actions to Take

Turn Off Your Phone Immediately: Power off your phone immediately. Ensure not to charge the mobile until it's dry. Otherwise, it can lead to short-circuit internal components.
Remove Cases and Accessories: Detach the protective cases from the phone. The cases trap the moisture that can slow down the drying process.

The Right Way to Dry Your Phone

External Drying Steps: You can dry the phone using a soft cloth. Pay special attention to the ports in the phone that tend to collect water. After the soft wiping, place the mobile in a dry location.
Proper Positioning for Drainage: Position the phone with the charging port to help the water drain out.
The 48-Hour Drying Rule: Place your phone in a dry place for 48 hours. It will let the moisture evaporate. You can also use the silica gel packets to absorb moisture faster.

Conclusion

Modern smartphones have some level of water resistance. But no one is truly waterproof. Checking the IP rating of your phone lets you know exactly how much your phone can handle moisture and solid particles. To keep your phone protected, the ideal way is to keep it carefully.

FAQs

Can I take my water-resistant phone in the shower?

No, you can’t take the phone in the shower, whether it's water-resistant. The hot and steam water can damage the phone seals that protect your phone from moisture.