In this in-depth 2,000-word guide, we break down everything you need to know about IP ratings, what they do (and don’t) protect you from, the limits of device water resistance, and how to avoid costly mistakes.
What Does “IP Rating” Actually Mean?
IP stands for “Ingress Protection.” It is an internationally recognized rating used to define a device’s ability to resist dust, dirt, and water. An IP rating typically looks like this:
IP68
The first digit (6) represents protection against solids like dust. The second digit (8) represents protection against water.
Here’s how it breaks down:
- The first digit ranges from 0 to 6
- The second digit ranges from 0 to 9K
Higher numbers mean better resistance, but they do not mean the device is immune to damage.
Understanding the First Digit: Dust Resistance
The first digit measures how well a device is protected against dust and small particles. Here’s what each level means:
- 0 – No protection
- 1 – Protection against large objects >50mm
- 2 – Protection against objects >12.5mm
- 3 – Protection against objects >2.5mm
- 4 – Protection against objects >1mm
- 5 – Dust-protected (not fully dust-tight)
- 6 – Dust-tight (complete protection)
Most premium devices today, such as flagship smartphones and wearables, have a solid rating of 6.
Understanding the Second Digit: Water Resistance
The second digit is where things get more complicated. Water resistance does not mean water immunity. Here’s what each level indicates:
- 0 – No water protection
- 1 – Protection from vertically dripping water
- 2 – Protection from dripping at a 15° angle
- 3 – Protection from spraying water
- 4 – Protection from splashing water
- 5 – Protection from jets of water
- 6 – Protection from powerful water jets
- 7 – Immersion up to 1 meter for 30 minutes
- 8 – Immersion beyond 1 meter (manufacturer defines depth and duration)
- 9K – High-temperature, high-pressure water jets
Most premium smartphones, like iPhones and Samsung Galaxy models, offer IP67 or IP68 ratings. Rugged devices may go up to IP69K, but these are rare.
IP67 vs IP68: What’s the Difference?
Many people assume IP68 is vastly superior to IP67, but the difference is actually more specific.
IP67: Withstands immersion in water up to 1 meter for 30 minutes.
IP68: Withstands immersion beyond 1 meter, but the exact depth and duration are defined by the manufacturer—often 1.5 to 2 meters for 30 minutes.
The key difference is flexibility: IP68 allows manufacturers to specify the conditions. However, this often misleads consumers into thinking IP68 phones are “waterproof,” when they’re simply tested for deeper, but controlled, environments.
Why IP Ratings Do NOT Guarantee Real-World Waterproofing
IP ratings are achieved in controlled laboratory settings. The water used is still, clean, and free of contaminants. The temperature is controlled, and the device remains still during submersion.
Real life is completely different.
1. Moving Water Is More Dangerous Than Still Water
Dropping your phone in a bathtub is not the same as using it in pool water while swimming. Moving water generates pressure that may exceed the conditions of IP testing.
Even an IP68 device can fail when exposed to water jets or moving currents.
2. Saltwater, Chlorine, Soap, and Minerals Are NOT Included in IP Tests
Salt corrodes internal components.
Chlorine weakens waterproof seals.
Soap reduces water surface tension and penetrates seals more easily.
Minerals in lake or tap water can seep through tiny gaps.
In short: ocean water and pool water are much more dangerous than fresh water in a lab test.
3. Wear and Tear Reduces Water Resistance Over Time
The adhesives, gaskets, and seals that keep water out weaken with everyday use. Drops, pressure, heat cycles, and aging reduce water resistance significantly.
4. IP Ratings Don’t Cover Damage from Pressure
Using a device underwater, especially at depth, adds pressure that may exceed its rating. Even pushing buttons underwater can force water inside.
5. IP Ratings Don’t Cover Steam or Humidity
Most smartphones CANNOT withstand:
- Shower steam
- Sauna environments
- High humidity levels
Steam molecules are extremely small and can penetrate seals even when water cannot.
Why Manufacturers Avoid Calling Devices “Waterproof”
You may notice that official websites rarely use the word “waterproof.” Instead, they use terms like “water resistant.” This is because:
- No device can be guaranteed against water damage.
- Water damage voids warranties for nearly all brands.
- IP ratings reflect test conditions—not real-world conditions.
Even if a product is IP68-rated, manufacturers don’t want liability if you swim with it or drop it into the ocean.
Can You Swim With an IP68 Phone?
Technically, you can—but you shouldn’t.
Here’s why swimming is dangerous for your device:
- Pressure increases with depth and movement
- Saltwater and chlorine cause corrosion
- Heat from sunlight and water temperature changes expand seals
- Motion forces water into weak areas
Even companies that advertise “swim-proof” devices (like some smartwatches) include disclaimers that they are not protected against saltwater or high-velocity water.
Do IP Ratings Cover Accidental Water Damage?
Absolutely not.
Most warranties—including Apple, Samsung, Google, Xiaomi, and others—explicitly exclude liquid damage, even for devices with the highest IP ratings.
If your device fails after being submerged, manufacturers typically require a paid repair.
This is one of the biggest misunderstandings among consumers who assume IP ratings are guarantees—when they are actually just test results.
What About Smartwatches and Fitness Trackers?
Wearables often feature both IP ratings and ATM (atmosphere) ratings, such as 5ATM, meaning they can withstand pressures equivalent to 50 meters of depth.
But even then:
- 5ATM does NOT mean you can dive 50 meters deep
- Motion underwater increases pressure far beyond static conditions
- Shower steam can still damage seals
Always check the manufacturer’s guidelines before swimming with a wearable.
How to Keep Your Water-Resistant Device Safe
Just because your device has an IP rating doesn’t mean you should ignore best practices. Here’s how to avoid water damage:
1. Avoid Submerging Your Device Whenever Possible
IP ratings are for accidental exposure—not intentional use underwater.
2. Keep Your Device Away From Saltwater and Chlorine
If accidental exposure occurs, rinse the device with clean water afterward and dry it completely.
3. Don’t Charge Your Device When It’s Wet
Charging a wet device can cause short circuits. Most modern phones display warnings and disable charging when moisture is detected.
4. Avoid High-Pressure Water
Do not expose your device to:
- High-pressure faucets
- Shower jets
- Water guns
- Steamy environments
5. Use a Waterproof Case for Swimming
If you want to take your phone underwater intentionally, use a certified waterproof case.
6. Do Not Press Buttons Underwater
This can break the waterproof seal temporarily.
7. Don’t Rely on IP Ratings After a Drop
Even small drops can damage seals, making the device vulnerable to water.
Future of Water Resistance Technology
While today’s IP ratings are solid, the future promises improvements:
- Internal waterproofing nanocoatings
- Fully sealed, portless designs
- Advanced hydrophobic membranes
- Self-healing gasket materials
Many smartphone makers are experimenting with portless devices, using wireless charging and eSIM technology. When charging ports disappear entirely, phones will become significantly more water-resistant.
Common Misconceptions About IP Ratings
Misconception 1: IP68 Means Waterproof
Reality: It means resistant in controlled tests—nothing more.
Misconception 2: Higher IP Means Better Protection in All Situations
Reality: IP testing conditions are limited and do not reflect real-world environments.
Misconception 3: Wearables with ATM ratings are safe for all swimming conditions
Reality: They are safe for swimming, but not for diving, jets, or saunas.
Misconception 4: Water resistance lasts forever
Reality: It degrades significantly over time.
Misconception 5: IP ratings cover liquid damage under warranty
Reality: They do not.
Conclusion: Understand IP Ratings Before You Trust Them
IP ratings are incredibly helpful and important—they give users confidence that their devices can handle everyday splashes, rain, sweat, and accidental drops in shallow water. However, consumers often misunderstand what these ratings truly represent.
IP ratings measure resistance, not immunity. They reflect laboratory conditions, not real-life environments. And while technology continues to improve, no consumer device is truly waterproof—at least not yet.
Understanding the limitations of IP ratings can save you from costly water damage and help you take better care of your electronics. Treat water-resistant devices as durable, not invincible.
The next time you see “waterproof” in marketing, remember: the truth is in the IP rating—and even then, only if you understand what it really means.
