I wish for a world where all smartphones are waterproof. These days, smartphone manufacturers are making their devices water-resistant. However, they have their limits. Here, the IP rating measures how much water your device can handle, and they’re probably not as resistant as you think.
Not to mention, you should keep your device as dry as possible. Most devices have an IP rating, where IP stands for International Protection Rating, which is called Ingress Protection Marking. This should be distinct from the IP address or intellectual property. The device is tested to protect it from the outside and the inside. In 2018, most smartphones were advertised as water-resistant, with most having IP67 and IP68 ratings. Each number has its meaning.
Are you worried about your device being waterproof? If you have a device with some level of water resistance, you may have heard about IP ratings. It helps protect your device from rain or if you accidentally drop your smartphone in a water pool. Many technology companies are ensuring more resistance to weather and accidents. You can find beefy, rubber-sealed, rugged phones designed for rugged use.
Today, in this article, we will share what the IP rating means and how to ensure your device is fully functional. What does the IP rating mean, like IP67, IP68, and IPX8, and the dust resistance of your smartphone?
What is an IP rating?
It was developed by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC), which classifies the degree of protection provided by enclosures for electrical equipment. The IP rating system was developed in 1976. The first number after IP generally denotes the IP rating. It ranges from zero to six for dust protection and zero to nine for water protection.
IP stands for Ingress Protection, and many combinations regarding IP ratings exist. A nano-coating, a microscopically applied film sprayed over the internal components, helps water roll away from anything that could be damaged by moisture. It is a type of nano-coating that has evolved and offers complete protection from submersion without relying on seals in the phone’s body.
The first number in the IP rating indicates the level of dust resistance, while the second number indicates the level of liquid resistance. For example, the latest smartphones may have an IP64 rating, which means they are both dustproof and can be submerged in shallow water. However, if the rating has an “X” in its name, it has not been tested for solid foreign objects. In this case, you should protect your device from water, sand, and dust to prevent damage.
IP Rating Guide
The value of water resistance in a smartphone is clear. It should withstand swimming in a pool, but ocean swimming is not recommended.
- The first number represents the amount of protection provided against the entry of foreign solid objects, such as sand or dust. It ranges from 0 to 6.
- The second number represents the degree of protection against moisture or liquid. This protection level ranges from 0 to 8.
| First and second numbers. | Dust | Object Size | Water | Tests and Usages | ATM Rating |
| X | Not Tested | N/A | Not Tested | ||
| 0 | No Protections | N/A | No Protections | 10 minutes, light rain | |
| 1 | Protect against solid foreign objects on any large surface of the body, such as the back of the hand. | Less than 50mm | Protected against vertically falling water drops. | 10 minutes, light rain | Under 100 feet, the device can be used in rain and is protected against splashes. |
| 2 | Protect against a solid foreign object like a finger or something similar. | Less than 12.5mm | Protected against vertically falling water drop when enclosure tilted up to 15° | 5 minutes of rain and spraying | |
| 3 | Protected against solid foreign objects, thick wires, or similar objects. | Less than 2.5mm | Protected against spraying water. | 5 minutes, rain, spraying, and splashing | Under 165 feet, devices can last for a short amount of time submerged in water, like in a swimming pool. |
| 4 | Protected against solid foreign matter from most wires, screws, or similar objects. | Less than 1mm | Protected against splashing water. | 3 minutes from a distance of 3 metres, rain, splashing, and direct contact with most kitchen and bathroom faucets. | |
| 5 | Dust is protected from contact with harmful dust. | N/A | Protected against Splashing Water | 3 minutes from a distance of 3 metres; rain; splashing; direct contact with kitchen and bathroom faucets. | |
| 6 | Dust-tight from contact with harmful dust. | N/A | Protected against powerful water jets. | 3 minutes from a distance of 3 metres, rain, splashing, direct contact with kitchen and bathroom faucets, outdoor use in rough sea conditions. | |
| 7 | Protected against the effect of temporary immersion in water. | Rain, splashing, and accidental submersion | |||
| 8 | Protected against the effect of continuous immersion in water. | Rain, splashing, and accidental submersion. | |||
| 9 | Protected against high-pressure and high-temperature water jets. | ||||
| 10 | Under 330 feet, a device can last for a much longer amount of time submerged in water, such as snorkelling in the ocean. | ||||
| 20 | Under 660 feet, the device can handle being used for high-impact water sports like surfing and jet skiing. |
Check for an IP rating.
You should always check the IP rating. Look for the device configuration or specification on the device website. For example, the Apple iPhone 15 Pro has an IP68 rating, which means it can withstand a maximum depth of 6 meters for 30 minutes.
IP67 or IP68 ratings are considered good IP ratings, as they protect from accidental submersion, such as dropping your device in a pool for over 30 minutes or engaging in deep-level water activities. Smartphones usually do not come with an ATM rating. These ratings are reserved for watches and other products that may be submerged to greater depths.
The first number after IP indicates dust resistance. It is also essential to keep your camera lenses and other components dust-free. If your device has a rating lower than 5, it is not dust-tight.
If your device has an X instead of a No, it has not been tested for dust resistance. The second digit of the IP rating is related to waterproofing. A device rated seven can withstand a depth of 1 meter for 30 minutes.
The first thing to remember is that the IR test is done in freshwater. If your device falls into the ocean, which has salt, or a pool with chlorine, you must protect it from instant corrosion. Temperature also plays a role in how well your device survives. If your device has an IP rating, almost no manufacturer will warranty against water damage. This is because manufacturers put a white sticker on the motherboard that turns pink when wet.