What Does an IP Rating Mean?
An IP rating is an Ingress Protection code from the IEC 60529 standard that shows how well a device keeps out solids and water. The first digit rates protection from solids such as dust. The second digit rates protection from water. An X in either place means that part wasn't tested.
What Is the Difference Between IP68 and IP67?
The difference between IP68 and IP67 is the water test: IP67 covers temporary immersion to 1 metre, while IP68 covers immersion beyond 1 metre under conditions the maker sets. Both are dust-tight.
| Rating | Dust | Water test | Typical phone claim |
|---|---|---|---|
| IP67 | Dust-tight | Temporary immersion, up to 1 metre for 30 minutes | 1 metre for 30 minutes |
| IP68 | Dust-tight | Continuous immersion beyond 1 metre, conditions set by the maker | 1.5 to 6 metres for 30 minutes, depending on the model |
What Does Each Water Digit Mean?
Each water digit from 4 to 8 adds a tougher test. Portable speakers often use the same codes; see water in a Bluetooth speaker.
| Digit | Tested against |
|---|---|
| 4 | Splashing water from any direction |
| 5 | Water jets from a nozzle |
| 6 | Powerful water jets |
| 7 | Temporary immersion, up to 1 metre for 30 minutes |
| 8 | Continuous immersion beyond 1 metre, conditions set by the maker |
How Deep Can an IP68 Phone Go?
It depends on the maker, because IP68 has no single fixed depth. Each manufacturer publishes the depth and time it tested.
| Phone | Rating | Depth and time |
|---|---|---|
| iPhone XS, XS Max | IP68 | 2 metres for 30 minutes |
| iPhone 17 | IP68 | 6 metres for 30 minutes |
| Other phones | IP68 | Listed on each maker's specifications page |
Check your own phone's specifications rather than assuming a figure. iPhone ratings by model are in the iPhone speaker cleaner guide.
Is an IP68 Phone Waterproof?
No, an IP68 phone isn't waterproof. The lab test uses fresh, still water. Water resistance also declines through normal wear, drops, damage and repairs, as both Apple and Google note. Real-world water is different from the lab:
- Saltwater and pools: salt and chlorine aren't part of the test; see what to do with a phone dropped in saltwater.
- Pressure: jets, waves and diving add pressure the immersion test doesn't cover.
- Soap and drinks: they lower surface tension and get past seals more easily.
Does IP68 Mean Water Damage Is Covered by Warranty?
No, an IP68 rating doesn't mean water damage is covered by the warranty. Liquid damage is often excluded from standard warranties, even on rated phones. Check your manufacturer's warranty terms and any insurance plan.
What If Your Rated Phone Got Wet Anyway?
If your rated phone got wet anyway, treat it like any wet phone.
- Dry it properly: follow the steps to dry a wet phone.
- Clear the speaker: a muffled speaker usually means water in the grille; use the speaker cleaner.
- Rinse off salt before drying, if it was the sea.
Speaker cleaner
Free speaker cleaner that plays a 165 Hz tone to push water and dust out of iPhone and Android speakers.