Last updated: October 2026.
Photo by Maximus Mazar on Unsplash
Almost every phone launch in India now mentions IP67, IP68 or even IP69, but these labels do not mean a phone is "waterproof". This guide explains what each digit of an IP rating means, how IP67, IP68 and IP69 differ, why the ratings only cover clean fresh water, and what to do if your phone gets soaked in the monsoon.
What does "IP" mean?
IP stands for Ingress Protection. The ratings come from an international standard called IEC 60529, which describes how well an enclosure keeps out solid objects (like dust) and water. An IP code has two digits after the letters IP:
- First digit (0–6): protection against solids, from large objects such as a hand down to fine dust.
- Second digit (0–9): protection against water, from dripping water up to high-pressure, hot water jets.
If a product has not been tested for one of the two, an X takes its place. So IPX4 means the product was rated for water (level 4) but no dust rating was given.
The first digit: dust
For phones, only two dust levels really matter:
- 5 – Dust protected: some dust can get in, but not enough to stop the device working properly.
- 6 – Dust tight: no dust gets in during the test, which is done under vacuum for several hours.
Most water-resistant phones today carry a 6.
The second digit: water
Lower water levels (1 to 6) involve dripping, spraying, splashing and jets of water from a nozzle. Levels 7 and 8 involve dunking the device. Level 9 involves very powerful hot water jets. One detail surprises many buyers: water ratings are not cumulative above level 6. A device rated for immersion (7 or 8) has not automatically passed the jet tests (5 or 6). That is why some phones list two or more ratings together, such as IP66/IP68/IP69.
Common IP ratings at a glance
| Rating | Dust | Water test (summary) | Where you usually see it |
|---|---|---|---|
| IPX4 | Not rated | Splashing water from any direction | Earbuds, budget smartwatches |
| IP54 | Dust protected | Splashing water from any direction | Earbuds, some budget phones |
| IP64 / IP65 | Dust tight | Splashes (4) or low-pressure water jets (5) | Mid-range phones, speakers |
| IP66 | Dust tight | Powerful water jets | Rugged and some recent mid-range phones |
| IP67 | Dust tight | Immersion up to 1 metre for 30 minutes | Older flagships, some mid-range phones |
| IP68 | Dust tight | Immersion beyond 1 metre; depth and time set by the manufacturer | Most current flagships |
| IP69 / IP69K | Dust tight | High-pressure, high-temperature water jets (around 80°C) | Some newer Android phones, rugged devices |
IP67 vs IP68: what is the real difference?
IP67 has a fixed test: the device is kept under water up to 1 metre deep for 30 minutes. Every IP67 product faces the same condition.
IP68 is more flexible. The standard only says the conditions must be tougher than IP67, and the manufacturer decides the exact depth and duration. This is why two IP68 phones can have very different claims. For example:
- Apple rates the iPhone 12 through iPhone 17 series as IP68 up to 6 metres for 30 minutes, while the iPhone 11 is rated for 2 metres.
- Samsung says its IP68 Galaxy phones were tested in 1.5 metres of fresh water for 30 minutes.
So "IP68" alone does not tell you much. Look for the depth and time on the brand's official specification page. These lab tests use still water with the device not moving; swimming or jumping into a pool adds pressure on the seals.
What does IP69 (or IP69K) test?
IP69 is about high-pressure, high-temperature water jets, not deeper diving. Under IEC 60529, the IPX9 test sprays water at about 80°C at very high pressure (roughly 80–100 bar) from a short distance, at several angles, while the device turns on a turntable. IP69K is a closely related rating that originally came from a German standard (DIN 40050-9) made for vehicles and equipment that are cleaned with pressure washers.
Brands such as OnePlus (the OnePlus 13 is rated IP68 and IP69) advertise IP69 as extra protection. It does not mean you should wash your phone with a pressure washer, put it in hot water or take it into a steam room. Because 7, 8 and 9 test different things, phones that are good underwater as well usually list IP68 and IP69 together.
IPX4 and IP54 on earbuds and wearables
Earbuds usually carry much lower ratings, such as IPX4 or IP54. These cover sweat and splashes from any direction, which is fine for workouts or light rain. They are not for swimming or showering. Apple, for example, rates AirPods 4 as IP54 and says AirPods are not designed for water sports or showering. Also check whether the charging case is rated: on some earbuds only the buds are water resistant, not the case.
Why ratings only apply to clean fresh water
IP tests are done with fresh water. Samsung specifically advises against exposing its phones to salt water, pool water and soapy water, and Apple warns against soap, detergents, perfume, lotions, sunscreen and similar products. Salt and chlorine can corrode parts and weaken the seals, and soap lowers water's surface tension so it slips past gaps more easily.
If your phone does get splashed with sea water or pool water, check your brand's support page for cleaning advice, wipe it with a soft cloth and let it dry fully before charging.
Water resistance fades over time
Both Apple and Samsung state that water resistance is not permanent and can reduce with normal wear. Rubber gaskets and adhesive seals age, drops can open tiny gaps, and heat can weaken glue. Treat a two- or three-year-old IP68 phone as less protected than when it was new.
Liquid damage and warranty
An IP rating is not a promise to repair the phone for free. Apple states plainly that liquid damage is not covered under its warranty, and other brands commonly exclude liquid damage from their standard warranty too, so check your phone's warranty card. Many phones have internal liquid contact indicators that service centres can check. For water damage cover, read the terms of any paid protection plan or device insurance before buying.
Practical tips for the monsoon
- Keep the phone in a pocket or zip pouch when riding a two-wheeler in the rain, even if it is IP68.
- Avoid using the phone in waterlogged streets; dirty floodwater is not what the phone was tested with.
- Do not charge in humid spots like a bathroom, and never plug in a wet phone.
- Keep the phone out of showers and saunas; steam and heat are not part of standard IP tests.
What to do if your phone gets wet
- Take it out and switch off if it is not water resistant or was in water for long. For IP67/IP68 phones, unplug any cable first.
- Do not charge it. Apple asks users to wait at least 5 hours before charging with a cable after liquid exposure, and Samsung says not to connect a charger until the phone is completely dry. Many Android phones show a "moisture detected" warning in the port; do not ignore it.
- Wipe it dry with a soft, lint-free cloth.
- Tap out the water. Hold the phone with the charging port facing down and tap it gently against your palm.
- Leave it to air-dry in a dry place with airflow. A fan blowing cool air towards the port can help.
- Avoid heat and poking. Do not use a hair dryer, heater or compressed air, and do not push cotton buds or paper into the port.
- Visit an authorised service centre if the phone will not turn on, the screen shows marks, or the speaker stays muffled after a day.
Should you put a wet phone in rice?
No. This is a popular myth. Apple's own support page for liquid-detection alerts says not to put an iPhone in a bag of rice, because small rice particles can get into the phone and damage it. Open air with good ventilation is the safer choice for any brand.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is an IP68 phone waterproof?
No. IP68 means water resistant under specific lab conditions set by the manufacturer, usually in still fresh water for about 30 minutes. It is not designed for swimming or long underwater use.
Is IP69 better than IP68?
They test different things. IP68 covers immersion, while IP69 covers hot, high-pressure jets. A phone with both ratings has passed both kinds of tests; one does not replace the other.
Can I click photos underwater with an IP68 phone?
Brands like Apple advise against intentionally submerging the phone. Movement, salt or chlorine all add risk, and liquid damage is usually not covered by warranty.
Will my phone stay IP68 after a screen replacement?
Not necessarily. Seals depend on how well the repair is done. Authorised service centres are more likely to use proper adhesive, but even then the brand may not guarantee the original rating.
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