For these reasons, you shouldn't rely on or trust your phone's water resistance.
Water resistance has become a feature we take for granted when buying a new phone. Once we see an IP67 or IP68 rating, we automatically assume it won't be damaged if it gets wet, falls into a pool, or is used in the rain. But the problem is that this confidence is often misunderstood, and that can be very costly.
Water resistance does not necessarily mean complete water resistance.
The first common misconception is believing that a phone is "waterproof" in all conditions. In reality, no manufacturer calls their phones "fully waterproof," but rather "water-resistant devices." This is a crucial difference.
IP ratings indicate how well a phone can withstand the ingress of liquids, but always under specific and carefully controlled conditions. For example, an IP68-rated phone is tested in a laboratory using clean, fresh water, without being moved, and for a limited time. Anything outside of these conditions does not guarantee water resistance.
Not all water is the same, and that's where the problem begins.
Another important point that is often overlooked is that water's effect on phones is not uniform. Seawater is particularly dangerous, as the salt it contains is corrosive and can damage the rubber gaskets and internal seals that protect the device. Even if the phone continues to function after being submerged in water, the salt residue may cause malfunctions in the following days or weeks.
Swimming pools are not immune to the risks either. Chlorine gradually damages the internal adhesives that keep the phone closed. And if we're talking about soft drinks, coffee, or juices, the risk is even greater: these are sticky, acidic liquids that are difficult to clean from the inside.
- Heat also works against us.
Using your phone while showering, in a sauna, or under hot water is a very bad idea, even if it has an IP rating. The heat can weaken the internal seals and reduce their effectiveness, allowing water to seep into the protected areas.
Also, sudden temperature changes can cause internal condensation, which is not always immediately noticeable but ultimately damages sensitive components.
Water pressure is important
Dropping your phone in water is not the same as exposing it to a strong current or a sudden shock like jumping into a swimming pool. The pressure can force liquid in even devices with good water resistance ratings.
The water and dust ingress protection test does not take into account situations such as high-pressure water jets, water sports, or water impacts. In these cases, liquid can easily penetrate the seals.
Water resistance doesn't last forever.
It's a little-known fact that water resistance decreases over time. A phone is most secure the first day after it's taken out of the box. With daily use, drops, impacts, and bending of the casing, the internal seals gradually weaken.
Moreover, even a minor fall can create tiny, invisible cracks that allow water to seep in later. And worst of all, there's no easy way to verify the integrity of the protective coating.
The warranty does not usually cover water damage.
Even if the manufacturer advertises water resistance, liquid damage is rarely covered by warranty. If your phone stops working after getting wet, the repair center will likely consider it accidental damage, and you'll have to pay for the repairs.
This reinforces the idea that an IP certificate is a simple additional layer of protection, not a guarantee of complete peace of mind.
So, what should you do?
The bottom line is clear: water resistance is a safety feature, not a superpower. It helps prevent accidents caused by splashes, rain, or other incidents, but it doesn't mean you can use your phone as if it were indestructible.
Yes, it might get wet accidentally, but always be careful. Overconfidence is the quickest way to turn an "IP" rating into a real... and very costly, failure.