What IP ratings actually mean
| Rating | Water resistance | Common phones |
|---|---|---|
| IP67 | 1m depth, up to 30 minutes | iPhone 8, X, XR, 11; Samsung A-series |
| IP68 | 1.5–6m depth, up to 30 minutes | iPhone 12–16; Samsung S-series; Galaxy Z Fold/Flip |
| IPX4 | Splash resistant only | Some budget Xiaomi and Oppo models |
| No rating | No water resistance claim | Older and budget devices |
⚠️ Critical point: IP ratings are not covered by manufacturer warranties for water damage. Apple, Samsung, and all other brands explicitly exclude water damage from warranty — even on IP68-rated phones. If water gets in, repair is out of pocket regardless of rating.
What happens inside a phone when water gets in
Water creates a conductive path between circuit board points that shouldn’t be connected, causing short circuits. As the water dries, it leaves mineral deposits behind that continue to corrode the board over days and weeks — even after the phone seems to have recovered.
What to do immediately if your phone gets wet
- Power off immediately. The number one priority. A powered phone actively fries components when water creates short circuits.
- Do not charge it. Charging a wet phone is the fastest way to cause permanent damage.
- Do not use rice. Rice does not absorb moisture from inside electronics. This is a persistent myth that wastes critical time.
- Do not use a hairdryer. Heat causes further corrosion and can damage components.
- Bring it to a repair shop within hours. The sooner a technician opens and cleans the board, the higher the chance of full recovery.
Success rate: Phones brought in within 1–2 hours of water exposure have a significantly higher recovery rate than those brought in after “trying rice for a few days”. Time is the most important factor after powering off.
Signs water damage is present
- Phone working intermittently — powers on sometimes, not others
- Microphone or speaker suddenly distorted or silent
- Charging port not working despite no visible physical damage
- Screen showing lines or discolouration without a drop
Related terms
- Motherboard Repair — water damage often leads to board-level repair
- Battery Health — water can accelerate battery degradation
- Charging Port — water ingress often damages the charging port first
Further reading
- Dropped Phone in Water? Here’s Exactly What to Do in the First 24 Hours — step-by-step emergency guide
- Top 10 Phone Repair Mistakes People Make — includes the rice myth and other water damage errors
