Definition: IP (Ingress Protection) rating is an international standard classifying a device’s resistance to dust and water. The two digits mean: first digit = dust protection (0–6), second digit = water protection (0–9). IP67 = dust-tight, submersible to 1m for 30 minutes. IP68 = dust-tight, submersible beyond 1m at manufacturer-specified conditions — tested in fresh, still water under lab conditions only.
Why it matters for phone repair
IP ratings are one of the most misunderstood phone specifications — and the misunderstanding leads to some of the most avoidable water damage cases we see. Customers assume IP68 means waterproof. It does not. The standard tests in fresh, clean, still water. Real-world exposure to pools, rain, the sea, showers, and sweat is not covered.
What the numbers mean
Second digit (water): 7 = submersion up to 1m for 30 minutes. 8 = submersion beyond 1m at manufacturer-specified depth. Common phone ratings: iPhone 15 Pro (IP68, 6m/30min), Samsung Galaxy S24 (IP68, 1.5m/30min), iPhone SE 3rd gen (IP67, 1m/30min).
Shareable fact: IP68 is tested in fresh water only. Chlorinated pool water and sea water are not covered — and water resistance is not covered by Apple or Samsung’s warranty regardless of IP rating.
What IP ratings don’t cover
- Chlorinated or salt water
- High-pressure water (showers, waves)
- Repeated submersions over time (seals degrade)
- Drops that damage seals before submersion
- Phones with cracked screens (no longer sealed)
People Also Ask
Does IP68 mean my phone is waterproof? +
No. IP68 means water-resistant under specific lab conditions — fresh, still water at a manufacturer-specified depth. It does not mean waterproof in pools, the sea, showers, or heavy rain. These real-world conditions are more aggressive than the test conditions. Additionally, the seals degrade over time and with drops — a 3-year-old IP68 phone is significantly less water-resistant than a new one. BreakFixNow sees water-damaged IP68 phones regularly.
What is the difference between IP67 and IP68? +
Both are dust-tight (first digit 6). The difference is the water rating: IP67 = submersible to 1m for 30 minutes. IP68 = submersible to a manufacturer-specified depth beyond 1m (Apple specifies 6m for iPhone 15 Pro; Samsung specifies 1.5m for Galaxy S24). In practice the real-world protection difference is minimal — both can handle accidental splashes and brief drops in fresh water, but neither should be used for intentional underwater photography.
Is water damage covered under warranty if my phone has an IP rating? +
No — water damage voids manufacturer warranty regardless of IP rating. Every phone has an internal LDI (Liquid Damage Indicator) that turns red when exposed to liquid. Apple, Samsung, and all major manufacturers check this during warranty claims and decline coverage for liquid-damaged devices. The IP rating is a performance specification, not a warranty promise.
Can I take my IP68 phone to a Singapore pool or beach? +
Not safely. Singapore pool water (chlorinated) and Sentosa beach water (salt) are both more chemically aggressive than the fresh water used in IP68 testing. Chlorine and salt degrade IP seals faster and penetrate microscopic gaps that fresh water doesn’t. We regularly see iPhone 15 Pro and Samsung S24 water damage from pool and beach use despite their IP68 ratings. If you must bring a phone poolside, use a waterproof case rated for pool/marine use.
My IP68 phone got water damaged — can it be repaired? +
Yes — bring it in immediately. Power off the phone and do not charge it. BreakFixNow treats water-damaged phones regardless of IP rating using ultrasonic cleaning to remove corrosion from the logic board. Recovery rates are highest when the phone is brought in within a few hours. See our phone water damage repair service.
Related terms
- Water Damage — what happens when IP protection fails
- LDI — the internal indicator that confirms water has entered
- Corrosion — the damage that follows water ingress
IP-rated phone died after getting wet? BreakFixNow treats water-damaged phones regardless of IP rating. Same-day diagnosis, no fix no fee.
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