Water and Dust Resistance

Understanding IP Ratings and Water Resistance

When you see an “IP” rating on a gadget — like a phone, headphones or watch — it tells you how well the device can withstand dust and water. 

Water resistance is more about protection against accidents — like spills or rain — not intentional underwater use.

What “IP” Means

IP stands for Ingress Protection. It’s a standard way of showing how well a device resists solids (like dust) and water. An IP rating usually has two parts:

• First number: how well the device resists solids and dust — up to a maximum of 6 (dust-tight).
• Second number: how well it resists water — up to 9.
• If you see an X instead of a number, that part hasn’t been tested.

For example:

• IP68: dust-tight and water-resistant to a high level.
• IPX7: water-resistant (can be submerged briefly) but not tested for dust.

Water Resistance Isn’t the Same as Waterproof

Even the highest IP number for water (like an “8”) doesn’t mean a device is totally waterproof. It just means it has been tested under specific lab conditions — usually in still, clean water. That doesn’t always reflect real use, like swimming pools, oceans, showers, or choppy water.

So don’t assume:

• your phone will work perfectly if you take it swimming
• water won’t get in if it gets dropped or worn over time

Water resistance is more about protection against accidents — like spills or rain — not intentional underwater use.