People are just realising their iPhones and Androids are waterproof – how to tell if yours is too

THE last thing you want is a water-damaged smartphone.

Fortunately the vast majority have some level of water resistance these days.

Don’t take any chances

If you’re not sure about your iPhone or Android device – and don’t fancy taking a chance – there is simple way to work it out.

It’s all to do with something called an IP rating.

You may see them on your device’s packaging as IP codes.

IP stands for Ingress Protection and doesn’t just cover liquids, but solid objects as well (usually dust).

It usually comes with two digits.

The first corresponds to protection to solid stuff.

And the second is about liquids.

The higher the number, the better it is at withstanding things.

The code itself is defined by an organisation known as the International Electrotechnical Commission.

At the moment, the solid particle protection goes anywhere from 0, which is zero protection, up to 6, known as dust tight.

iPhones after the 6S have a 6 rating.

The liquid ingress protection goes from 0 – zero protection again – right the way to 9K.

9K means it can withstand powerful high-temperature water jets.

This level of protection isn’t needed for everyday phones.

These days, most will have a 7 or 8 rating.

A 7 rating means it can take immersion, up to 1 meter depth, whilst under water for 30 minutes.

Meanwhile 8 is a tad more – immersion in 1 meter or more depth.

Manufacturers do loads of their own tests and will tell you just how much your device you can take, so be sure to check their website for official information before dunking them about.

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