If you’ve been shopping around for a new phone, tablet or even headphones, then you’ll likely have noticed that many boast an IP68 rating.
As most of the best smartphones and even some of the best cheap phones are certified with an IP68 rating, it’s important to understand what it means and how it will impact your phone use.
To help, we explain everything you need to know about an IP68 rating, including what it means, which devices typically sport the rating and how it compares to similar certifications.
What is an IP rating?
We’ll begin by explaining what an IP rating actually is. Developed by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC), IP stands for Ingress Protection and indicates how well an electronic device can withstand notoriously harmful elements like dust and water.
IP ratings are marked with two numbers: the first indicates how well the gadget in question is protected from solids, while the second represents its resistance to contact with liquids (mainly water).
The first number typically ranges from zero to six, while the second ranges from zero to nine. In circumstances where data isn’t available for either a dust or water rating, there will simply be an X instead. In this instance, it’s best to completely avoid bringing the device into contact with either dust or water.
What is IP68?
IP68 is a very high dust and water-resistance rating, with the “6” especially representing the highest level of dust-resistance possible and means the device is dust-tight.
The “8” of an IP68 rating is slightly less straightforward. While nine is actually the highest water-resistance IP rating, an eight rating is arguably more appropriate for portable devices such as smartphones and tablets.
According to the IEC, an eight means a device is protected against the effects of continuous immersion in water, whereas a nine rating means it’s protected against high-pressure and high-temperature water jets.
With this in mind, considering you’re more likely to accidentally drop your phone in a body of water rather than have it up against a high-pressure water jet, an IP68 is likely more of a necessary protection rating. In fact, phones like the OnePlus 13 are fitted with both an IP68 and an IP69 rating.
We explain more about the differences in our IP68 vs IP69 guide.
Is IP68 waterproof?
While an IP68 rating is undoubtedly high, and can keep your devices protected when exposed to water, it still isn’t classified as a completely waterproof rating. We’d still recommend avoiding exposure to water, but it’s reassuring to know that if it does come into contact, it won’t instantly break.
Can IP68 survive a shower?
As an IP68 rated device is “protected against the effects of continuous immersion in water”, then generally, it can survive a shower. However, there are some caveats you must keep in mind.
Firstly, each IP68 device may vary in its exact water-resistance specifications, so you should check with the manufacturer or refer to the specific guidelines for your product. For example, Samsung caveats its IP68-rated Samsung Galaxy S25 series is “water resistant in fresh water to a maximum depth of 1.5 metres for up to 30 minutes”.
Essentially, if you get caught in the rain but need to keep your phone out temporarily to follow maps, then your device should be fine. Just make sure you check your device’s manual before proceeding.
IP68 or IP67
An IP68 rating is slightly higher and subsequently more resistant to water than an IP67 rating, as it can withstand continuous immersion, whereas the latter is protected by temporary immersion.
Even so, many of the best mid-range phones do sport an IP67 rating which, although isn’t as strong, is likely durable enough for everyday use while keeping you safe from accidental drops or rain.
Remember that neither IP68 nor IP67 are classed as completely waterproof, so shouldn’t be left in water for a longer period of time than specified by the manufacturer.
