Have you ever contemplated using your iPhone while bathing? You may want to reconsider submerging your device in water. Regardless of what certain mobile phone advertisements may imply, your precious gadget could be at risk.
To actually understand what all the new ratings mean for your phone, and how resistant it is to showers, you first need to know some technical terms.
Is my iPhone waterproof?
The bottom line is that your iPhone really isn’t waterproof. Instead, it is water-resistant. After all, most electronic devices are usually only water-resistant, despite the bold marketing. Wondering what the difference is between these two terms?
Difference
Waterproof materials offer total protection from water penetration. Water resistance, on the other hand, provides protection only to a certain degree or timeframe. Waterproof devices survive submersion in water for an indefinite amount of time without suffering any damage.
Water-resistant devices vary depending on their rating. Some will survive submersion in water for a specific amount of time. Others will not survive submersion at all. However, they will be able to withstand light splashes or rain.
IP Rating
To understand the extent to which your device offers protection, you can refer to its IP rating. Also known as the International or Ingress Protection rating, IP determines the water-resistant protection of your device.
It comes in the form of IPXX. The first X refers to the protection against solids like dust, while the second X refers to the protection against liquids such as water. A higher rating means your phone offers a higher level of protection.
Can You Bring Your iPhone Into The Shower?
The solid answer is no! After all, your iPhone is only water-resistant. Thus, it may be susceptible to water damage. Nonetheless, it holds different IP ratings depending on the model. Your phone may resist water at a particular depth and for a specific amount of time. But, your phone will definitely not survive high-pressure streams.
Steam and Vapours
If you plan on taking hot showers, steam and high temperatures will most definitely contribute to iPhone shower damage. Steam and vapor can easily penetrate your phone’s casing and cause interior damage. Other products such as soaps and shower gels can also cause damage.
Apple recommendations
According to Apple, you have to take certain precautions even with the latest model of the iPhone. Apple instructions say that you should definitely avoid taking your phone into the shower. Other wet conditions to avoid include:
- The tub when bathing.
- Steam rooms or saunas.
- In the rain.
- During water sports such as water skiing, swimming, wakeboarding, and surfing.
- Near shower products such as soaps, shower gels, colognes, and hair dyes.
However, you can refer to the phone’s IP rating to understand how the model handles the shower. For example, newer models currently have a higher IP rating than older models.
IP68 vs IP67 rating
Let’s take a look at the different types of iPhone IP ratings and how each level of water resistance would handle a trip to the bathroom:
Format of a Rating
In the IPXX format, the first X refers to solids and has a scale of 0 to 6. The second X refers to liquids and has a scale of 0 to 9. Thus, an IP rating of IP69 describes the highest water-resistance and dustproof rating.
Primary Differences
With an IP67 rating, a device features a fully dustproof finish and protection from water to a depth of up to 3 feet for 30 minutes. An IP68 rating, on the other hand, also means that the device is fully dustproof. However, its protection from water extends to about 10 feet deep and for up to 30 minutes.
Older iPhone models generally have an IP rating of IP66 to IP67. The latest iPhone 12 model has an improved IP68 rating.
An IP68 rating doesn’t necessarily mean you can use your phone while submerged in water for up to 30 minutes. Instead, they are intended for emergency purposes in case of accidents associated with water.
What if the phone gets wet?
Sometimes, accidents are unavoidable. So, your phone may end up in wet conditions where it may be prone to bathroom phone damage. Here’s what you need to do in case your phone gets wet:
Let it dry and leave it turned off until fully dried. Using the phone when it’s wet can easily cause a short circuit. To thoroughly dry your phone, wipe the exterior with a lint-free, dry cloth.
When the exterior dries, open the sim card tray and let the interior air dry completely. Never use heat source devices like space heaters or hairdryers to dry your phone!
Use Ziploc bags
If you absolutely have to go into the shower with your iPhone, there are a couple of ways to make that happen without damaging it. One clever solution is to use Ziploc bags. Using Ziploc bags doesn’t only protect the phone from running water, but it also shields it from hot steam and vapor.
Ziploc bags offer a much more affordable and readily available option. All you have to do is add the phone to the bag, push out any air inside and seal the bag. Using the Ziploc bag, you can place the phone anywhere in your shower without worrying about getting it wet.
Shower Phone Holder
If you want a more permanent shower phone protection option, a phone holder is a good alternative. You can find a variety of shower phone holders on the market. These tools are designed to offer more fortified support for your phone.
Use
All you have to do is fit the phone into the holder and mount it on your bathroom wall, mirror, or shower enclosure. Phone bathroom holders feature a more durable and waterproof design allowing your phone to survive different conditions. You will be able to use your phone in high-pressure running water and hot bathroom steam.
Features
While shower phone holders cost more than Ziploc bags, they offer more usability. They feature a touchscreen-friendly design and let you mount them for convenient use. Some models are even designed to meet modern needs, offering features such as TikTok and FaceTime compatibility.
The Verdict
Bringing your iPhone into the shower without any protection isn’t the best idea. However, there are a couple of protection alternatives to support your phone so that you can jam to your music while taking a hot, relaxing shower!