Hey friend, is it really safe to use your IP68 phone in the shower?

I know it‘s tempting to bring your phone into the steamy shower to play music or reply to texts. But is that morning multitasking putting your expensive IP68 rated phone at risk? Let‘s explore this slippery question together so you can make an informed decision.

What does IP68 mean?

You‘ve probably seen those magic numbers IP68 on your sleek new phone. IP stands for Ingress Protection. The 6 refers to dust protection and the 8 is liquid protection.

Specifically, IP68 means complete protection from dust getting inside your device. And it can survive continuous immersion in fresh water beyond 1 meter depth, for over 30 minutes typically.

So IP68 is the highest rating possible for both dust and water ingress. Your phone‘s seals should be able to keep all the dirt and droplets out, even if you dunk it in a pool for half an hour!

But it‘s not the whole story…

The messy truth about IP68 waterproof ratings

IP ratings sound super definitive, but there’s some sneaky fine print.

First, IP68 tests are done under laboratory conditions using pure water. Not necessarily the complex mineral-filled tap water spraying from your showerhead.

Second, tests only require static immersion without流, not direct high-pressure jets. Ever feel your hotelshower turn your shoulders into a massage chair? Yeah, that could push past what IP68 is designed for.

And third, steamy vapor carries more heat than pool water and can penetrate tiny cracks. The IP68 test doesn’t account for that morning sauna situation.

So think of IP68 more as water resistant, not waterproof. It‘s durable but not indestructible if you make showering with it a daily habit. Let’s dig deeper…

What’s the difference between water resistant and waterproof?

Water resistant suggests your phone can survive exposure to somewater. But continual submersion may still cause issues over time.

Waterproof means it‘s designed for repeated use underwater with no leakage or damage whatsoever. 100% guaranteed!

No phone is really 100% waterPROOF. Unexpected flaws or wear and tear leaves margin for error. IP68 just confirms your phone passed very specific tests, not that it‘s invincible.

So IP68 only signifies water resistance under controlled conditions. It‘s not a free pass for unlimited underwater action!

How durable is the IP68 water sealing?

The IP rating seems reassuring. But in real life, are those seals bombproof?

One study by the University of North Florida left iPhone X samples underwater for 30 minutes with no ill effects. So the IP68 rating held up!

However, another experiment by CNET submerged four IP68 phones in tank for 60 minutes. Only two survived intact. The other two had serious water damage inside – flashlight flickering, camera glitching, speakers failing.

Moral is, every extra minute underwater strains the seals exponentially. Brief splashes or dunks will likely be fine thanks to IP68 engineering. But pushing past 30-60 minutes can kickstart a downward spiral into full waterlogged failure.

So think about limiting total immersion time and avoiding direct high pressure spray blasts. Those seals aren‘t as Herculean as the marketing suggests!

Can steam and heat undermine IP68 water seals?

Here‘s the hot take on hot showers. Steam vapor carries far more thermal energy than pool water. The hot mist can infiltrate microscopic cracks and crevices that cold water alone might not breach.

One study found that iPhone X speakers failed more quickly when exposed to steam versus static submersion. The vapor pressure combined with heat degrades adhesives and gaskets not designed for those conditions.

And some experiments have shown heat alone can compromise IP68 seals before any water damage occurs. So take care with leaving phones in hot cars or other environments above 115°F potentially.

The lesson is IP68 testing uses cold, still water. But steaming shower spray is a whole different ballgame your phone’s gaskets may not be prepared for. Limit temperatures and direct steam blasts for best results.

How does water actually damage electronics?

What exactly happens inside your poor drowned phone? A few things:

Corrosion – Water causes oxidation and rust on metal electronic contacts and connectors. Corrosion then impedes power and signals.

Short circuiting – Any trapped water droplets or condensation provide pathways for current to flow incorrectly, shorting out circuits.

Mineral deposits – Dissolved solids in tap water leave behind calcium, magnesium, and silicate residues when water dries. These deposits can interfere with electrical contacts and airflow.

Biofilm buildup – Bacteria, mold, and microbes thrive in moist electronics. These biofilms are corrosive and conductive, so very bad news for sensitive electronics.

So water causes both physical and chemical damage. And once corrosion and short circuiting occur, the breakdown cascades rapidly. All the more reason to limit direct water exposure whenever possible!

Does soap and shampoo affect water sealing?

Soapmight sound harmless. But many contain surfactants that can degrade adhesives, lubricants and protective coatings.

A Taiwanese study found that contact with just 0.1% bath soap solution for 2 hours already reduced waterproof adhesive strength by 35% in certain devices. And higher concentrations had even worse impact on adhesive seals.

The culprits are ingredients like sodium laureth sulfate and sodium lauryl sulfate. These compounds lower the surface tension of water, allowing it to penetrate more easily. Not ideal when trying to block water ingress!

So consider rinsing devices quickly after soap contact and avoiding direct spray exposure. Those soapy bubbles definitely won‘t help maintain pristine water seals.

How hazardous is chlorinated pool water?

Before cannonballing into the pool with your phone, consider the risks. The CDC found 1 in 8 public pools have improper chlorine levels – too low to kill germs, or dangerously high causing immediate damage to eyes, skin, and…electronics.

High chlorine levels in pool water can degrade rubber gaskets and plastic polymers not designed for those chemicals. Any trapped pool water leaking inside then continues corroding components with residual chlorine.

A study by phone insurance provider SquareTrade found water damage repaired on phones used in chlorinated pools was nearly double phones dunked in fresh water. Yikes!

So while your IP68 phone may survive brief dips, soaking it routinely in over-chlorinated pools seems like tempting fate. Maybe leave it on your towel and stick to mixtapes in your mind for those laps.

Can salt water trump IP68 seals?

No ocean, no problem for IP68 phones right? Well not quite. That salty spray carries some special corrosion risks.

The typical IP68 test only requires fresh water. But the salt content in oceans and pools creates electrolysis accelerating metal corrosion. Any residual salt crystals left inside after drying also continue to damage components.

In fact, SquareTrade’s testing found salt water immersion damaged IP68 phone mics over 70% more quickly compared to fresh water. Consider popping your phone in a waterproof case or dry bag if you’ll be seaside!

Just a quick dip likely won‘t trigger corrosion. But the minerals in salt water definitely erode seals faster than fresh, so be prudent with ocean-going electronics.

Do sweaty workouts tax IP68 seals?

Rugged sports watches and fitness trackers all tout IP68 water ratings now. But is salty sweat really what their engineers had in mind?

These devices can likely survive incidental sweat exposure thanks to their sealing. But long term, all that mineral-rich perspiration seeping into cracks is not great for the mechanics inside.

Over time, the salt and acids in sweat can corrode electronic contacts and components in any device. Trapped moisture also risks short circuiting too.

So while robust exercise watches may boast IP68, it’s still smart to clean and dry them thoroughly after intense workouts to minimize long-term corrosive effects. IP68 protects against quick splashes, not perpetual salty sweat!

How deep can IP68 devices really go?

Most IP68 devices are tested to 1.5 meters depth, not exactly scuba-ready. Some ad copy hypes “up to 30 minutes submerged”. But the max depth and time aren’t fixed IP68 requirements.

One brand’s 1.5 meter test is another’s 5 meters. And durations might be only 15-30 minutes, not indefinitely. Unfortunately manufacturers aren’t always transparent. It takes some digging to confirm specific depths and times for your model.

In real-world conditions, additionally factors like water pressure, temperature, and sediment will impact results. So remain cautious with experimental underwater photography! Don‘t assume your gadget can plunge marine depths unscathed.

What about drones, smart home devices and speakers?

Lots of gadgets beyond phones now boast IP ratings. But their designs and use cases vary, so do the limits.

Drones: Most consumer drones are only IP rated for fresh water and light rain at best. Salt water, waves, and wind will overtax those seals fast.

Smart speakers: Poolside tunes might seem harmless but prolonged moisture exposure can still corrode the internals. Better to keep speakers fully sheltered and use waterproof outbound models instead.

Smart home devices: Outdoor cameras and doorbells often have higher IP ratings since they’re made to withstand the elements. But drenching rainstorms may push them past design limits. Keep them covered as much as possible.

The common thread is avoiding sustained soakings whenever you can, even if the device has some IP rating. Those little numbers only reveal so much!

Does the IP68 rating ever expire?

This is a controversial question – how long does the IP rating actually last? Some manufacturers imply it’s valid for the full product lifetime. But critics argue seals degrade over time.

Apple cautiously suggests their IP ratings may eventually expire with normal wear and tear. Most other brands don’t specify longevity though.

In reality, factors like UV radiation, extreme temperatures, drops, and normal usage will weaken seals over time. So while your 3 year old phone may have originally met IP68, by now the gaskets have probably lost some flexibility and adhesion.

No easy answer on this one! To play it safe, treat phones over 2 years old with extra care around water even if they’re IP rated. Assume the seals are getting creaky in their old age.

Takeaways for using your IP68 phone around water

• Submerge briefly only when essential, avoid immersion for prolonged durations.
• Rinse devices clean after any soap, pool chemical, salt water contact.
• Thoroughly dry devices before charging ports or headphones.
• Avoid direct high pressure blasts and extended steam exposure.
• Use waterproof pouches or cases if frequent water contact expected.

IP68 means your phone has excellent water defenses. But it‘s not a perfect force field against the elements under any conditions forever. With some common sense precautions, your phone should hold up to occasional splashes just fine.

But pushing those seals too far, too often will eventually invite trouble. Remember, waterproofing relies on a chain of components all working flawlessly forever. Just takes one weak link for the whole system to fail.

So enjoy your phone’s water resistance capabilities when needed, but don‘t make a habit of deliberately drenching it without a robust case. A little prudence will keep both you and your phone singing in the shower instead of crying over fried circuits!

Stay dry my friend!