But can I shower with it? A look at how waterproof your phone REALLY is.

Are you a frequent phone user? Do you like to take your phone with you everywhere you go? As a result of this, has your phone ever found itself in places where maybe only fish and monsters of legend (Ogopogo, Loch Ness monster, Aquaman, etc.) belong?

Oh no...

As tech companies seek to make us able to bring our devices with us more and more places, it has become far more likely to see a phone advertised as 'waterproof'. Imagine, being able to call your friend while scuba diving at the Great Barrier Reef, or getting a snapchat video of yourself jumping off a cliff at Heber Springs! Oh the possibilities! But, realistically, how waterproof are these phones? And how do we find out?

Hmm, should I or shouldn't I buy this phone basing my opinion solely on how well I'll be able to play Pokemon Go while deep-sea diving...

What you need to do is look for the International Protection Rating (IP Rating) most likely on the box your phone came in, if not you can check the manufacturer's website. It will be the letters IP followed by two numbers, or potentially Xs. The first number after the P is your phone's solid particle protection, or the degree of protection your phone has against stuff entering it like dust and fingers. These numbers will range from 0 to 6. The second number is the degree of protection against moisture, and this will range from 0 to 8. If there is an X in the place of either of these numbers, it means the device has not been tested for that kind of protection (solid the first, moisture the second). Below are two charts of what the numbers mean:

In terms of solid particle rating, you should only pay attention to ratings of 5 or 6. As a frame of reference, a standard electrical outlet has an IP rating of 22, meaning it's protected from the insertion of fingers (thankfully) and vertically dripping water. The iPhone 7 is IP67 and the Galaxy S7 is IP68, just for more reference.

Seems pretty simple. Unfortunately, that's not all there is to it. Just because a phone has a moisture rating of 8 doesn't mean it passed tests 0-7 to get there. They are only required to pass the test that the manufacturers want to project as the moisture of solid particle rating for the device. The iPhone doesn't have the 5 or 6 rating for moisture, meaning you should keep it out of the shower. This is true unless the manufacturer explicitly states that it can handle these other scenarios (which Apple evidently did not). Some devices will give multiple ratings, like the Sony Xperia Z5 with its IP65 and IP68 ratings, meaning its reading to be immersed or sprayed by water.

A few things to remember:
-These tests are performed in fresh water. Unless stated by the manufacturer, it would be wise to keep them out of salt water, even if they have a 7 or 8 moisture rating.

-Showering, even with IP rated devices, isn't recommended, but you're not totally ruined if you forget to take it off. But, with continued exposure, the device could leak and cause extended damage that likely won't be covered by the warranty.
-Most tests are carried out in 60-95 degree environments. Saunas, steam rooms, and hot tubs could damage the device.
-Make sure all flaps are closed before submerging the device.
-Unless stated by the manufacturer, do not press any buttons while the device is submerged. This can create openings that allow water to get in.
-Make sure your phone is COMPLETELY dry before charging it.

Whoooooa, radical underwater selfie dude! Surf's uuuuup!!