A quick answer (TL;DR)
- IP67: okay for splashes/rain; brief submersion up to 1 m for 30 min in lab conditions.
- IP68: better sealing; submersion >1 m (depth/time decided by brand).
- 3ATM (30 m): hand-wash/rain/sweat, not swimming.
- 5ATM (50 m): swimming in a pool fine; not for diving/hot water/saunas.
- 10ATM (100 m): surface water sports; still not scuba.
Reality check (India): tap water, soap, shampoo, and salt/pool chlorine reduce protection. Rinse with clean water, pat dry, and don’t charge a wet device.
What “waterproof” really means
No consumer gadget is truly waterproof. Brands use water-resistant ratings tested in controlled labs. Real life (monsoons, sweat, soap, pressure from moving arms in a pool) is messier—so treat the rating as a safety net, not a dare.
IP ratings for phones & earbuds: IP67 vs IP68
“IP” = Ingress Protection: first digit is dust (0–6), second is water (0–9K).
| Rating | Dust | Water test | What it means for you (India) |
|---|---|---|---|
| IP54/55 | Limited | Sprays/splashes | Fine for sweat/rain, not submersion. |
| IP67 | Dust-tight | 1 m / 30 min | Okay in heavy rain or quick drop in a bucket; dry before charging. |
| IP68 | Dust-tight | >1 m (brand decides) | Best for phones/earbuds; still avoid shampoo/sea water, rinse after use. |
Tip: IP68 on earbuds doesn’t mean the case is IP-rated. Usually buds only are rated.
ATM ratings for watches: 3ATM, 5ATM, 10ATM
ATM = atmospheres of pressure in static tests (not literal depth during active swimming).
| Rating | Lab spec (static) | Safe for | Avoid |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3ATM (30 m) | Splash test | Sweat, rain, hand-wash | Shower, pool, sea. |
| 5ATM (50 m) | Higher pressure | Swimming in a pool, shallow snorkeling | Hot showers, saunas, diving. |
| 10ATM (100 m) | Even higher | Water sports, stronger swim strokes | Scuba, high-pressure jets. |
Movement matters: Your arm swing adds pressure. A 5ATM watch may survive a calm swim but not a dolphin kick plus push-offs.
India-specific scenarios (what you can & can’t do)
Monsoon commuting (heavy rain)
- IP67/IP68 phones: OK if ports are closed; wipe dry before charging (wait 30+ minutes).
- 3ATM watches: OK; rinse sweat/rainwater and dry the heart-rate sensors.
Gym & running (sweat)
- Sweat is salty → rinse your watch/earbuds briefly and dry with a soft cloth.
Showering
- Don’t wear watches/earbuds—even if rated. Hot water + soap breaks surface tension and defeats seals.
Swimming pool
- 5ATM watches: Yes, with gentle strokes. Rinse after chlorine exposure.
- Earbuds/phones: No. Water inside mics/speakers can muffle or corrode.
Beach/sea
- Salt water is brutal. Even IP68 phones should be kept away. If splashed, rinse with fresh water ASAP.
Decoding brand small-print (why two IP68 phones behave differently)
- Brands choose the exact depth/time for IP68 (e.g., 1.5 m/30 min vs 6 m/30 min).
- Age + drops degrade seals. A 2-year-old watch may not match day-one protection.
- “Water damage not covered under warranty” is common—assume risk is yours.
Care & maintenance (simple habits that extend life)
- Rinse after salt/chlorine/sweat; dry with microfiber.
- Keep ports dry; don’t blow air inside (condensation).
- Replace straps that trap moisture (choose silicone/fluoroelastomer for workouts).
- After swim, rotate the digital crown/buttons to push out water (if the brand recommends).
- Wait before charging—if you see water drop icon/speaker-expel mode, use it.
Quick glossary
- IP: dust/water rating mostly for phones/earbuds.
- ATM: water-resistance shorthand for watches.
- 5ATM ≠ 50 m swim: it’s a lab pressure test, not dive clearance.
- Water-eject: a vibration tone to push water from speakers/mics.
FAQ (People-Also-Ask style)
Is IP67 enough for Indian monsoons?
Yes for rain and accidental drops in water. Dry the phone and wait before charging.
Which is better for a smartwatch: IP68 or 5ATM?
For actual swimming, prefer 5ATM. IP68 on watches often means good sealing but doesn’t guarantee swim safety.
Can I shower with a 5ATM watch?
Avoid. Hot water + soap can breach seals.
What about IPX7/IPX8?
“X” means no dust rating declared. Water tests still apply (1 m/30 min for X7; deeper brand-set for X8).
Does water damage void warranty?
Usually yes. Most brands exclude liquid damage—even for rated devices.