What Is IP Rating? IP67 vs IP68 Water & Dust Resistance Explained

What Is IP Rating? IP67 vs IP68 Water & Dust Resistance Explained

Have you ever seen a smartphone, smartwatch, speaker or other gadget advertised with an IP67 or IP68 rating and wondered what those numbers actually mean? An IP rating is a standardized way of describing how well an electrical enclosure protects against the entry of solid particles and water. Instead of simply saying a device is 'waterproof' or 'dustproof', an IP code gives more specific information about the level of protection tested.

Understanding IP ratings is especially useful when buying gadgets for travel, outdoor use, workouts or everyday situations where a device may encounter dust, splashes or accidental exposure to water. This guide explains the IP code, breaks down IP67 and IP68, compares the two, and explains why an IP rating should not be treated as a guarantee that a device can be used underwater.

What Does IP Rating Mean?

IP stands for Ingress Protection. The rating is generally written as 'IP' followed by two digits. The first digit describes protection against solid objects and dust, while the second digit describes protection against water under specified test conditions.

For example, in IP68, the '6' refers to the highest common dust-protection level in the IP code, while the '8' refers to a higher level of water protection than IP67 under the applicable test conditions.

Breaking Down an IP Code

What Does the First IP Digit Mean?

The first digit ranges from lower levels of protection against solid objects to higher levels of protection against dust. For consumer electronics, the number 6 is particularly important because it represents a dust-tight level in the commonly used IP code.

0 — No protection against solid objects.

1–4 — Increasing protection against larger solid objects and particles.

5 — Dust-protected; dust ingress is limited and must not interfere with operation under the test.

6 — Dust-tight level of protection under the applicable test conditions.

What Does the Second IP Digit Mean?

The second digit describes water protection. Different numbers correspond to different types and conditions of water exposure. Importantly, the exact test conditions matter: water protection is not simply a measure of how 'waterproof' a product is in every situation.

1–4 — Protection against progressively stronger forms of dripping or splashing water.

5 — Protection against water jets under specified test conditions.

6 — Protection against powerful water jets under specified test conditions.

7 — Protection against temporary immersion under specified test conditions.

8 — Protection against continuous immersion under conditions specified by the manufacturer and applicable standard.

What Does IP67 Mean?

IP67 combines a 6 for dust protection with a 7 for water protection. In practical terms, an IP67-rated enclosure is dust-tight under the applicable test and is designed to withstand temporary immersion in water under specified test conditions.

IP67 is therefore more than a simple splash-resistant claim. However, it does not mean that every IP67 device is safe for swimming, diving, showering or prolonged underwater use. Real-world conditions can differ from laboratory tests, and manufacturers may place additional restrictions on use.

What Does IP68 Mean?

IP68 combines the same 6-level dust protection with an 8-level water protection rating. The 8 indicates protection against continuous immersion under conditions specified by the manufacturer and the relevant testing requirements.

Because the exact conditions for an IP68 rating can vary, consumers should check the product's official specifications for the stated immersion depth, duration and other limitations. IP68 should not automatically be interpreted as 'safe at any depth for any length of time.'

IP67 vs IP68: What Is the Difference?

Is IP68 Always Better Than IP67?

If water protection is the deciding factor, IP68 generally represents a higher immersion protection level than IP67. Both ratings have the same first digit when written as IP67 and IP68, so their dust protection level is the same.

However, 'better' does not always mean 'necessary'. If a gadget only needs protection from dust, rain or occasional accidental water exposure, a lower rating may already be sufficient. The right choice depends on the environment and the manufacturer's stated usage conditions.

IP Rating Does Not Mean a Device Is Completely Waterproof

One of the most important things to understand is that 'water-resistant' and 'waterproof' should not be treated as identical concepts. An IP rating is based on defined test conditions. It does not guarantee protection against every type of liquid exposure or every real-world situation.

Salt water can behave differently from fresh water and may be more corrosive.

Chlorinated pool water can affect materials and seals.

Hot water, steam and showers can create conditions different from the test environment.

High-pressure water can be different from controlled immersion.

Drops, impacts and aging can affect seals and physical protection.

Charging ports should be treated according to the manufacturer's instructions, especially after liquid exposure.

IP67 vs IP68 for Smartphones

When evaluating a smartphone, an IP rating can be useful for understanding resistance to dust and certain water exposures. For people who frequently travel, spend time outdoors or are concerned about accidental spills, a higher water-protection rating may provide additional peace of mind.

Still, the IP rating should be only one part of a buying decision. Battery life, display, performance, software support, camera capabilities, repair support and overall build quality can be equally important.

IP Ratings for Smartwatches and Wearables

Smartwatches and wearables are often exposed to sweat, rain, splashes and other moisture during everyday use. An IP rating can therefore be useful when comparing devices, but users should always distinguish between an IP rating and a separate swimming or water-sports rating.

If a smartwatch is specifically marketed for swimming, check the manufacturer's stated water-use guidance rather than assuming that an IP67 or IP68 code alone makes it suitable for swimming.

IP Rating vs Water-Resistance Marketing

Words such as 'water resistant', 'splash proof' and 'waterproof' can sound similar, but they do not communicate the same technical information as an IP code. An IP rating is useful because the two digits identify specific categories of ingress protection.

When comparing two products, look for the actual IP code and then read the manufacturer's conditions. This is more informative than relying only on a generic marketing phrase.

What Can Damage a Device's Water Resistance?

Cracks or damage to the body or display.

Physical impact that affects seals or enclosure components.

Normal aging and wear of sealing materials.

Opening or repairing the device in a way that compromises its original sealing.

Exposure to chemicals or liquids outside the manufacturer's stated conditions.

Improperly closed covers or ports on products that use them.

High-pressure or high-temperature water exposure.

What Should You Do If Your Device Gets Wet?

Move the device away from the liquid and follow the manufacturer's guidance.

Do not connect a wet charging port to a charger unless the manufacturer specifically says it is safe.

Wipe external moisture gently with a clean, soft cloth.

Do not use extreme heat such as a hair dryer to force-dry the device.

If the device behaves abnormally after liquid exposure, contact an authorized service provider.

How to Choose the Right IP Rating

Mostly indoor use: focus on your actual exposure rather than choosing the highest number automatically.

Outdoor use: consider dust, rain and accidental splashes.

Travel and active lifestyles: a stronger water rating can be useful if it matches the manufacturer's permitted use.

Swimming: look for explicit swimming/water-use guidance rather than relying only on IP67 or IP68.

Rugged environments: consider dust protection, impact resistance and the complete product design, not just the IP code.

Common Misconceptions About IP67 and IP68

Myth: IP68 means the device can go anywhere underwater.

Reality: IP68 protection is tied to specified conditions. Always check the manufacturer's depth and duration guidance.

Myth: IP67 and IP68 have different dust protection.

Reality: Both begin with 6, so they have the same dust-protection level in the IP code.

Myth: IP68 means the device can be used in hot showers.

Reality: Immersion testing does not automatically cover hot water, steam or shower conditions.

Myth: An IP rating means the device can never be damaged by water.

Reality: Seals can age or be compromised by damage, repair, impact or unsuitable exposure.

Myth: Higher IP always means a better product.

Reality: The best rating depends on how and where you actually use the device.

How iKALL Fits Into the Gadget Buying Decision

iKALL's current product ecosystem includes smartphones, tablets, feature phones, smartwatches, audio products and accessories. The official site also highlights an extensive service network and product support. When evaluating any iKALL device or another gadget, consumers should check the specific product page for its actual protection specifications rather than assuming a rating from another model applies.

For example, iKALL currently offers smartwatches and a wider electronics range, while its official site emphasizes product categories and after-sales support. Where water or dust resistance is important, the safest approach is to verify the exact IP rating and usage conditions listed for the particular model before purchase.

IP67 vs IP68: Quick Buying Checklist

Check the exact IP code on the official product page.

Confirm what the first digit means for dust protection.

Check the water-protection digit separately.

For IP68, read the manufacturer's specified depth and duration.

Do not assume an IP rating means suitability for swimming or diving.

Consider whether the device has been repaired or physically damaged.

Follow charging and liquid-exposure instructions from the manufacturer.

Compare the IP rating with your actual lifestyle rather than choosing a number simply because it is higher.

Final Thoughts

IP ratings make it easier to understand how a device has been tested for protection against solid particles and water. In IP67, the 6 indicates the dust-tight level and the 7 indicates protection against temporary immersion under specified test conditions. In IP68, the same 6-level dust protection is combined with a higher water-protection level, with the exact immersion conditions defined by the manufacturer and applicable testing requirements.

The key takeaway is simple: IP68 is generally a higher water-protection rating than IP67, but neither rating should be treated as a universal guarantee against every kind of liquid exposure. Always check the specific product's official instructions, especially if you plan to use a gadget around pools, showers, salt water or other demanding environments.