Your phone, earbuds, and other devices come with a code to tell you how waterproof they are -- but what do they actually mean?

IP ratings are important in manufacturing, but for everyday consumers, ... Here are two charts to break down the specs:First Digit – Dust protection (IPXX) 1. No special protection. 2.

We've observed a trend toward increased water resistance in mobile devices, but “water resistant” is not a one-size-fits-all term and it does not mean the same thing as “waterproof”.

Going by the charts above, the IP69 is in theory the best rating possible, but we tend to see IP67 as the current best standard you can get in audio products like speakers and headphones. This rating ...

An IP rating does not tell you everything about the water resistance of a smartphone. For example, an IP68-rated smartphone may not be able to withstand water pressure from a hose or waterfall.

However, IP ratings are not all-encompassing, and phones need not pass every lower test to snag a higher rating. For example, ... There’s a separate chart for water ratings.

Here’s what IP ratings mean on your new smartphone or earbuds, and how they affect your product’s durability. IP ratings can let you know just how water-resistant your devices are.