5 harmful misconceptions about water damage to tech devices.

In a world where electronic devices accompany us from the bathroom to the gym, water resistance is becoming an increasingly important factor when consumers choose products.

From phones and smartwatches to wireless headphones, most modern devices are advertised as "waterproof," "water-resistant," or meeting the "IP68 standard."

However, the chances of surviving a fall into a toilet or a washing machine cycle depend not only on technical specifications but also on the user's understanding and correct actions.

A recent study has shown that a large proportion of consumers are misunderstanding or being misled by advertisements about water resistance. This leads to incorrect actions when incidents occur, making the device's condition even worse.

Here are five of the most common misconceptions about electronic devices coming into contact with water and why you should be cautious.

Myth 1: If the device is still working, then it's "okay".

Many people breathe a sigh of relief when their device still works after being dried, for example, the screen turns on, the touch screen responds, or the speakers still produce sound. However, what is invisible to the naked eye is the corrosion silently occurring inside the circuit board. Moisture not only causes temporary short circuits but also triggers oxidation, damaging metal components over time.

More dangerously, corrosion-related damage can appear later, after weeks or even months. A phone that seemed "recovered" can suddenly die for no apparent reason, and by then, it's too late.

Not only water, but also moisture from the bathroom, tropical climate, or even sweat from the wrist when wearing a smartwatch can damage the device if exposed for an extended period. Therefore, the fact that the device works after drying does not mean it is completely "fine".

Myth 2: "Waterproof" means completely safe.

The term "waterproof" has been misused to the point of serious misunderstanding. In the US, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has had to intervene to control how companies use this term in advertising, especially for watches. The problem is that no device is truly "absolutely waterproof," only varying degrees of water resistance.

Modern devices often come with an IP (Ingress Protection) rating, such as IP67 or IP68. However, these specifications only reflect dust and water resistance under standard testing conditions, typically fresh water, without pressure, at room temperature.

If you drop your phone in a soapy bath, a chlorinated pool, or submerge it in saltwater, these factors can exceed the manufacturer's water resistance testing. "Waterproof" doesn't mean "immune to all liquids."

Myth 3: IP rating is proof of actual water resistance.

A device advertised as having an IP68 rating can survive being submerged in fresh water at a depth of 1.5 meters for 30 minutes. But what about soapy water? Saltwater? Water containing alcohol or cleaning chemicals? These factors are often not taken into account in testing.

Furthermore, IP ratings cannot assess long-term water resistance. After a few years of use, the rubber seals and waterproof adhesives can degrade. A phone with an IP68 rating when new may no longer offer effective protection after 2-3 years.

Therefore, users should not rely solely on IP ratings to test devices in humid environments or submersion in water. It is a technical indicator, not a "liability-free" license for any risky behavior.

Myth 4: Rice is the best way to save equipment.

One of the most popular "folk remedies" when a device gets wet is to drop it into a bowl of rice. The idea behind this trick is that the rice can absorb moisture from the device. But in reality, this isn't as effective as you might think.

Numerous studies have shown that rice absorbs only a negligible amount of moisture, and the drying process is no faster than keeping the device in a dry, well-ventilated environment. Worse still, rice dust or debris can get into crevices and further damage components.

Instead, the correct course of action is to immediately turn off the device, remove the battery (if possible), disconnect all ports, and leave the device in a dry, well-ventilated place for at least 48 hours. If possible, take it to a professional repair center as soon as possible.

Myth 5: The warranty will take care of everything.

When a device gets damaged by water, many people feel reassured thinking it's "still under warranty." However, most standard electronics warranties do not cover liquid damage.

You can purchase extended warranty coverage or “accidental damage insurance,” but even then, the terms are very limited. Many insurance plans only cover a certain number of “incidents” per year, or refuse compensation if the user does not handle the situation properly after an accident.

Understanding the warranty policy and carefully reading the terms and conditions is always necessary before any problems occur.

Reality and Responsibility: Users, Manufacturers, and the Future of Smart Devices

The water resistance of technology devices is constantly improving thanks to advances in design, materials, and manufacturing techniques. However, companies are still promoting these features in an exaggerated way, sometimes exceeding actual safety limits.

A prime example is the 2022 case, when Samsung Australia was fined A$14 million for misleading advertising that Galaxy phones could be safely used while swimming in pools or the sea. Meanwhile, the technical documentation recommended against using them in these environments.

Advertisements often portray a "carefree" image of technology, from singer Lil Wayne spraying champagne on his phone to videos of phones being submerged in fish tanks. But those images don't reflect the reality users would face if they tried to emulate them.

In a world where phones, tablets, and headphones are constant companions everywhere—in the bathroom, kitchen, gym, and beach—manufacturers need to reconsider their responsibilities. Designing devices to withstand real-life situations, being transparent about product durability, and providing fair repair support are essential.

The "right to repair" movement is growing as an inevitable response to the information inequality between manufacturers and consumers. When users are denied warranty service due to "misuse" even if the fault stems from a common accident, it's not just a technical issue but a matter of technological fairness.

In summary, modern technology has advanced significantly in water resistance, but it's not enough to withstand every real-life situation. As a user, you should be wary of flashy advertising claims and always have a backup plan. Turn off the appliance, dry it properly, and seek professional help when necessary.