Is it OK to take your phone in the shower?

Quick answer

Taking your phone into the shower is generally not recommended. While many modern phones have some water resistance, most are not designed to withstand direct exposure to water for prolonged periods. The steam, soap, and moisture in a shower can damage phones over time. There are some precautions you can take, but it’s best to avoid taking your phone in the shower whenever possible.

Is it safe to take your phone in the shower?

Most smartphones today have some level of water resistance, meaning they can withstand splashes and accidental drops in water. However, the level of water resistance varies significantly between models.

Many budget and mid-range phones still don’t have official water resistance ratings. Flagship phones from Apple, Samsung and others are now rated for IP67 or IP68 water resistance. This means they can be submerged 1-3 meters deep for 30 minutes or more.

However, the warm, soapy water in a shower is very different from a quick dip in a pool or sink. The steam can penetrate seals and encourage corrosion, while the soap and shampoo chemicals can also seep into the phone over time.

So while high-end phones may survive the occasional shower, it’s still best to avoid exposing them to direct water contact as much as possible. The heat and chemicals can degrade adhesives and seals, compromising water protection over time.

Precautions if taking a phone in the shower

If you need to or choose to take your phone into the bathroom while showering, here are some precautions to take:

– Only take phones with IP67 or better water resistance into the bathroom. Avoid cheaper models lacking official ratings.

– Keep the phone in a waterproof case or dry plastic bag. This adds an extra layer of protection. Make sure bag openings are well sealed.

– Face the phone’s speakers, microphones, buttons and ports away from direct water. These areas are most vulnerable.

– Avoid getting shampoo, soap or other products on the phone. Rinse residues off gently with clean water.

– Pat dry with a soft cloth when done. Don’t rub, which can push water deeper. Let air dry fully before using or charging.

– Never take phones in the shower that have physical damage or compromised water seals. One crack or tear can be enough for water to get in.

– Consider a basic shower speaker instead. These are designed for wet areas and often cost less than a phone replacement if damaged.

The risks of taking a phone in the shower

Here are some of the main risks if you take your phone into the warm, humid, soapy shower environment:

– Water damage – While rated for temporary water exposure, prolonged contact with hot, soapy water can still penetrate seals and cause corrosion. Damage may happen immediately or gradually.

– Screen damage – Most phones use oleophobic coatings on screens to repel water and oils. The hot water and chemicals can degrade these coatings, making the screen less touch sensitive and responsive over time.

– Speaker/microphone failure – Water getting into openings can cause speakers and microphones to malfunction or fail completely. These areas are difficult to fully waterproof.

– Charging port issues – The charging port is one of the hardest areas to waterproof. Moisture buildup can impact charging and data transfer.

– Permanent staining – Residual soap scum, minerals and chemicals from the shower can stain and discolor portions of the phone’s exterior over time.

– Slipping hazards – A wet phone is slippery. Dropping your phone on a hard bathroom surface can cause dents, cracks and other damage.

– Electrical dangers – While rare, there is an electric shock hazard if a wet phone comes into contact with live currents from a damaged charger, appliance, wires, etc.

Tips for using your phone safely in the bathroom

If you need to have your phone with you in the bathroom as you shower, consider these tips to minimize potential damage:

– Store it in a waterproof ziplock bag out of the direct water stream. This keeps moisture away if splashed.

– Place it somewhere stable and raised up, not on a wet counter. Put on top of a surface away from the tub or shower.

– Turn on a vent fan or open a window to reduce steam buildup in the room. The less humid the better.

– Set your phone to airplane mode. This will reduce corrosion risks in ports if moisture does get in.

– Wipe down your phone immediately after with a microfiber cloth to remove any residual moisture or chemicals.

– Avoid listening to music through your phone speaker. Use a waterproof Bluetooth speaker instead to avoid getting the phone wet.

– Use voice commands when possible, to avoid constantly touching and handling your wet phone.

– Only take quick showers, not prolonged baths. The less exposure to moisture, the better.

– Consider keeping phones out of the bathroom entirely. Showering is often a time to get a break from technology!

Water resistant vs. waterproof

Phone advertisements and descriptions will sometimes claim a model is “waterproof” or “water resistant”. What do these terms actually mean?

Water resistant – Can withstand limited contact with water such as light rain, splashes or sweat. Not suitable for complete submersion.

Waterproof – Can be fully submerged and withstand continuous contact with water up to a rated depth and time. Must pass IPX7/IPX8 ratings.

No consumer smartphone is completely impervious to water damage. “Waterproof” marketing is misleading – full submersion should only be for limited periods within rated parameters. Prolonged exposure in a hot shower is still risky.

Look for specific IP (Ingress Protection) ratings to compare true water protection levels between phones. Most flagships today aim for IP67 or IP68, meaning they can be submerged in 1-3 meters of water for 30 mins or more.

Signs your phone is water damaged

How can you tell if taking your phone in the shower has caused water damage? Here are some symptoms:

– Visible moisture or condensation under the screen or camera lenses

– Muffled/quiet speakers and microphone

– Problems charging or connecting to other devices

– Glitchy or unresponsive touchscreen

– Fogging or obscured views through the camera

– Corroded charging port

– Bubbles or clouding under waterproof cases

– Oxidation or rust on metal parts like screws and SIM tray

– General sluggish performance or crashing/freezing

Any signs of water entry warrant immediate powered off drying for at least 72 hours. Severe damage will likely require professional phone repair or replacement. Avoid charging or using your phone until it is fully dry after water exposure.

Should you take your phone in the sauna or steam room?

Saunas and steam rooms generate even higher heat and humidity than showers. Most phones cannot safely withstand these conditions for any length of time, including models with IP ratings.

Prolonged exposure to high temperatures and moisture levels can damage internal components like batteries and logic boards. It can also degrade waterproof seals and coatings faster.

The only exception may be some of the latest high-end waterproof phones if used for short periods in saunas or steam rooms. However, it’s still not worth the risk for most people and phones.

Leave phones safely outside hot humid areas like saunas or steam showers. The heat and moisture have high potential to damage phones over time, even if no immediate issues occur on first use.

Quick phone drying tips after water exposure

If your phone does get wet, follow these steps to dry and save it:

– Wipe off any visible water gently with an absorbent cloth. Don’t rub harshly.

– Power the phone off completely, as leaving it on can short-circuit components.

– Remove any cases, covers or screen protectors to let air circulate.

– Leave the phone to air dry for at least 72 hrs before using. Place near a fan to speed up drying.

– Don’t use things like hairdryers or other heat sources, which can damage parts. Air drying is safest.

– Keep the phone out of sunlight, which can damage screens and overheat batteries.

– Never try charging or turning on your phone until completely 100% dry. This prevents short circuits.

– Use moisture absorbing packs or rice to help absorb ambient moisture, but don’t submerge the phone in them.

– After drying, inspect for any corrosion or damage. Battery replacement may be needed in severe cases.

With immediate power off and proper air drying, many phones can recover fully after light water exposure. But significant visible water incursions will likely need professional repair.

Expert tips for keeping your phone dry

Beyond avoiding showers, here are some other professional tips for keeping your phone water-free:

– Use a waterproof case – Even for water resistant phones, a good external case adds extra protection. Make sure all seals are intact.

– Apply a screen protector – Plastic protectors can create an additional moisture barrier over vulnerable screen coatings.

– Keep ports covered – Use port plugs when possible, especially for the charging port. This prevents water entry.

– Avoid steamy areas – Bathrooms, dishwashers, kettles, and laundry rooms all generate moisture that can seep in over time.

– Wipe off after wet use – Gently dry your phone with a soft cloth if it gets splashed or damp from rain.

– Keep away from chlorinated water – The chemicals in pools and spas can damage many phone components.

– Inspect seals regularly – Look for any cracks or gaps in water sealing gaskets that could allow moisture inside.

– Never charge wet phones – Only attach chargers or other accessories once the phone is 100% dry.

Conclusion

While phone water resistance continues to improve, most should still be kept away from direct contact with shower water whenever possible. The risks of steam, chemical, and moisture damage over time are simply not worth it.

If you need your phone in the bathroom during showers, use a protective bag and keep it well away from water. Any signs of water entry mean turning your phone off and properly drying before reuse. With careful precautions, you can avoid making your phone a wet mess!