How to Waterproof Your Phone

As we get into summer and you’re spending more time at the pool and the beach, it is important to make sure that your phone is waterproof. You don’t want to lose all of your photos and other data that is on it.

Some phones come with natural waterproofing already, but it is always a best practice to take a few extra steps to ensure your phone stays safe and dry.

Here’s how to waterproof your phone to keep it safe in the water.

How to Waterproof Your Phone

Waterproof Cases

Fully waterproof cases are watertight containers for your phone. You seal your phone into the case and usually don’t take it out again until you replace the case or the phone. They close off every port, usually with an access that you clip or screw shut.

Waterproof cases will tell you how deep they are waterproof to and how long they can be guaranteed to be waterproof for. This LifeProof case can go up to two meters for an hour.

LifeProof FRE Series Waterproof Case

LifeProof FRE Series Waterproof Case


  • Built-in scratch protector is virtually invisible to the eye and touch
  • Water and Snow Proof
  • Compatible with iPhone 12

The pros of using a waterproof case are that you can still access all the buttons, controls and ports. By the time the case is waterproof, it is usually also shockproof and can better withstand being dropped. The LifeProof case also protects against snow, rain, dirt, and sand.

However, the biggest con to waterproof phone cases are that they are usually bulky and can muffle sounds.

Waterproof Pouches

Waterproof pouches or dry bags are bags that you seal your phone into. They are not meant to be used all the time, but they are a good temporary option for a beach trip, a day at the pool, or a boating trip if you don’t already have a waterproof case on your phone.

Most waterproof pouches guarantee the phone being safe for up to three feet or one meter. The JOTO case advertises being submersible for up to 100 feet!

JOTO Waterproof Pouch

JOTO Waterproof Pouch


  • Universal waterproof case dry bag fits all smartphones up to 7.0 Inch
  • Clear Window on both front and back sides, perfect for taking pictures, videos and checking emails
  • 100 feet IPX8 Certified waterproof

The biggest pro to pouches and dry bags is the cost. Most of them will not cost more than $15 and will still protect against water, snow, dust, sand and dirt.

However, the bags will not protect against shock or drop damage and sometimes the buttons won’t be easily accessible.

How to Waterproof Your Phone

Avoid These Mistakes When Waterproofing Your Phone

The worst thing is when you think that your phone is waterproof and it ends up taking water damage anyway. Here are some things to watch out for:

  • Lanyards braking
  • Cases or pouches wearing out
  • Pouches tearing
  • Cracked cases
  • Defective cases or pouches
  • Incorrect sealing
  • Trying to use a waterproof case over a regular case
  • Trapping condensation
  • Using case or pouch beyond limits

Wear and Tear

If you are on a boat and the only thing keeping your phone attached to you is a lanyard as you lean over the edge of the boat to nab that picture, be really careful to keep that lanyard around your wrist or neck.

And, don’t always trust it not to snap if you drop your phone suddenly. It is honestly best not to hover your phone over the water at all.

Both cases and pouches can wear out over time. Port covers, rubber seals, and the screen covers can crack, break, or go missing. Common exposure to salt through seawater and sweat can also cause the case to degrade. The best thing you can do is clean the case periodically and replace when it shows signs of wear and degradation.

Because waterproof pouches are not rated for protection against solids like keys and rocks, they can often rip if you are not careful. Once it is ripped, it is no longer waterproof. Conversely, waterproof cases can crack if they have been dropped too many times or have taken a particularly bad beating.

Defects and User Error

Sometimes cases come out of the box and they are already defective. You should always test your case with a shallow bowl and towels ready to make sure your case or pouch is indeed as waterproof as it says it is.

Another thing to watch out for is sand or dust preventing a snap or a lock from closing properly. Make sure you check port covers often so that you are getting the best seal possible.

Using the Wrong Case or Putting One Case over Another

If you are getting a waterproof case, make sure you get the one rated for your exact phone type. An iPhone 12 mini is a different size than an iPhone 12 MAX. You’ll want to have the exact case for your exact phone to ensure everything gets sealed up properly.

Additionally, don’t think you can buy a bigger waterproof case just so you can put it on over your regular case. Waterproof cases need to seal to the phone. And while pouches usually have a bit of extra room, you can’t always fit the phone inside it’s bulky Otterbox inside the pouch and not have the pouch rip because it’s too full.

Remove the Air Beforehand

After you’ve put your phone in the pouch, make sure you squeeze out all the excess air so that way the pouch doesn’t get condensation inside of it and completely negate its whole purpose.

Know the Limits

Regardless of whether or not you use a case or a pouch, be sure to check its limitations before taking it on your water-filled outing. Not all pouches and cases are created equal, and this can vary depending on the manufacturer.

Nano Coating

Nano coatings are hydrophobic liquids that make the phone impervious to water. Nano coatings are sprayed or rubbed onto your phone. These are great because they are usually inexpensive and leave your phone out of a bulky case.

Liquipel Safeguard Protection

Liquipel Safeguard Protection


  • Impact Resistant ArmorTek Case
  • Nano Shock Impact Screen Protector
  • High definition clarity

However, nano coatings do not protect against cracks and will not effectively keep water out of the charge or headphone ports. Nano coatings will protect your phone from getting your drink spilled on it or if you got caught out in the rain.

Keep Your Phone Waterproof

Any of these options will help waterproof your phone, or at the very least, make it resistant to water. Choose the option that works best for you and your lifestyle.