4 Tips to Keep Your Tech Safe and Dry This Summer

Why Your Tech Is at Risk Every Summer

Summer is synonymous with pools, beaches, lake trips, and impromptu backyard water fights — and your devices are almost always along for the ride. Whether your phone slips out of your pocket into the pool or your earbuds take a surprise splash at the sprinkler park, water and electronics have a notoriously bad relationship. The good news? A little preparation goes a long way. With the right knowledge and a few smart habits, you can dramatically reduce the risk of a costly, waterlogged disaster.

According to Wirecutter's Roderick Scott, a tech accessories expert who covers smartphones and tablets, "In this day and age, the majority of your tech will survive splashes or getting dropped into water and fished out quickly." That's reassuring — but it's not a free pass to treat your gadgets carelessly around water. Here are four simple tips to keep your tech safe and dry all summer long.

1. Understand Your Device's Water Resistance Rating

Not all devices are created equal when it comes to water protection. Before you confidently bring your phone to the edge of the pool, it pays to know exactly how much water exposure it can actually handle. Most modern devices are rated using the IP (Ingress Protection) system, a standardized scale that tells you how well a device resists both dust and water.

The IP rating is expressed as two digits — for example, IP67 or IP68. The first digit refers to dust resistance, while the second refers to water resistance. The higher the second number, the better protected the device is against water. Here's a quick breakdown of the most common ratings you'll encounter on consumer devices:

IPX4: Resistant to splashes from any direction — suitable for light rain or sweaty workouts, but not submersion.
IPX7: Can be submerged in up to 1 meter of water for up to 30 minutes. Common in mid-range smartphones and earbuds.
IPX8: Can withstand submersion beyond 1 meter, with the exact depth specified by the manufacturer. Found in flagship phones and premium wearables.

It's also important to note that water resistance ratings are tested under controlled laboratory conditions using fresh water. Saltwater, chlorinated pool water, and soapy water can be more damaging and may degrade seals over time. Always check your device's manual or the manufacturer's website to confirm your specific model's rating before you head to the beach.

2. Invest in a Quality Waterproof Case or Pouch

Even if your smartphone carries an IP68 rating, that doesn't mean you should push its limits unnecessarily. Water resistance can degrade over time, especially if your phone has experienced drops or other physical damage that may have compromised its internal seals. For extra peace of mind — particularly during activities like kayaking, snorkeling, or beach volleyball — a waterproof case or dry bag is a smart investment.

There are several different protection options available depending on your activity level and budget. Slim, form-fitting waterproof cases offer everyday protection while keeping your phone fully functional. Heavy-duty cases with sealed port covers are ideal for more extreme outdoor activities. Universal waterproof pouches, which work with nearly any device size, are a versatile and affordable choice for casual summer use. For tablets and laptops, look for padded waterproof sleeves or hard-shell cases with rubber gasket seals. Many of these options are available for well under $30 and could easily save you hundreds in repair or replacement costs.

3. Practice Smart Habits Around Water

Technology can only protect itself so much — your behavior matters just as much as your device's specs. Developing a few simple summer habits can prevent the vast majority of accidental water damage incidents before they happen.

Start by designating a safe, dry spot for your devices whenever you're near water — a bag tucked under an umbrella, a towel-lined cooler pocket, or a sealed dry bag. Avoid placing phones and tablets on pool ledges, boat railings, or wet towels where a single bump could send them flying into the water. If you like listening to music or taking calls while swimming, opt for dedicated waterproof earbuds rather than risking your primary phone at the pool's edge.

It's also worth avoiding charging your device immediately after it has been exposed to water. Even water-resistant phones can suffer damage if water remains in the charging port. Most modern devices will actually warn you if moisture is detected in the port, and you should always heed that warning and wait until the device is completely dry before plugging in.

4. Know What to Do If Your Device Gets Wet

Even with the best precautions, accidents happen. If your device does take an unexpected dunking, acting quickly and calmly is your best strategy for saving it.

The moment your device gets wet, remove it from the water immediately, power it off, and remove any case or accessories. Do not press buttons repeatedly or try to charge it. Gently shake out any visible water and pat the exterior dry with a soft, lint-free cloth. Then let it air dry — ideally in a warm, well-ventilated area — for at least 24 to 48 hours before attempting to power it back on.

You may have heard the old advice about placing a wet phone in a bag of rice. While it's a popular folk remedy, most tech experts now advise against it, as rice particles can get lodged in ports and it isn't significantly more effective than simply leaving your device to air dry. Silica gel packets are a better alternative if you have them on hand.

If your device won't turn on after drying out, contact the manufacturer's support line or visit a certified repair center as soon as possible. Many manufacturers offer water damage assessments, and acting quickly gives repair technicians a better chance of saving your data and device.

Enjoy Your Summer — Without the Tech Regrets

Summer should be stress-free, and worrying about your gadgets shouldn't be part of the package. By understanding your device's water resistance rating, using protective cases, building smart habits around water, and knowing how to respond in an emergency, you can enjoy every splash, swim, and sun-soaked afternoon without putting your tech at unnecessary risk. A little preparation now means fewer expensive headaches — and a lot more fun — all season long.