You're standing by the pool, trying to get that perfect "summer vibes" shot, and suddenly—splash. Your brand new Samsung Galaxy S24 just took a dive.
Panic sets in. You’ve heard these things are "waterproof," but what does that actually mean when your $800 phone is sitting at the bottom of the deep end? Honestly, the word "waterproof" is a bit of a lie. Companies love to use it, but the reality is way more nuanced than just "it can't get wet."
If you’ve been wondering is the Samsung S24 waterproof, the short answer is: Sorta. It’s water-resistant. There’s a huge difference between the two, and knowing that difference is what saves you from a very expensive paperweight.
The IP68 Reality Check
Samsung officially rates the Galaxy S24, S24+, and S24 Ultra with an IP68 rating.
What does that actually mean in the real world? Basically, the "6" means it’s completely dust-tight. No sand or grit is getting inside those seams. The "8" is the water part. Under lab conditions, the S24 can handle being submerged in up to 1.5 meters (about 5 feet) of fresh water for up to 30 minutes.
But here is the catch. Those "lab conditions" use perfectly still, room-temperature fresh water. Your life isn't a lab.
- Chlorine is a jerk. Pool water has chemicals. Those chemicals can eat away at the rubber seals over time.
- Salt water is even worse. If you drop your S24 in the ocean, the salt can crystallize inside the charging port or speaker grilles once it dries. That leads to corrosion, and corrosion is the silent killer of electronics.
- Pressure matters. If you’re jumping into a lake with your phone in your pocket, the force of the impact can actually push water past the seals, even if you’re only a foot deep.
Can You Actually Swim With It?
I wouldn't.
I know, you see the YouTubers taking underwater videos. And yeah, the phone can do it. But Samsung’s warranty is very clear: water damage is usually not covered. Wait, what?
Yep. Even though they advertise the IP68 rating, if the Liquid Damage Indicator (LDI) inside your SIM tray turns pink or red, you’re likely paying for the repair out of pocket. It's kinda like a "bulletproof" vest—it’s there for emergencies, but you shouldn't go out looking for a fight.
If you’re planning on being the designated beach photographer, do yourself a favor and grab a dedicated waterproof pouch. They’re cheap, and they provide a physical barrier that the internal gaskets just can't match long-term.
What to Do if Your S24 Gets Wet
First, don't freak out. If it was just a splash or a quick dip in the sink, you're probably fine. But there are a few "must-dos" to ensure it stays functional.
- Rinse it (if necessary): If it fell into salt water, a pool, or—heaven forbid—a glass of soda, rinse it gently with clean tap water. You want to get those corrosive elements off the surface.
- Dry the outside: Use a soft, lint-free cloth. Pat it dry; don't shake it violently. Shaking can actually force water deeper into the crevices.
- The "Moisture Detected" warning: Your S24 is smart. If the charging port is wet, you’ll see a little water drop icon. Do not plug it in. Charging a wet port can cause a short circuit. Use wireless charging if you’re desperate for juice.
- Air dry is king: Set the phone down in a well-ventilated area. A fan helps.
The Great Rice Myth
Please, for the love of all things tech, stop putting your phone in rice.
It doesn't work. In fact, it's actually worse for your phone. Rice dust and small grains can get stuck in the ports, and rice isn't actually that great at pulling moisture out of the inside of a sealed device. You’re better off just leaving it on a counter with a fan blowing on it for 24 hours.
Real-World Wear and Tear
One thing nobody talks about is that water resistance isn't permanent.
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The seals inside your phone are made of rubber and adhesives. Over time, these materials degrade. If you’ve dropped your phone a few times, or if it sits in the hot sun on your car dashboard, those seals can warp or crack. A phone that was "waterproof" on day one might not be "waterproof" on day 400.
If you notice your back panel starting to lift or the frame looking slightly bent, consider your water resistance gone.
Protecting Your Investment
If you're someone who spends a lot of time near the water, the standard IP68 rating might not be enough peace of mind. Here is how to actually protect your S24:
- Samsung Care+: If you’re prone to accidents, this is the one way to actually get water damage covered. It’s an extra monthly cost, but it covers "spills and splashes" which the standard warranty ignores.
- Port Plugs: You can buy tiny silicone plugs for your USB-C port. They aren't perfect, but they keep the "Moisture Detected" warning from popping up every time you take the phone out in the rain.
- Heavy-Duty Cases: Brands like LifeProof or specialized Pelican cases offer an extra layer of "O-ring" protection that makes the phone truly submersible for longer periods.
Moving Forward With Your S24
Ultimately, your Samsung S24 is a rugged piece of tech, but it’s not a submarine. It’s designed to survive the "oops" moments—a spilled beer, a rainy walk to the car, or a fall into the bathtub.
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Treat the IP68 rating as a safety net, not a feature for daily underwater use. If your phone does take a major swim, your next step should be to check the SIM tray's LDI strip for color changes. If it's still white, you're in the clear. If it’s pink, keep a close eye on your screen for "flickering" or "fog" behind the camera lenses, as these are the first signs that moisture has made it past the gates.
For those who have already submerged their device and are seeing the moisture warning, leave the phone powered off in a cool, dry place for at least 12 hours before attempting to use a cable charger again.