A waterproof pouch is a clear plastic bag with a sealing clasp and a neck strap. It looks basic, and it is. It is also the most reliable way to take a phone near water, more reliable than the phone's own water resistance, because it keeps salt, chlorine, sand and sunscreen away from the phone entirely.
Why use one if the phone is already IP68?
- The phone's rating covers fresh, still water only. A pouch does not care what the liquid is.
- Phone seals age. A pouch can be tested before every trip.
- Nothing reaches the speaker grille or charging port, so there is nothing to dry or eject afterwards.
- Liquid damage is not covered by the phone's warranty. A pouch costs very little.
- Most pouches float, or can be made to. A phone does not.
What to look for
- An IPX8 rating with a stated depth and time, from a brand that names them.
- A double or triple seal. Snap-and-lock clasps with two swivel levers are the most common and dependable. Zip-style seals should have at least two tracks plus a fold-over flap.
- The right size. Measure your phone with its case on. A phone forced into a tight pouch strains the seams.
- Clear windows on both sides for the camera.
- A sturdy lanyard with a secure attachment point.
- TPU instead of PVC if you can choose. TPU stays flexible longer and yellows less.
Test it before trusting it
Do this with every new pouch, and again at the start of each trip:
- Put a folded dry tissue inside and seal the pouch.
- Hold it underwater in a sink or bucket for 20 to 30 minutes. Weigh it down with a mug.
- Squeeze it gently underwater and watch for a stream of bubbles.
- Take it out, dry the outside completely, then open it.
If the tissue is perfectly dry, the pouch is good. Any dampness at all means do not use it.
Using it properly
- Seal it indoors with dry hands, before you reach the beach or pool. Sand or a hair across the seal is the most common cause of leaks.
- Press out most of the air before closing. Less air means a better touchscreen response and less strain on the seams. Leave a little if you want it to float.
- Check both clasps are fully locked.
- Keep it out of direct sun when you are not using it. A phone in a sealed clear bag heats up quickly.
- Dry the outside before opening. Water on the clasp runs straight in when you open it.
What a pouch will not do
- The touchscreen does not work underwater. Water conducts, so the screen cannot tell where your finger is. Start video recording before you go under, or use the volume button as the shutter.
- Face unlock is unreliable through wet plastic, and fingerprint sensors usually fail. Set a PIN you can type.
- Calls sound muffled. The plastic covers the microphone and speakers.
- It is not for diving. Below a few metres, pressure presses the plastic onto the screen and buttons.
- It wears out. Replace the pouch if the plastic turns cloudy, stiff or cracked, or the clasp feels loose. One season of regular use is typical.
If water gets in anyway
Take the phone out at once, switch it off and dry it. If it was sea or pool water and your phone is water resistant, rinse it briefly in fresh water first. Then follow the water damage steps, and once it is dry and working, clear the speakers with the water eject sound.