Every year, countless people scroll through social media, watch videos, or take calls while relaxing in the bath — but is it actually safe to have your phone anywhere near water? Experts say the answer could mean the difference between a relaxing soak and a deadly mistake.
While many modern smartphones claim to be water-resistant, that doesn’t mean they’re waterproof. Water resistance is tested under controlled conditions — not in your bubble bath with soap, shampoo, and charging cables nearby. The chemicals and heat in bathwater can corrode the seals meant to protect your phone, leading to electrical shorts or permanent damage.
Even worse, charging your phone near water can be fatal. Electrical safety specialists warn that plugging in a device while using it in or near the bathtub poses a serious risk of electrocution. “Even a small voltage can kill if it travels through water and the human body,” one safety engineer explained.
There have been multiple tragic incidents worldwide involving people who brought a charging phone into the bathroom. Authorities continue to issue warnings that even dropping a plugged-in device near a tub or sink can send a deadly current through the water in seconds.
Beyond physical safety, there’s also the financial side — water damage isn’t typically covered under most smartphone warranties. So if your device slips under the bubbles, that relaxing soak could cost you hundreds of dollars.
So, what’s safe? Experts recommend keeping your phone at least six feet away from any water source. If you like listening to music or podcasts in the bath, use a Bluetooth speaker placed on a dry surface away from the tub. For those who want to watch shows, consider a waterproof tablet case with full sealing — but even then, never connect it to a charger while near water.
One popular myth is that “waterproof” phones can survive anything. But as tech repair shops note, even the best-rated models like IP68 phones lose their water resistance over time due to wear, drops, or small cracks in the casing.
Ultimately, experts agree:
“There’s no such thing as a safe phone-in-the-bath setup if it’s plugged in.”
So, the next time you draw a bath and think about scrolling TikTok or answering a call, remember — it’s not worth the risk. Keep your phone dry, stay safe, and let the bubbles be the only thing that spark in your tub.
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