Introduction: smart tags are coming to life, but are they really waterproof?
Smart tags are already part of everyday life: on keys for rainy days, on collars to keep pets from getting lost in the water, in suitcases for accidental spills… ? … all of which begs the central question: will smart tags ever be waterproof? Will it work when the rain washes over and accidentally floods it. In this article, we’ll break down the waterproof truth of smart tags to help you avoid mistakes.
Waterproof grade science: understand the IP grade, don’t be marketing tricks
Judging the waterproof ability of smart tags, the key to see IP protection levelー this is the international standard equipment protection, composed of two numbers: the first number represents the dust level (0-6,6 for complete dust) , the second number represents the waterproof level (0-9, the higher the number, the stronger the waterproof) .
The actual waterproofing capacities corresponding to the common grades are as follows:
IP65: completely dust-proof and resistant to low-pressure jet streams (e. g. showers, faucet splashes) , but not soaking.
IP67: completely dust-proof, can be immersed in 1 meter deep water for a short time (usually 30 minutes) , should be adequate for daily immersion.
IP68: completely dust-proof, can be in deeper water (usually 2 meters or more) for long-term immersion, suitable for frequent contact with water scenarios.
Be warned, many products advertised as“Life-proof” is not a standard term, may only be able to resist minor spills, can not be equated with a clear IP level of water resistance.
Comparison of waterproof ability of mainstream brands of smart labels (for reference only)
Make/model | Waterproof grade | Official description | Usage advice |
Apple AirTag | IP67 | Soak for up to 30 minutes in 1 metre of water | Excellent daily waterproofing |
Samsung Smarttag | Description slight waterproofing is supported, some models are more basic | ||
Tile Pro | IP67 | Waterproof and dustproof | Can be used for luggage, keys, etc. |
Chipolo ONE | IPX5 | Water-resistant design, can not be soaked | Suitable for mild outdoor environment |
Note: The above is a reference for some mainstream brands, not all. Different models of the same brand may have differences in waterproof ability, need to check the specific model parameters before buying.
Third-party smart Tag Special Reminder: must take the initiative to ask about waterproof situation!
On ecommerce platforms, a plethora of third-party brands offer cheap smart tags, but the waterproof message is often ambiguous:
Many products are not labeled IP class, only with“Waterproof”, “Suitable for outdoor” and other words fuzzy description;
Some products that claim to be“Waterproof” may actually only be able to withstand a small amount of splashing, not rain or water;
Some businesses even equate“Anti-sweat” and“Anti-fog” with waterproofing, misleading consumers.
It is recommended that before buying must contact the seller to confirm: Is there a clear IP level authentication? What kind of water environment can withstand (such as whether it can be soaked, whether it can resist rain) ? Is it supported by official documentation?
Waterproof ≠ fall ≠ dust: caution is the long-term solution
Even smart tags with a high waterproof rating have boundaries:
Waterproof does not mean that long-term immersion (such as IP67 although support 30 minutes of immersion, but long-term immersion in the pool or bathtub may still be damaged) ;
Avoid contact with high-pressure water flow (such as high-pressure water gun washing, washing machine strong water flow) , water pressure may damage the sealing structure;
High temperature environment (such as Hot Bath, sauna) will accelerate the aging sealant, reduce waterproof performance;
After each contact with water, it is recommended to dry the surface of the label and check the shell for cracks or looseness-even small cracks can cause water to enter.
Practical advice: How to choose and use better waterproof performance of smart label
Priority has clear IP certification products: IP67 and above level more suitable for watery environment, such as outdoor, pet collars, baggage check and other scenarios;
Additional protective shell: if the label waterproof level is insufficient, can be matched with a third-party waterproof shell (such as silicone sleeve, sealing box) , to further enhance the protection ability;
According to the scene matching level: daily keys, Wallet IP65 or above can be selected; pets, outdoor equipment, luggage IP67 or above is recommended; if you need to contact deep water (such as rowing, water sports) , make sure it meets IP68 and professional waterproofing standards.
If the smart tag is not waterproof, you can also choose protective waterproof case for it.
Conclusion: waterproofing is an important reference standard. Don’t be confused by vague descriptions
The water resistance of smart tags directly affects their durability, especially in rainy areas, outdoor scenarios or homes with pets. Mainstream brands (such as AirTag and Tile Pro) often have clear IP ratings, making technical endorsements more reliable, while third-party products need to be carefully screened to avoid misleading vague descriptions such as“Waterproof”.
Remember: Clear Ip level + official scenario description, is to judge the core of smart label waterproof ability basis. Reasonable choice, the correct use, in order to make smart tags in various environments play a role.