Don’t take your Kindle to the beach without reading this first

Kindles and poolside binge-reads go together like peanut butter and jelly. Grabbing a new fantasy series and posting up on a chaise chair under the sun is S-tier multitasking in my book — I love making the most of the UV index with my stories, but, with an abundance of siblings and rowdy apartment tenants at both pools I have at my disposal, I always run the risk of the splash zone interrupting the riders of Rohan coming to Gondor’s aid.

Only a few years ago, we lived in a world that could render almost all of our technology useless. White rice had never been held in such a multifaceted regard, honestly. But, nowadays, it’s commonplace for most of your handheld devices to boast some degree of water resistance — which includes Amazon’s famous Kindle lineup. But how waterproof is your particular model, and what should you do to mitigate damage should it drop in the drink?

How ‘waterproof’ is your Kindle?

And what those IP ratings really mean

The Kindle Paperwhite (10th Generation and newer), the Kindle Colorsoft, and the Kindle Oasis (9th Generation and newer) were all designed by Amazon to be waterproof. It features an IEC Standard 60529 rating of IPX8, which means that — in a controlled environment — it can be immersed in up to two meters (6.56 feet) of fresh water for up to an hour. In saltwater, it can withstand 0.25 meters (0.82 feet) for only three minutes.

Amazon has also tested its Kindles in places where they’re likely to get wet — say the pool, the beach, etc. However, it’s important to highlight one thing, even if it might be obvious: Kindles are not meant for underwater usage. The only true case I can imagine someone using it underwater is if they’re a regular scuba diver who gets bored on their safety stops. In that case, another activity might be better for your entertainment.

That being said, accidents happen. I’ve dropped my Kindle in the bathtub a few more times than I’d like to admit. If your Kindle does decide to drop from your hands and pick up free diving, retrieve it as quickly as you can. Then, take the precautions I outline below to make sure there isn’t any damage.

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What to do if your Kindle gets wet

It doesn’t have a future in marine biology, I promise

First things first, grab it and get your Kindle out of the water (or dodge) as quickly as you can. Sure, you have up to an hour in freshwater, but keep in mind that three-minute mark for saltwater if you’re at the beach or reading on a boat. If it was just a splash, simply wipe it off with a clean cloth — you’re in the clear to keep reading. If it goes all the way under:

1. Retrieve it quickly.
2. Take off any cases or covers.
3. Refrain from plugging it in at all until it’s completely dry.

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If you’re concerned about the USB port and power button on the bottom, that’s normal — it’s a harder place to get completely dry. Amazon recommends letting the water drain out with gravity by standing it upright, and a bit of gentle finger taps if possible. It will dry off better and faster if you keep the device in a well-ventilated area, too. However, do not stick any external objects (like cotton swabs or paper towels) into the port.

It should go without saying, but please do not use a hair tool or microwave to dry off your Kindle. Amazon doesn’t want that, I do not want that, and you surely do not want that either — I promise.