Is My Galaxy Watch 4 Water resistant?
No the Galaxy Watch 4 is not Waterproof but rather Water-resistant!
The Galaxy Watch 5 has a combined IP68 and 5 ATM water resistance rating. The Galaxy Watch 5’s IP68 water resistance rating means that it is completely dust-tight and can also survive underwater at a depth of 1.5 meters (5 feet) for up to 30 minutes without water leaking in.
The Galaxy Watch 4’s 5ATM water resistance rating means that it can survive submersion in up to 50 meters of water as per the ISO standard 22810.
If you are interested in purchasing a Galaxy Watch 4 and its accessories, then check out our affiliate links at the end of this post, or click here.
However, Samsung clearly stipulates in the Manual that the Galaxy Watch 4 is not meant for deep dive activities such as scuba diving. You may download a digital copy of the Galaxy Watch 4’s Manual from here.
Is the Galaxy watch 4 Waterproof or Water Resistant?
I have seen some major tech sites openly write that the Galaxy Watch 4 is a waterproof device, but it is not. There’s a significant difference between a waterproof device and a water-resistant one.
Waterproof equipment is impervious to water, regardless of how long it remains in it (like the dry dive suit that deep sea divers sometimes use).
Meanwhile, water-resistant devices (like the Galaxy Watch 4) can stop water from entering them to some degree, but not indefinitely. That’s why tech companies prefer to label their gadgets as “water-resistant” instead of “waterproof.”
As per its IP68 water resistance rating, the Galaxy Watch 4 can only be submerged in no more than 1.5 meters of water for a maximum of 30 minutes. Beyond this point, your Galaxy Watch will be vulnerable to water penetration and damage.
Can sweat affect my Galaxy Watch 4?
No. Sweat won’t cause any harm to your Galaxy Watch 4. The Galaxy Watch 4’s IP68 water resistance rating also makes it resistant to sweat. So you can wear your Galaxy Watch 4 for a run or to the gym with no consequences.
If too much sweat gets on the display, it may make the Watch difficult to operate during workouts. Also, sweat contains salt and body oils, which may leave your watch smudged, sticky, dirty, and filled with bacteria.
Over the long term, sweat may affect the water resistance of your Galaxy Watch. So, it’s important to rinse the watch with clean water and dry it with a soft towel immediately after each workout.
Can I use my Galaxy Watch 4 in the rain?
Yes, you can use your Galaxy Watch 4 in the rain. It has an IP68 rating, which means it can handle light splashes, rain, and showering. Just remember to wipe it dry with a soft cloth once you get to shelter.
Can I shower with my Galaxy Watch 4?
Yes, you can shower with your Galaxy Watch 4. But note that soap, shampoo, or other body wash chemicals can corrode the watch body and degrade its water resistance. Never wear your Galaxy Watch 4 to the sauna or when taking a long, hot shower.
The heat and excess humidity in such an environment can damage its water-resistant seals. Remember to dry the watch thoroughly with a soft cloth if you shower with it.
Can you wash your hands with a Galaxy Watch 4?
Yes, the Galaxy Watch 4’s water resistance rating of IP68 can resist a simple wash of hands. There is no need to remove the watch before washing your hands.
Can I swim in the pool with my Galaxy Watch 4?
Yes, when swimming in a pool, you can wear your Galaxy Watch without concern. But you shouldn’t leave it submerged in the pool for an extended period of time. It’s a good idea to enable Water Lock Mode on your Galaxy Watch before you start swimming. Here is an in-depth blog post explaining Water Lock Mode on the Galaxy Watch 4.
The Galaxy Watch 4’s IP68 rating is only good for 30 minutes at a maximum depth of 1.5 meters. So, remember not to keep it submerged for too long. If you’re going to swim for more than 30 minutes, then it’s best to take off your Galaxy Watch.
Swimming pools are usually treated with chemicals that may affect the water resistance of your watch. So after swimming, be sure to rinse the watch with fresh tap water and dry it thoroughly with a clean, soft cloth.
Can I swim at the beach with my Galaxy Watch 4?
The Galaxy Watch 4 can resist seawater to a certain extent. If you wear it and swim at the beach, you would be putting it in a dangerous situation. First of all, seawater has a lot of salt, which may corrode the rubber seals that make your watch less water-resistant.
Apart from that, sea waves at the beach are fast-moving and may propel sharp sand particles. So your Galaxy Watch is bound to take a good beating from all that. Remember that high-pressure or heavy sprays of water are detrimental to the watch.
If you ever use the Galaxy Watch 4 at the beach, make sure to rinse it with fresh water and dry it with a clean, soft cloth. If not, the watch may suffer from operability or cosmetic issues.
Can I scuba dive with my Galaxy Watch 4?
Samsung explicitly says that the Galaxy Watch 4 is not intended for scuba diving. The reason is obvious. Scuba diving is usually done in seawater, which is salty and corrosive.
Furthermore, scuba divers may dive for over 30 minutes at a time. It’s not recommended to keep the Galaxy Watch 4 in water for over 30 minutes. All of these conditions are detrimental to the water resistance of your Galaxy Watch 4.
How long can Galaxy Watch 4 be in water?
The Galaxy Watch 4 can stay in 1.5 meters (5 feet) of water for up to 30 minutes.
Is the Galaxy Watch 4 waterproof without Water Lock Mode?
Yes, the Galaxy Watch 4 is waterproof, even without water lock mode turned on. But it’s important to enable water lock mode when using the Galaxy Watch 4 in water. Why? Because after you turn off water lock mode, the watch plays a sound that vibrates its speakers and pumps out any water that’s trapped there. Water Lock Mode also locks your watch screen to prevent accidental touches while swimming.
Should you turn on Water Lock Mode before showering?
Yes, whenever you want to use the Galaxy Watch 4 in water for a long time, it’s good to enable Water Lock Mode. Water Lock Mode disables touch screen control to stop false taps that the flowing water might otherwise cause. When you turn off the water lock mode after taking a shower, water will be ejected from the watch.
Your Galaxy Watch 4’s water resistance can be ruined by the following factors
Over time, the water resistance of your Galaxy Watch 4 will degrade until it is no longer water-resistant. How fast that happens will depend on how you use your Galaxy Watch.
Remember that even though your Galaxy Watch is water-resistant, it is not indestructible. Below are some tips to keep your Galaxy Watch water-resistant for as long as possible.
- Whenever your Galaxy Watch gets wet, make sure to dry it properly with a clean, soft cloth.
- Don’t expose your Galaxy Watch to high-pressure water. That includes jet sprays or plunging it below 1.5 meters of water.
- Don’t use your Galaxy Watch for Scuba diving.
- Don’t keep your Galaxy Watch in the water for more than 30 minutes.
- Don’t expose your Galaxy Watch 4 to hot showers or hot & humid environments such as the sauna.
- After every hard impact like a fall or a drop, the water resistance on your Galaxy Watch may reduce.
- Don’t use your Galaxy Watch in temperatures above 35 °C, or temperatures below 0 °C. Such temperatures may have a negative impact on its water resistance and functionality.
- Don’t use the Watch 4 in environments with rapid temperature fluctuations. This may weaken the water-resistant seal of the watch.
List of Samsung Galaxy Watches and their water resistance rating
The Samsung Galaxy Watch models listed below can withstand water immersion for a maximum of 30 minutes up to a depth of 5 feet (1.5 meters).
- The Galaxy Fit,
- Galaxy Fit 2,
- Gear S3,
- Galaxy Watch,
- Galaxy Watch 3,
- Galaxy Watch Active,
- Galaxy Watch Active 2,
- Galaxy Watch 4,
- Galaxy Watch 4 Classic,
- Galaxy Watch 5,
- Galaxy Watch 5 Pro
The Galaxy Watch models listed below have passed MIL-STD-810G testing, which is a rigorous test set by the United States Military for situations like drops from 4.9 feet, extremely high or low temperatures, dust, shock, and vibration.
- The Galaxy Fit,
- Gear S3,
- Gear Sport,
- Gear Fit 2 Pro,
- Galaxy Watch,
- Galaxy Watch 3,
- Galaxy Watch Active,
- Galaxy Watch Active 2,
- Galaxy Watch 4,
- Galaxy Watch 4 Classic
- Galaxy Watch 5
- Galaxy Watch 5 Pro
Summary
- The Galaxy Watch 4 is only water-resistant, not waterproof. It can only survive in water for a limited time under specified conditions.
- Even though the watch is water-resistant out of the box, several external factors may weaken or damage its water resistance. So it’s best to keep it away from water as much as possible.
- The Galaxy Watch 4’s Warranty doesn’t cover liquid or water damage.
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Click here for the best deals on the Samsung Galaxy Watch 4.
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Frequently asked questions
How waterproof is the Original Galaxy Watch?
The original Galaxy Watch has IP68 dust and water resistance (it is completely dust-tight and can also survive underwater at a depth of 1.5 meters or 5 feet for up to 30 minutes).
It also has a 5 ATM water resistance rating, meaning that it can survive submersion in up to 50 meters of water as per the ISO standard 22810.
How waterproof is the Galaxy Watch 4?
Just like the original Galaxy Watch, the Galaxy Watch 4 has a combined IP68 and 5 ATM water resistance rating.
How waterproof is the Galaxy Watch 3?
Just like the original Galaxy Watch, the Galaxy Watch 3 has a combined IP68 and 5 ATM water resistance rating.
How waterproof is the Galaxy Watch active?
The Galaxy Watch Active has a combined IP68 and 5 ATM water resistance rating.
What is Water Lock Mode on the Galaxy Watch 4?
Water Lock Mode is a feature on compatible Samsung Galaxy smartwatches and smart bands. When enabled, it locks your screen to prevent accidental touches. When disabled, it plays a ringtone to vibrate the watch’s speakers and pump out water trapped in the speaker grills.
How long will your water resistance last on Galaxy Watch 4
The water resistance of your Galaxy Watch 4 is not eternal. Instead, it degrades over time depending on how you use it and what kind of environment it is exposed to. Your Galaxy Watch’s water resistance may be diminished by extremes in temperature, humidity, salinity, and chemical exposure.
Does the Galaxy Watch warranty cover water resistance?
No!. Samsung’s warranty for the Galaxy Watch 4 doesn’t protect against water or liquid damage.
Can I use my Galaxy Watch 4 in the snow?
The lowest temperature at which the Galaxy Watch 4 is safe to use is 0 °C.
Can I use my Galaxy Watch 4 in the hot sand desert?
The hottest recommended temperature at which to use the Galaxy Watch 4 is 35 °C.
Can my Galaxy Watch 4 get wet?
Yes, you can get your Galaxy Watch 4 wet. Due to its IP64 dust and water resistance, the Galaxy Watch 4 can withstand sweat, splashes, rain, swimming, and showering.
