Is My Galaxy Watch 5 Waterproof?
The Galaxy Watch 5 has a combined IP68 and 5 ATM water resistance rating. But what exactly does it mean?
- The Galaxy Watch 5’s IP68 dust and 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 5 Meets the requirements of the water-resistance in a 50 m deep water (or 5 ATM) as described by the international standard ISO 22810:2010 and your device can be used in shallow water.
It should be noted that only fresh water was used for testing. All the information in this post can be verified by downloading the manual at this link.
If you are interested in purchasing a Galaxy Watch 5 and its accessories, then check out our affiliate links at the end of this post, or click here.
Is the Galaxy Watch 5 Waterproof or Water Resistant?
I have seen some major tech sites openly write that the Galaxy Watch 5 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 5) can stop water from entering them to some degree, but not indefinitely.
According to Samsung, the Galaxy Watch 5 will continue to be water-resistant for up to 30 minutes in a maximum depth of 1.5 meters of water.
Additionally, according to the device’s certification for 5 ATM water resistance, it was tested by being submerged for 10 minutes in freshwater at a depth of 50 meters.
So in both cases, the Galaxy Watch 5 cannot be submerged in water indefinitely. Therefore, it is only water-resistant and not waterproof. That’s why Samsung prefers to label the Galaxy Watch 5 as “water-resistant” instead of “waterproof.”
Can sweat affect my Galaxy Watch 5?
The Galaxy Watch 5’s IP68 water resistance rating also makes it resistant to sweat. So you can wear your Galaxy Watch 5 for a run or to the gym with no consequences.
However, persistent sweat buildup on your Galaxy Watch 5 (without cleaning it) can compromise its water resistance. That’s because sweat contains salt and body oils, which can accumulate and break down the water resistance seals on your Galaxy Watch. So after exercise, always rinse the watch with clean, fresh water and dry it with a soft towel
Can I use my Galaxy Watch 5 in the rain?
Yes, you can use your Galaxy Watch 5 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 5?
Yes, you can shower with your Galaxy Watch 5. 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 5 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 5?
Yes, the Galaxy Watch 5’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.
However, soap and other chemicals used for washing hands may be detrimental to the Galaxy Watch 5’s water resistance seals.
Can I swim in the pool with my Galaxy Watch 5?
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 5.
The Galaxy Watch 5’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 5?
The Galaxy Watch 5 can’t resist exposure to too much seawater. 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.
It is not recommended to use your Galaxy Watch 5 in sea water. And if you must use it 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 swim in a river with my Galaxy Watch 5?
Here’s why Samsung advises against swimming with the Galaxy Watch 5 in a river. The Galaxy Watch 5’s water resistance isn’t good enough to protect it from high-pressure water, fast-moving water, or jets or sprays of water.
Therefore, Samsung doesn’t recommend using the Galaxy Watch 5 for water sports such as water skiing, surfing, jumping into water, or swimming in fast-moving water (such as a river).
Can I scuba dive with my Galaxy Watch 5?
Samsung explicitly says that the Galaxy Watch 5 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 deeper than 1.5 meters and stay down there for over 30 minutes at a time.
Never submerge your Galaxy Watch 5 in more than 1.5 meters of water for more than 30 minutes. All of these conditions are detrimental to the water resistance of your Galaxy Watch 5.
How deep can the Galaxy Watch 5 be submerged?
Samsung explains in the Galaxy Watch 5’s manual that, if you have to swim with the Galaxy Watch 5, you should never take it below a depth of 1.5 meters. The company further advised against staying underwater with the Galaxy Watch for long periods.
So even though the Galaxy Watch 5’s 5 ATM water resistance rating (submersion in 50 meters of water) may make you feel that you can go deep diving with your Galaxy Watch 5, you should never do that.
How long can Galaxy Watch 5 be in water?
The Galaxy Watch 5 can stay in a maximum of 1.5 meters (5 feet) of water for up to 30 minutes. Yes, Samsung says that the watch also has a 5 ATM water resistance certification. which means that the Galaxy Watch 5 was submerged in water up to a depth of 50 meters for 10 minutes. However, the company doesn’t recommend the watch be taken deeper than 1.5 meters for a maximum of 30 minutes.
How to clean the Galaxy Watch 5 if it’s exposed to a dangerous substance?
If you mistakenly expose your Galaxy Watch 5 to liquids other than fresh water, such as salt water, coffee, beverages, swimming pool water, soapy water, oil, perfume, sunscreen, hand sanitizer, or chemical products, such as cosmetics, take immediate action as follows:
- Rinse the device with fresh water that does not flow
- Dry it thoroughly with a clean, soft cloth
- If you do not follow these instructions, the device’s performance, including its
water-resistance and appearance may be affected.
Is the Galaxy Watch 5 waterproof without Water Lock Mode?
Yes, the Galaxy Watch 5 is waterproof, even without water lock mode turned on. But it’s important to enable water lock mode when using the Galaxy Watch 5 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 5 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 5’s water resistance can be ruined by the following factors:
Over time, the water resistance of your Galaxy Watch 5 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 5 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 5 in environments with rapid temperature fluctuations. This may weaken the water-resistant seal of the watch.
Recommendations for maintaining water and dust resistance on your Galaxy Watch 5
Carefully adhere to these recommendations to maintain your Galaxy Watch 5’s water and dust resistance. Failure to abide by the following advice could result in damage to your device and void any performance warranties, including the water resistance ones.
- Do not expose your device to liquids other than fresh water or chemical products, such as sunscreen, hand sanitizer, cosmetics, soapy water, detergent, oil, perfume, coffee, or beverages.
- Do not stay underwater, dive, or play water sports such as water skiing, surfing, jumping into water, and do not swim or use the device in fast-moving water, such as a river.
- Do not expose the device directly to water moving with force, such as water from a faucet.
- Do not suddenly apply excessive water pressure to the device, such as when
- diving.
- It is recommended to use the device where the water level is not deep (approximately
- within 1.5 m).
- 5ATM water-resistance classification certification: The device has been tested by submerging it in 50 m of fresh water for 10 minutes, leaving it still, without any movement to meet the requirements of ISO 22810:2010.
- The water-resistance is not guaranteed when using the device under conditions that deviate from the standard.
- IP68 water-resistance classification certification: The device has been tested by submerging it in 1.5 m of fresh water for 30 minutes, leaving it still, without any movement to meet the requirements of IEC 60529.
- The water-resistance is not guaranteed when using the device under conditions that deviate from the standard.
- If the device is hit or damaged, its water-resistance may be compromised.
- If using the device when it or your hands are wet, the device’s performance and its appearance may be damaged. Dry them thoroughly with a dry cloth before handling the device.
- If the device is exposed to fresh water, dry it thoroughly with a clean, soft cloth.
- If the device is exposed to liquids other than fresh water, such as salt water, coffee, beverages, swimming pool water, soapy water, oil, perfume, sunscreen, hand sanitiser, or chemical products, such as cosmetics, take immediate action as follows. Rinse the device with fresh water that does not flow and dry it thoroughly with a clean, soft cloth. If you do not follow these instructions, the device’s performance, including its water-resistance and appearance may be affected.
- Do not disassemble your device. The water- and dust-resistant features of the device can
- be damaged.
- Do not expose your device to a dramatic change in air temperature or water temperature.
- Do not dry your device with a heating machine like a hair drier.
- The water-resistant feature of the device can be damaged in the sauna.
- If the device has been immersed in water or the microphone or speaker is wet, sound may not be heard clearly during a call. After wiping the device with a dry cloth, dry it thoroughly before using it.
- The touchscreen and other features may not work properly if the device is used in water.
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 5 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 5’s Warranty doesn’t cover liquid or water damage.
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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 5?
Just like the original Galaxy Watch, the Galaxy Watch 5 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 5?
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 5
The water resistance of your Galaxy Watch 5 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 5 doesn’t protect against water or liquid damage.
Can I use my Galaxy Watch 5 in the snow?
The lowest temperature at which the Galaxy Watch 5 is safe to use is 0 °C.
Can I use my Galaxy Watch 5 in the hot sand desert?
The hottest recommended temperature at which to use the Galaxy Watch 5 is 35 °C.
Can my Galaxy Watch 5 get wet?
Yes, you can get your Galaxy Watch 5 wet. Due to its IP64 dust and water resistance, the Galaxy Watch 5 can withstand sweat, splashes, rain, swimming, and showering.
