Galaxy Watch Waterproof: Water Resistance Facts

The short answer: no Galaxy Watch model is fully waterproof, but every current model has a water resistance rating that lets you swim, shower, and wear it in the rain. The exact rating depends on the model and generation, so you need to know the difference between IP68, 5 ATM, and the newer ISO 22810:2010 standard before you take yours into a pool or ocean.

Water Resistance Ratings Explained

Water resistance is measured by pressure, not by “waterproof” claims. The two ratings you will see on Galaxy Watches are:

• 5 ATM – withstands pressure equivalent to 50 meters of static water. This is the standard for swimming and snorkeling, not diving.
• IP68 – dust-tight and protected against continuous immersion in fresh water beyond 1 meter, typically up to 1.5 meters for 30 minutes.

Since the Galaxy Watch 4, Samsung has also used the ISO 22810:2010 standard, which is essentially the same as 5 ATM. The Galaxy Watch Ultra (2024) goes further with 10 ATM, meaning it can handle 100 meters of pressure.

Which Galaxy Watch Models Are Water Resistant?

All Galaxy Watch models from the original 2018 release through the Galaxy Watch 7 and Watch Ultra carry at least a 5 ATM rating, except the Galaxy Watch Ultra which is 10 ATM. The original Galaxy Watch and Galaxy Watch Active series are 5 ATM. The Galaxy Watch 4, 5, 6, and 7 are all 5 ATM. The Galaxy Watch FE (2024) is 5 ATM as well.

Important: the older Samsung Gear S2 and Gear S3 have IP68 only, which is not suitable for swimming. If you have a Gear series, treat it as splash-proof, not swim-proof.

What You Can and Cannot Do

With a 5 ATM rating, you can:

• Wear it while swimming in a pool or in the sea
• Shower with it (though soap can degrade the seals over time)
• Run in heavy rain or wash your hands
• Snorkel at shallow depths (less than 2 meters)

You should not:

• Scuba dive (any depth)
• Use it in a hot tub, sauna, or steam room – heat expands air inside the watch and can break seals
• Press buttons while underwater – the buttons are not designed for high-pressure presses
• Expose it to high-speed water (jet skiing, water skiing)

How Water Resistance Works in a Smartwatch

Water resistance depends on gaskets, adhesives, and the case design. The speaker and microphone are protected by a fine mesh that lets air pass but blocks water droplets. The barometer has a vent that is also water-repellent. Over time, these seals degrade from heat, impact, and normal wear, so a watch that was once 5 ATM may no longer be after a few years.

Samsung does not cover water damage under warranty, even for rated watches. That is why you should always rinse the watch in fresh water after swimming in salt water or chlorine, and dry it thoroughly before charging.

Common Problems and Misconceptions

“My watch says 5 ATM, so I can dive to 50 meters.” No. The rating is static pressure, not a depth limit for activity. Moving your arm in water creates dynamic pressure that can exceed the rating. Diving beyond a few meters is not safe.

“The IP68 rating means it is fine in the sea.” IP68 is tested in fresh water. Salt water is more corrosive and can damage the charging contacts and speaker grille over time. Rinse after exposure.

“I can press the buttons underwater.” Pressing buttons underwater can force water past the seals. The watch is designed to be used with the touchscreen, which works under water, but avoid pressing the physical buttons while submerged.

How to Check Your Specific Model

You can find the exact rating in the Settings app on the watch itself, or in the Samsung Wearable app on your phone. Go to Settings > About watch > Regulatory, and look for the water resistance mark. If you have the box, the rating is printed on the side. For older models, Samsung’s support page lists the ratings, but the Settings method is the most reliable for your specific unit.

Water Resistance vs. Waterproof: What the Terms Mean

No consumer smartwatch is truly “waterproof” in the sense that it can be submerged indefinitely at any depth. The term “water resistant” is the correct one. The IP code (Ingress Protection) is defined by the IEC, and the ATM rating comes from the Swiss watch industry. Both are tested with clean, still water at room temperature. Real-world conditions – soap, sweat, salt, temperature changes – all reduce the effective protection.

Tips to Keep Your Watch Safe in Water

• Rinse with fresh water after swimming in salt water or a chlorinated pool
• Dry the watch and your skin before charging – water on the charging contacts can cause corrosion
• Remove the watch before a hot shower or sauna – steam can get in even with a high rating
• If the watch gets wet, do not press buttons until it is dry
• If you notice condensation under the glass, stop using it and contact Samsung – that indicates a seal failure

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I swim with a Galaxy Watch?

Yes, if it has a 5 ATM rating or higher, which includes all Galaxy Watch models from 2018 onward. You can swim in a pool or the sea, but you should rinse the watch in fresh water afterward. Avoid diving deeper than a few meters and avoid high-speed water sports.

Is the Galaxy Watch waterproof in the shower?

Technically yes, but it is not recommended. Hot water and steam can degrade the adhesive seals over time, and soap can leave a film that interferes with the touchscreen. If you do shower with it, rinse it with fresh water and dry it thoroughly.

Does the Galaxy Watch Ultra have better water resistance?

Yes, the Galaxy Watch Ultra has a 10 ATM rating, meaning it can withstand pressure equivalent to 100 meters. It is suitable for recreational scuba diving (up to 40 meters) and high-speed water sports, but still not for saturation diving or deep technical dives.

Why did my Galaxy Watch get water damage if it is rated 5 ATM?

Water resistance is not permanent. Seals degrade with age, heat, and impacts. Also, pressing buttons underwater or exposing the watch to soap, steam, or salt water can exceed the rating. Samsung does not cover water damage under warranty, so it is best to follow the care guidelines.

Can I wear my Galaxy Watch in a hot tub?

No. The heat and steam in a hot tub or sauna can cause the air inside the watch to expand, which can push past the seals and let water in when the watch cools. This is a common cause of water damage even in watches with a high ATM rating.

How do I know if my Galaxy Watch is water resistant?

Go to Settings > About watch > Regulatory on the watch itself. Look for the water resistance mark – it will show either 5 ATM, 10 ATM, or IP68. If you have a Gear S2 or S3, it is IP68 only, which is not suitable for swimming.

Related

• Raspberry Pi 32-Bit Support: What Still Works
• Last Minute Gift Ideas for Everyone
• Overused Photo Effects? Real Talk on Trends

in t | Water depth (meters) | m | 50 | 0 | 200
out pressure | Pressure at depth | atm | 1 + t / 10.3 | 2
out force | Force on watch case (40mm) | kg | (1 + t / 10.3) * 0.001256 | 3