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How Waterproof Is Samsung Galaxy Watch 5?

The Galaxy Watch 5 has a 5ATM + IP68 water resistance rating, making it suitable for swimming, showering, and water sports. However, there are important limitations to understand.

Water Resistance Ratings Explained​

The dual rating provides comprehensive protection.

5ATM Rating:

  • Resists pressure equivalent to 50 meters depth
  • Suitable for swimming in pools and open water
  • Handles showering and rain exposure
  • Not rated for scuba diving or high-velocity water activities

IP68 Rating:

  • IP6: Completely dust-tight
  • IP8: Submersible beyond 1 meter (tested at 1.5m for 30 minutes in fresh water)

Safe Water Activities​

The Galaxy Watch 5 can handle these activities.

Swimming:

  • Pool swimming (lap tracking supported)
  • Ocean swimming (rinse with fresh water after)
  • Lake and river swimming
  • Water aerobics
  • Surface snorkeling

Daily Activities:

  • Showering (avoid hot water and soap)
  • Hand washing
  • Rain exposure
  • Light splashes

Activities to Avoid​

These can exceed the watch's water resistance capabilities.

  • Scuba diving or deep diving: Pressure exceeds 5ATM
  • High-velocity water: Water skiing, jet skiing, diving from heights
  • Hot water: Hot tubs, saunas, steam rooms, hot showers
  • Chemicals: Prolonged exposure to chlorine, soap, shampoo, perfumes

High temperature and pressure can damage the seals that provide water resistance.

Water Lock Feature​

Enable Water Lock before swimming to prevent accidental touches.

Enable Manually: Swipe down from watch face Tap the Water Lock icon (water drop)

Disable and Eject Water: Press and hold the Home button for 2 seconds. The watch vibrates to expel water from the speaker.

Water Lock activates automatically when you start a swimming workout in Samsung Health.

Swimming Features​

The watch includes dedicated swimming tracking.

Pool Swimming:

  • Automatic lap counting
  • Stroke detection and counting
  • SWOLF score calculation
  • Heart rate monitoring in water

Open Water Swimming:

  • GPS route tracking
  • Distance measurement
  • Pace monitoring

Start a swimming workout in Samsung Health to access these features.

Post-Swimming Care​

Proper care extends the life of your water resistance.

  1. Rinse with fresh water immediately after swimming (especially after salt water or chlorine)
  2. Dry with a soft cloth including crevices and sensor area
  3. Don't charge while wet — ensure watch is completely dry
  4. Air dry the band if using fabric bands

Temperature Limitations​

Water resistance decreases at extreme temperatures.

  • Operating range: 0°C to 45°C (32°F to 113°F)
  • Recommended for water activities: 15°C to 35°C (59°F to 95°F)

Hot water expands rubber seals and can create gaps for water entry. Avoid hot showers, hot tubs, and saunas while wearing the watch.

Signs of Water Damage​

Watch for these warning signs.

  • Condensation or fogging under the display
  • Muffled or distorted speaker audio
  • Charging problems or moisture in charging area
  • Laggy performance or sensor errors

If you suspect water damage, turn off the watch immediately, dry it thoroughly, and wait 24-48 hours before charging.

See Also: Does Galaxy Watch 5 Have GPS|How Long Does Battery Last

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