WearOS Water Resistance Ratings Explained
Water resistance ratings indicate what water exposure your WearOS watch can handle. Understanding IP and ATM ratings helps you use your watch safely around water and avoid damage.
IP Ratings (Ingress Protection)
IP ratings indicate dust and water protection levels.
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IP67: Protected against dust and submersion in up to 1 meter of water for 30 minutes. Safe for splashes, rain, and handwashing. Avoid swimming and extended water exposure.
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IP68: Protected against dust and continuous submersion beyond 1 meter (exact depth varies by manufacturer). Safe for swimming in pools, handwashing, and accidental drops in water. Avoid diving, hot showers, and salt water.
ATM Ratings (Atmospheric Pressure)
ATM ratings indicate pressure resistance, relevant for water activities.
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5ATM (50 meters): Withstands pressure equivalent to 50 meters depth. Safe for swimming, pool activities, and surface water sports. Avoid high-velocity water (water skiing), diving, and high-pressure showers.
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10ATM (100 meters): Withstands pressure equivalent to 100 meters depth. Safe for swimming, snorkeling, and most water sports. Not rated for scuba diving despite the depth number.
Activity Guidelines
Quick reference for what activities are safe at each rating level.
| Activity | IP67 | IP68 | 5ATM | 10ATM |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Handwashing | Safe | Safe | Safe | Safe |
| Rain/Sweat | Safe | Safe | Safe | Safe |
| Showering | Avoid | Safe | Safe | Safe |
| Pool Swimming | Avoid | Caution | Safe | Safe |
| Ocean Swimming | Avoid | Avoid | Caution | Safe |
| Snorkeling | Avoid | Avoid | Caution | Safe |
| Hot Tubs/Saunas | Avoid | Avoid | Avoid | Avoid |
| Scuba Diving | Avoid | Avoid | Avoid | Avoid |
Real-World Considerations
Lab ratings don't account for all real-world conditions.
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Rating Degradation: Water resistance decreases over time as seals age. A 2-year-old watch may not perform to its original rating.
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Salt Water Risk: Salt is corrosive. Always rinse your watch with fresh water after ocean exposure, even on highly-rated models.
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Temperature Extremes: Hot water (showers, hot tubs, saunas) can damage seals regardless of rating. The heat causes components to expand and can compromise water resistance.
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Chemical Exposure: Chlorine, soap, sunscreen, and other chemicals can degrade seals faster. Rinse after pool use.
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Impact Damage: Drops or impacts can compromise water resistance even if there's no visible damage.
Watch-Specific Ratings
Common WearOS watch water resistance levels.
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Galaxy Watch 7/8 Series: 5ATM + IP68 - Safe for pool swimming
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Galaxy Watch Ultra: 10ATM + IP68 - Safe for water sports and snorkeling
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Pixel Watch 3: 5ATM - Safe for pool swimming
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OnePlus Watch 2/3: 5ATM + IP68 - Safe for pool swimming
Practical Approach
Treat your watch rating as a safety margin, not a challenge. Just because a watch can survive pool swimming doesn't mean you should push its limits. Avoid unnecessary water exposure to maintain long-term reliability.
See Also: WearOS Hardware Specifications|Best WearOS Fitness Watches|WearOS Battery Drain Solutions