Yes, the Galaxy Watch 5 is water resistant, but it is not fully waterproof or safe for every water activity.
The Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 has a 5ATM rating and an IP68 rating, which help protect it from rain, sweat, splashes, and swimming. Still, these ratings have limits. This guide explains what “waterproof” means for the Galaxy Watch 5, where you can wear it safely, and how to avoid costly water damage.
Is the Galaxy Watch 5 waterproof?
The short answer is no. The Galaxy Watch 5 is water resistant, not permanently waterproof.
Samsung designed the watch to handle common water exposure. Its 5ATM rating means it can withstand pressure equal to a depth of 50 meters under controlled test conditions. Its IP68 rating adds protection from dust and fresh water during laboratory testing.
These ratings do not mean you can wear the watch anywhere underwater. Water pressure changes with movement, waves, diving, and fast water flow. A watch may pass a lab test but still suffer damage in a pool, lake, or shower.
The best way to understand it is to think of the Galaxy Watch 5 like a rain jacket. It can protect you in wet weather, but it is not the same as wearing a diving suit.
What do the Galaxy Watch 5 water ratings mean?
The Galaxy Watch 5 uses two main protection ratings: 5ATM and IP68. Each rating measures something different.
What does 5ATM mean?
5ATM means the watch can handle pressure equal to 50 meters of water in controlled conditions. This rating comes from the ISO 22810 standard for watches.
It does not mean the watch is suitable for diving to 50 meters. The test does not fully copy real swimming conditions. Arm movement, water speed, temperature, and sudden pressure can all affect the seals.
The 5ATM rating generally supports activities such as:
• Swimming in a pool
• Swimming in calm, shallow water
• Walking in the rain
• Washing your hands
• Heavy workouts with sweat
What does IP68 mean?
IP68 is an ingress protection rating. The first number, 6, means the watch has strong dust protection. The second number, 8, means it can resist fresh-water immersion under specific test conditions.
IP68 is not a universal promise of unlimited water protection. Testing depth and time can vary by manufacturer and product. Samsung’s user guidance still warns against high-pressure water, diving, and some water environments.
Both ratings can weaken as the watch ages. Drops, scratches, heat, and repairs may damage the seals.
Can you swim with the Galaxy Watch 5?
Yes, you can swim with the Galaxy Watch 5 in many normal conditions. Samsung includes swimming and water-related workout features on the watch.
The watch can track swimming activities, including time and movement. You can also turn on Water Lock mode before entering the water. This helps prevent accidental screen taps while you swim.
For safer swimming, follow these steps:
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Open the workout app and select a swimming workout.
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Turn on Water Lock mode if the watch does not enable it automatically.
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Keep the watch secure on your wrist.
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Avoid diving, jumping from a great height, or using strong water slides.
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Rinse the watch with clean, fresh water after swimming.
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Dry the watch and band well when you finish.
The Galaxy Watch 5 is better suited to casual pool swimming than open-water sports. Waves, salt, sand, and sudden pressure can place more stress on the watch seals.
Can you wear the Galaxy Watch 5 in the shower?
It is best to avoid wearing the Galaxy Watch 5 in the shower. The watch may survive occasional splashes, but showers create risks that normal rain does not.
Hot water can affect the seals and adhesives inside the watch. Soap, shampoo, and conditioner can also leave residue around buttons, speakers, and openings. Strong water spray adds pressure that can force moisture past weakened seals.
A cool, gentle shower may not damage a new Galaxy Watch 5 right away. However, repeated exposure increases risk over time. Removing the watch before showering is the safest habit.
Also avoid wearing it in:
• Hot tubs
• Saunas
• Steam rooms
• High-pressure showers
• Spa pools
• Water parks with strong jets
Is the Galaxy Watch 5 safe in salt water?
The Galaxy Watch 5 is not designed for regular exposure to salt water. Salt can corrode metal parts and leave crystals around the speaker, buttons, and charging contacts.
If you accidentally wear the watch in the ocean, rinse it with clean, fresh water as soon as possible. Use gentle water flow rather than a strong stream. Dry it with a soft, clean cloth.
Do not use soap, alcohol, compressed air, or a hair dryer. Heat and strong air pressure may damage the watch or push water deeper into its openings.
Sand creates another problem. Small grains can scratch the screen or enter moving parts. Keep the watch away from sandy surfaces, especially when changing bands or charging.
What water activities should you avoid?
The Galaxy Watch 5 can handle some water exposure, but fast and forceful water is risky. Avoid activities that create sudden pressure or pull the watch through the water.
Avoid wearing it during:
• Scuba diving
• Free diving
• Water skiing
• Jet skiing
• Surfing in heavy waves
• Rafting
• High diving
• Strong water slides
• Pressure washing
• Long exposure to hot water
The 5ATM label is often misunderstood. It does not make the Galaxy Watch 5 a professional dive watch. A dive watch needs a design made for changing pressure, deep water, and underwater use.
If you take part in demanding water sports, use a device made for that activity. The cost of a new watch is much lower than losing important health data, photos, or workout history.
How to use Water Lock mode
Water Lock mode helps prevent accidental touches while the Galaxy Watch 5 is wet. It does not improve the watch’s water resistance.
To activate it manually:
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Swipe down from the watch face.
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Tap the Water Lock icon.
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Enter the water or start your swim.
When Water Lock is active, the screen does not respond to normal taps. This prevents splashes from changing your workout or opening apps.
To turn Water Lock off, press and hold the Home button. The watch may play a sound to help push water from the speaker.
Water Lock is useful, but it is not a safety shield. It cannot protect the watch from salt, heat, deep water, or high pressure.
How to dry and clean the Galaxy Watch 5
Proper care helps preserve the watch’s water resistance. The seals are not designed to last forever, so gentle cleaning matters.
Use this simple routine after swimming:
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Remove the watch from your wrist.
