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.
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Rinse it with clean, fresh water.
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Wipe it with a soft, lint-free cloth.
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Let it air-dry fully.
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Keep it away from heat while it dries.
Pay special attention to the speaker, microphone, buttons, and charging area. Do not connect the charger while the watch or charging contacts are wet.
Avoid these cleaning mistakes:
• Do not use harsh chemicals.
• Do not use a hair dryer.
• Do not shake the watch forcefully.
• Do not press buttons while water is trapped inside.
• Do not charge the watch before it is fully dry.
A common real-world mistake is charging the watch immediately after swimming. Moisture near the charging contacts can cause corrosion or charging problems.
Does water resistance wear out over time?
Yes, water resistance can decrease as the Galaxy Watch 5 gets older. No smartwatch stays sealed forever.
The following issues can weaken water protection:
• Cracks in the glass or case
• A hard drop on a table or floor
• Repeated exposure to heat
• Repairs by an unapproved service center
• Worn buttons or seals
• Strong chemicals
• Frequent salt-water exposure
Battery replacement or case repairs may also affect the seals. Ask the repair provider whether the watch will receive a water-resistance test after service.
Water damage may not be covered by a standard warranty. Warranty terms depend on your location and the cause of the damage. Always check the current warranty rules before assuming liquid damage is covered.
What should you do if water gets inside?
If you think water entered the Galaxy Watch 5, remove it from water at once. Turn off the watch if possible and dry the outside with a soft cloth.
Do not charge it. Do not use a hair dryer, oven, heater, or compressed air. These methods can spread moisture or damage delicate parts.
Place the watch in a dry, ventilated area and allow it to sit. If the screen flickers, the buttons act strangely, the speaker sounds muffled, or the watch will not charge, contact an authorized service center.
Do not rely on rice. Rice cannot reliably remove moisture from a sealed electronic device, and small particles may enter the openings.
Fast action can help, but it cannot guarantee a repair. Internal corrosion may continue even after the watch appears to work normally.
Galaxy Watch 5 water resistance compared with other activities
Water resistance is only one part of the Galaxy Watch 5’s design. The watch is made for daily health tracking, exercise, and smart features, not extreme underwater use.
Here is a simple guide:
• Rain: Generally safe for normal use.
• Sweat: Safe for workouts, but clean and dry the watch afterward.
• Hand washing: Usually safe when water pressure is gentle.
• Pool swimming: Generally supported.
• Open-water swimming: Use caution because waves, salt, and sand add risk.
• Showering: Best avoided, especially with hot water and soap.
• Diving: Not recommended.
• Hot tubs and saunas: Avoid completely.
This comparison explains why the answer to “is Galaxy Watch 5 waterproof” needs some detail. The watch is water resistant enough for many daily tasks, but its protection has clear boundaries.
Practical tips to protect your Galaxy Watch 5
Small habits can greatly reduce the chance of water damage. Treat the watch as water resistant, not indestructible.
Follow these tips:
• Remove it before bathing or using a hot tub.
• Rinse it after pool or ocean use.
• Dry it before placing it on the charger.
• Check the screen and case for cracks.
• Avoid pressing buttons underwater.
• Keep it away from strong water jets.
• Use a soft band that dries quickly.
• Avoid third-party repairs that do not test the seals.
• Do not swim with the watch if it has suffered a serious drop.
One useful lesson is to inspect the watch after every hard impact. Even if the screen looks fine, a drop may damage the seal around the case. Water can then become a problem days or weeks later.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Galaxy Watch 5 fully waterproof?
No, the Galaxy Watch 5 is not fully waterproof. It is water resistant with 5ATM and IP68 ratings, but it should not be used for diving, hot tubs, saunas, or high-pressure water activities.
Can I swim with the Galaxy Watch 5?
Yes, the Galaxy Watch 5 is designed to support many swimming activities. Use Water Lock mode, avoid diving and strong currents, and rinse the watch with fresh water after swimming.
Can I wear the Galaxy Watch 5 in the shower?
It is safer not to wear it in the shower. Hot water, steam, soap, shampoo, and strong water pressure may weaken the seals or damage internal parts.
Is the Galaxy Watch 5 safe in the ocean?
The Galaxy Watch 5 is not ideal for regular ocean use. Salt, sand, waves, and changing water pressure can increase the risk of corrosion or seal damage, so rinse it with fresh water if it gets wet.
What does 5ATM mean on the Galaxy Watch 5?
5ATM means the watch passed controlled pressure testing equal to 50 meters of water. It does not mean you can dive 50 meters with the watch or use it safely in every underwater situation.
Does Water Lock make the Galaxy Watch 5 waterproof?
No, Water Lock only prevents accidental screen touches and helps remove water from the speaker when disabled. It does not improve the watch’s water-resistance rating.
Can water damage be covered by the warranty?
Water damage may not be covered by the warranty, depending on the region and the specific cause. Review Samsung’s current warranty terms and contact an authorized service center for an accurate answer.
Conclusion
The Galaxy Watch 5 is water resistant, but calling it waterproof can create the wrong expectations. Its 5ATM and IP68 ratings make it suitable for rain, sweat, hand washing, and many pool-swimming sessions.
The safest approach is simple: avoid diving, hot water, strong jets, salt-water exposure, and charging the watch while it is wet. Rinse and dry it after swimming, and remember that water resistance can weaken after drops, repairs, and long-term use.
If you plan to buy or already own the Galaxy Watch 5, use these limits as a practical care guide. Share your experience or explore more smartwatch care tips before your next swim.
Rubel Miah is the Senior Editor at MyStyleGrid.com, where he brings a sharp editorial eye and an unshakable love for fashion to everything he does. A true style addict, Rubel lives and breathes trends, from streetwear to high fashion, and has a knack for turning inspiration into impactful stories. With years of experience in fashion journalism and digital media, he curates content that empowers readers to express themselves through style. When he’s not editing features or forecasting the next big thing, you’ll find him hunting down vintage pieces or capturing street style moments around the city.
