How Water-Resistant Is Your Smartwatch?

Beyond GPS and heart-rate tracking, swimming is a key function many users expect from a smartwatch. But are smartwatches truly water-resistant—or even waterproof? The answer depends: not all smartwatches offer the same level of protection. It’s important to understand how water-resistant your device really is and how to read its rating.

Understanding Water-Resistance Ratings

Smartwatches use three key rating systems to indicate water resistance—similar to care labels on clothes. These are:

• IP (Ingress Protection) Codes
• ATM (Atmospheres) Ratings
• Depth Ratings (in metres)

IP Codes

IP codes typically show protection with two digits. The second digit represents water resistance—the higher the number, the better. Here’s what they generally mean:

• IP‑X0: No water resistance—indoor use only.
• IP‑X1: Vertical drops—fine for misty rain.
• IP‑X2: Slanted drops.
• IP‑X3: Splash-resistant.
• IP‑X4: High splashes—rain, minor spills.
• IP‑X5: Water jets—safe under a gentle tap.
• IP‑X6: Strong water jets—band suitable even in storms.
• IP‑X7 / IP67: Submersion-resistant—safe if dropped in water briefly, but not for swimming or showers.
• IP‑X8: Water-resistant for prolonged submersion under specified conditions.

ATM Ratings

Originally used for traditional watches—now often applied to smartwatches—ATM ratings relate to pressure equivalent to water depth:

ATM	Usable for
3 ATM	Splash-resistant (e.g., washing hands)
5 ATM	Showering & recreational swimming (e.g., pool)… not diving
10 ATM	Swimming, snorkelling, surface diving
20 ATM	High-speed water sports & deeper diving
100 ATM	Deep-sea diving

Metre Markings

A more familiar format for many: a “50 m” marking often denotes shallow water safety, not guaranteed deep-water or dynamic pressure resistance.

Can You Shower or Swim with Your Smartwatch?

Even if water-resistant, exposure to soap, shampoo, or sauna steam can degrade seals and void warranties. Apple advises against such use, especially below Series Ultra models. Series 2 and later are rated for shallow-water activities, such as swimming in pools or the ocean—but not diving or high-velocity water sports. :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}

Garmin listings indicate devices with a 5 ATM or 50 m rating are designed to withstand swimming pressures. :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}

“5 ATM is 50 meters or 164 ft under water… unless you’re planning to scuba dive beyond the usual recreational limit…” — Reddit user “ukexpat” via r/Garmin :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}

Quick Reference Table

Rating	Typical Use
IP X0–X2	Not suitable for water or rain
IP X3–X4	Rain, splashes
IP X5	Jets & splashes
IP X7	Short drops in water only
5 ATM / 50 m	Pooling & shallow swimming
10 ATM / 100 m+	Snorkelling, water sports
100 ATM	Deep-sea diving

In Summary

Water resistance in smartwatches varies widely. If your device is 5 ATM or rated to 50 m, it's generally safe for casual swimming—assuming minimal soap contact and no high pressure activities. Always check the official rating—IP, ATM, or metre—not marketing claims before submerging it.