Last Updated on April 15, 2024 by Oliver
Have you ever wondered if you could take your smartwatch swimming or if it would survive a drop in the puddle? Many of us think about this, especially when we wear our smart gadgets nearly all the time. Let’s splash into the world of smartwatches and discover if they are friends with water.
What Does Waterproof Really Mean?
Before we jump in, let’s clear up something important: the idea of being “waterproof.” When something is truly waterproof, it means water can’t get inside it, no matter how much it swims or dives. But, is there a gadget that can really wear this badge of honor? Well, it’s a bit complicated.
A truly waterproof device is impervious to water ingress, regardless of the duration or depth of submersion. However, very few gadgets achieve this level of protection, and smartwatches are typically not among them.
Water-Resistant vs. Waterproof
Most smartwatches aren’t called waterproof; they are called “water-resistant.” This means they can hang out with water to a point, but there are limits. Think of it like wearing a raincoat. You can stay dry in a drizzle, but if you jump into a pool, you’re going to get wet.
| Feature | Water-Resistant Smartwatch | Waterproof Smartwatch |
|---|---|---|
| Definition | Can resist water penetration to a certain extent but not entirely. | Completely impervious to water, can be submerged indefinitely. |
| Common Usage | Suitable for daily use such as hand washing, rain, and brief swimming. | Designed for activities like diving or prolonged submersion. |
| IP Rating | Typically IP67 or IP68, indicating limited depth and duration. | Higher ratings that ensure protection at greater depths. |
| Depth and Duration | Usually safe for short durations up to 1 meter (IP67) or 1.5 meters (IP68) for 30 minutes. | Can withstand deeper water depths, often beyond 2 meters for extended periods. |
| Temperature Sensitivity | Generally not recommended for hot water environments like hot tubs or saunas. | More likely to withstand a range of temperatures, including hot water exposures. |
| Durability | Built to withstand occasional, accidental contact with water. | Engineered for regular and intentional submersion in water. |
| Maintenance | Requires regular checking of seals and careful rinsing after exposure to salt or chlorinated water. | May require less frequent maintenance due to more robust sealing against water. |
IP Ratings: The Secret Code
Smartwatches come with a secret code that tells us how water-resistant they are. This is called an “IP rating.” It looks like “IP67” or “IP68.” The first number after “IP” tells you how dust-resistant it is, and the second number tells you about its water resistance. The higher the number, the better it can handle water.
Here the list of various IP Ratings
| IP Rating | Solids Protection (First Digit) | Liquids Protection (Second Digit) | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| IP00 | No protection | No protection | No protection against any kind of contact and ingress of objects or water. |
| IP54 | Limited protection | Splashing water | Protected against limited dust ingress and splashing of water. |
| IP65 | Dust tight | Water jets | Complete protection against dust and low-pressure jets of water. |
| IP67 | Dust tight | Immersion up to 1m | Complete protection against dust and immersion in water up to 1 meter for 30 minutes. |
| IP68 | Dust tight | Immersion beyond 1m | Complete protection against dust and long-term immersion in water beyond 1 meter under specified conditions. |
| IPX7 | Not rated for solids | Immersion up to 1m | Not rated for protection against solids, but can withstand immersion in water up to 1 meter for 30 minutes. |
| IPX8 | Not rated for solids | Immersion beyond 1m | Not rated for protection against solids, but can handle continuous immersion in water beyond 1 meter under conditions specified by the manufacturer. |
Can You Swim with Your Smartwatch?
Many smartwatches are made to be your buddy in the pool. They have high IP ratings, like IP68, which means they can go underwater for a bit without a fuss. Some are even designed for swimmers and can track how many laps you do.
But, There’s a Catch!
Even if your smartwatch can swim, it has limits. Most can go only so deep and can’t stay underwater forever. Plus, they might not like hot water, so wearing them in the hot tub or shower isn’t a good idea. Always check what the maker of your smartwatch says before diving in.
Adventures in the Rain and Accidental Dips
What about those days when you’re caught in the rain, or your smartwatch accidentally takes a dip? If your smartwatch is water-resistant, a little water won’t hurt. Just make sure to dry it off afterward. And if it does take a surprise swim, don’t panic. Take it out of the water and let it dry.
Caring for Your Water-Resistant Friend
Even water-resistant smartwatches need a little care. Here are some tips to keep them happy:
- Rinse and Dry: If your smartwatch gets salty from ocean water or chlorinated from pool water, rinse it with fresh water and dry it with a soft cloth.
- Check the Seals: If your smartwatch has been with you for a long time, the seals that keep water out might get worn out. It’s good to check these now and then.
The Future of Smartwatches and Water
As technology gets better, so will the friendship between smartwatches and water. We might see more smartwatches that can dive deeper and stay underwater longer. Who knows? Someday, taking your smartwatch for a swim might be as normal as taking it for a walk.
Wrapping It Up
So, are smartwatches waterproof? Not exactly. But many are water-resistant, which means they can handle splashes, showers, and even a swim in the pool, just not deep-sea diving adventures. Remember to check the IP rating and what the manufacturer says about your smartwatch’s limits with water.
Your smartwatch is like a trusty sidekick, ready for many adventures, including those involving water. Just know its limits, take good care of it, and you two will be ready for anything, rain or shine!
