For the lowest risk, take your Apple Watch off before showering. Apple says to avoid soap and soapy water, including while showering or bathing. Other brands differ: some Samsung Galaxy Watch and Garmin models are approved for showering, while Google advises against showering with Fitbit devices. A water-resistance rating alone does not settle the question.
Why a water-resistance rating does not mean shower-proof
Water-resistance ratings describe performance under specified test conditions; they are not a promise that a watch is waterproof or suitable for every kind of water exposure. “50 meters,” for example, should not be read as permission to use a watch in any situation involving water at that depth. Samsung explains that ISO 22810:2010 testing includes pressure, operating-component strain, and thermal shock, while real-world exposure can add soap, heat, spray, and movement. Samsung’s explanation of water-resistance testing provides more detail.
Showering is different from a controlled immersion: it can combine hot water, shampoo, conditioner, soap, shifting temperatures, and a moving spray. Garmin warns that high-velocity or high-pressure water can create pressure beyond a device’s rating, and Samsung warns against pressure washers and rapid pressure increases. That does not mean an ordinary shower will necessarily overwhelm a watch; it means a depth rating alone cannot guarantee safety under every shower condition. Garmin’s rating definitions explain the pressure caveat.
Apple Watch: model ratings and Apple’s shower guidance
Apple describes Apple Watch as water resistant, not waterproof, and says resistance can diminish over time. The watch cannot be rechecked or resealed for water resistance. Apple’s water-resistance and care guidance sets out the model differences and exposures to avoid.
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| Apple Watch model group | Rating or limit | What it means for showering |
|---|---|---|
| First-generation Apple Watch and Series 1 | IPX7. Apple says submersion is not recommended for these models. Apple developer documentation | Do not treat these models as suitable for showering. |
| Series 2 and later | 50 meters under ISO 22810:2010, according to Apple. | The rating does not override Apple’s advice to avoid soap and soapy water, including showering or bathing. |
| Apple Watch Ultra and later | 100 meters under ISO 22810:2010. Apple identifies Ultra as EN13319-compliant for relevant underwater use; recreational scuba diving is limited to 40 meters. Apple says not to expose Ultra models to sauna temperatures above 55°C/130°F. | The higher rating does not make routine exposure to soap, steam, or excessive heat risk-free. |
Apple’s developer documentation says WR50-rated Apple Watch may be used while showering, while Apple’s consumer support guidance says to avoid soap and soapy water, including in the shower. The WR50 documentation and Apple’s care guidance address different aspects of use. The practical distinction is that a watch may tolerate water but still be exposed to products and conditions Apple advises avoiding. For a routine shower, remove it.
What in a shower can affect a watch?
Soap, shampoo, and conditioner
Apple advises avoiding soap and soapy water and lists shampoos, conditioners, lotions, perfumes, detergents, sunscreen, oils, and hair dye among substances that may affect seals and acoustic membranes. One exposure does not prove a watch has been damaged, but repeated contact is an unnecessary risk. Follow the exact manufacturer instructions for your model.
Heat and steam
Apple advises against steam rooms and says Apple Watch models other than Ultra or later should not be worn in a sauna. Ultra models should not be exposed to sauna temperatures above 55°C/130°F. Samsung warns that relevant 5ATM products should not be exposed to water above 45°C/113°F and names saunas, steam rooms, and Jacuzzis as unsuitable conditions. Samsung’s 5ATM guidance is model- and product-category guidance, not a universal limit for every watch.
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Ordinary warm water is not the same as a steam room or sauna, but very hot water and abrupt temperature changes add risk. Samsung also warns that dramatic changes in air or water temperature can compromise water resistance.
Spray pressure and movement
A watch rating does not specify that every forceful jet is safe. Garmin cautions that pressure generated by high-velocity activity can exceed the nominal rating; Samsung warns against high-pressure water. Avoid aiming a powerful shower stream at the watch or using it as a cleaning tool.
Age, impact, and repairs
Water resistance is not permanent. Apple says it can diminish over time and that impacts can affect it; Samsung also warns that drops, damage, or disassembly can reduce resistance. A watch that survived earlier showers is not proof that its seals remain intact. If a watch has a cracked screen, loose case, or a history of opening or repair, keep it away from water unless the manufacturer or service provider confirms it is suitable.
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Does Water Lock make a watch waterproof?
No. Water Lock is an interaction feature, not a seal or a change to the watch’s water-resistance rating. On Apple Watch it disables touch input to prevent accidental taps while submerged; compatible models can also use the feature to eject water from the speaker. Apple’s Water Lock documentation describes its function. Samsung likewise describes Water Lock as a way to prevent accidental screen input while swimming or showering, not as added physical protection. Samsung’s Water Lock guidance explains the feature.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.How other watch brands handle showering
There is no universal rule for water-resistant watches. Check the instructions for the exact model, and check the band separately.
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1Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches2Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems3Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute| Watch type or brand | Manufacturer guidance | Main caveat |
|---|---|---|
| Apple Watch | Apple says to avoid soap and soapy water, including showering or bathing. | Water resistance varies by model and can diminish over time; avoid steam rooms and heed model-specific sauna guidance. |
| Samsung Galaxy Watch | Samsung says supported models can be used in a shower, pool, rain, and shallow water. Samsung’s shower and Water Lock guidance | Samsung warns about soap, other non-freshwater liquids, heat, steam, pressure, temperature changes, damage, and unsuitable bands. Galaxy Watch water-resistance guidance |
| Garmin | Garmin lists showering as suitable for devices rated IPX7, 1 ATM, 3 ATM, and 5 ATM/50 m or higher. Its table lists swimming as suitable for 5 ATM/50 m and higher. Garmin’s activity and rating definitions | Check the exact product instructions; high-velocity or high-pressure water can exceed the intended conditions. |
| Fitbit | Google advises against wearing Fitbit devices in the shower to reduce exposure to soap, shampoo, and conditioner, even though many models are water-resistant to 50 meters. Fitbit water and shower guidance | Follow the guidance for your specific model and dry the device and skin after exposure. |
| Traditional mechanical or quartz watch | Model-specific; consult the watchmaker’s rating and care instructions. | Condition of gaskets and crown, service history, damage, and band material can matter. A watch opened for a battery change or repair may need pressure testing before water exposure. |
These differences are why “50 meters” is not a universal shower permission slip. Even where a manufacturer lists showering as suitable, that does not automatically approve hot tubs, saunas, steam rooms, strong jets, or every band material.
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Check the band and your skin, too
A water-resistant case does not make every strap water resistant. Apple identifies some leather and knit bands as not water resistant, and Samsung warns against showering with leather or hybrid bands. Apple’s band and water-care guidance and Samsung’s Galaxy Watch guidance cover their respective products.
Soap, sweat, and moisture trapped between the band and skin can irritate the skin even if the watch itself is unaffected. Google advises removing a device if you notice redness, soreness, tingling, burning, stiffness, or other discomfort and letting the area recover. Google’s product-care guidance includes skin and band advice.
What to do if your Apple Watch gets soap or shampoo on it
- Rinse it with fresh, warm water. Apple recommends this after contact with substances such as soap, shampoo, or pool or seawater on Series 2 and later. Do not use a forceful jet.
- Wipe it with a nonabrasive, lint-free cloth. Clean off residue without sprays or abrasive materials.
- Dry the watch, band, and skin thoroughly. Remove the band if needed to dry the surfaces that sit against the wrist.
- Do not use heat, compressed air, or sprays. Rinsing and drying are care steps, not repairs; they cannot restore a compromised seal.
If the speaker sounds muffled after water exposure, use the watch’s water-ejection feature if available, then allow it to dry. Do not use a hair dryer, compressed air, rice, or external heat. If you notice charging problems, internal fogging, unresponsive controls, distorted audio, sensor failures, or repeated restarts, contact Apple or an authorized service provider.
When should you take a watch off before showering?
Removing it is the safer choice if any of these apply:
- The manufacturer advises against showering or soap exposure, as Apple and Fitbit do.
- The watch is unrated, an older model, damaged, cracked, loose, or has been opened or repaired.
- You will use very hot water, enter a hot tub, sauna, or steam room, or expose it to a strong spray.
- The band is leather, knit, woven, hybrid, or otherwise not approved for water.
- You have sensitive skin or tend to leave soap and moisture trapped under the band.
- You would rather avoid unnecessary wear on an expensive device than accept the possibility of water-related damage.
If you decide to wear a watch, first confirm that the exact model’s manufacturer explicitly permits showering, that its condition is sound, and that its band is suitable. Keep the water moderate, avoid repeated coating with hair and skin products, and dry the watch and wrist afterward.
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