Google's swim and shower article says most Fitbit devices are water resistant to 50 meters and designed to be swimproof: it lists the Charge 5 and 6, Inspire series, Luxe, Sense series and Versa series at 50 meters, while the original Ace is only showerproof and must not be used for swimming. Not every accessory band should get wet: leather, metal and woven bands should stay dry. Water resistance may diminish over time and can be hurt by dropping the device, soaps, shampoos, conditioners, perfume, insect repellent, lotions or sunscreen, and high-velocity water in water sports.
If it gets wet, take it off and dry it before putting it back on; if it meets anything but fresh water, clean it with fresh water and a soap-free cleanser like Cetaphil and dry with a lint-free cloth. Google advises against wearing it in the shower, hot tub or sauna. Some models have a water lock setting that stops the buttons activating in water. The Fitbit Ace LTE's specifications list 50 meters, but its care article calls it water resistant and splash proof and says to take it off and dry it after it gets wet.
Differential
Likely causes of “Fitbit trackers and smartwatches water lock, swimming or water”, and how to tell them apart
- 1
Soap, shampoo or sunscreen exposure
What separates it Water gets in after ordinary use because of soap, shampoo or sunscreen exposure
How to confirm Rinse in fresh water and avoid the shower
- 2
A drop that damaged the seal
What separates it Moisture appears after a fall because a drop damaged the seal
How to confirm Stop using it and contact support, since the seal may be damaged
- 3
A non-water band
What separates it A leather or metal band is soaked because of a non water band
How to confirm Use the original band in water, and dry the device
- 4
High-velocity water
What separates it There is damage after a water sport because of high velocity water
How to confirm Avoid high velocity water, as Google says, and dry the device
- 5
The wrong model for swimming
What separates it A showerproof Ace is used for swimming because the model is wrong for swimming
How to confirm Do not swim with an Ace, since it is only showerproof
Before you touch a setting
Record this first — changing settings destroys the evidence
- The model and its rated resistance
- What water activity, depth and for how long
- Whether soap, sunscreen or hot water was involved
- Whether moisture is visible or the screen is affected
Try in this order
0 of 7 completedTake it off
ReversibleTake it off, and take the device off if it gets wet, and dry your wrist.
Dry it well
ReversibleDry it well, by wiping it with a lint free cloth and letting it air dry.
Clean if not fresh water
ReversibleClean if it was not fresh water, with fresh water and a soap free cleanser, then dry it.
Skip hot water
ReversibleSkip hot water, and avoid the shower, the hot tub and the sauna with the device on.
Use the right band
ReversibleUse the right band, and use the original band in water, not leather or metal.
Charge only when dry
ReversibleCharge only when dry, and charge only when the device is completely dry, and then test again to see whether it helped.
Contact support
ReversibleContact support, and if moisture is inside, contact Fitbit support with the model, and then test again to see whether it helped.
Model-specific
What is true of this model and not of its siblings
- Rating by model
- Google lists water resistance to 50 meters for the Charge 5, Charge 6, Inspire series, Luxe, Sense series and Versa series; the Ace LTE's specifications list 50 m.
- Bands
- Google says leather, metal and woven accessory bands should not get wet.
- Other models this page answers
- These steps also fit models Charge 5, Sense 2, Versa 4, Inspire 3, Luxe, Ace LTE.
Stop boundary
When this stops being a self-service repair
- !If moisture appears under the glass, stop using it and contact Fitbit support
- !If the device fails after a shower or swim, contact support
- !If the Ace LTE misbehaves after water, dry it and contact the Ace LTE Help
Evidence ledger
Sources behind this answer
Ratings by model, what reduces resistance and drying.
Splash proof guidance and what not to use.
Water resistant to 50 m.
Tracking swims.
The Fitbit brand and its devices.
Exact questions
Common questions
How water resistant are Fitbits?+
Google says most are water resistant to 50 meters, including the Charge 5 and 6, Inspire series, Luxe, Sense series and Versa series.
Can I swim with an Ace?+
No. Google says the original Ace is showerproof and not for swimming.
What reduces resistance?+
Drops, soaps, shampoos, conditioners, perfume, insect repellent, lotions, sunscreen and high-velocity water.
Can I use a hot tub?+
Google does not recommend hot tubs or saunas.
Should I dry it before charging?+
Yes, dry it before charging, and charge only when it is dry.
Are all bands waterproof?+
No. Leather, metal and woven bands should not get wet.