Garmin's water article says waterproof and water-resistant mean different things to different people, so Garmin gives devices a standardized rating; the definitions and the suitable activities are on Garmin's water rating page, and the rating is on the product page and in the owner's manual. Most Garmin devices carry IPX7 unless stated, but the watches on this page are rated by depth:
the Forerunner 965 and 265, Venu 3, vívoactive 5 and Approach S70 are 5 ATM (pressure equal to 50 meters), and the fēnix 8, epix Pro Gen 2 and Instinct 2 series are 10 ATM (100 meters). The fēnix 8 also has a 4 ATM dive rating under EN 13319. Garmin's diving article says only certain watches are rated for diving, including the fēnix 8 and 9 series, and not to press buttons while submerged unless the manual says so. Rinse and dry the watch after water.
Differential
Likely causes of “Garmin watches water lock, swimming or water exposure is not working correctly”, and how to tell them apart
- 1
The watch is used beyond its rating
What separates it Water gets in after a dive or high-speed water sport
How to confirm Only diving rated watches should go diving, so check your rating
- 2
Buttons pressed underwater
What separates it The watch misbehaves after a swim because buttons were pressed underwater
How to confirm Do not press buttons submerged unless the manual says so
- 3
Water in the speaker or microphone
What separates it The sound is muffled after water because of water in the speaker or microphone
How to confirm Rinse, dry and wait 24 hours, before you judge the sound
- 4
Soap, chemicals or heat
What separates it The seals degrade because of soap, chemicals or heat
How to confirm Rinse in fresh water and avoid chemicals, and dry the watch
- 5
Damage to the case or lens
What separates it Moisture appears inside because of damage to the case or lens
How to confirm Stop using it and contact Garmin, since the seal may be damaged
Before you touch a setting
Record this first — changing settings destroys the evidence
- The product name, part number and the rating in your manual
- What water activity, depth and how long
- Whether buttons were pressed and whether sound or the screen changed
- Whether moisture is visible under the lens
Try in this order
0 of 7 completedRead your rating
ReversibleRead your rating, by checking the water rating in the manual, which is 5 ATM or 10 ATM.
Rinse after water
ReversibleRinse after water, by rinsing the watch with fresh water after swimming, and then test again to see whether it helped.
Dry it
ReversibleDry it, by wiping it dry and letting it air dry fully, and then test again to see whether it helped.
Avoid pressing buttons underwater
ReversibleAvoid pressing buttons underwater, unless the manual says that you can on your model, and then test again to see whether it helped.
Avoid chemicals and heat
ReversibleAvoid chemicals and heat, and do not use soap, solvents or hot water on the watch.
Wait 24 hours
ReversibleWait 24 hours, to allow moisture to evaporate before you judge the sound, and then test again to see whether it helped.
Contact Garmin
ReversibleContact Garmin, and if moisture is inside, contact Garmin with the serial number, and then test again to see whether it helped.
Model-specific
What is true of this model and not of its siblings
- Water rating by model
- Garmin's manuals: fēnix 8 10 ATM plus 4 ATM dive (EN 13319); epix Pro Gen 2 10 ATM; Instinct 2 series 10 ATM (100 m); Forerunner 965 and 265 5 ATM; Venu 3 and 3S 5 ATM; vívoactive 5 5 ATM; Approach S70 5 ATM.
- Diving
- Garmin's diving article lists the fēnix 8 and 9 series among the watches rated for diving, and none of the others in this group.
- Other models this page answers
- These steps also fit models epix Pro (Gen 2), Forerunner 965, Forerunner 265, Venu 3/3S, vívoactive 5, Instinct 2X Solar, S70.
Stop boundary
When this stops being a self-service repair
- !If moisture appears under the lens, stop using the watch and contact Garmin
- !If it fails after a dive with a non-diving watch, contact Garmin
- !If the speaker stays muffled after 24 hours, use the speaker page
Evidence ledger
Sources behind this answer
Standardized water ratings and the water rating page.
The watches rated for diving and the button warning.
Cleaning after water activity and the 24-hour dry time.
10 ATM and 4 ATM dive rating.
The company and its wearables line.
Exact questions
Common questions
Which of my watches can dive?+
Garmin says only certain watches are rated for diving, including the fēnix 8 series.
What does 5 ATM mean?+
Garmin's footnote says the device withstands pressure equal to a depth of 50 meters.
What does 10 ATM mean?+
Pressure equal to 100 meters, on the fēnix 8, epix Pro Gen 2 and Instinct 2 series.
Do I press buttons underwater?+
Garmin says not unless your manual indicates otherwise.
Why is sound muffled after swimming?+
Water in the ports; it can take up to 24 hours to evaporate.
Is IPX7 enough for swimming?+
No. IPX7 devices are not for swimming; use a watch with an ATM rating.
Where is the rating?+
On the product page, in the manual under Specifications.
Does age reduce resistance?+
Seals can degrade with wear and chemicals.