Google's care article says the Pixel Watch is water resistant up to 50 meters (5 ATM), splash proof and rated IP68, but not waterproof. Its scratch-resistant custom 3D Gorilla Glass is designed for pressure up to 50 meters. It can withstand some rain, shallow pools and exercise sweat, but should not be immersed for more than 24 hours, used for high-speed or high-impact water sports or exposed to soapy water or other liquids.
Google says take the watch off after it gets wet and dry it well before wearing it again, remove it when applying sunscreen or repellent, and never dry it with a hot plate, hair dryer or compressed air. The watch is designed to recognize when it is submerged and automatically lock the screen to prevent accidental input. Some accessory bands, including leather and metal, are not water resistant and are for daily activity, not workouts. Water resistance is not permanent and can diminish with wear, repair or damage.
Differential
Likely causes of “Google Pixel Watch water lock, swimming or water exposure is not working correctly”, and how to tell them apart
- 1
Soap, sunscreen or chemicals
What separates it Water gets in after ordinary use because of soap, sunscreen or chemicals
How to confirm Rinse in fresh water and remove the watch for creams and sprays
- 2
High-speed water sports
What separates it There is damage after skiing on water because of high speed water sports
How to confirm Avoid them, as Google says, and dry the watch
- 3
Immersion for more than 24 hours
What separates it There is moisture after a long soak because of immersion for more than 24 hours
How to confirm Do not leave it submerged, and dry the watch
- 4
A leather or metal band in water
What separates it The band is damaged because a leather or metal band was in water
How to confirm Use an active band for water, and dry the watch
- 5
A damaged seal after a drop
What separates it Moisture appears because of a damaged seal after a drop
How to confirm Stop using it and contact Google, since the seal may be damaged
Before you touch a setting
Record this first — changing settings destroys the evidence
- What water activity, depth and how long
- Whether soap or sunscreen was involved and whether the band is water resistant
- Whether moisture is visible or the screen behaves oddly
Try in this order
0 of 7 completedTake it off when wet
ReversibleTake it off when wet, by removing the watch after it gets wet and drying your wrist.
Dry it well
ReversibleDry it well, by using a soft lint free cloth and letting it air dry.
Avoid heat
ReversibleAvoid heat, and do not use a hair dryer, a hot plate or compressed air on the watch.
Charge only when dry
ReversibleCharge only when dry, and do not charge a wet watch under any circumstances, and then test again to see whether it helped.
Use the right band
ReversibleUse the right band, since leather and metal bands are not for use in water.
Rinse after soap
ReversibleRinse after soap, by using fresh water only, and then dry the watch well, and then test again to see whether it helped.
Contact Google
ReversibleContact Google, and if moisture is inside, contact Google support with the model number, 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's care article and specifications list 5 ATM and IP68 on the Pixel Watch line, and Google says the watch is designed to comply with these ratings when it leaves the factory.
- Bands
- Google says some accessory bands, including leather and metal, are for normal daily activity and not intended for high-intensity workouts.
- Other models this page answers
- These steps also fit the Pixel Watch 2.
Stop boundary
When this stops being a self-service repair
- !If moisture appears under the glass, stop using the watch and contact Google support
- !If it fails after a swim, contact support
- !If the speaker is muffled after water, use the speaker page
Evidence ledger
Sources behind this answer
Water resistance, IP68 and 5 ATM, dos and don'ts and band care.
5 ATM and IP68 ratings.
Do not charge a wet watch.
Tracking swims.
The Pixel Watch line and its generations.
Exact questions
Common questions
How water resistant is a Pixel Watch?+
Up to 50 meters (5 ATM) and IP68, but not waterproof.
Can I swim?+
Shallow pools are fine but not long immersion or high-speed water sports.
What happens when it is submerged?+
It automatically locks the screen to prevent accidental input.
Can I shower?+
Soapy water is not recommended, so avoid showering with the watch on.
Does the watch know when it is wet?+
Google says it is designed to recognize when it is submerged and lock the screen automatically to prevent accidental input.
Is the glass scratch resistant?+
Google lists custom 3D Corning Gorilla Glass designed for pressure up to 50 meters, though water resistance is not permanent.
Does resistance last?+
No, it diminishes with wear, repair or damage.
Do I remove it for sunscreen?+
Yes, Google says remove it when applying sunscreen or repellent.