Hey everyone!
Today I want to talk about one of my favorite fitness gadgets – the Fitbit Charge 4.
As a fitness enthusiast and lover of wearable tech, I have been using the Fitbit Charge 4 for quite some time now.
One question that comes up often is, “Is the Fitbit Charge 4 waterproof?”
In this post, I will answer that question and give you a comprehensive breakdown of everything you need to know about the water resistance of the Fitbit Charge 4.
Is the Fitbit Charge 4 Waterproof?
The short answer is no, the Fitbit Charge 4 is not entirely waterproof. However, it is water-resistant up to 50 meters. This means that it is safe to wear while swimming and showering. Fitbit recommends drying the tracker after wearing it in water to avoid skin irritation. The Charge 4 is also safe to wear in the pool and to track outdoor swims.
It is important to note that no Fitbit device is entirely waterproof, and water resistance may diminish over time and can be negatively impacted by dropping the device.
The Fitbit Charge 4 is designed to be swim-proof and can withstand even the sweatiest of workouts.
However, it is not recommended to wear it during activities that involve high water pressure or hard impacts.
Fitbit also recommends not to wear the Charge 4 in a hot tub or sauna.
Additionally, not all accessory bands should get wet, such as those made of leather, metal, and woven materials.
Waterproof vs. Water-Resistant
It is actually against international laws to use the word waterproof with any electronic or mechanical device. The correct term is “water resistant”.
When something is said to be waterproof, it means that it will be able to cope with any type of water ingress, even beyond 50M.
Waterproof means that a material is impervious to water and completely sealed or protected from the effects of water.
Such products can withstand being submerged in water for extended periods without any damage.
A watch or any other electronic device can never be advertised as waterproof.
On the other hand, water-resistant means that a material can repel some water but not all. Water-resistant products can resist water to a certain degree but are not completely sealed or protected from water.
That’s why the Fitbit Charge 4 is water resistant but not waterproof. Unfortunately, you won’t find any waterproof fitness trackers out there.
How the Fitbit Charge 4 Performs in Different Water Situations/Sports
The Fitbit Charge 4 is a great option for those who enjoy swimming or other water-based activities.
It can be worn while swimming or showering, and it is safe to wear in the pool and to track outdoor swims.
However, it is not recommended to wear it during activities that involve high water pressure or hard impacts.
This means that it may not be the best option for activities like water polo or diving.
Let’s dive deep into some of the different water scenarios:
Fitbit Charge 4 Open Water Swimming
Open water swimming is a discipline that takes place in open oceans, lakes, and rivers.
Charge 4 is a fitness tracker that is water resistant up to 50M. This means that the tracker can be worn when doing open water swimming.
However, keep in mind that there are certain bands materials that are not made for swimming, for example you should avoid wearing the woven band if you are planning on getting your Fitbit Charge 4 wet.
Despite the device being water resistant, Fitbit recommend users to dry the band straight after wearing the tracker while swimming or showering.
Can I Shower With My Fitbit Charge 4?
Yes, as mentioned above the device is water resistant up to 50M, so wearing this health and fitness tracker while taking a shower is perfectly fine.
Can I Swim In Deep Water With My Fitbit Device?
Since the tracker is only water resistant to up to 50M, swimming in deep water with the Fitbit Charge 4 is not recommended.
Fitbit Warranty for Water-Related Issues
If you experience any water-related issues with your Fitbit Charge 4, it is important to understand the warranty.
The Fitbit warranty covers defects in materials and workmanship under normal use and service for one year from the date of purchase.
However, the warranty does not cover damage caused by accidents, misuse, or improper care.
This means that if your Fitbit Charge 4 is damaged by water due to improper use or care, it may not be covered by the warranty.
How to Maintain Your Fitbit Charge 4 Water Resistance
If you decide to wear your Fitbit Charge 4 in any of the acceptable water scenarios above, you should learn to maintain it properly to ensure its longevity and functionality.
Here are some tips on how to maintain your water-resistant Fitbit Charge 4:
- Avoid exposing it to high water pressure or hard impacts, as this can damage the water-resistant features of the device.
- Regularly clean the device to remove any dust or dirt that may clog up buttons, airflow, or short out circuit boards.
- Dry it off with a soft cloth and wait for it to dry completely before using it again.
- Do not use a hairdryer or other heating device to dry your Fitbit Charge 4.
Conclusion
As you can see, the Fitbit Charge 4 is water-resistant up to 50 meters, which means that it is safe to wear while swimming, showering and can withstand even the sweatiest of workouts.
However, it is not entirely waterproof and can be damaged by increased water pressure below 50 meters.
Remember to take care of the device and avoid dropping it to maintain its water resistance levels.
With proper maintenance and care, your Fitbit Charge 4 can continue to be a reliable and valuable fitness gadget 🙂
