Image source: Fitbit

Is the Versa range waterproof? Can I swim with my Fitbit?

A true 24/7 fitness wearable is one you never need to take off except for charging. The Versa range is Fitbit’s flagship smartwatch. But is it waterproof? Can I take it swimming? Read on to find out.

The short and simple answer: Yes, all devices in the Versa range are resistant to water. It is ok to take a shower or bath with them and take them swimming.

For a long time Fitbit didn’t have any truly water-resistant wearables. But that has well and truly changed. All of its recent wearables are swim friendly and that includes the Fitbit Versa range, Fitbit Charge 3 and 4, Fitbit Inspire range, Fitbit Ionic and Fitbit Ace 2.

Is Fitbit Versa waterproof? Can you take it swimming?

This doesn’t mean the wearables are waterproof. No smartwatch or fitness tracker is. That’s because at a certain depth every wearable will allow water to come through.

The above mentioned Fitbit devices have a water resistance rating of 5 ATM. This indicates that they are ok to be submerged down to depths of 50 meters for 10 minutes. So if you take them scuba diving, have this in mind.

Can I swim with my Fitbit Versa?

Not only can you take Versa swimming, but it will also track your swim sessions for you. It will log your time, laps in the pool, pace, distance and more. You just need to enter the pool length ahead of time.

The heart rate tracking won’t work as it is disabled during a swim workout. This is because optical heart rate sensors don’t perform well in the pool.

You’ll see a post-workout summary on your wrist. For more detailed stats, head over to the smartphone app.

What to do if your Fitbit Versa is not working after swim

It’s important to note, although all devices in the Versa range are water-resistant and suitable for swimming and splash in pool, they are not built for pool side diving or water sports. If you engage in these activities you risk ruining your device.

Essential reading: Wearables and water resistance ratings, what you need to know

In most cases you’ll be just fine taking it to the pool, river, lake, ocean for a swim. Millions of people have done this with zero problems. But there are reports of Versas not working after a swim on the Fitbit forum.

In these instances the device screen goes black and appears to have died. I would suggest that in this instance you attempt to do a hard reboot of the watch. This is done simply by pressing and holding the back (left) and bottom (right) buttons until you see the Fitbit logo on the screen. Give it a few seconds and hopefully you’ll soon see the Fitbit logo and device powering back up.

If this doesn’t work it’s probably time to contact customer service. If they are not able to get your device working you might be eligible for a replacement or a refund.

Make sure to wear a swim proof band

There are lots of band options out there, including Fitbit and third-party ones. But not all of them are built equally. Some are of better quality. So while you watch might be water-resistant, the same might not be the case for the band attached to it.

If it’s silicone, woven nylon or something similar you’ll be just fine. These types of materials will simply dry off by themselves. But don’t wear a leather band. In most cases leather and water is a bad combination.

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Marko Maslakovic

Marko founded Gadgets & Wearables in 2014, having worked for more than 15 years in the City of London’s financial district. Since then, he has led the company’s charge to become a leading information source on health and fitness gadgets and wearables.

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