Can You Wear Fitbits In The Shower?
Fitbits are more than just fitness trackers.
They’re accessories that help you keep track of your goals and are expertly crafted by the company Fitbit for wear in all kinds of workout scenarios.
From the beach to the gym, this watch will end up going just about everywhere with you.
But should one of those places be in the shower?
Can You Wear Fitbit In The Shower?
You can wear most Fitbits in the shower, especially if it is rater WR50 (meaning that it is water-resistant when submerged in up to 50 meters of water). However, chemicals used in showering toiletries can prove detrimental to the Fitbit if they get past the watertight seals. Also, the Fitbit’s band might not be wearable in the shower.
Fitbits are, by design, able to resist water.
But that does not make them waterproof.
Yes, you read that right – there is absolutely a difference between being water-resistant and waterproof.
It is possible to take certain Fitbit models into the shower, but only certain ones – and under certain circumstances.
Truth be told, there are some risks you will run if you wear your Fitbit into the shower.
It is one of those things in life where, just because you can do something, it does not mean that you should.
All of those chemicals you use in your body wash and shampoo? If they happen to seep into the Fitbit, they could bring about its ruination.
Given the cost of a Fitbit, that likely isn’t something you are going to want to have happen.
That being said, knowing your Fitbit’s water-resistance rating is important.
You should also take into consideration the recommendations Fitbit makes regarding exposing your device to other liquids.
Your Fitbit might not be as shower-proof as you would like.
Allow me to explain.
Which Fitbit is rated WR50?
So, there are quite a few Fitbit models that are rated WR50.
Models that have this rating can be submerged in water up to 50 meters deep.
However, going any deeper than that could damage the watch because of the increase in pressure. Luckily, in the shower, that is no cause for concern.
But, if your Fitbit is only rated for splash resistance, you might want to leave it on the bathroom counter.
If you own any of the following Fitbit models, then you have one that is WR50:
- Fitbit Inspire 2
- Fitbit Sense
- Fitbit Ace 2
- Fitbit Versa 3
- Fitbit Charge 3
- Fitbit Charge 4
- Fitbit Flex 2
- Fitbit Inspire
- Fitbit Inspire HR
- Fitbit Ionic
- Fitbit Versa
- Fitbit Versa 2
- Fitbit Versa Lite Edition
The Fitbit Ace is only water-resistant in up to one meter of water and cannot be used while swimming.
The Inspire 2, for example, has a water lock that you can turn on when you go into the shower; this helps protect it from water invasion.
It simply deactivates the buttons on your device but still shows your notifications.
Also, take note that, while the classic elastomer band and tracker are able to be worn in the shower, they need to be thoroughly dried off afterward.
And you should refrain from putting them back on your wrist until after they have dried out.
Now, the following Fitbit models are only splash- and sweat-resistant, so do not wear these in the shower… or in any water, for that matter:
- Fitbit Alta
- Fitbit Alta HR
- Fitbit Aria
- Fitbit Blaze
- Fitbit Charge
- Fitbit Charge 2
- Fitbit Charge HR
- Fitbit Zip
- Fitbit Flex
- Fitbit One
- Fitbit Surge
You should never expose even the WR50 models to water for prolonged periods of time, as this can cause damage.
And, of course, you run the risk of getting chemicals into the watch and having them destroy the inner components if you wear your Fitbit in the shower.
So, truly, it is best to just not wear it in the shower with you unless you’re just doing a quick rinse-off.
What if you accidentally get your non-water-resistant Fitbit wet?
What can you do if you accidentally expose your Fitbit to water and it is one of the non-water-resistant models? Let’s take a look.
Liquid Spills
Only use fresh water and a soap-free cleanser to take care of liquid spills.
Whatever you do, do not use anything with chemicals.
Yes, that means even wet wipes are off the table since they contain chemicals.
You will need to allow the Fitbit enough time to dry after you clean it up.
The Model Stopped Working
If your Fitbit stops working after liquid exposure, you need to immediately take it off and also remove the screen protector or casing.
If the tracker is still on, shut it down.
Do not tap any buttons to try to get the Fitbit to work.
Some Fitbits cannot be turned off.
You will need to go into Settings and swipe until you see ‘Shut Down.’ Do not turn the device back on until you are fully certain that it has dried out.
It Got Left In the Laundry
Taking a tumble through the wash is far from ideal and can kill a Fitbit.
But, if you’re lucky, your tracker might just survive.
Here is what you can to do attempt to save your Fitbit:
- If you are able to do so, turn the device off.
- Take off any protective casings.
- Soak a clean towel in fresh water and use it to wipe off the detergents.
- Dry off any excess water that is lingering around the edges or on the face with a lint-free cloth that can absorb the water.
- Do not place in direct sunlight or under any form of high heat (like a hair dryer). Simply let the device air dry for a few days before you try turning it back on and wearing it again.
Rainfall
Fitbit One, Zip, and Flex are all rain-resistant, as are the WR50 models. So it isn’t too big of a deal if you get caught in a downpour. Simply dry it off and let it sit for a while.
Always Dry Off Your Fitbit
I cannot stress this enough, but always dry off your Fitbit! Dry it off after every shower, every swim, every splash of water. Dry it off and let it sit before you turn it back on. And never, ever, ever use any sort of chemical-based wipes on the Fitbit. This will do more harm than good.
Closing Thoughts
Most Fitbits are now made to withstand some immersion in water. But that doesn’t mean they aren’t vulnerable to damage from the chemicals you use in your body wash and hair care products. It is best to leave your Fitbit sitting somewhere dry while you shower off. Otherwise, you could be putting your device at risk of electrical malfunctions and ultimate failure. And why bother taking that risk after you dropped serious dough on your Fitbit?