Is The Fitbit Versa 2 Waterproof?
Fitness trackers have certainly come a long way. Since it was introduced back in September of 2009, the Fitbit has added a lot of features and beefed up its durability. And, yes, that includes having some water resistance. For the price point, the newer Fitbits are set at, you would not expect them to have the most advanced capabilities out there.
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However, the Fitbit Versa 2 is rated WR50. But what does that actually mean, WR50? The WR stands for “water resistance”, but isn’t that the same thing as being waterproof? Well, it is not, and this is what might catch some buyers off-guard.
Table of Contents
- Is Fitbit Versa 2 Waterproof?
- Waterproof vs Water-Resistant: What’s The Difference?
- What should I do if the Fitbit Versa 2 gets wet?
- Can I shower while wearing the Fitbit Versa 2?
- Can I swim with the Fitbit Versa 2?
- How do I use the water-lock feature on the Fitbit Versa 2?
- What should I do if the Versa 2 sustains water damage?
- Closing Thoughts
Is Fitbit Versa 2 Waterproof?
The Fitbit Versa 2 is not waterproof. No Fitbit is waterproof. Instead, the Versa 2 is rated WR50, meaning that it is water-resistant in up to 50 meters of water – but nothing beyond that.
The thing is, pretty much every fitness tracker – including the insanely expensive Apple Watch models – are not waterproof. Most electronic devices are not waterproof.
It is incredibly hard – and expensive – to design an electronic device that is fully impervious to water.
So “waterproof” is an incorrect and incredibly misleading term that gets thrown around while discussing fitness trackers like the Fitbit.
When I bought my Fitbit Versa 2, I wanted to know exactly what I could – and should avoid – doing with it.
Could it sustain a few splashes, or could I take it swimming in the lake with me? As someone who lives around a bunch of lakes, I spend a lot of time in the water and want to use my Fitbit to track my swimming workouts.
So, I did some research before taking my Versa 2 into the water. Let me share with you exactly what I learned about its WR50 rating and what that means.
Waterproof vs Water-Resistant: What’s The Difference?
Being waterproof and water-resistant are two different things. If something is waterproof, it is totally impervious to water.
In other words, water cannot penetrate it whatsoever. If something is water-repellent, it means that the material used in an object’s design has been treated with a coating that makes it able to repel water.
If something is water-resistant, its fabric is densely woven enough to keep water from seeping in for a while.
However, there are still ways for water to seep in.
If something – like the Versa 2 – is rated WR50, then it is water-resistant in up to 50 meters of water.
If you dive down below 50 meters, the materials could falter, allowing water to seep in and cause damage.
What should I do if the Fitbit Versa 2 gets wet?
First of all, if your Fitbit Versa 2 gets wet, don’t panic. This fitness tracker can handle quite a bit of water exposure.
You will want to wipe it down with a clean cloth after each moisture exposure though, just to be on the safe side and to keep the Fitbit clean.
Should the Versa 2 come into contact with a liquid other than water, quickly clean it with fresh water and a cleanser-free cleaning agent.
Then, dry it with a lint-free cloth and allow it to sit for a while before using it again.
Can I shower while wearing the Fitbit Versa 2?
Just because you can shower with the Fitbit Versa 2 on your wrist doesn’t mean that you should.
Liquids other than water – such as body wash and shampoo – have harsh chemicals that can get into the Fitbit and wreak havoc on its inner components.
Unless you’re just rinsing off, leave your Fitbit on the bathroom counter while you shower.
Better safe than sorry, right?
Can I swim with the Fitbit Versa 2?
As I mentioned above, you can swim with the Fitbit Versa 2 on your wrist.
But there are some limitations.
You should not take it below a depth of 50 meters, and you should avoid doing any sort of water activities that involve hard impacts, such as riding a jet ski or being pulled behind a boat on an inner tube.
Harsh impacts and crushing depths can destroy the Fitbit Versa 2, so you’re better off leaving it at home.
How do I use the water-lock feature on the Fitbit Versa 2?
You are going to want to manually turn Water Lock on before you go into the swimming pool, lake, or ocean.
To do this, you simply need to open up your Fitbit’s Quick Settings, then tap on the Water Lock icon.
This icon looks like a water droplet.
After you tap on it, firmly tap twice on your Versa 2’s screen. Then, your Fitbit should be water-locked.
What should I do if the Versa 2 sustains water damage?
Water damage is not supposed to happen if you treat it as recommended but still a possibility on the Fitbit Versa 2. If this has happened, your device might not turn on.
You might have to return your Versa 2 after contacting Fitbit’s customer support.
As some users have claimed, the sealing on some Fitbits might not be up to par.
Closing Thoughts
The Fitbit Versa 2 isn’t waterproof. Basically no fitness tracker is, and if one is advertised as such, proceed with caution.
Is it water-resistant? Yes, but the sealing can go bad over time, so be careful with how you treat your Fitbit.
Otherwise, you will find yourself out $100+ and wishing you could get your money back. Take good care of your Fitbit Versa 2.
It is vulnerable to damage despite being made with water-resistant materials.
No electronic device is foolproof, and it is a good idea to keep your Fitbit Versa 2 clean and dry after every single use.
That way, you will be extending its lifespan and getting the most bang for your buck.