Fitbit Charge 5 : Is it Water Proof & is It Ideal for You?
The Fitbit Charge 5 has been released and it’s a great fitness tracker. But there is one question that many people are asking: is the Fitbit Charge 5 waterproof? The answer is yes! In this article, we will discuss what you need to know about the Fitbit Charge 5’s waterproofing. We will also provide some tips on how to keep your device safe when swimming or participating in other water activities.
The Charge 5 is Water Resistant
The Fitbit Charge five is water resistant up to 50 meters. It’s designed to be swim proof, and withstand any sweaty workouts. Whether you’re swimming laps at the pool. Running in the rain. You can rest assured that your Fitbit is protected. Plus, with a variety of different band colors and styles, you can customize your look to fit your personality.
The Fitbit Charge 5 is water-resistant and has a water resistance rating of 50 meters. Please also take note that water resistance is the lowest level of water protection. Your device can block out water and moisture but there’s no guarantee it will.
What Does 50m Water Resistance Mean?
Any devices that have a 50m water resistance rating can only handle splash’s of water. But not so good when you submerge your Fitbit device for long periods of time. Eventually over time, your Fitbit Charge 5 device’s tolerance to water resistance will diminish and will expose the internal electronics to moisture.
Water Resistance can Diminish Over Time
The water resistance for the Fitbit charge 5 can diminish over time if it’s not properly taken care of. It is important to keep the band clean and free of any dirt or debris that could potentially clog up the sensors. In addition, make sure to dry off the band after exposure to water, as moisture can affect its performance. If these preventive measures are not followed, then the water resistance may gradually lessen and eventually disappear altogether. For this reason, it is always best to err on the side of caution and take precautions when using a Charge five in wet environments. Here are 3 examples to be aware of
- Dropping The Device : If you are someone who is constantly on the go, and lead an active lifestyle, then a Fitbit charge may be the perfect device for you. However, if you should happen to drop your Fitbit charge five times or more, this could diminish its water resistance over time. So it is important that you take measures to protect your device from accidental drops.
- Exposing the Device to Chemicals : Exposure to chemicals can diminish the water resistance of your Fitbit Charge. If you are exposed to chemicals, such as soap, shower gel, perfume, lotions or insect repellants, we advise that you rinse your band and device with fresh water as soon as possible. Do not use a wet cloth to clean the device.
- Exposure To Rapid Waters : If you’re someone who loves spending time in the water, you’ll be happy to know that the Fitbit charge five is water-resistant. However, it’s important to note that exposure to rapid waters can diminish the water resistance over time. So if you’re planning on doing some water skiing or jet skiing, be sure to take your Fitbit off first. And while the Fitbit can withstand being submerged in shallow water, it’s not meant for swimming laps. So if you’re looking for a fitness tracker that can keep up with your active lifestyle, the Fitbit charge five is a great option.
Can You Use It in a Hot Tub or Sauna
Fitbit is not recommending that you wear your Fitbit Charge 5 in a sauna or hot tub. The device may become wet and the water could cause damage. Additionally, the heat could impact the performance of the device.
If you choose to use your Fitbit while in a sauna or hot tub, be sure to keep an eye on it and remove it as soon as possible if it becomes wet. Not to mention if your Fitbit is submerged for long periods of time in a sauna or hot tub. The Fitbit may start to generate moisture inside of the device and causing damage. Be Careful that your Fitbit may not be covered under the warranty if you treat your device this way.
If you are looking to invest in a Fitbit Charge 5, you will then need to think about whether it is ideal for your type of activity. To get more bang for your buck, the devices longevity is crucial. Here is some examples.
Can You Use It in a Hot Tub or Sauna
- Indoor Activities [Longevity : Excellent] : These types of activities include going to the gym, boot camp, weight lifting, CrossFit, Basketball, Racquet Sports, spin class, Yoga etc. Your device will be less exposed to water resistance, with the exception to sweet. Therefore these types of activities are ideal for this type of water resistance rating.
- Outdoor Activities [Longevity : Excellent] : These types of activities include, road cycling, mountain biking, BMX riding, Running, Outdoor Boot camp, Hiking etc. Your device will be more exposed to mother nature, but these types of activities are ideal for this type of water resistance rating.
- Water Activities [Longevity : Low] : These activities include swimming, diving, surfing, water rafting, deep diving etc. 50m water resistance can withstand these type of activities, but what you have to remember is that water resistance is the lowest level. Eventually when the device is submerged continuously over time, this in turn will diminish your Fitbit Charge 5 longevity a lot quicker.
These examples will give an idea what device is ideal for you from a water resistance point of view. If there is a activity that you do that I have not mentioned just think of these 2 things.
- Is your type of activity expose your device with light splashes of water i.e. rain, sweat, splashes of water. Then the Fitbit Charge 5 water resistance is ideal for that activity.
- Is your type of activity will submerge your device for long periods of time. Then the Fitbit Charge 5 water resistance is not ideal for that activity and it’s longevity will diminish quickly over time.
What Should you Do If your Charge 5 Gets Wet
If your Fitbit Charge five was exposed to chemicals such as soaps, lotions, or any other cleaning products, rinse it off with fresh water as soon as possible. Dry it off with a lint free cloth and place it in a warm area to dry completely. Do not use a hair dryer on the device, as this could damage it. If your Fitbit is still wet after following these steps, you may need to contact customer service for further assistance.
Fitbits are sturdy devices that can usually withstand some amount of moisture without issue. However, if your Charge five has been fully submerged in water or another liquid, do not try to dry it off yourself – instead, remove the battery and contact customer service immediately.
Are you Covered Under The Warranty?
Unfortunately Fitbit don’t normally cover any devices exposed to water damage or moisture. If by chance that your Fitbit Charge 5 is not working while you are swimming or in a shower and still under warranty. Call the Fitbit customer service line to explain the situation.
Conclusion
The Fitbit charge 5 is a great watch. It has fantastic technology that will improve your quality of life. Over the years Fitbit never created a watch with a high level of water protection. For reasons that I like to believe it is not the right target market Fitbit is chasing.
What you have to remember that if you are looking to purchase a Fitbit Charge 5. Pay attention to the level of water protection that it can offer. This type of decision is crucial for you especially when you are investing a lot of money to buy the device.
My hope is that you get your money’s worth by selecting the right watch, ideal for your level of activity. Just remember before you purchase a Fitbit Charge 5, (I also mentioned earlier in the article) is if you are into water activities then this watch is not ideal for you.
Thank you and I hope you found this article useful before investing in a new Fitbit Charge 5.
