The term “waterproof” is used a lot these days.
Water seems to be able to get into many types of electrical gadgets, including fitness trackers like the Fitbit Charge 4.
Are they, however, truly waterproof?
There are a few key distinctions between being waterproof and being water-resistant. Before you go out and buy a Fitbit Charge 4, educate yourself about its features, particularly its WR50 rating and what that implies.
What’s up with the “WR” in the rating’s name? “Water-resistant” is what it means.
What about the 50? This refers to the fact that the Charge 4 can be submerged in water up to 50 meters (164 feet for those of you in the United States).
Does this imply that the Fitbit Charge 4 is capable of performing in any body of water?
Both the Fitbit Versa 2 and the Fitbit Versa Lite receive the same rating.
They are also worn in the water.
Is that to say that none of them are waterproof? No, no, and no. None of them are truly water-resistant.
I wanted to understand more about this before purchasing my first Fitbit, so I went online to look out what a WR50 rating meant and why it didn’t mean I could do any water activity with the Fitbit on my wrist.
Please allow me to explain what I discovered.
Is the Fitbit Charge 4 water-resistant?
The Fitbit Charge 4 is not a water-resistant device. There is no truly waterproof Fitbit. Instead, the Charge 4 is certified WR50, which means it can withstand water up to 50 meters deep.
What’s the difference between waterproof and water-resistant materials? What kind of water-based activities are permissible in Charge 4, and which should be avoided?
What should you do if your Charge 4 becomes wet and, dare I say it, suffers water damage?
Continue reading to discover more about the Fitbit Charge 4’s water resistance and why it isn’t waterproof.
What’s the Difference Between Waterproof and Water-Resistant?
Sorry to shatter your bubble, but no Fitbit is water-resistant. Water-resistant? Yes.
Because of its WR50 certification, the Charge 4 is one of those Fitbits.
When something is waterproof, the materials used in its construction are fully impenetrable to water. Rubber, for example, is impervious to water.
That is why waterproof dishwashing gloves are available.
They are impenetrable to water.
On the other hand, Fitbits and other fitness trackers are not waterproof.
They do, however, have some water resistance.
Although their surfaces must be sufficiently protected due to their electrical inside components, there is still a risk of water leaking in if a seal is damaged or worn down.
Is the Charge 4 a water-resistant device?
The Charge 4 is not waterproof, as previously reported.
It is water-resistant up to 50 meters, however, the higher water pressure encountered below 50 meters might harm it.
Wearing the Fitbit while riding a jet ski or being towed behind a speedboat on an innertube is a poor idea since it is subject to strong impacts.
The seals that are supposed to keep the water out might be cracked by hard impacts.
Is it possible to swim with my Fitbit Charge 4?
You can swim with your Fitbit Charge 4 strapped to your wrist.
It is made to be safe to take in chemically treated pools, as well as in fresh and saltwater bodies.
But you should still rinse it with fresh tap water and dry it off after every use to keep the Charge 4 in good working condition for years to come.
Is it possible to shower with my Fitbit Charge 4?
While you may shower with the Charge 4, you should avoid exposing it to any of your toiletries’ chemicals.
Those chemicals can harm interior electrical components, especially if one of the seals has a small fracture in it.
While water may be dried out, the harm caused by these chemicals is far more difficult to repair.
In all honesty, leaving your Fitbit on the bathroom counter while you shower is the best option.
What happens if I get my Fitbit Charge 4 wet?
Your Fitbit Charge 4 can get wet, however, any moisture exposure necessitates a full cleaning and drying.
Allow it to air dry after gently rinsing it with clean tap water and drying it with a lint-free towel.
It should not be used again until the Charge 4 has completely dried.
What happens if my Fitbit Charge 4 gets wet?
- The following is a list of items that might cause chaos on the Charge 4:
- By slamming it on a hard surface.
- When participating in high-impact, high-velocity water activities, the Charge 4 comes in handy.
- Putting it in contact with chemicals found in perfume, body wash, and lotion.
- When the seal is damaged, put it in the water.
What about the final one? Internal components will be destroyed. If your Charge 4 becomes wet, you’ll need to follow Fitbit’s instructions, which are as follows:
- For 24 hours, soak your Charge 4 in a dish of dry rice (although I recommend 48 hours for maximum dryness). The moisture should be absorbed by the rice.
- Remove your Fitbit when the 24 (or 48) hours are up and try to set it up again.
- Connect your Fitbit to the charging wire, then to your computer. You must align the gold dots on the Fitbit with the gold contacts on the charging cable’s interior.
- Hold down the power button on your Fitbit for 10-12 seconds before releasing it.
- Remove the Fitbit from the charging cord and push the button until the screen illuminates. You should be good to go if the screen comes on.
If the screen does not turn back on, you should contact Fitbit’s customer service for assistance.
The firm may be able to provide you with a replacement, but it will be a lengthy process.
Closing Thoughts
Although the Fitbit Charge 4 isn’t waterproof, it can withstand water to some extent.
If you’re careful about what you expose the gadget to and how you treat it, it should last a few years.
