Is the Google Pixel Watch 2 water resistant?

What should you know about using the Google Pixel Watch 2 around water?

The Google Pixel Watch 2’s IP68 rating means it can withstand being submerged in up to about a meter of water (about 3.37 feet) for up to about 30 minutes. This rating means you can go for a shower, wash dishes, or run in the rain without worry that the watch will get damaged. The watch is resistant, but it’s not waterproof, and that’s an important distinction to make.

Google says you can swim in shallow water at a reasonable temperature (so no hot tubs!) But it’s best to take precautions. Get a waterproof case for the watch, or start with a Pixel Watch 2 screen protector. If you don’t have a fully waterproof casing for serious swimming, take the watch off before you do an hour’s worth of laps.

Note that you might get away with going more profound than just a meter for a more extended period. But it’s not advisable to go deep-sea diving with this watch. A quick dip in the deep end of your pool? Maybe. Just know that if the watch is damaged, the warranty may not cover it.

Meanwhile, the 5ATM rating for water pressure pertains to the watch at the time of manufacture. Water resistance with any electronic device degrades over time, as well as if you do something like drop the device. Thus, the watch may not be able to withstand the same water pressure a year from now that it will right out of the box. The 5ATM rating notes a basic pressure rating: you should not wear the watch for any activity where water will come at you at a high velocity.

Remember that water-resistant ratings pertain to freshwater sources, so you should always heed caution when in salt water or heavily chlorinated pool water. No matter where you use your smartwatch, rinse it off and dry it right after you get it wet. Drying your smartwatch will benefit the watch and your skin under the band. Also note that some Pixel Watch bands are not water-resistant, even if the watch itself is.

There’s something else to note. While the number “8” in the IP68 rating denotes protection against water ingress, the number “6” pertains to dust resistance. Since the Google Pixel Watch 2 has a rating here, unlike other smartwatches and tech devices that might include an “X” in this spot, it also offers some protection against dust and debris. The IP68 rating is set by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) and will always consist of four characters. IP stands for Ingress Protection, which refers to how well it protects your device from solids and liquids. The 6 (in the IP68 rating) is the highest for protection against small solids, and the eight is the highest for protection against liquids.

The bottom line is that you shouldn’t worry about wading in the pool or at the splash pad, washing dishes, or playing in the rain with the Google Pixel Watch 2. Take the proper precautions, and you can play in shallow water with it, too. But this isn’t a fully waterproof watch.

If you love to swim and dive and need a smartwatch that can handle just about anything water-related you throw at it (and track swimming workouts), you’ll need to look at a model like the Apple Watch Ultra 2, which even has a built-in dive computer, or a swim-proof smartwatch like one of the best Garmin smartwatches.