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You can wear a Samsung Gear S3 in the shower according to Samsung’s guidance, but you should not treat it as swim-safe just because it has an IP68 rating. The rating describes resistance under specified test conditions; Samsung says IP ratings do not establish suitability for swimming or other aquatic activities.
Can you shower with a Samsung Gear S3?
Yes. Samsung Singapore says the Gear S3’s IP68 classification can withstand specific uses including wearing it in the shower. That is guidance for water resistance, not a guarantee that every watch will remain sealed in every circumstance—especially if it has been damaged.
Samsung’s support article, last updated October 8, 2020, says not to immerse the watch deeper than 1.5 m or for more than 30 minutes, and warns against moving water such as a rapid or strong current. Those are stated resistance limits, not recommended shower or swim instructions. Samsung Singapore: Is the Samsung Gear S3 water and dust resistant?
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Can you swim with a Samsung Gear S3?
Samsung’s guidance does not establish the Gear S3 as suitable for swimming. In its September 8, 2017 explanation of water-resistance ratings, Samsung says IP ratings do not indicate whether a device is suitable for aquatic activities such as swimming. Do not use the IP68 label as a swimming certification. Samsung Global Newsroom: Can You Swim with Your Wearable?
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- This Certified Refurbished product is tested and certified to look and work like new. The refurbishing process includes functionality testing, basic cleaning, inspection, and repackaging. The product ships with all relevant accessories, a minimum 90-day warranty, and may arrive in a generic box. Only select sellers who maintain a high performance bar may offer Certified Refurbished products on Amazon.com
- This Item Is Bluetooth Model & International Version. (It Does Not Support 2g, 3g, 4g Lte Mobile Networks)
- Compatible with Android 4.4 (Kitkat) and Later with 1.5gb Ram. Some Features May Not Be Available. For Best Compatibility, Connect with Samsung Galaxy Phones. (It Does Not Support Samsung Tablet & iOS)
- The Gear S3 Has a Built-in Speaker That Lets You Make or Take Calls Right Away Without Ever Having to Remove Your Phone from Your Pocket. (Bluetooth Model Requires Wi-fi Connection and a Voice Call App for Phone-free Calls.)
- Battery : 380mah (up to Three Days) (Battery Life May Vary Depending on Usage and Settings.) / Sensor : Accelerometer, Barometer, Gyro Sensor, Hr Sensor, Light Sensor / Connectivity : Bluetooth V4.2, Wi-fi B/g/n, Nfc, Mst, Gps/glonass
The distinction matters because a depth-and-duration rating does not describe all the forces or conditions involved in swimming. Samsung cautions that water pressure and moving water are relevant limits; exposure can also vary with the liquid, temperature, and condition of the individual watch.
What IP68 does—and does not—tell you
The Gear S3 manual describes IP68 testing under controlled environmental conditions, including immersion up to 5.0 feet for 30 minutes. This is a test boundary, not a recommended swim depth or proof that the watch is safe for pool or open-water use. Samsung Gear S3 user manual
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Samsung’s separate Singapore support guidance gives a 1.5 m and 30-minute limit for immersion. The figures should be read in their stated context, not combined into a broader promise of waterproofing: Samsung’s rating explainer explicitly distinguishes resistance testing from suitability for swimming.
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1Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems2Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute3Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsWhat to do if the Gear S3 gets wet
- After exposure to salt water or another liquid, rinse the watch with clean water and dry it thoroughly with a soft, clean cloth, following Samsung’s care guidance.
- If the speaker or microphone is wet, sound may be affected until the components dry.
- Do not assume an older Gear S3 still has its original resistance. Samsung warns that drops or impacts can damage water- and dust-resistance features.
For Samsung’s broader smartwatch water-care guidance, see Samsung US Support: Samsung smart watch water resistance tips.
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