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No—the Samsung Galaxy S21 5G is water-resistant, not waterproof. Samsung rates it IP68 for submersion in up to 1.5 meters of freshwater for up to 30 minutes, but says beach or pool use is not advised. Those are test conditions, not a guarantee that a particular phone will survive every encounter with water.

What the Galaxy S21’s IP68 rating means

Samsung’s Galaxy S21 5G product page gives the model an IP68 rating and describes the test as submersion in up to 1.5 meters of freshwater for up to 30 minutes. Samsung’s product copy adds: “Not advised for beach or pool use.”

IP68 describes tested resistance under specified conditions; it does not mean a phone is sealed against all water in every situation. Samsung Malaysia states, “Dust and Water-Resistant (IP68 rating) does not mean that the device is waterproof.” The depth, duration, and freshwater condition belong together: the rating is not permission to exceed them or to assume other liquids are safe.

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Can you take a Galaxy S21 in a pool or the sea?

Samsung advises against pool and beach use. Chlorinated pool water and saltwater are not the freshwater conditions in the S21’s stated rating, and exposure during swimming can also involve movement and force that the test conditions do not establish as safe. Do not treat IP68 as a swimming or water-sports guarantee.

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Samsung Australia’s water- and dust-resistance guidance also says not to expose an IP68 device to forceful moving water. Avoid high-pressure jets and similar forceful exposure rather than assuming that a depth rating covers them.

Why an older or damaged S21 may be more vulnerable

Water resistance is not permanent. Samsung’s Galaxy water-resistance guidance says it may weaken over time or through natural wear. Samsung Australia further cautions that a drop or impact can damage water- and dust-resistant features. A phone’s rating therefore cannot establish the condition of its seals after years of use or a particular impact.

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Samsung does not provide a market-wide failure rate or a survival probability for a Galaxy S21 exposed to a specific spill or immersion. A phone that appears to work after getting wet may still have internal damage or corrosion.

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What to do if your Galaxy S21 gets wet

After contact with clean water

  1. Wipe the phone with a soft, clean cloth.
  2. Let it dry completely. Do not connect a charger or accessories until the phone is fully dry.

After contact with dirty water or another liquid

Samsung US advises rinsing the device with clean water for 1 to 3 minutes if it has been exposed to dirty water or liquids such as soapy water, oil, perfume, sunscreen, hand sanitizer, cosmetics, or alcohol-containing liquid. Then wipe it with a soft, clean cloth and let it dry completely.

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Do not use a hair dryer, external heat, compressed air, abrasive materials, or chemical cleaners to dry or clean it. Samsung’s water-damaged Galaxy device guidance recommends having a device inspected at a Samsung service center after water exposure, even if it seems to work normally.

If the phone was submerged, hit, or behaves abnormally

Contact an authorized Samsung service center, particularly after submersion, impact, forceful water exposure, or symptoms such as charging trouble or abnormal operation. Do not rely on apparently normal operation to rule out internal damage.

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Does Samsung’s warranty cover water damage?

Coverage depends on the country and protection plan. Samsung Malaysia’s warranty guidance says liquid damage is not covered under the one-year warranty or Smart Care Protection described there. That is a Malaysia-specific statement, not a universal rule for every Samsung warranty or market. Check the terms that apply where the phone was purchased and any separate protection plan.

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