Can I wear my Versa 4 while swimming?

[Simon2023]

Is it safe / advisable to use my Versa 4 while swimming?

Moderator Edit: Clarified subject

[Guy_]

Hi @Simon2023 - you can use the watch while swimming during the first part of warranty.

Because the seals have been known to fail, and deteriorate over time and it can be replaced under warranty.

It may take a month or more for water damage to have an effect.

After warranty to be sure never get it wet or leave in direct sunlight when not worn 

[Talahthas]

Welcome to the Fitbit community, @Simon2023!

Yes you can use your Versa 4 for swimming exercises, and it is meant to track your swimming exercises. You should keep your eye on some points though to keep your device in good condition. I also would suggest not to press it's button while your device is wet.

For more information please have a closer look here:

Can I swim or shower with my Fitbit device? 

[Triletics]

@Simon2023 you can use your Versa 4 while swimming. From my experience a few hints:

- Use the Exercise app, don't rely on autodetection as you need to enable touch lock. You need a touch lock when you enter the water because otherwise, your water will be receiving random touches. That's why autodetection isn't a good idea (it takes time to autodetect swimming and lock the touchscreen).
- If you plan to shower before entering the pool, start tracking swimming before you get your hands wet (navigating the watch with wet hands is very frustrating)
- The watch is meant to be used only for surface swimming. It says 50m (which may sound suitable for recreational diving) but I very doubt it would last.
- To unlock the touchscreen (when you're done and want to stop tracking) just tap the button once (the button has no other function anyway).
- You can press a button when the watch is wet (otherwise using a watch in the rain wouldn't be advised, right?), but you shouldn't press a button when the watch is submerged (two different things). It's not the water that may break the seal around the button but the water pressure. Luckily, the button serves no purpose so pressing it while swimming is unlikely to happen.
- For extra protection, you may put the watch into the waterproof wristband. Versa 4 won't track your HR while swimming anyway (so it doesn't need to touch your skin), and all it shows is a timer so it's unlikely you will need to see the screen. I never tried that myself but one of my friends used a wristband with a pocket (non-waterproof), removed the strap from her watch, placed the watch in the little ziplock back and then back onto the wrist into the wristband. Whether it works I don't know. She says it does, the watch comes out dry. For me, that would be too much work but if you want extra protection you may give it a go. That would protect your watch not only from moisture but also from chlorine and other chemicals.