Yes, WHOOP 4.0, 5.0, and MG are all water-resistant with an IP68 rating, making them safe for showers, swimming.
You just got a WHOOP, and a morning swim or a post-workout shower is calling. The natural instinct is to pop it off and leave it on the counter to keep it dry.
That instinct is understandable — but it’s also wrong. WHOOP devices are designed to stay on through water, and taking them off can actually mess with your data and wear patterns. The real question is not whether they can get wet, but how to care for them afterward.
What Water Resistance Means for Your WHOOP
The WHOOP 4.0, 5.0, and MG all carry an IP68 rating. That’s the highest consumer water-resistance standard, meaning the device can sit in fresh water up to 10 meters deep for two hours without damage.
The same rating applies to the battery pack on the WHOOP 4.0. So even if you’re charging and get splashed, you’re covered.
The silicone strap is rated IPX7, which allows submersion up to 1 meter for 30 minutes. That’s fine for swimming and sweaty workouts, but whoop’s IP68-rated band or other official waterproof bands are better for longer pool sessions.
Why the “Take It Off” Instinct Is Wrong
Many people assume that any fitness tracker with exposed sensors can’t handle water. With WHOOP, the opposite is true — the device is built to track you through the water, and removing it means losing data on recovery and activity.
- Showers: WHOOP handles soap and water without issue. It’s actually a good time to wash the band.
- Swimming pools: Chlorinated water is fine, but a rinse with fresh water is recommended afterward.
- Open water or ocean: Saltwater is safe up to the IP68 limit. Just rinse after.
- Sweat and rain: No concern at all. The IP68 rating covers heavy sweat easily.
- Bathing and hot tubs: Safe, though keep water temperature below the device’s limit (no boiling water, obviously).
If you are still tempted to take it off, remember that consistent wear is the whole point of WHOOP’s continuous monitoring. Removing it for a swim adds a gap you don’t need.
Where the Real Risk Comes From
The IP68 rating covers the device itself, but moisture can still cause problems if it gets trapped between the strap and your skin after swimming. That’s why WHOOP recommends air drying the band completely before reattaching after a wash or swim.
The device is built for water, but the band material and the charging port need a little care. After exposure to chemicals like sunscreen, chlorine, or saltwater, give your WHOOP a fresh water rinse and let it air dry before wearing again. For a deeper look, check the official WHOOP water resistance basics page.
The biggest risk isn’t the water — it’s not rinsing afterward. Buildup from salt or chlorine can degrade the strap over time, and tiny particles can interfere with the optical sensor.
| WHOOP Model | Water Resistance Rating | Max Depth / Time |
|---|---|---|
| WHOOP 4.0 | IP68 | 10 meters / 2 hours |
| WHOOP 5.0 | IP68 | 10 meters / 2 hours |
| WHOOP MG | IP68 | 10 meters / 2 hours |
| WHOOP 4.0 Battery Pack | IP68 | 10 meters / 2 hours |
| Silicone Strap | IPX7 | 1 meter / 30 minutes |
Stick to the silicone strap for quick dips, but for longer swims or ocean use, pick an official waterproof band that matches the IP68 rating of the device itself.
How to Care for Your WHOOP After Water Exposure
A quick rinse and dry cycle after swimming or showering takes about 30 seconds and prevents most wear issues. Here’s the routine.
- Rinse with fresh water immediately after saltwater or chlorinated water exposure. Even a quick splash under the tap helps.
- Gently towel dry the device to remove excess water from the sensor window and charging contacts.
- Air dry the band completely before reattaching it to your wrist. This prevents moisture buildup that can cause skin irritation or sensor errors.
- Wash the band regularly (every 3–4 wears) with mild soap and water, and always let it air dry fully afterward.
- Swap bands if needed — if you wear a non-waterproof band in the pool, switch to a dedicated waterproof band for swimming.
Skipping the rinse is the number one reason bands wear out fast. A few extra seconds after a swim keeps your WHOOP in shape for years.
What You Should Know About Saltwater and Chlorine
Saltwater is tougher on electronics than fresh water because the salt crystals can scratch or corrode the sensor window if left to dry. Chlorine can also cause discoloration and brittleness in some strap materials.
Per the official IP68 water resistance rating, the device is built to handle sea swimming, but the aftercare matters more than the initial dunk. Rinse and dry are non-negotiable after an ocean session.
For pool swimmers, the same rule applies: rinse your WHOOP under fresh water immediately after the swim, and dry it off before storing or charging. This keeps the optical sensor clean and the strap flexible.
| Exposure Type | Action Needed |
|---|---|
| Shower (soap) | No rinse needed unless soap residue builds up |
| Pool (chlorine) | Rinse with fresh water, air dry |
| Ocean (saltwater) | Rinse with fresh water, air dry immediately |
If you’re at the beach and can’t rinse right away, a wet towel wipe helps until you get to a tap.
The Bottom Line
Your WHOOP can get wet — that’s the entire point of its design. It tracks your recovery, strain, and sleep through showers, swims, and ocean dips without issue. Just rinse it after chemical or salt exposure, air dry the band before reattaching, and avoid taking it off when you don’t need to.
If you have concerns about your band’s material or water exposure, the WHOOP support team can recommend the best waterproof band for your activity level.
References & Sources
- Whoop. “Whoop Basics” WHOOP 4.0, WHOOP 5.0, and WHOOP MG are all water-resistant and safe for use in showers, swimming (pool or ocean), and bathing.
- Whoop. “Whoop 5 0 and Salt Water” Both WHOOP 5.0 and WHOOP MG are rated IP68 water-resistant, making them safe for swimming in the sea/saltwater, showering, and bathing (up to 10 meters for 2 hours).