Google's Fitbit Air has won over fitness tracker fans with its lightweight design and seven-day battery life, but it is not waterproof. The device is water-resistant, which means it can handle rain, sweat, and brief immersion, but it is not impervious to water. That distinction is important for anyone planning to wear it in the pool or the shower.
The Fitbit Air carries an IP68 rating for dust and water resistance, meaning it can survive up to an hour of continuous immersion beyond one meter. It also has a 5 ATM rating, which translates to submersion at depths of up to 50 meters. Those specs make it suitable for a few laps in a shallow pool, but Google warns against wearing it in hot tubs, saunas, or showers, as excessive heat can damage the device.
Water resistance can also fade over time. Exposure to soaps, perfumes, lotions, insect repellent, and high-velocity water can wear down the seals and adhesives that keep moisture out. Dropping the device can warp its frame or loosen those seals. After getting the Fitbit Air wet, drying the band is recommended both to protect the device and to avoid skin irritation.
The industry's caution around the term "waterproof" is deliberate, as many electronics brands have faced lawsuits over advertising that showed devices in water. For Fitbit Air owners, the practical takeaway is that the tracker is durable but not indestructible, and treating it as water-resistant rather than waterproof will help it last longer.