When I heard about the new Whoop 4.0 fitness tracking strap, I was intrigued. The minimalist tracker had no display and a minimalist design, and I was already frustrated with my Apple Watch 7 as it gets in the way when I’m doing things around the house or workout in the gym.
Whoop 4.0 claimed to be water-resistant, so I could wear it while swimming in the pool or taking a shower. Plus, the tracker had a 4-5 days battery life which was impressive compared to my iWatch which needs to be charged every night.
I ordered one by paying the subscription fee ($30) for the first month and eagerly awaited its arrival. When it finally arrived, I couldn’t wait to put it on. The strap was comfortable and easy to adjust. I synced it with my phone and started tracking my activities.
The next day, I decided to test the claimed water resistance to find out: is Whoop waterproof or not? This is when I decided to write a blog post sharing my experience with you guys.
Table of Contents
Waterproof vs Water Resistance: What’s the difference?
It’s important to understand the difference between waterproof and water-resistant before we dive into the test.
Waterproof means that an object can completely repel water and stay dry underneath. Water resistance, on the other hand, means that an object can resist water ingression for a certain amount of time but will eventually let it pass.
Whoop 4.0 is claimed to be water-resistant, so it should be able to withstand some exposure to water but may not be completely impervious.
Is Whoop 4.0 Waterproof?
Whoop 4.0 is not waterproof but it is water-resistant at depths up to 10m or 33ft no longer than 10 minutes. This means that it can withstand some exposure to water but may not be completely impervious after a certain depth or time period.
In technical terms, Whoop 4.0 is IP68 rated which means it resists both dust and water ingression to a certain level.
I tested my Whoop 4.0 by taking it for a swim in the pool and wearing it in the shower. The tracker survived both experiences without any issue. However, I didn’t really push it to extremes as I didn’t want to risk damaging my new toy.
I took it to salt water (the ocean) and it still worked without any problem. I am planning to test the extreme of the 10m depth limit once I am done with the initial testing of the device.
Keep in mind that Whoop has strictly advised against wearing the device while driving or participating in other high-velocity water activities. So don’t try this one with your Whoop!
As per the official website, Whoop 4.0 can be comfortably worn while
- Pool swimming
- Washing dishes
- Working out in the gym
- Showering or Bathing.
- Sauna and Hot Tub
Is Whoop 3.0 Water Proof?
If you remove the battery pack on the Whoop 3.0, you can submerge it to depths of 30m or 100ft for 10-15 minutes. However, with the battery pack on, you cannot even take it for a showing without damaging the device.
Simply put, if you have Whoop 3.0, don’t even think about taking it for a swim without removing the battery pack first.
This is one of the major differences between Whoop 3.0 and 4.0, as the latter comes with a water-resistant battery pack so you won’t have to take it off before taking a dip in the pool.
Can You Wear Whoop 4.0 in the Shower?
You can wear your Whoop 4.0 in the shower without any problem. The device is water-resistant at depths up to 10m or 33ft for 10 minutes.
However, you should avoid one major mistake while showering with your Whoop 4.0. Do not use any soap, conditioner, perfume, or shampoo directly on the device as it can damage the water-resistant coating. This also holds true for saltwater swimming.
“Substances like acids, soap, detergents, insect repellent, acetone, nail polish remover, and sunscreen can degrade the WHOOP (4.0) over time and may affect the signal quality (of its sensor).”
To clean your Whoop, simply rinse it with water and let it air dry.
How to clean Whoop Strap?
You should regularly clean your Whoop Strap as there can be germs and sweat build-up over time.
However, it is a must when you take shower or swim in the pool with Whoop Strap. Cleaning Whoop will eliminate any possibility of detergents, soap, or saltwater deposits damaging the sensor.
To clean your Whoop Strap, remove the senor first.
- Soak the strap in a mild soap and water solution for 10-15 minutes.
- Hand washes the strap.
- Next, rinse it with fresh water and let it air dry.
To clean the Whoop Sensor:
- Take a soft-bristled toothbrush.
- Dip it in water and gently brush the sensor to remove any dirt or sweat
- Take a lint-free cloth to wipe off the sensor.
- You’re all set!
Cleaning your Whoop regularly will not only increase its life span but also keep its accuracy intact.
Final Words:
Whoop 4.0 is a great fitness tracker that I can attest to. However, it is not completely waterproof like my Apple Watch.
It is water-resistant at depths up to 10m or 33ft for 10 minutes, which stands significantly short of the Apple Watch’s capacity to withstand submergence up to 50 m depth.
Anyways, You can take Whoop for a swim but avoid using soap, conditioner, perfume, or shampoo directly on the device as it can damage the water-resistant coating.
I recommend that you should clean your Whoop regularly to increase its lifespan.