Is Garmin Venu Waterproof? (SQ, 2, 2S, 2 Plus)

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Written By Alan

Would you believe a G-Shock I was gifted in 2014 by my grandpa started my lifelong journey of a watch geek?

🕑  Last Updated: March 28, 2023

At this time there aren’t many brands that can match Garmin in terms of feature-rich but also exceptionally resilient watches.

The US-based brand has seen a rise in demand around the world and also not without a reason. Lured by the endless number of features, more and more people decide to move away from traditional watches and give brands like Garmin a try.

While some of their products are designed with athletes and adventurers in mind, others are perfect for those who want a smartwatch with a bit of everything. The Garmin Venu is one such watch that’s been gaining a lot of popularity in recent years.

Whilst looking at the overall picture, the durability of Garmin watches is hard to beat in the smartwatch sector, it’s not a secret that water resistance is the weakest point of “smarty” timepieces.

So, can watches in the Venu collection endure being submerged in water? Is the Garmin Venu waterproof or water-resistant?

In this article, we will take a look at how well the Venu collection protects us from water-related damage.

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Is Garmin Venu Waterproof? (All Models: Venu, Venu SQ, Venu 2, Venu 2 Plus)

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  • Current best-seller: Garmin Venu 2
  • Customizable design
  • Many fitness-tracking apps
  • Works with both Android & iOS
  • Garmin Pay
  • Water-resistant up to 50m

It shouldn’t be a shock to read that Garmin Venu isn’t a fully waterproof watch.

Nonetheless, that does not imply that the Venu collection is ineffective in any way – far from it. The reality is that a lot of individuals assume a water-resistant watch coincides with one that is waterproof.

Prior to your purchase, you have to realize the significant difference between the two phrases.

As things stand, a waterproof watch hasn’t been created (and also it’s not likely to be anytime quickly). The most that suppliers can do is develop products that are water-resistant as well as can withstand short submersion times.

Countless watches, including all models in Garmin’s line-up, are equipped with some sort of water resistance (WR). The WR will vary amongst different Garmin releases that use the following ratings:

  • IP65 – can endure light spray or rain
  • IP67 – can take on dusty environments, rainfall or snow
  • 1ATM – holds up against pressures comparable to a deepness of 10 meters, penalty for splashes, rainfall or snow, bathing
  • 1ATM – withstands pressures equivalent to a depth of 10 meters, fine for splashes, rain or snow, showering
  • 3ATM – withstands pressures equivalent to a depth of 30 meters, fine for splashes, rain or snow, showering, jumping into the water
  • 5ATM – withstands pressures equivalent to a depth of 50 meters, fine for splashes, rain or snow, showering, swimming, snorkeling
  • 10ATM – withstands pressures equivalent to a depth of 100 meters, fine for splashes, rain or snow, showering, swimming, diving into the water, snorkeling, and high-speed water sports. This rating is the highest offered by Garmin and is seen in models built to U.S. military standards (eg. Instinct)

So, which of the above rankings is offered by Garmin Venu models?

The whole Garmin Venu collection – and that means Venu, Venu SQ, Venu 2, Venu 2S, and Venu 2 Plus – is equipped with a 5ATM (50m) WR rating, which effectively means all watches are trustworthy companions for showers, brief swims, or perhaps snorkeling (in the swimming pool).

The gadget will certainly not have any kind of trouble with splashes, rainfall, or snow.

Frequently Asked Questions

We hope that by now you know the answer to “is Garmin Venu waterproof?” question. However, since we already have you with us, we would like to quickly go through some other frequently asked questions related to the Venu collection.

We have it all rounded up for you below.

Which Garmin watches are water resistant?

All Garmin collections are water-resistant to some degree. The WR rating ranges from IP65 to 10ATM.

Which Garmin is waterproof?

None. A fully waterproof watch simply doesn’t exist yet.

How do I get water out of my Garmin watch?

A popular option is to use rice. Simply place your watch in a bowl of rice and leave it overnight. The rice might absorb moisture. If this doesn’t help, the safest option would be to take it to an authorized service center.

Does Garmin warranty cover water damage?

Unfortunately, it doesn’t – at least not in most cases. The company clearly states that its products are not covered by the warranty if they have been damaged by inappropriate use. Make sure you’re following the use guidelines for the specific WR rating.

What is the best Garmin for swimming?

The safest Garmin watches for swimming are those with a 10ATM rating – Instinct and Fenix series.

Can Garmin go in salt water?

Yes, Garmin watches with solid water resistance capabilities (eg. 10ATM) are okay to take into the ocean.

Can I shower with my Garmin Venu Sq?

The watch is water-resistant up to 5 ATM so you can shower with it without worries.

Can I wear my Garmin Venu in the pool?

Yes, short swimming sessions in the pool are not a problem for Venu.

Should I wear my Garmin watch to bed?

Most Garmin watches include a sleep tracking application which can be activated in the settings. If you want to use this app to get detailed insights into your sleep patterns, you should definitely wear the watch to bed.

Is Garmin Venu durable?

While the Venu model might not be as bulletproof as, for example, Garmin Instinct, it’s still a very solid and durable piece of technology. The watch is made of tough materials and it’s equipped with a Gorilla Glass 3 display to protect the watch from cracks and scratches.

Is Garmin Venu worth buying?

Looking at the value it offers in terms of durability standards and the number of useful features, we would say that the Venu is definitely worth buying.

Does Venu track swimming?

Yes, all Garmin Venu models have a pre-installed pool swimming activity that tracks, amongst others, distance, speed and style.

Can I use Garmin Venu without a phone?

You can use some of the watches’ functions, such as listening to music, but the watch is not capable of working as a fully standalone device. If you’re looking for the so-called standalone smartwatches, read the following article: which are the best standalone smartwatches?

Which smartwatch has the longest battery life?

Unfortunately, not Venu. Read our article on smartwatches with the longest battery life to get some inspiration.

Is Venu 2 better than Venu?

The second generation of the Venu smartwatch comes with some new and improved features, such as an always-on display, better battery life, and more health monitoring capabilities. So if you’re looking for an upgrade, Venu 2 might be a good option.

How about water resistance in other models?

As you’ve already learned, the WR rating differs across Garmin collections. Other popular models discussed amongst users are Garmin Vivoactive 4 and Garmin Forerunner 45.

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