You’ve probably used to seeing the word “waterproof” on everything from smartwatches to earbuds. Oura’s latest smart ring generation, Oura Ring 5, is waterproof up to 100 meters and rated IP68.
But what do these ratings actually mean, and how do you know it will hold up when it matters?
Below, learn more about these ratings, how Oura Ring 5 was tested, and what it all means for your daily life and activities.
What Does “Waterproof” Actually Mean? Decoding IP68
Oura Ring 5 is an IP68-rated smart ring that is dustproof and waterproof up to 100 meters.
Ingress protection (IP) ratings are an international standard (IEC 60529) grading how well a device is protected against the intrusion of solids or liquids. You’ll see two numbers after “IP:” the first covers dust and particulates and the second covers water.
The 6 in IP68 means complete protection against dust. Nothing gets in—not fine particles, not debris from a trail run, not sand from a beach day.
The 8 means the device can withstand continuous submersion beyond 1 meter, under conditions specified by the manufacturer. For Oura Ring 5, that’s up to 100 meters, or 328 feet.
To earn an IP68 rating, Oura Ring 5 went through controlled submersion testing It was submerged at specified depths for extended periods, then inspected for any water ingress.
One thing worth knowing: IP ratings are tested in still, fresh water under controlled lab conditions. Real-world water—e.g., chlorinated pools or salt water—can be more demanding. The 100-meter rating for Oura Ring 5 gives substantial headroom beyond everyday scenarios but prolonged or repeated exposure to harsh water conditions may still affect Oura Ring 5 over time. Learn more here.
How Deep Can Oura Ring 5 Go?
So, what do 100 meters, or 328 feet, actually look like in practice? To put it in perspective: a standard Olympic-sized pool is two meters deep. Recreational scuba diving typically reaches 18–40 meters (59 to 131.2 feet). The 100m rating places Oura Ring 5 firmly in territory that exceeds virtually all everyday and recreational water activities.
We designed Oura Ring 5 to remove friction, including the friction of thinking about whether it can come with you. Whether it’s a Monday morning shower, an evening sauna session, or a weekend kayaking trip, the answer is the yes—Oura Ring 5 can go anywhere you go.
Where Can You Wear Oura Ring 5?
From doing dishes to swimming laps, we encounter water many times a day without even thinking about it. Oura Ring 5 is designed to be worn through all of it.
And when Oura Ring 5 stays on, your health data stays uninterrupted; there are no gaps in sleep, recovery, or activity tracking because you forgot to put it back on. You can wear Oura Ring 5 while you’re:
- Washing your hands: No need to remove your ring at the sink—soap, suds, and hot water are no problem for Oura Ring 5.
- Showering: Rinse, lather, repeat—Oura Ring 5 handles your full routine. No need to leave it on the ledge.
- Sauna and hot tubs: Whether you’re sweating it out in a dry sauna or soaking in a hot tub, Oura Ring 5 holds up to heat and humidity.
- Dishes and cleaning: Household detergents and warm water? Covered. Wear it for any task. It’s a good idea to dry off your ring and finger after using soaps or cleaning products.
- Swimming: From swimming laps to casual pool days, Oura Ring 5 goes with you. And when you hit the water, Automatic Activity Detection recognizes swimming and starts tracking it automatically, so you don’t have to remember to start a workout before you dive in.
- Kayaking and paddleboarding: Between splashes, capsizes, and shallow-water swims, Oura Ring 5 stays put and keeps tracking through your time on the water.
- Rain and outdoor workouts: Whether it’s a downpour mid-run or an intense training session soaked in sweat, Oura Ring 5 is ready for it.
With its 100m waterproof rating, Oura Ring 5 provides continuous health insights and measurements, 24/7.
A Note on Care
Even with a robust waterproof rating, a little maintenance goes a long way.
- Rinse Oura Ring 5 with fresh water after pool sessions or beach days.
- Dry your ring before charging.
- Avoid high-pressure jets directed at the ring for extended periods (think pressure washers—not showerheads).
In sum, treat Oura Ring 5 like any precision instrument—it’s built to be resilient, but a bit of care keeps it that way for the long haul.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I wear Oura Ring 5 in a sauna?
Yes, Oura Ring 5 is designed to withstand the heat and humidity of both dry saunas and hot tubs.
Is Oura Ring 5 safe for scuba diving?
While Oura Ring 5 has a 100-meter or 328-foot waterproof rating—which exceeds recreational scuba depths of 18–40 meters—it is primarily built for everyday water exposure and recreational water sports rather than deep, high-pressure deep-sea diving.
Does soapy water or shampoo damage Oura Ring 5?
No, standard soaps, shampoos, and body washes will not damage Oura Ring 5. Its outer shell and internal sensors are fully sealed to protect against daily hygiene products.
However, to prevent soap residue from building up underneath your Oura Ring 5—which can irritate your skin or temporarily interfere with optical sensor accuracy—it is highly recommended to thoroughly rinse the ring with fresh water and dry your finger after a shower or washing your hands.
Is Oura Ring 5 safe to wear while doing dishes or using household cleaners?
While Oura Ring 5 is waterproof against dishwater, you should avoid exposing it to harsh household chemicals. Mild dish soap is completely safe. However, strong cleaning agents—like bleach, chlorine, or abrasive scrubbing compounds—can degrade the protective finish or scratch the ring’s exterior surface. For heavy-duty cleaning, it is best to wear protective gloves or temporarily remove your ring.
Can I charge my Oura Ring 5 while it is wet?
No, you should never place a wet Oura Ring 5 onto its charging dock. While the ring itself is waterproof, the charging dock is not. Introducing moisture to the dock can cause an electrical short or damage the charging pins. Always dry the inner and outer surfaces of your ring completely with a soft cloth before placing it on the charger.