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No—the Samsung Galaxy S21 5G is water-resistant, not waterproof. Samsung rates it IP68, based on submersion in up to 1.5 meters of freshwater for up to 30 minutes, and says beach or pool use is not advised. Those are test limits, not a guarantee for every phone or every wet situation.
What the S21’s IP68 rating covers
Samsung’s Galaxy S21 5G product page gives the model-specific condition: up to 1.5 meters of freshwater for up to 30 minutes. The same page cautions: “Not advised for beach or pool use.” Treat the depth and time as the conditions of a rating test—not permission to deliberately submerge the phone or a promise that it will survive an accident.
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Samsung’s support guidance also lists the Galaxy S21 series among Galaxy models with IP68 protection and describes IPx8 certification testing in still freshwater. The Samsung Poland support page, updated in 2026, uses that still-water description. The product page’s S21-specific wording is the clearest reference for this model.
Why the rating is not a promise of waterproofing
IP68 describes resistance under specified test conditions. It does not establish protection against every depth, duration, liquid, or water pressure. Samsung Malaysia states plainly that “Dust and Water-Resistant (IP68 rating) does not mean that the device is waterproof.” That wording appears on its Malaysia warranty page; warranty terms there apply to that market, not automatically to other countries.
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Water resistance can also weaken with time and natural wear, according to Samsung’s Galaxy water-resistance guidance. Samsung Australia warns that a drop or impact may damage water- and dust-resistant features; that page is written for Australian variant devices. A phone’s age and impact history therefore matter, and the rating alone cannot tell you whether a particular handset is still sealed.
Can you take a Galaxy S21 in a pool or the sea?
Samsung does not advise using the S21 at a beach or pool. Saltwater and chlorinated water are not the freshwater condition in Samsung’s stated test. Samsung Australia also says not to expose an IP68 device to forceful moving water. Avoid treating the rating as approval for swimming, water sports, jets, or other situations involving moving or pressurized water.
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What to do if your S21 gets wet
After clean-water exposure
- Wipe the phone with a soft, clean cloth.
- Let it dry fully. Do not connect a charger or accessories until it is completely dry.
After dirty water or other liquids
For dirty water or liquids such as soapy water, oil, perfume, sunscreen, hand sanitizer, cosmetics, or alcohol-containing liquids, Samsung US advises rinsing with clean water for 1 to 3 minutes, then wiping with a soft, clean cloth and drying completely. Do not use a hair dryer, external heat, compressed air, abrasive materials, or chemical cleaners. See Samsung US guidance for caring for Galaxy devices exposed to water.
When to seek service
If the phone was submerged, hit by an impact, exposed to forceful water, or develops symptoms, contact an authorized Samsung service center. Samsung recommends inspection after water exposure even if the device appears to work normally, since internal damage or corrosion may not be immediately visible.
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Does Samsung’s warranty cover water damage?
Coverage depends on the country and protection plan. Samsung Malaysia says liquid damage is not covered under its stated one-year warranty or Smart Care Protection, but that is a market-specific statement—not a universal rule. Check the warranty terms for your region and plan rather than assuming that IP68 means liquid damage is covered.
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