How to Clean a Samsung Galaxy Watch and Band

Step-by-step instructions

Step 1: Power off, unfasten, and inspect

Remove the watch from its charger and turn it off. Detach the band if its release system allows easy removal, and take off any protective case. Look for cracks, a lifted back, damaged buttons, or a compromised seal. A watch that has been dropped or visibly damaged may no longer have its original water resistance, so do not rinse it until it has been evaluated.

Step 2: Dry-wipe the display and case

Use a soft lint-free cloth to remove loose dust, fingerprints, and skin oil from the glass, bezel, case, and lugs. Apply light pressure and move debris away from the speaker, microphone, pressure vent, and button gaps. Samsung warns against abrasive material and compressed air, both of which can damage a finish or force particles into openings.

Step 3: Clean the rear sensor and charging surface

Wipe the entire underside, including the optical sensor window and the charging contact area, with the lint-free cloth. For stubborn sweat film, dampen the cloth slightly with fresh water rather than applying liquid to the watch. Residue here can contribute to inaccurate heart-rate measurements, slow or failed charging, and skin irritation. Finish immediately with a dry cloth.

Step 4: Loosen visible foreign material

If lotion or dirt is lodged around a button or case seam, Samsung allows a moistened soft-bristle toothbrush. Wet the bristles with fresh water, shake off excess, and brush only the affected exterior area using very light strokes. Do not scrub speaker or microphone openings, and do not use toothpaste, soap, detergent, sanitizer, or another cleaner on the brush.

Step 5: Rinse after non-freshwater exposure

If a water-resistant Galaxy Watch has been exposed to salt water or another liquid, Samsung says to rinse it promptly with fresh water and dry it thoroughly. Use low-pressure fresh water rather than a strong faucet jet. This step removes salts that can remain in openings and on the case. It does not apply to a damaged watch or a material that is not approved for water.

Step 6: Clean a rubber band

Remove the rubber or fluoroelastomer band when practical, rinse it with clean fresh water, and rub away residue with your fingers or a soft cloth. Samsung says not to use soap or cleaning agents. Pay attention to holes, the keeper, and the buckle, then wipe dry and leave the band open to air until no moisture remains in the hardware or adjustment holes.

Step 7: Clean a leather band without soaking

Leather bands should be wiped with a soft lint-free cloth. If the band maker permits a little water, use only a barely damp cloth and keep the leather from becoming saturated. Never rinse or soak leather. Leave it flat at room temperature and away from direct sun or a heater until the surface, edges, stitching, and underside are dry.

Step 8: Drain a wet speaker naturally

After water exposure, dry the case with a soft cloth and gently shake out excess water. Samsung recommends resting a wet watch on its side with the speaker facing down so moisture can drain. Audio can sound muffled while water remains. Do not insert a swab, use compressed air, or heat the speaker opening.

Step 9: Dry, reassemble, and check skin contact

Make sure the display edge, buttons, speaker area, rear charging surface, band slots, and band are completely dry. Reattach the band and wear the watch snugly but not tightly on clean, dry skin. If redness persists after both wrist and watch are clean and dry, stop wearing it and seek appropriate medical or Samsung support guidance.