A phone can be one metre from the pool edge and Bluetooth audio will still drop underwater. This is not a pairing-menu problem: water strongly attenuates the 2.4 GHz radio signal.
Swimming headphones therefore need local storage and phone-free playback. OpenSwim Pro combines land-based Bluetooth with 32 GB MP3 mode in the water.
Quick answer
Use MP3 underwater; Bluetooth is for use on land.
IP68 applies to the manufacturer’s stated test conditions, not unlimited depth or diving.
After salt water, soak in fresh water and fully dry the contacts before charging.
Why water blocks Bluetooth
Bluetooth uses a high-frequency radio signal that loses energy in water far faster than in air. Even a watch on the wrist may leave enough water in the signal path to interrupt streaming.
In MP3 mode, the audio file is stored inside the headphones, so no radio link is required. Before the pool, connect the unit to a computer with the supplied cable, copy supported files and test playback order.
What IP68 means for OpenSwim Pro
Shokz states IP68 protection and use down to two metres under controlled conditions. That is not permission for deeper diving or ignoring wear. Water resistance can decrease over time, and the charging contacts must be dry before connection.
Put the headphones on before the swim cap, then pull the cap over the hooks. Earplugs may improve underwater clarity, but open-water users still need visual and situational control.
Shokz product image from the INTERVALS catalogue.
Preparation and care checklist
Charge and copy files before the session.
Select MP3 and Swimming EQ before entering the water.
Keep volume compatible with awareness.
Rinse after the pool; after salt water, soak in fresh water for about 30 minutes.
Fully dry the magnetic contacts before charging or transferring data.
OpenSwim Pro is not designed for diving. Follow the exact manual, not the IP number alone.
Author: INTERVALS editorial team. An original comparison based on INTERVALS product data and official Shokz documentation; it is not a translation of a manufacturer article. Facts last checked: 21 August 2026.
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