Want to know if you can take a dip with your Apple Watch?
This article will cover Apple Watch Series from zero to six and their waterproof features!
The Apple Watch Series zero & One are not immune to the effects of water. Instead, they have some water resistance suitable for washing hands, walking in the rain, or taking a shower. Apple Watch series two to six are immune to the effects of water and ideal for bathing, diving, and swimming.
The Apple Watch is a mandatory piece of equipment for many exercises and traveling enthusiasts. Its waterproof features make it ideal for diving, swimming, showering, diving, etc.
That being said, people are of two minds on the matter, and not everyone remains convinced that the Apple Watch is waterproof. Let’s put opinions to rest and look at the facts on whether the Apple Watch is, in fact, waterproof and what that means in a practical sense.
Is The Apple Watch Waterproof?
The Apple Watch is appealing for many reasons, particularly its waterproof attributes. If you plan to purchase one for yourself, you’ll want to know all the facts.
First, not all Apple Watch series have the same level of water protection. Without getting technical, the apple watch has some resistance against the effects of water on an electrical device, but submerging it underwater will damage it.
In other words, can does not equal should. You can drive 60 mph in an 80 mph zone, but doing so never ends well. The same Apple Watch that can withstand the rain might not survive if you submerge it in the ocean.
The Apple Watch series zero and series 1 are not waterproof, but they do have some water resistance. You will be able to wash your hands, take a shower, and it will survive if you fall in the water or walk in the rain. However, do not swim with them because they are not waterproof, and submerging them underwater will damage the components.
The Apple Watch Series 2 and up – which includes series 3, 4, 5, and 6 – is entirely waterproof! If you own any of these series, you can submerge it underwater for up to 50m. The water depth makes it ideal for swimming, diving, showering, taking a bath, or a cold dip in the ocean.
What Could Jeopardize Apple Watch Water Resistance?
You can wear your Apple Watch Series 2 or newer when you shower, but avoid getting soaps, shampoos, conditioners, perfumes, deodorants, or lotions since they can harm the water seals. If the Apple Watch comes into touch with anything other than plain water, immediately rinse it with non-salty water and dry it with a lint-free cloth.
As the Apple Watch gets exposed to water, heat, and other elements, it’s natural for the chemicals that provide the water resistance to diminish. For this reason, it is possible to re-seal the Apple Watch to bolster its water resistance.
Look at this list of things to avoid that will preserve your Apple Watch’s water resistance:
- Do not expose your Apple Watch to soapy water while bathing or showering. The chemicals in washing soaps will weaken or remove the protective coating.
- Do not expose your Apple Watch to high-velocity water, for example, that you might find while water skiing. The force from the water can easily wash away the protective water-resistant coating.
- Avoid steam and excessively high temperatures, like in a sauna. The extreme heat levels wear down the water-resistant coating while producing a lot of moisture.
- Ingredients found in solvents, detergents, foods, acids, repellents, lotions, sunscreens, and oils contain harmful chemicals that strip away the protecting coating on the Apple Watch.
- Dropping, cracking, or puncturing the apple watch screen will make it susceptible to water damage.
- After swimming in the ocean, it’s crucial that you rinse your Apple Watch with clean water to remove the salt and other bacteria. If you don’t rinse it, the salt will almost certainly weaken the protective coating!
It’s also worth considering the material of the Apple Watch band. While plastic bands are sustainable underwater, stainless steel and leather bands aren’t water-resistant; exposing them to liquids will cause them to wear.
Furthermore, if water gets into the air vent, Apple Watch Series 3 or newer will have diminished altimeter reading capacity. That said, it will be able to do accurate readings again when the water completely evaporates.
Should You Worry If Your Apple Watch Gets Wet?
If water splashes on your Apple Watch, wipe it off with a non-abrasive, lint-free cloth. Avoid using heat, compressed air, or sprays.
Ensure that you thoroughly dry the Apple Watch, band, and your skin in case of heavy sweating or remaining water.
When your Apple Watch gets wet, and it sounds like you have a muffled speaker, don’t try to pry the water out by inserting something into the speaker or microphone ports or shaking the watch. Instead, allow it to charge overnight to allow the water to evaporate.
Apple Watches That Are Series 1 Or Earlier
If you swim with an Apple Watch Series zero or one, it’s essential to check for water in the microphone or speaker by placing it speaker-side down on a non-abrasive-lint, free cloth so that the water can drain.
Since these older series watches do not have the same level of water resistance as the new models, water in the port will likely degrade speaker or microphone quality. Thus, it would be beneficial if you let it sit for a while until the water evaporates completely.
What Is The Apple Watch Water Lock Feature?
The Water Lock feature is what enables your Apple Watch to breathe underwater. You turn it on before entering a body of water and turn the Digital Crown to remove any water from the watch’s speaker.
When using Water Lock, your Apple Watch will not respond to touch, preventing you from accidentally using any functions when you’re in the water. After switching off Water Lock, your watch will disperse any water remaining in its speaker.
How Do You Use The Water Lock Feature?
Switching on Water Lock is quick and straightforward; here’s how:
- Navigate to the Apple Watch Control Center, accessible from any screen.
- Look for The Water Lock button that looks like a water droplet, and tap it.
- The Water Lock icon will now appear at the top of the watch face.
Don’t worry if you leap into the water without first turning on Water Lock. It automatically turns on when you begin a water-based workout, such as surfing, diving, or surfing!
How Do You Switch Off Water Lock?
After your swimming workout, you can switch off Water Lock by turning the Digital Crown on the side of your Apple Watch – keep turning until you see Unlocked on the display. Afterward, you will hear a series of tones that clear any water in the speaker. When the sounds stop, you’re in the clear to use your display like usual.
How Do You Measure Your Apple Watch’s Water Resistance?
Apple Watch Series 1 or earlier have a water resistance rating of IPX7. This water resistance rating indicates you can only submerge them 1 meter underwater and for a maximum of 30 minutes. An Apple Watch Series 2 and up, however, have a water resistance rating of 50 meters.
Conclusion
Older Apple Watch models like the Series 1 or earlier have only a bit of water resistance that permits them volumes of water equivalent to splashes of water, like those from rain or washing hands. Apple Watch Series 2 or higher have much higher resistance and are even immune to the effects of water. You can use them for swimming, showering, bathing, and even diving.