The (updated) Apple Watch water damage guide

You can wear Apple Watch Series 2 and later models in the pool.

Do you know what to do if your older Apple Watch falls into water? Can a Apple Watch get wet? (Of course it can). Most recent models should be OK, but here’s the complete guide to Apple Watch, water and what to do:

Apple Watch water damage – model matters

All Apple’s watches have been somewhat water resistant, though some models are more waterproof than others:

Original Apple Watch:

The first Apple Watch is splash and water-resistant. That means a few splashes should be OK, but don’t drop it into water, wear it in the bath, or go swimming. This model has an IPX7 rating, which means it should be able to handle being 1-meter underwater for <30-minutes. But Apple says you shouldn’t submerge it. Technically, they have a water resistance rating of IPX7 under IEC standard 60529.

Apple Watch Series 1:

The second Apple Watch release is also splash and water-resistant, but don’t put it underwater, in the shower or in the pool. It also has an IPX7 rating, which means it should be able to handle being 1-meter underwater for up to 30-minutes. Apple recommends against submerging it fully.

Apple Watch Series 2:

This model is water-resistant to 50-metres under ISO standard 22810:2010.

Apple says you can wear this in the pool or shallow sea. It advises against wearing it to water-ski, scuba dive, or lathering it in soap. Apple also warns you to avoid “high-velocity water” – so no rapids running for your watch.

Also read: How iOS 14.5 lets masked Apple Watch users unlock Face ID iPhones

More than an Activity tracker

Apple Watch Series 3:

This model is also water-resistant to 50-metres. It is otherwise as water-resistant as the Series 2 – so no waterski or soapiness, but a swim by the seaside should be OK.

NB: Apple states that on Apple Watch Series 3 and newer, the barometric altimeter may become less accurate if water gets into the air vent. Normal performance will return once the water evaporates.

Apple Watch Series 4:

This model is also water-resistant to 50-metres. And once again, Apple advises against extreme water sports and soap in showers, but reckons swimming and diving in still water (not too deep) will be OK.

Apple Watch Series 5:

This model also has water resistance to 50 meters under ISO standard 22810:2010. So, you can go swimming in a pool or ocean, but don’t expect it to survive: scuba diving, waterskiing, or other activities involving high-velocity water or submersion below shallow depth.

Apple Watch Series 6:

As with every model since Series 2, Series 6 can handle water up to 50 meters deep. That’s a big yes for swimming but a sorry no for water skiing, scuba diving or grappling with sharks.

Apple Watch Series 7:

Apple Watch Series 8 has a water resistance rating of 50 meters under ISO standard 22810:2010. This means that it may be used for shallow-water activities like swimming in a pool or ocean. However, Apple Watch Series 8 should not be used for scuba diving, waterskiing, or other activities involving high-velocity water or submersion below shallow depth.

Apple Watch Ultra:

Apple Watch SE:

This model delivers water resistance to 50 meters under ISO standard 22810:2010.

Warning: Apple Watch water-resistance is not permanent

Water-resistance may degenerate over time. When you drop your watch you may damage the internal membranes that protect it against liquid.

You can also diminish resistance when you expose the watch to: soap or soapy water, perfumes, acids (including acidic foods) insect repellent, sunscreen, hair dye or wear it when sweating in a sauna or steam room.

What about the watch band?

Yes – you need to think about the band you are using with your Apple Watch if you choose to dive underwater.

Not only are all straps not created equal, but some may loosen when wet, which means you might lose your watch.

The best strap for swimming is the Sports Band – if you plan to go swimming you should get one.

What about the other straps? Apple warns that the popular Milanese, Link Bracelet, Leather Loop and Classic and Modern Buckles are not water-resistant.

One of the best bands for surfing comes from Urban Arbor — take a look.

Is there anything I should do once I go swimming wearing Apple Watch?

Yes. After swimming with any Apple Watch Series 3 or later (including Apple Watch SE) you should gently rinse your watch with warm tap water.

How to use Water Lock on Apple Watch

Starting with Apple Watch Series 2, Apple introduced a cool Water Lock feature to protect your watch from moisture.

Water Lock is a series of membranes inside the watch that protect against liquid by securing the spaces around external moving parts. The system also locks your watch display to prevent it from reacting to water. You don’t want a sudden wave to change your music playlist or call your mum while you’re out surfing!

You should activate it before you enter water.

https://youtu.be/ETRypoTc78U

How to use and activate Water Lock:

• Swipe up on your Watch display to reach Control Center.
• Look for the water droplet icon.
• Tap the icon to enable it.
• If you forget to activate the feature before entering water you can still use Water Lock to expel any liquid that sneaks into your device. The protection should have kicked in automatically, but there is a risk it doesn’t.
• After you leave the water you just need to rotate the Digital Crown, the watch will emit a series of beeps and cough out any water it contains. It’s really cool.
• Apple says you should also clean and gently dry your watch. (That’s particularly important if you dropped it into a chlorine-filled pool, orange juice or some other impure liquid, particularly acidic or sugary drinks.)
• Those beeps are actually quite clever. Apple says they were developed specifically because they make just the right sound to make the membranes move enough to expel any water inside your Apple Watch.

What should I do if I drop an early model Apple Watch in water?

If you drop an original or Series 1 Apple Watch in liquids you shouldn’t panic, just follow these steps. Most reports suggest you’ll be OK, most of the time:

1. Turn off the watch. (Press and hold the side button until you see the Power Off slider and drag it to off).
2. Remove the watch straps. This isn’t a particularly effective step, but means you can more easily dry that small gap between the strap mechanism and the watch.
3. Gently dry the watch with a soft lint-free cloth.
4. Now shake the watch to try to force any liquids that may be in the watch out of the device. Dry it gently as you do.
5. Leave it to dry for 24-hours or more. If it got really wet, leave it for longer. DO NOT CHARGE IT.
6. After you’ve given it that drying out time, press and hold the side button to restart the device. If it doesn’t start, pop it on charge and try again.

Your Apple Watch Series 0 or 1 should start up fine at this point. If it doesn’t, then you’ll have to take it to your nearest Apple authorized repair center.

Finally, the best place for more information on Apple Watch water resistance will be Apple’s own support site.

Now please make sure you have done everything you should do with your Apple Watch to prepare it for emergencies.

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