As your go-to fitness buddy, it makes perfect sense to want to use your Apple Watch for tracking workouts, swimming, or any water-related activities. This handy device is designed to help you track your progress, set fitness goals, and stay motivated during your exercise sessions.
But before you dive into the pool or head out for a run in the rain, you might be asking yourself: can your Apple Watch really handle water? Knowing the water resistance features of your Apple Watch is crucial to ensure you use it safely and make the most of its capabilities during all your activities.
Apple Watch Waterproof vs. Water Resistant: What’s the Difference?
It’s crucial to understand that while Apple Watches are water resistant, they aren’t completely waterproof.
- When we say something is waterproof, it means that it can withstand water in any situation without a problem. Think of a sealed glass jar—it won’t let any water in, even if you submerge it for hours.
- On the other hand, water resistance means that a device can withstand some exposure to water but only under specific conditions. Imagine a rain jacket: it keeps you dry during a drizzle, but if you’re caught in a heavy downpour, water will eventually find its way in.
Apple Watches are built to resist water up to certain limits, but if you push those limits, they can still get damaged.
Apple Watch Water Resistance by Model
Here’s a straightforward table that outlines the water resistance levels for each Apple Watch model:
| Apple Watch Model | Water Resistance Level | Standards/Certifications | Suitable For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Series 1 & 1st Generation | Splash resistant (IPX7) | IEC 60529 | Hand washing, rain |
| Series 2 and later (e.g., Series 9) | Up to 50 meters (WR50) | ISO 22810:2010 | Swimming in pool or shallow water |
| Ultra & Ultra 2 | Up to 100 meters (WR100) | ISO 22810:2010, EN13319 | Swimming, snorkeling, scuba diving up to 40m (130ft) |
What Activities Are Safe with an Apple Watch?
Your Apple Watch is great for tackling many daily tasks, but it’s essential to remember that not all water activities are safe for it. Here’s a quick overview:
Safe Activities:
- Washing hands or getting caught in the rain: All Apple Watch models are built to handle the occasional splashes from everyday activities like washing your hands or getting caught in the rain so that you can relax about brief water exposure during your daily routine.
- Sweaty workouts: They’re also designed to cope with sweat and light moisture, making them perfect for intense workouts, runs, or any activities where you might break a sweat.
- Swimming (Series 2 and newer): If you own a Series 2 or newer Apple Watch, you can confidently take it for a swim in pools or shallow open waters like lakes or calm seas. These models are rated explicitly for swimming.
- Snorkeling and recreational scuba diving (Ultra models): The Apple Watch Ultra takes it a step further, crafted for more challenging water conditions. It’s suitable for snorkeling and recreational scuba diving down to 40 meters (130 feet), making it an excellent choice for underwater adventures and water sports lovers.
Activities to Avoid:
- Showering or bathing: It’s best to skip wearing your Apple Watch in the shower or bath. The combination of soap, shampoo, and hot water can wear down the watch’s seals, potentially compromising its water resistance over time—even for the Ultra models.
- Saunas or steam rooms: The heat and humidity in saunas or steam rooms can speed up the deterioration of those water-resistant seals, potentially leading to water damage.
- High-pressure water: Be cautious about exposing your watch to high-pressure water sources, like pressure washers, strong jets in hot tubs, or diving into water from great heights. These forces can push water into the device, reaching areas that aren’t intended to be wet.
- For instance, spraying your watch with a garden hose, positioning it near a powerful jet in a hot tub, or jumping off a high diving board can subject it to harmful water pressure.
- Deep-sea diving: Only the Ultra models are designed for recreational scuba diving, and even then, they’re only safe up to a depth of 40 meters (130 feet). Going deeper could push the watch beyond its limits and lead to damage.
Apple Watch Bands and Water Resistance
Not all Apple Watch bands are created equal in terms of water resistance. Many sports bands, such as those made from silicone or fluoroelastomer, are water-resistant and suitable for swimming. These materials are designed to withstand water exposure, making them ideal for activities such as swimming, showering, or exercising when your watch might get splashed.
On the flip side, bands made from leather, metal, or fabric aren’t water-resistant and can suffer damage from moisture. These materials can absorb water, tarnish, or wear down over time if they become wet, which can affect both their appearance and comfort.
Examples of non-water-resistant bands:
- Leather Link
- Hermès leather bands
- Milanese Loop (metal)
- Link Bracelet (metal)
- Braided Solo Loop (fabric/nylon)
Why does this matter?
A band that isn’t water-resistant can take a hit when it gets wet—it might get damaged, feel uncomfortable, or even irritate your skin. So, if you’re planning to swim or know your watch will get splashed, it’s best to go for a sports band. Choosing the right band helps keep your Apple Watch in great shape and comfy to wear, no matter what you’re up to.
How Long Can an Apple Watch Be in Water?
Apple doesn’t have a strict, one-size-fits-all rule about how long you can keep your watch submerged in water. That said, it’s generally a good idea to limit continuous exposure to about 30 minutes, especially if you’re swimming or engaging in water sports. Sticking to this guideline can help reduce the chances of water getting inside, particularly as your watch gets older and its seals start to wear down.
Prolonged exposure to water can gradually diminish your device’s water resistance, making it more vulnerable to damage over time. Keeping your water exposure short helps ensure that your Apple Watch remains reliable and functional for a more extended period. After swimming in salt or chlorinated water, be sure to rinse your watch with fresh water and dry it thoroughly to keep its protective features in top shape.
Just a heads up: while Apple doesn’t set a specific time limit for submersion, many experts suggest keeping water exposure under 30 minutes as a wise precaution to help maintain water resistance.
Protect Your Apple Watch with Water Lock
The Apple Watch Series 2 and newer models come with a handy Water Lock feature. When you start a water workout, it turns on automatically, or you can activate it manually from the Control Center. This feature locks your screen to keep it safe from any accidental taps caused by water droplets.
How to activate Water Lock manually:
- Swipe up on your watch face to open Control Center.
- Tap the water droplet icon.
When you finish your activity, turn the Digital Crown. This will unlock the screen and trigger the speaker to eject any water trapped inside.
Tips to Maintain Water Resistance
To keep your Apple Watch as water-resistant as possible:
- Keep your watch away from soaps, shampoos, lotions, and sunscreen, as these can wear down the water-resistant seals over time.
- After swimming, especially in saltwater or chlorinated pools, make sure to rinse your watch with fresh water to wash away any chemicals or residues that could damage it.
- Use a soft, lint-free cloth to dry and clean your Apple watch thoroughly, as lingering moisture can affect the internal components.
- Avoid pressing buttons or turning the Digital Crown while your watch is underwater, as this could let water seep in and compromise its water resistance.
- Regularly check your watch for any cracks or damage—issues with the case, display, or seals can significantly reduce its water resistance and increase the risk of water entering.
Myth-Busting: Common Misconceptions
Myth: Apple Watches are waterproof.
Fact: No Apple Watch is completely waterproof; all are water-resistant to specific standards.
Myth: Water resistance lasts forever.
Fact: Water resistance diminishes over time with use and exposure.
Myth: All bands are safe for swimming.
Fact: Only certain bands (like sports bands) are water resistant.
Warranty and Water Damage
Important:
Apple’s standard warranty does not cover water damage, even for water-resistant models. If your watch is damaged by water, Apple may not be able to repair or replace it under warranty. Always follow care guidelines to reduce risk.
What to Do If Your Apple Watch Gets Water Damaged
If you suspect water damage:
- Remove the watch from the water immediately.
- Disable Water Lock if enabled.
- Dry the watch thoroughly before charging or using it.
- If issues like a foggy screen, unresponsive touch, or muffled speaker persist, contact Apple Support.
Prompt action can minimize damage and help restore functionality.
Swim or Skip? Know Your Apple Watch Limits
Just a quick reminder: your Apple Watch is water resistant, but it’s not completely waterproof. By keeping these tips in mind and knowing the limits of your specific model, you can safely enjoy your watch even in wet conditions. If you have any more questions, feel free to drop them in the comments!
FAQs
No, Apple Watches are not waterproof. Series 2 and newer are water-resistant and safe for swimming in pools or shallow water. Ultra models are designed for activities such as snorkeling and scuba diving to depths of 40 meters (130 feet). Series 1 and the original model are only splash-resistant and not suitable for swimming.
Apple does not specify a strict time limit. To be safe, keep your watch submerged for less than 30 minutes at a time.
No, you should avoid showering or bathing with your Apple Watch. Soap and hot water can damage the seals and reduce water resistance.
Look for signs of fog or condensation under the display, an unresponsive touchscreen, muffled or distorted speaker sound, or unexpected issues such as overheating or rapid battery drain.
Please remove it from the water, dry it gently with a soft, lint-free cloth, let it air dry, and then charge it only when it’s completely dry. If problems persist, contact Apple Support.
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