Can I shower with my Apple watch? The simple answer is no. While you can get the Apple Watch wet because all models are water-resistant, it is not necessarily waterproof. But this is just one of the many reasons you should not jump into the shower with your Apple Watch. Let’s go into this in detail…
Why You Shouldn’t Shower With Your Apple Watch
As a piece of wearable tech designed to be worn for the duration of your waking hours (though you can also wear it to bed and track your sleep using third-party apps), you may be wondering if it’s a good idea to jump in the shower without removing your Apple Watch.
In short, while you technically can shower while wearing your Apple Watch, you probably shouldn’t.
This is why:
#1. Apple Watches Are Water-Resistant Rather Than Waterproof
The water resistance of different Apple Watch models varies. According to Apple, owners of the first generation and Series 1 Apple Watches should be aware that they are splash- and water-resistant, but full submersion is not recommended.
Apple Watch Series 2, 3, and 4 models are suitable for shallow water activities such as swimming. Still, they are not ideal for high-velocity water activities such as water skiing or submersion below shallow depths such as scuba diving.
#2. Sweat and Water Are Acceptable, but Soaps, Lotions, and the Like Can Deteriorate Water Seals
Water resistance is a feature that deteriorates irreversibly over time.
According to Apple, water resistance is not a permanent feature of the device, and Watches cannot be resealed. Exposing an Apple Watch to the aforementioned substances, as well as detergent, sunscreen, insect repellant, and oil, may reduce water resistance, as may dropping your Watch and wearing it in a sauna or steam room.
Turn On the Water Lock if You Must Shower With Your Apple Watch
This feature locks the screen of an Apple Watch to prevent accidental taps while swimming or participating in other water-based activities. To manually activate this feature, follow these steps:
- Swipe up on the face of your Apple Watch to access the Control Center.
- Scroll your finger or the Digital Crown to the Water Lock icon. It resembles a water droplet.
- Tap the icon to turn on the Water Lock. When this feature is turned on, a blue water droplet appears in the centre of the Watch face.
- When you’re done showering, deactivate the Water Lock by turning the Digital Crown until the blue teardrop fills the circular icon. Once unlocked, the Watch will emit a series of sounds designed to clear water from its speakers.
What You Should Know
Freshwater vs. Saltwater
While water appears to be the same all the time, its composition can vary greatly. We can taste the difference, but our gadgets will feel it while putting their own components at risk. Apple warns customers not to expose their Apple Watch Series 8 to salt water. These devices are designed to work in freshwater, the same as what you use in your shower.
If you go to the beach with your family or friends, leave your smart watch somewhere safe before entering the water. Even if you have previously tested the Apple Watch with water exposure at home, the effect is different when submerged in salt water.
Fortunately, all households have access to clean water that is also safe to drink in some countries. When you shower at home, you won’t have to worry about the water damaging your watch’s components. But we all know that putting water on our skin isn’t always enough to make us feel fresh and clean.
Avoid Chemical Exposure
Even though pollution is a major issue for humanity today, you are unlikely to come across any chemical solutions while your watch is exposed to water outside. However, it would be best if you exercised greater caution while showering.
Many hygienic and cosmetic products have been developed for us. They clean and refresh us while also leaving a pleasant odour. While shampoos and soaps are good for our skin and hair, your Apple Watch would rather not use them.
That is why removing your watch before applying body lotion or shower gel to your skin, particularly around your wrist, is critical. Because the shower is a wet environment, these chemicals will eventually cover your entire body.
Exposure to these chemicals while wearing the Apple Watch in the shower will cause severe damage. While the effects are not immediately apparent, you may wake up one day and discover that your smartwatch is no longer powered on. When this happens, it can be difficult to pinpoint the source of the problem, but chemical contamination is one possibility.
How Waterproof Is Apple Watch 7?
The Apple Watch Series 7 is advertised as being water-resistant, and you can swim with it. However, scuba diving and water skiing should be avoided because it is only waterproof up to 50 meters.
Is There a Warranty for Water Damage on the Apple Watch?
Water damage is generally not covered by Apple’s warranty on their watches. As a result, you should be cautious about putting it through strenuous situations because there is no guarantee that it will be repaired.
Things That Can Affect the Water Resistance of Your Watch
Apple Watch is generally considered water resistant, though Apple warns that the following factors may affect your watch’s water resistance:
- Dropping or otherwise slamming your watch into something.
- Getting soaps, cleaners, fruit juice, sunscreen, bug spray, and other personal care products on your watch.
- Exposing your watch to strong water jets.
- Steam exposure, such as in a steam room or sauna.
What You Should Do After Exposing your Apple Watch to Water
If you have gone swimming with your Apple Watch or have sweated a lot, you can rinse it in clean tap water and then dry it with a soft cloth. Use nothing else to dry your watch, such as a hair dryer or compressed air (the kind you’d use to clean dust off your keyboard).
Can You Swim While Wearing an Apple Watch?
Swimming is possible with an Apple Watch Series 2 or later. These newer models include swimming as a workout option. I’ve used models 3, 5, and 6 in the swimming pool, ocean, and lake with no problems.
You should know a few things before using your Apple Watch to track your swimming. When you begin a swimming workout, your Apple Watch will activate the Water Lock feature. When it’s locked, a water drop icon will appear on your screen.
Make sure to clean your Apple Watch after swimming. To remove the chlorine or saltwater, run it under clean running water. Keep in mind that while your watch is water-resistant, your Apple Watch band may not be.
What Is the Best Apple Watch for Swimmers?
Although no Apple Watch is waterproof, any watch newer than the Series 2 is built to withstand swimming. Swimmers should consider the Apple Watch Series 2-8 and the Apple Watch SE. They all track swimming as a workout, but newer models may have more fitness features that appeal to more active people and serious athletes.
What Is the Apple Watch Water Drop?
The Apple Watch water drop or water icon indicates that the Water Lock feature is enabled on your watch. It protects your watch from water damage when activated. It also locks the screen, making any click, swipe, or tap impossible. When the screen is wet, this helps prevent accidental presses (though if your Apple Watch keeps pausing during a workout, it’s most likely not an accidental press).
To turn off the Apple Watch’s Water Lock and eject water, press and hold the digital crown. This will cause a vibration and sounds to be produced, which will expel the water from the speaker. It should only take a few seconds before you can use your watch again. Some other fantastic uses for the Water Lock do not involve swimming. It can also be helpful if you are running in the rain.
How to Remove Water from an Apple Watch
You do not need to enable Water Lock before getting your Apple Watch wet. Turning on the Water Lock allows you to clear water manually. Here’s how to remove water from your Apple Watch using Water Lock:
- Swipe up from the bottom of the watch face to access the Control Centre.
- Select the Water Lock icon. It has the shape of a water droplet.
- To unlock the screen and clear water from the speaker, press and hold the Digital Crown.
- Turning off the Water Lock on your Apple Watch with the digital crown causes vibration and sounds, resulting in water ejection.
Is a Water Lock Required on Apple Watch?
According to Apple, whether or not Water Lock is enabled, the Apple Watch Series 2 or newer will remain water-resistant. So, can an Apple Watch get unexpectedly wet without being damaged? Yes, absolutely! Turn the Water Lock on and off to remove water from the speaker.
Is it Possible to Wash Your Hands with an Apple Watch? (Or do you do your laundry by hand?)
Even the Apple Watch Series 1 and the first-generation Apple Wash are splash-resistant, so washing your hands while wearing your watch should be no problem. Apple Watch Series 4 and later models include a Handwashing feature that requires you to wear your watch for it to record automatically. You can, however, manually enter your hand-washing time.
Because you should avoid soaps and other non-freshwater ingredients, you should avoid wearing your Apple Watch while handwashing laundry. If you like to apply a lot of lotion to your hands after washing them, you should take the watch off and wait for your skin to dry before putting it back on.
Can I Use My Apple Watch to Perform Water Aerobics and Other Water Sports?
Swimming and other shallow-water activities can be performed with your Apple Watch Series 2 or later. However, do not use your watch for water skiing or other high-velocity water activities, as the water may be forced into the ports. Deep submersion should be avoided as well.
Keep in mind that the Apple Watch can only be submerged for 50 meters. What is the depth of 50 meters? It is 164 feet (54 yards) long. So you can go snorkelling but not scuba diving safely. Wearing your Apple Watch while doing water aerobics should be fine. Water Fitness, Water Polo, and Water Sports workouts are available on the Apple Watch.
If you want an Apple Watch better suited to scuba diving or other extreme water sports, consider the Apple Watch Ultra. It is waterproof to 100 meters (328 feet), allowing you to dive deeper than previous Apple Watch models. Apple does not recommend diving deeper than 40 meters with the Apple Watch Ultra despite the increased water resistance.
Will My Apple Watch Be Water-Resistant Indefinitely?
It is critical to remember that water resistance is not permanent. Your Apple Watch’s water resistance may deteriorate over time. Unfortunately, you cannot test your watch for water resistance or have it resealed.
A dropped watch, particularly one with a cracked display, may no longer be waterproof. Wearing your watch in a steamy environment like a sauna may also cause problems. Exposing your Apple Watch to high-velocity water is not a good idea, such as when water skiing. Of course, unless you have the Apple Watch Ultra, you should avoid submerging it in water below 50 meters (164 feet).
According to Apple, exposing your watch to anything other than fresh water can decrease water resistance over time. Soap, soapy water, perfume, solvents, detergents, acids, acidic foods, insect repellents, lotions, sunscreen, oil, and hair dye are all examples. If you get these on your watch, gently wash it off with fresh water and a nonabrasive, lint-free cloth.
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