Are Apple Watches waterproof? What you need to know

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? The short answer: every Apple Watch is water resistant, not waterproof, with ratings that range from IPX7 on the original models to 100 meters on Ultra. 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.

1. 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.
2. 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.

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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. Submerging isn’t recommended
Series 2 and later (including SE models), including Series 11 and Series 12	Up to 50 meters (WR50)	ISO 22810:2010	Shallow-water swimming, such as in a pool or the ocean
Ultra and later, including Ultra 3 and Ultra 4	Up to 100 meters (WR100)	ISO 22810:2010, EN13319	Swimming, snorkeling, high-speed water sports, and recreational scuba diving up to 40m (130ft)

Note: Water resistance isn’t a permanent feature and can wear down over time with regular use. Apple also says a watch can’t be rechecked or resealed for water resistance.

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 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 a pool or shallow open water, like the ocean. Series 10 and later also support snorkeling to 6 meters. 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, high-speed water sports, and recreational scuba diving down to 40 meters (130 feet). Apple says scuba diving needs a compatible dive app from the App Store. That makes it an excellent choice for underwater adventures and water sports lovers.

Activities to Avoid:

• Soap, showering, or bathing: Apple says to keep soap and soapy water off every model, including while showering or bathing. If soap gets on the watch, rinse it with fresh warm water and dry it with a lint-free cloth.
• Saunas or steam rooms: Apple says to avoid steam rooms on every model. Saunas are off-limits for models other than Ultra, and Ultra should stay out of saunas above 55°C (130°F).
• High-velocity water: Apple says models other than Ultra shouldn’t be exposed to high-velocity water, such as water skiing. Keep the watch away from strong sprays, too.
• Cliff diving and high diving: These are off-limits on every model, so take the watch off before you jump.
• Diving below 40 meters: Only Ultra models are rated for recreational scuba diving, and Apple says not to use them below 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. Apple says several bands aren’t water resistant, and that stainless steel and leather bands shouldn’t be exposed to liquids.

Leather and metal bands are the ones to watch. They can absorb water, tarnish, or wear down if they get wet, which affects both their look and comfort.

Bands Apple lists as not water resistant:

1. Leather Link
2. Modern Buckle (FineWoven or leather)
3. Hermès leather and knit bands
4. Milanese Loop (metal)
5. Link Bracelet (metal)
6. Magnetic Link

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 sport band. Choosing the right band helps keep your Apple Watch in great shape and comfy to wear, no matter what you’re up to. If you’re shopping for one, our guide to the best Apple Watch bands can help.

How long can an Apple Watch be in water?

Apple doesn’t publish a time limit for how long the watch can stay submerged. As a precaution, keep continuous exposure to about 30 minutes, especially if you’re swimming or doing water sports. That matters more as the watch gets older, since water resistance can diminish over time.

After swimming, including in salt or chlorinated water, gently rinse Series 2 and later under lightly running, warm, fresh water. Then dry the watch thoroughly.

Protect your Apple Watch with Water Lock

Apple Watch Series 2 and later come with a handy Water Lock feature. It turns on automatically when you start a water-based workout, such as swimming or surfing, and on Ultra it also turns on when a scuba dive starts. Ultra and later can also turn it on automatically once the watch is submerged to 10 cm or deeper. While it’s on, the screen ignores touch, so water droplets won’t trigger taps. Double tap and wrist flick gestures stop working too.

How to activate Water Lock manually:

1. Press the side button to open Control Center.
2. Tap the Water Lock button.
   

When you finish, press and hold the Digital Crown until the display says Unlocked. A series of tones clears the water from the speaker. On watchOS 8 or earlier, turn the Digital Crown instead of pressing it.

Tips to maintain water resistance

To keep your Apple Watch as water resistant as possible:

• Keep your watch away from soap, shampoo, perfume, lotion, sunscreen, and insect repellent, as these can affect the water seals.
• 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 nonabrasive, lint-free cloth to dry and clean your Apple Watch thoroughly. Skip heat, compressed air, and sprays, which Apple warns against.
• Turn on Water Lock before a swim, so a stray tap doesn’t register on the screen.
• 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: Apple lists several bands, including leather, Milanese Loop, and Link Bracelet, as not water resistant.

Warranty and water damage

Important: Apple’s support page says water resistance can diminish over time, and that a watch can’t be rechecked or resealed for water resistance. Before you assume a water-damage repair is covered, check your warranty or AppleCare+ terms with Apple. Following the care tips above lowers the risk.

What to do if your Apple Watch gets water damaged

If you suspect water damage:

1. Remove the watch from the water immediately.
2. Turn off Water Lock by pressing and holding the Digital Crown until the display says Unlocked. This also clears the speaker.
3. Wipe the watch dry with a nonabrasive, lint-free cloth. Don’t use heat, compressed air, or sprays, and don’t shake the watch or poke anything into the speaker or mic openings.
4. If the speaker still sounds muffled, charge the watch overnight, which may speed up evaporation.
5. If issues like a foggy screen, unresponsive touch, or a 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!

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