Dropped your Apple Watch in the pool? Touched the screen with wet hands and suddenly you’re texting your boss an emoji you didn’t even know existed? We’ve all been there. Water and touchscreens sometimes mix about as well as cats and bathtubs. But don’t worry, Apple thought this one through. The Apple Watch’s Water Lock feature is here to save the day (and your dignity) by safeguarding your watch and ensuring smooth operation even when wet. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explain how Water Lock functions, how to activate and deactivate it properly, and proven ways to maintain your Apple Watch after water exposure. With this knowledge, you’ll be ready to make the most out of every swim or shower without a hitch.
What Is Water Lock on Apple Watch?
Water Lock is a specialized feature built into Apple Watch Series 2 and later models that serves two essential purposes: preventing accidental screen interactions and clearing water from the device’s speaker. This function can be activated manually through the Control Center or automatically when you begin swimming workouts.
In practical situations, Water Lock acts as your watch’s defense mechanism against water. Swimming laps? Water Lock prevents errant touches from pool water. Washing dishes? It keeps soap suds from triggering random apps. Taking a shower? It ensures water droplets don’t interfere with your watch face.
How Does Apple Watch Water Lock Actually Work?
The technology behind Water Lock is surprisingly straightforward yet effective. When activated, it employs two key mechanisms to protect your device:
Screen Locking: Keeping Your Apple Watch Protected in Water
When Water Lock is active, your watch’s touchscreen becomes completely unresponsive to taps and swipes. This prevents water droplets, which can mimic finger touches, from accidentally starting or stopping workouts, sending messages, making calls, or changing settings. While the screen is locked, you can still interact with your watch using the Digital Crown to scroll through notifications or check workout metrics.
Clever Speaker Cleaning and Water Ejection
Perhaps the most innovative aspect of Water Lock is how it handles water removal. When you deactivate Water Lock, your Apple Watch plays a sequence of tones through its speaker. These sounds create vibrations that physically push water out of the speaker cavity. This process is actually visible, you can see tiny water droplets being expelled from the speaker grille when the tones play. The vibration frequency is specifically calibrated to efficiently dislodge water without damaging the speaker components. Think of it as your watch giving a tiny sneeze to clear out the water when it’s back to dry land.
Water Resistance Ratings by Apple Watch Model
Understanding your Apple Watch’s water resistance capabilities is crucial for knowing when to use Water Lock and what water activities are safe for your device.
Apple Watch Series 1 and 1st Generation
- Water resistance rating: IPX7 (under IEC standard 60529)
- Suitable for: Splashes, rain, sweat
- Not suitable for: Swimming or submersion
The original Apple Watch and Series 1 are splash-resistant only and should never be submerged in water. These models don’t include the Water Lock feature.
Apple Watch Series 2 through Series 8 (Including SE models)
- Water resistance rating: 50 meters (under ISO standard 22810:2010)
- Suitable for: Swimming in pools or ocean, shallow water activities
- Not suitable for: Scuba diving, waterskiing, high-velocity water sports
Starting with Series 2, Apple Watches became significantly more water-resistant and introduced the Water Lock feature. These models can handle swimming in pools or the ocean but aren’t designed for high-pressure water activities.
Apple Watch Ultra and Ultra 2
- Water resistance rating: 100 meters (under ISO standard 22810:2010)
- Suitable for: Swimming, recreational diving (to 40m), high-velocity water sports
- Additional certifications: EN13319 (for diving equipment)
The Ultra models offer the highest water resistance of any Apple Watch, with enhanced capabilities for diving and water sports that aren’t recommended for standard models.
| Apple Watch Model | Water Resistance Rating | Swimming | Showering | Diving | High-Velocity Water Sports |
| Series 1/Original | IPX7 (splash resistant) | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
| Series 2-8 and SE | 50 meters | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ |
| Ultra and Ultra 2 | 100 meters | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
Activating Water Lock: Step-by-Step Procedures (2025 Updated)
There are two ways to activate Water Lock on your Apple Watch: manual activation through Control Center and automatic activation during water-based activities.
Manual Activation via Control Center
For watchOS 10 and newer models
- Press the side button to access the Control Center.
- Scroll until you find the water droplet icon.
- Tap the icon to activate Water Lock.
For watchOS 9 and older versions
- Swipe up from the bottom of the watch face to open the Control Center.
- Locate and tap the water droplet icon.
Once activated, you’ll notice a small water droplet icon at the top of your watch face, indicating Water Lock is enabled.
How to Turn On Water Lock on Apple Watch with New Update
With each watchOS update, the method to access certain features might change slightly. If you’ve updated your Apple Watch to the latest version, here’s how to turn on Water Lock:
- Press and hold the bottom of the watch face to bring up the Control Center (or press the side button if using watchOS 10 or later).
- Swipe up or scroll to find the water droplet icon.
- Tap the icon to enable Water Lock.
This method applies to models like the Apple Watch Series 8, Series 7, Series 6, and Apple Watch SE running the latest software.
Automatic Activation of Water Lock
For those who frequently swim or participate in water sports, Apple has implemented automatic Water Lock activation. During swimming workouts, Water Lock automatically activates when you begin a swimming workout in the Workout app. The Apple Watch Ultra can detect submersion and automatically enable Water Lock when it senses water pressure changes.
How Water Lock Impacts Watch Functionality
When Water Lock is active, your Apple Watch continues to function with some important changes.
- Screen interaction: The touchscreen is completely disabled to prevent water from registering as touches.
- Notifications: Still received, but cannot be interacted with on the screen while locked.
- Haptic feedback: Continues to function normally, allowing you to feel alerts.
- Workout tracking: Continues uninterrupted in the background, maintaining accurate metrics.
Despite the locked screen, you can still:
- View the time and your current workout stats.
- Receive notifications (though you can’t respond until unlocking).
- Feel haptic alerts for important information.
- Track your exercise duration, heart rate, and other metrics.
This balance ensures your watch remains functional while preventing water from causing unwanted inputs or interruptions.
How to Deactivate Apple Watch Water Lock (in 3 Easy Steps)
Turning off Water Lock is even simpler than turning it on:
- Press and hold the Digital Crown (the rotating dial on the side of your watch).
- Continue holding until you hear a series of beeps and mechanical sounds.
- You’ll see “Unlocked” appear on screen when the process completes.
During this process, your watch is actively expelling water from its speaker. The entire sequence takes about 2–3 seconds to complete.
Pro Tip: If you hear water sloshing in your watch after swimming, manually trigger Water Lock and then immediately deactivate it to run the water ejection process again.
What to Do If Your Watch Gets Wet Without Water Lock
If your Apple Watch is unexpectedly exposed to water without Water Lock activated, don’t panic. Take these steps to protect your device:
- Remove the watch from the water as soon as possible.
- Dry the exterior thoroughly with a non-abrasive, lint-free cloth.
- Activate Water Lock manually, then immediately turn it off to eject water from the speaker.
- Allow the watch to air dry completely before charging.
For Series 2 and later watches, brief water exposure without Water Lock shouldn’t cause damage due to their water resistance rating. However, activating Water Lock after exposure helps clear water from the speaker system and ensures no residual moisture remains.
If you notice any unusual behavior after water exposure (screen issues, muffled sound, etc.), place the watch in a well-ventilated area to dry for at least 24 hours before attempting to charge it.
When Should You Use Water Lock on Your Apple Watch?
Water Lock provides protection in numerous scenarios. Here’s when you should consider using it:
| Activity | Should You Use a Water Lock? | Why? |
| Swimming (pool or open water) | Yes , Activates automatically | Prevents accidental inputs, cleans speaker |
| Showering | Recommended | Soap and shampoo droplets can trigger screen interactions |
| Heavy rain exposure | Yes | Consistent droplets may trigger screen |
| Washing hands/dishes | Optional but beneficial | Brief exposure with potential for accidental touches |
| Water sports (surfing, kayaking) | Highly recommended | Consistent water exposure and splashing |
While your Apple Watch maintains its water resistance regardless of Water Lock status, using the feature provides extra protection and ensures proper cleaning afterward.
Water Resistance Over Time and Maintenance
It’s important to understand that the water resistance of Apple Watches naturally diminishes over time. Several factors can affect your watch’s water resistance:
- Physical impacts
- Chemical exposure
- Heat exposure
- Normal aging
Apple does not offer a service to reseal Apple Watches for water resistance. To maintain your watch’s water resistance:
- Avoid exposing your watch to soaps, shampoos, lotions, and perfumes when possible.
- Rinse with fresh water after swimming in salt water or chlorinated pools.
- Dry thoroughly after water exposure.
- Avoid impacts that could damage internal seals.
There is no way for users to test water resistance at home. If you’ve had your watch for several years or it has experienced significant wear, it’s safest to be more cautious around water.
Understanding Water Resistance Terms
When it comes to Apple Watches, these key terms have specific meanings:
- Water-resistant: Can withstand some water exposure but has limitations. All Apple Watch models are water-resistant to varying degrees.
- Swim-proof: A marketing term Apple uses for Series 2 and later watches, indicating they can be used for swimming. This signifies the watch can handle pool and open water swimming.
- Waterproof: No electronic device is truly waterproof indefinitely. Apple never claims its watches are “waterproof,” as this would imply unlimited protection against water.
In practical terms, all Apple Watches are water-resistant to some degree. Series 2 and later are considered “swim-proof” by Apple. No Apple Watch is completely impervious to water damage under all conditions. Understanding these distinctions helps set realistic expectations for how your watch will perform around water.
Troubleshooting Common Issues Related to Water Lock
Missing Water Lock Icon
If you can’t find the Water Lock icon in Control Center:
- Open the Watch app on your paired iPhone.
- Tap “My Watch” > “Control Center”.
- Scroll down to find “Water Lock” in the “More Controls” section.
- Tap the green “+” button to add it to your Control Center.
Unsuccessful Water Ejection
If water remains trapped in your speaker after deactivation:
- Repeat the Water Lock deactivation process 2–3 times.
- Gently tap the watch against your palm (speaker side down) while wrapped in a lint-free cloth.
- Allow the watch to sit with the speaker facing down for 30–60 minutes.
If problems persist, consider contacting Apple Support, as there may be a hardware issue with the speaker membrane.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Does Water Lock Affect Apple Watch’s Native Water Resistance?
No, Water Lock doesn’t enhance or reduce your device’s built-in water resistance. It’s an additional protective feature that works alongside the physical water resistance seals. Your watch maintains its rated water resistance whether Water Lock is activated or not^1.
2. Is Water Lock Available on All Apple Watch Models?
Water Lock is available on Apple Watch Series 2 and later models, including Series 3, Series 6, Series 7, Series 8, and Apple Watch SE. The original Apple Watch and Series 1 don’t have this feature because they lack the necessary water resistance rating required for swimming and complete submersion.
3. How Does Water Lock Work on Apple Watch Series 6?
On the Apple Watch Series 6, Water Lock operates using advanced sensors and software integration. Activation and deactivation are performed as described earlier, with the added benefits of improved water resistance and durability found in this model.
4. How to Turn On Water Lock on Apple Watch Series 6
To activate Water Lock on your Apple Watch Series 6:
- Press the side button to access the Control Center.
- Tap the water droplet icon.
Alternatively, start a swimming workout, and Water Lock will activate automatically.
5. Can Apple’s Warranty Cover Damage by Water Despite Water Lock?
Apple’s warranty typically doesn’t cover water damage, even if Water Lock was activated. The feature helps prevent accidental inputs and ejects water from the speaker, but it doesn’t guarantee protection against water ingress if seals are compromised or if the watch is exposed to conditions beyond its water-resistance rating..
6. Does the Apple Watch Water Lock Actually Work?
Yes, Water Lock works effectively to disable the touchscreen and eject water from the speaker. Many swimmers and water sports enthusiasts rely on it daily to protect their devices during aquatic activities.
7. What Happens If You Don’t Turn On Water Lock on an Apple Watch?
If you don’t activate Water Lock before water exposure, your watch may register false touches from water droplets, potentially causing unwanted actions like app launches or settings changes. Additionally, water might remain trapped in the speaker, potentially affecting audio quality until it evaporates naturally.
8. Do You Have to Turn On Water Lock Before Swimming with an Apple Watch?
No, you don’t have to manually activate Water Lock before swimming if you use the swimming workout in the Workout app. The watch automatically enables Water Lock when you start a swimming workout. However, manually activating it provides additional peace of mind.
9. Do I Need to Turn On the Water Lock Before Showering?
While not strictly necessary, it’s recommended to activate Water Lock before showering. Shower water droplets, soap, and shampoo can trigger unintended screen interactions. Using Water Lock eliminates this risk and makes it easy to clear water from the speaker afterward.
Conclusion
Water Lock is one of the Apple Watch’s most practical features for active users, combining intelligent screen protection with innovative water ejection technology. By understanding how and when to use Water Lock, you can confidently wear your Apple Watch during swims, showers, and water sports without worry. Remember that while Water Lock provides excellent protection, water resistance in any device naturally diminishes over time. Regular maintenance and proper care after water exposure will ensure your Apple Watch continues performing reliably for years to come. Whether you’re synchronizing your laps in the pool or just belting out show tunes in the shower, knowing how to use Water Lock means your Apple Watch can keep up with your aquatic adventures. So go ahead, make a splash!