Do you know whether the Apple Watch is water resistant? Or do you intend to get a water-resistant Apple Watch that will hold up to your scuba diving exploits? Don't draw any judgments until you have a firm grasp of the fundamentals. This post will explain if Apple Watches are water resistant and what to do if it gets wet. Finally, we've included some advice at the end of the post to help you keep your smartwatch dry. Let's get started straight now, without more delay!
Are Waterproof Apple Watches?
To put it simply, Apple Watches are water-resistant rather than waterproof. While the majority of Apple Watches are water resistant, each model has a different amount of water resistance. It is also important to ascertain if your Apple Watch has sufficient water resistance to withstand activities like swimming, pool parties, or scuba diving before engaging in any of these activities with it. Additionally, water damage is not covered by Apple's one-year guarantee, so it's important that you comprehend the water-resistance ratings on your Apple Watch.
How Apple determines water and dust resistance
It's critical to comprehend IP ratings before delving into Apple Watch IP ratings. To put it simply, IP ratings indicate the degree of protection that an electrical gadget provides. IP ratings are made up of two distinct parts: the term IP and two numbers. Protection against solid foreign objects is indicated by the first digit, while protection against liquids is shown by the second. It's interesting to note that Apple only provides IP ratings for dust resistance; all Apple Watch models manufactured after Series 8 get an IP6X certification for dust resistance (the X denoting the lack of data for liquid particles).
Apple does not employ the IP water resistance classification for the iPhone and Apple Watch, in contrast to most other gadgets. Instead, it employs the conventional depth-based scoring system. For instance, the Apple Watch Series 2 through Series 8 are certified for a water depth of 50 meters.
Models of Apple Watches & IP Ratings
Take note: Water resistance is a condition that changes over time and is not always present.We have contrasted every model according to how resistant to water and perspiration it is. Let's investigate it.| Apple Watch Model | Water-resistance | IP6X (Dust-resistance) | Supported Activities |
| Apple Watch Series 1 | Splash resistant only. Submerging not recommended. | No | Washing hands, cleaning car, light rain, etc. |
| Apple Watch Series 2 | Up to 50 meters | No | Shower, swim, other shallow-water activities |
| Apple Watch Series 3 | Up to 50 meters | No | Swim, shower, pool, beach, light rain |
| Apple Watch Series 4 | Up to 50 meters | No | Swim, shower, pool, beach, light rain |
| Apple Watch Series 5 | Up to 50 meters | No | Swimming, beach, light rain, shower, pool |
| Apple Watch Series 6 | Up to 50 meters | No | Swimming, beach, light rain, shower, pool |
| Apple Watch SE (2020) | Up to 50 meters | No | Swimming, beach, light rain, shower, pool |
| Apple Watch Series 7 | Up to 50 meters | Yes | Swimming, beach, light rain, shower, pool |
| Apple Watch Series 8 | Up to 50 meters | Yes | Swimming, shower, pool, beach, rain |
| Apple Watch SE (2022) | Up to 50 meters | Yes | Swimming, shower, pool, beach, rain |
| Apple Watch Series Ultra | Up to 100 meters | Yes | Water skiing, scuba diving, & other water sports |
Are the Bands for Apple Watch Waterproof?
You must be wondering what to do with Apple Watch bands now that you know whether Apple Watches are waterproof or not. Not every band for an Apple Watch is water-resistant or even waterproof. The various Apple Watch band varieties are listed below, along with the approved aquatic activities you may engage in while wearing them.| Sweat and water-resistant. | Water-resistance capabilities |
| Ocean Band | Waterproof. Best for high-speed water sports |
| Sports Band | Waterproof. Great for heavy workouts and water activities |
| Solo Loop | Swimproof and sweatproof |
| Braided Solo Loop | Allows the moisture to escape to some extent. |
| Sport Loop | Allows the moisture to escape at some extent. |
| Leather Loop | No water-resistance |
| Classic Buckle | No water-resistance |
| Modern Buckle | No water-resistance |
| Milanese Loop | No water-resistance |
| Link Bracelet Bands | No water-resistance |
How should one handle a damp Apple Watch?
It's a good idea to clean and dry your Apple Watch after a strenuous exercise, bath, or other activity. Here's how to go do it properly:- Wipe your Apple Watch and the band with a clean, dry, and lint-free cloth.
- Clean your wrist so that it’s completely dry before you wear your Apple Watch again.
- After swimming, don’t forget to rinse your Apple Watch 2 or later model under lightly running fresh & warm water. Then, wipe the smartwatch and the band gently with a lint-free cloth.
- Never use compressed air, heat, or any kind of spray to dry your smartwatch.
- If water gets inside the speaker or microphone, allow your Apple Watch to charge overnight to speed up evaporation. Make sure you don’t insert anything in the openings or shake your watch to remove water.
- In case water gets into the air vents of Apple Watch Series 3 or later, the barometric altimeter measurements might be less accurate. Don’t worry, everything will get back to normal once the water evaporates.
- If your Apple Watch won’t turn on after liquid damage, you should take it to the nearest Apple service center.
- Once you’re done swimming, you can press & hold the Digital Crown to clear water from your Apple Watch.
- You’ll hear a series of tones as the remaining water gets cleared from the speaker.
- To get water out of your Apple Watch manually, swipe up from the Watch Face or press the Side button (on watchOS 10) to reveal the Control Center. Then, tap the Water Lock icon. Finally, press & hold the Digital Crown to unlock the screen & clear the water.
Ways to Preserve the Water Resistance of Your Apple Watch
Water resistance might decrease or perhaps completely disappear over time since it is a temporary property. Furthermore, you are unable to verify or reseal the water resistance of your Apple Watch. You should take the following actions to extend your Apple Watch's water resistance:- Keep your Apple Watch safe from any harsh drops or other impacts that may damage the display.
- Don’t expose your smartwatch to anything other than fresh water. This includes soap, soapy liquids, detergents, perfumes, lotions, hair dyes, oil, sunscreen, acidic foods, or any other substance.
- Don’t wear your Apple Watch while high diving or cliff diving.
- If you’ve got any other model than the Apple Watch Ultra, you should avoid wearing it to high-velocity water activities (like skiing) or in a sauna.
- Avoid taking your Apple Watch Ultra in a sauna above 55-degree Celsius (130-degree Fahrenheit)