The Apple Watch is a versatile multipurpose wearable designed for all kinds of environments, but that doesn't exactly make the wearable waterproof. All current Apple Watch models are at least water-resistant, but it's important to know how well it can resist water in order to keep it in working condition.
Generally every Apple Watch -- dating as far back as the original 2015 model -- can survive a little rain or a spilled drink. But there are differences regarding whether you should wear it in the shower, in a swimming pool or when doing a more intensive activity like scuba diving or water skiing.
We'll help you figure out just how water-resistant your Apple Watch is, along with any other precautions you might want to take to keep it in good shape.
The Apple Watch Ultra can be used in deeper water while scuba diving.
Eryn Brydon/CNETHow water-resistant is it?
The harsh truth is this: No Apple Watch is 100% waterproof. However, Apple Watches are water-resistant to various degrees:
The first Apple Watch (first generation) has an IPX7 water-resistance rating, which means it's splash resistant. It should be fine if you're caught out in the rain, or if you get water on it while washing your hands, but you shouldn't submerge it under water.
The Apple Watch Series 2 and newer have a water-resistance rating of 50 meters, which means it can be submerged up to that depth. You can wear it while swimming in both fresh and salt water, but not if it involves deeper submersion or high velocity water. In other words, don't use it while scuba diving or water-skiing.
The Apple Watch Ultra series is designed as a sports and adventure watch and thus is more durable. It has a water-resistance rating of 100 meters, so it can withstand a maximum underwater depth of 100 meters. According to Apple, it can be worn during recreational scuba diving (up to 130 feet or 40 meters) and other activities such as swimming, showering and even water skiing.
How about the band?
Another important consideration is the kind of band you're using with your Apple Watch. The modern buckle, leather link, magnetic link, Milanese loop, link bracelet, Hermes leather and knit bands are not water-resistant, while the silicon-based Sport and Sport Loop bands are. For the Apple Watch Ultra, the Ocean Bands can even be worn over a wetsuit and can be fully submerged in salt water. If you're using a third-party band instead, you should refer to the manufacturer to find out if it's prone to any water damage.
Can I swim with my Apple Watch?
If you have the original Apple Watch or the Series 1, you shouldn't swim with it at all. If you have the Series 2 and newer however, swimming with it in a pool or ocean is fine. In fact, when you start a swimming workout while wearing it, it should automatically turn on Water Lock, a feature that allows you to avoid accidental taps on the screen while underwater. If you have an Apple Watch Ultra, the Water Lock feature should turn on automatically when you're submerged to a depth of 10cm or more.
You can also manually turn Water Lock on by going to your watch's Control Center. Tap the Water Lock icon and voila! It should be enabled.
After you're done with your swim or dive, you should press and hold the digital crown. This unlocks the screen and plays tones to vibrate the speaker. This vibration expels water out through the speaker grille. This prevents moisture from accumulating, which could affect sound quality or damage the speaker over time.
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Can I shower with my Apple Watch?
If you're using the Apple Watch 2 Series and newer, you can shower with it. But Apple still doesn't advise doing so because exposing it to soap or soapy water can affect its water resistance. If you insist on doing so, you should take precautions and clean it with fresh warm water afterwards and dry it with a lint-free cloth.
In fact, Apple advises the same warm water rinse procedure if the Watch comes in contact with anything other than water, such as sunscreen, perfumes, detergents and oil. Chemicals like these could potentially weaken the Watch's seals and membranes.
Can I wear my Apple Watch in a sauna or steam room?
According to Apple, this is generally not advisable as it can diminish the water resistance of the Watch. It's OK to wear the Apple Watch Ultra or later in the sauna, but the sauna cannot be hotter than 130 degrees Fahrenheit (55 degrees Celsius) for the same reasons.
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