Can You Swim With An Apple Watch?
The Apple Watch is designed to be your best fitness buddy, tracking your biometrics and playing your favorite workout tunes on the Apple Music app.
A lot of users buy the Apple Watch because it is designed to be water-resistant.
And, let’s face it, we all want something that can track our aquatic activities and how well we are doing.
But can you actually swim with the Apple Watch on your wrist?
Can you swim with an Apple Watch?
The Apple Watch Series 2 and after can go in up to 50 meters of water. The Water Lock in these watches locks the screen if the system detects that you are swimming. Just don’t take it deeper than 50 meters or do any high-impact water sports, as this could damage the Apple Watch.
The truth is, you can do some swimming while wearing the Apple Watch, but the watch still requires a certain level of care.
Sure, it has water-resistant components protecting its inner components, but that does not mean that they are infallible.
After all, water-resistant components can be subject to wear and tear – and they are not something you want weakening.
You will want to take heed: Deeper water is not the Apple Watch’s friend.
The increased pressure might be too much for the watch to take.
High impact water sports, in general, should be avoided while wearing the Apple Watch.
Otherwise, there are a lot of things you can do in the water with the Apple Watch.
Let us go over what some of those things are and how to keep your Apple Watch clean and safe.
Is the Apple Watch waterproof?
The Apple Watch Series 2 and after is rated WR50, which means that it is water-resistant in up to 50 feet of water.
This means that the Apple Watch is water-resistant but not waterproof.
Waterproof would mean that all of its materials are inherently able to repel water, but the Apple Watch has protective outer components that are water-resistant.
The Apple Watch Series 1 and earlier are not WR50; instead, they are only splash-resistant.
You should not take one into the pool or lake with you at all.
It will likely fail if you do.
Can I take a shower with my Apple Watch on?
You can take a shower with your Apple Watch on your wrist.
However, you really need to exercise caution while doing so.
Apple does not recommend showering with it on since soap, shampoo, lotion, and other chemical-ridden toiletries can have a negative impact on the Apple Watch.
They can cause excess wear on the water-resistant parts, which could eventually wear down enough that water can get inside of the watch.
Can I swim with my Apple Watch on?
You can go swimming with the Apple Watch strapped to your wrist – as long as you stay above 50 meters of water.
Needless to say, deep sea diving is not something you will want to do while wearing the Apple Watch.
The pressure will be too much for the watch to be able to sustain.
The Apple Watch is safe to wear in pools as well as in fresh or salt water bodies.
Just make sure you clean the watch off after any dip in the water and dry it thoroughly.
What can I do if my Apple Watch gets wet?
If you accidentally splash water onto your Apple Watch, just wipe it off gently with a lint-free, nonabrasive cloth.
Do not use any type of compressed air, heat, or any type of spray to clean the watch.
You will also want to clean and dry off the watch after sweating from vigorous exercise.
The band needs to be cleaned off too.
If water does somehow get into the speakers, do not insert anything or try to shake the watch to get it out.
Instead, open up the Control Center, then tap Water Lock.
Next, you will need to turn the Digital Crown in order to unlock the screen.
Once you do, clear the water out from the speaker.
How does the Water Lock screen work?
Water Lock is a helpful feature. It comes on the Series 2 and after, and it will automatically lock your screen if the system detects that you are swimming or starting a swimming workout.
You can make sure that Water Lock engages before you get in the water by swiping up from the bottom of the screen to open up the Control Center.
Then, rotate the Digital Crown or flick the screen using your finger until the water drop icon comes up.
When it does, tap on it. This will make the screen stop responding to swipes and taps.
When you get out of the water, you can rotate it again to unlock the screen.
Will sand or soap damage my Apple Watch?
Sand and soap can cause problems for the Apple Watch.
Apple emphasizes that you avoid coming into contact with any type of soap while wearing the Apple Watch.
Little grains of sand can also be problematic since they can wedge themselves into the edges of the screen and become difficult to get out.
The Apple Watch is not rated for solid particle protection, and that of course includes sand.
Closing Thoughts
The Apple Watch is a device that you can take in the water with you.
Swim with it, go snorkeling in shallow water, or take a quick rinse in the shower (sans soap) – these things will not hurt the water-resistant Apple Watch.
Just don’t think about wearing it while jet skiing, deep sea diving, or showering with soap or shampoo. Always be sure to gently clean and dry the Apple Watch to keep it in good working condition.