If you own an Apple Watch Series 3, you’ve likely wondered about its capabilities around water. A common and important question is, is apple 3 watch waterproof? The short answer is that it is water-resistant, not waterproof, which is a critical distinction for protecting your device. Series 3 owners often ask about taking their watch swimming, which its water resistance permits.
Understanding the limits of this feature is key to enjoying activities like swimming without causing damage. This guide will explain everything you need to know about the Apple Watch Series 3 and water.
We’ll cover its official ratings, safe practices, and what you should avoid.
Is Apple 3 Watch Waterproof
Officially, the Apple Watch Series 3 has a water resistance rating of 50 meters under ISO standard 22810:2010. This means it is designed for shallow-water activities like swimming in a pool or ocean. However, Apple clearly states that the watch is not waterproof for scuba diving, water skiing, or other activities involving high-velocity water or submersion below shallow depth.
The construction includes seals and gaskets that protect the internal components, but these can degrade over time. Exposure to soaps, shampoos, perfumes, and heat can accelerate this wear. It’s crucial to remember that water resistance is not a permanent condition and can diminish as the watch ages.
Understanding The WR50 Rating
The “WR50” or 50-meter rating can be misleading. It does not mean you can dive 50 meters deep with the watch. Instead, the rating is based on laboratory testing under controlled, static conditions. It indicates the watch can withstand the pressure equivalent to a 50-meter depth, which simulates surface-level swimming and splashing, not deep diving.
Real-world use involves movement, changing pressures, and different water types, all of which affect the watch differently than the test. Therefore, Apple’s guidelines focus on specific allowed activities rather than just a depth number.
Apple’s Recommended Water Activities For Series 3
You can confidently wear your Series 3 during these activities:
- Swimming in a pool (chlorinated fresh water)
- Swimming in the ocean (salt water)
- Taking a shower (avoiding soap and shampoo directly on the watch)
- Walking in the rain or washing your hands
Activities To Avoid With Your Apple Watch Series 3
To prevent damage, you should not wear your Series 3 during these high-risk situations:
- Scuba diving or deep-water diving
- Water skiing, jet skiing, or other high-velocity water sports
- Saunas, steam rooms, or hot tubs (extreme heat is a risk)
- Submersion in soapy, oily, or chlorinated hot tub water
How To Use The Water Lock Feature
The Apple Watch Series 3 includes a dedicated Water Lock feature. This is essential for any water activity. It locks the touchscreen to prevent accidental taps from water droplets. When you’re finished, you turn the Digital Crown to unlock the screen and eject any water from the speaker.
Here is the step-by-step process to use Water Lock:
- Swipe up from the bottom of your watch face to open the Control Center.
- Tap the water droplet icon. The screen will show “WATER LOCK ON.”
- After your swim or shower, turn the Digital Crown slowly and steadily.
- You will feel a slight vibration and hear a series of tones as water is expelled from the speaker. The screen will then unlock.
It’s a good habit to use this feature even for short exposures, like washing your hands, to keep the speaker clear.
Proper Care After Exposure To Water
Post-swim care is just as important as using Water Lock. Proper drying helps maintain the watch’s water resistance over the long term. Salt water and chlorinated water can be particularly corrosive to the seals and materials.
Follow these steps after your watch gets wet:
- Always use the Water Lock eject function to clear water from the speaker.
- Rinse the watch with clean, lukewarm tap water if it was in salt water or a chlorinated pool. This removes residue.
- Gently dry the watch and band with a non-abrasive, lint-free cloth. A microfiber cloth works perfectly.
- Ensure the band is completely dry, especially if it’s non-porous like the silicone Sport Band. Trapped moisture can irritate your skin.
- Let the watch air dry on its side, not on the charger, until it is completely moisture-free.
What To Do If Your Apple Watch Gets Submerged
Accidents happen. If your Apple Watch Series 3 is exposed to water outside the recommended guidelines, don’t panic. Quick action can often prevent permanent damage. The key is to avoid heat and to dry it thoroughly.
First, if the watch is still on, use the Water Lock eject function immediately to try and force water out of the speaker port. Do not charge the watch while it is wet, as this can cause a short circuit.
Step By Step Emergency Drying Guide
If you suspect water has gotten inside the device, follow these steps carefully:
- Power off the watch immediately by holding the side button and sliding the “Power Off” slider.
- Dry the exterior thoroughly with a soft cloth.
- Place the watch in a dry, well-ventilated area at room temperature. Do not use an external heat source like a hair dryer, radiator, or microwave.
- Do not insert any objects, like cotton swabs or paper towels, into any openings.
- Leave it to dry for at least 48 hours before attempting to turn it back on or charge it.
After 48 hours, try turning it on. If it doesn’t power on or behaves erratically, contact Apple Support. Remember, liquid damage is not covered by the standard warranty, but you may have options for out-of-warranty service.
Signs Of Water Damage To Look For
Even with careful use, seals can fail. Be aware of these signs that may indicate water intrusion:
- The speaker sounds muffled or distorted, even after using the water eject tone.
- Condensation or fogging under the watch face glass.
- The touchscreen becomes unresponsive or registers phantom touches.
- The heart rate sensor stops working consistently.
- The watch restarts unexpectedly or will not power on.
If you notice any of these issues, stop using the watch near water and seek service.
Long Term Maintenance For Water Resistance
The water resistance of your Apple Watch Series 3 is not guaranteed forever. With normal use, the seals that keep water out will gradually wear down. You can take steps to prolong their life and protect your investment.
Avoid exposing the watch to common substances that degrade seals. These include soaps, shampoos, conditioners, lotions, perfumes, solvents, and acids. It’s best to put your watch on after applying creams or perfumes, and to rinse it after a swim in chemically treated water.
When To Avoid Wearing Your Watch
Certain environments pose a high risk. You should remove your Series 3 before entering a sauna or steam room, as extreme heat can damage seals and other components. Similarly, avoid wearing it in a hot tub; the combination of hot water, chemicals, and jet pressure can compromise its integrity.
If you have a leather or fabric band, you should always remove it before getting the watch wet, as these materials can be damaged by water. Only wear bands designed to get wet, like the Fluoroelastomer Sport Band or a Sport Loop, during water activities.
Checking For Seal Integrity
There is no user-serviceable way to test the seals yourself. However, if you use your watch frequently in water, it’s wise to have its water resistance checked annually by an authorized service provider. They can perform pressure tests to ensure it’s still within specification.
If you ever have the watch repaired for any reason, even a battery replacement, ensure the service includes re-establishing the water resistance seals. Not all third-party repair shops can guarantee this, so using Apple Authorized Service Providers is recommended.
Comparing Series 3 To Newer Apple Watch Models
Apple has improved water resistance in later models. While the Series 3 is rated for swimming, the Apple Watch Series 4 and later also carry a 50-meter rating but with enhanced durability. The Apple Watch SE (both generations) shares a similar water resistance profile to the Series 3.
The Apple Watch Series 7 and later, along with the Apple Watch Ultra, introduced an IP6X dust resistance rating and are certified for more extreme water sports. The Ultra, in particular, is designed for recreational diving. For the vast majority of swimmers, the Series 3 remains a capable device, but it’s important to know its limits compared to newer technology.
Is It Worth Using An Old Series 3 For Swimming
If your Series 3 is several years old and has never been serviced, its water resistance is likely diminished. Using it for swimming carries more risk than using a new one. Consider having it checked before relying on it for regular swim tracking.
If swimming is a primary activity for you, upgrading to a newer model with more robust seals and additional swim-tracking features might be a worthwhile investment for peace of mind. The Swim workout app on Series 3 is functional, but newer watches offer more advanced metrics like stroke detection and SWOLF scores for efficiency.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are clear answers to some common variations of the question about the Apple Watch Series 3 and water.
Can I Shower With My Apple Watch Series 3
Yes, you can shower with your Apple Watch Series 3. However, you should avoid exposing it to soaps, shampoos, conditioners, and very hot water, as these can harm the water-resistant seals. It’s generally safe for rinsing off, but for prolonged, soapy showers, it’s safer to remove it.
How Deep Can The Apple 3 Watch Go In Water
The Apple Watch Series 3 is rated for depths up to 50 meters in laboratory conditions. In practice, Apple recommends it only for surface swimming and shallow-water activities. It is not designed for diving, snorkeling, or submersion involving high water pressure.
What Happens If I Forget To Use Water Lock
If you forget to activate Water Lock, the watch should still be fine for casual swimming. The feature mainly prevents the screen from activating accidentally. The water eject function is the most important part, as it clears the speaker. After swimming, you can still turn the crown to activate the eject tones even if you didn’t enable Water Lock beforehand.
Does Apple Cover Water Damage On The Series 3
No, Apple’s standard one-year limited warranty and AppleCare+ do not cover accidental damage from liquids. Water damage is considered accidental damage. With AppleCare+, you would pay an incident fee for service. Without coverage, you would pay the full out-of-warranty repair cost, which is often substantial.
Can I Go In A Hot Tub With My Apple Watch 3
No, you should not wear your Apple Watch Series 3 in a hot tub. The combination of hot water, chemicals, and high-velocity jets from the bubbles can damage the seals and allow water to enter the device. The high heat alone can also cause other problems with the battery and display.