If you’ve ever wondered what is water lock on apple watch, you’re in the right place. Water Lock on your Apple Watch is a feature that temporarily disables the touchscreen to prevent accidental taps during swimming. It’s a crucial tool for anyone who uses their watch around water, ensuring your workout data stays accurate and your device stays safe.
This guide will explain everything you need to know. We’ll cover how it works, why it’s important, and how to use it correctly.
What Is Water Lock On Apple Watch
Water Lock is a specific mode activated on Apple Watch Series 2 and later models. Its primary function is to lock the screen. When enabled, touches and swipes do not register. This stops water droplets from mimicking finger taps, which can cause app launches or ended workouts.
Simultaneously, it engages a water ejection sequence. After you turn off Water Lock, the watch plays a series of sounds to push water out of the speaker ports. This helps protect the internal components from potential water damage, even though the watch is water-resistant.
How Water Lock Differs From Water Resistance
It’s vital to understand that Water Lock is a software feature, not a physical seal. Your Apple Watch’s water resistance is a hardware rating based on its construction and seals. For example, most recent models have a WR50 rating, meaning they are suitable for shallow-water activities.
Water Lock complements this hardware by managing the software side during exposure. It does not make your watch more water-resistant. Instead, it prevents software errors and aids in drying after exposure.
Understanding Apple Watch Water Resistance Ratings
- Apple Watch Series 2 and 3: Rated to 50 meters. Suitable for swimming in a pool or ocean.
- Apple Watch Series 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, and SE (2nd gen): Also rated to 50 meters. Good for pool and ocean swimming.
- Apple Watch Ultra and Ultra 2: Rated to 100 meters. Suitable for high-speed water sports and recreational diving.
When You Should Activate Water Lock
You should turn on Water Lock anytime your watch will be submerged or exposed to significant splashing. The most common use is for tracking swim workouts using the built-in Workout app. The app usualy prompts you to enable it automatically when you start a swim.
Other ideal scenarios include:
- Showering with your watch on (though Apple generally discourages exposure to soaps and shampoos).
- Washing your hands while wearing the watch.
- Running in heavy rain or during a storm.
- Participating in water sports like kayaking or surfing.
- Doing chores that involve water, like washing a car or dishes.
How To Turn On Water Lock
Activating Water Lock is straightforward. You can do it manually or let it start automatically with a swim workout.
Method 1: Manual Activation From The Control Center
- Wake your Apple Watch by tapping the screen or raising your wrist.
- Swipe up from the very bottom of the watch face to open the Control Center. It’s the panel with icons for battery, connectivity, and more.
- Look for the water droplet icon. It’s the Water Lock button.
- Tap the water droplet icon. The screen will show “Water Lock On” and you’ll feel a haptic tap. The screen is now locked.
Method 2: Automatic Activation During A Swim Workout
- Open the Workout app on your Apple Watch.
- Scroll to and select “Pool Swim” or “Open Water Swim.”
- Set your calorie, time, or distance goal, or just tap to start.
- You will see a three-second countdown. When the workout begins, Water Lock will engage automatically. You’ll see the water droplet icon at the top of your screen.
How To Turn Off Water Lock And Eject Water
Turning off Water Lock is just as important as turning it on. This process also triggers the water ejection sequence to clear the speaker.
- Once you are out of the water and ready to use your watch normally, firmly press and hold on the digital crown (the dial on the side).
- Continue to hold the crown. You will feel it start to vibrate and hear a series of beeping sounds. This can last for about 10-15 seconds.
- Do not release the crown until the sounds and vibrations stop completely. The screen will display “Unlocking…” and then return to normal.
- After the sounds finish, you can release the crown. Your touchscreen is now active again.
The sounds you hear are designed to force water out of the speaker cavity through vibrations. It’s a good idea to tilt your wrist so the speaker (on the left side of the watch) faces downward during this process.
What To Do If Water Lock Won’t Turn Off
Sometimes, if the digital crown is wet or the watch is very new, the turn-off process might not initiate immediately. Here are some troubleshooting steps:
- Dry the Digital Crown: Gently wipe the crown and the surrounding area with a soft, lint-free cloth. Moisture can sometimes interfere with the press-and-hold mechanism.
- Press More Firmly: Ensure you are pressing the crown in firmly and holding it without twisting.
- Restart Your Watch: If it still won’t respond, you can force restart your Apple Watch by holding both the side button and the digital crown for about 10 seconds until you see the Apple logo. This will not eject water, but it may resolve a software hang.
- Let It Dry: If all else fails, let the watch dry completely in a well-ventilated area for a few hours before trying again.
Common Issues And Troubleshooting
Even with a reliable feature like Water Lock, users can encounter occasional problems. Here’s how to address the most common ones.
Water Lock Activated By Itself Or Accidentally
If you find Water Lock on and you didn’t turn it on, it’s likely one of two reasons. First, you may have started a swim workout without realizing it, which triggers it automatically. Second, you might have accidentally tapped the water droplet icon in the Control Center.
To prevent this, be mindful when swiping through the Control Center. You can also rearrange Control Center icons in the Watch app on your iPhone to move the Water Lock button to a less prominent spot.
No Sound During Water Ejection
Don’t panic if you don’t hear the ejection sounds. The watch might be on Silent Mode. Check that the mute icon (a bell with a slash) is not present in your Control Center. Also, ensure the volume is turned up via the Settings app on the watch.
If the watch is on Silent Mode, the ejection will still occur using haptic vibrations only. You’ll feel the series of taps on your wrist instead of hearing the tones.
Water In Speaker After Ejection
It’s normal for a little moisture to remain in or around the speaker grille immediately after water exposure. The ejection sequence is designed to remove most water, but it may not be 100% effective every time.
If audio sounds muffled, place the watch in a dry, airy location with the speaker facing down. You can gently tap your wrist against your palm to help dislodge droplets. Avoid using compressed air or heat sources like a hair dryer, as these can damage the seals.
Best Practices For Water And Your Apple Watch
Using Water Lock correctly is part of a broader strategy for maintaining your Apple Watch around water. Following these tips will help ensure its longevity.
Rinse With Fresh Water After Exposure
After swimming in a pool or the ocean, always rinse your Apple Watch under a gentle stream of fresh, lukewarm water. This removes chlorine, salt, sand, and other debris that can corrode seals and materials over time. Do this before you use the Water Lock ejection feature for best results.
Dry Your Watch Thoroughly
After rinsing and ejecting water, dry the watch completely. Use a soft, lint-free cloth to gently wipe the case, band, and especially the digital crown and side button. If you have a non-water-resistant band like leather or stainless steel link, switch to a sport band or solo loop before water activities.
Understand The Limitations Of Water Resistance
Water resistance is not permanent. It can diminish over time due to normal wear, accidental impacts, or exposure to chemicals. Apple’s warranty does not cover water damage, so it’s important to be proactive. Avoid exposing your watch to high-velocity water (like water skiing), steam rooms, saunas, or very hot water.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Does Water Lock Drain The Apple Watch Battery?
No, Water Lock itself uses a negligible amount of battery. It simply disables the touchscreen. However, using your watch for a GPS and heart-rate tracked swim workout will consume battery, as any workout does.
Can I Use My Apple Watch In The Shower With Water Lock?
Technically, yes, Water Lock will prevent screen issues. However, Apple recommends avoiding contact with soaps, shampoos, conditioners, perfumes, and lotions, as they can degrade water-resistant seals. High-temperature steam can also be a problem for the seals.
What Happens If I Get A Call With Water Lock On?
You will still receive notifications and calls, but you cannot answer via touchscreen. You can, however, use the digital crown and side button to manage some things. To answer a call, you would need to press the side button or use a paired Bluetooth headset.
Is Water Lock Available On All Apple Watch Models?
Water Lock is available on Apple Watch Series 2 and every model released after that. This includes all SE models. The original Apple Watch (Series 0 and Series 1) is not water-resistant and does not have the Water Lock feature.
Why Won’t My Apple Watch Unlock After Swimming?
If the digital crown is still wet or has debris in it, the press-and-hold action may not register. Dry the crown thoroughly with a cloth. If that fails, try restarting the watch as mentioned earlier. Persistent issues might require contacting Apple Support.
Water Lock is an essential, smart feature for protecting your Apple Watch’s functionality during water-based activities. By understanding what it is, when to use it, and how to manage it properly, you can confidently take your watch for a swim or through a rainy day without worry. Just remember to activate it, let it do its job ejecting water afterwards, and always give your device a good rinse and dry.