You’re running late, and every second counts. As you hop in the shower, you glance at your wrist and wonder, can I just leave my Apple Watch on? It’s a common question for anyone who’s grown accustomed to having notifications, health data, and even their favorite playlists just a tap away. The line between a water-resistant device and one that’s truly waterproof is blurry, and understanding it can save you from a very costly mistake.
So, let’s tackle the question head-on: Can You Shower With Apple Watch? (Series 7, SE & Older) – WatchRanker The short answer is that it’s generally not recommended, but the full explanation is a bit more nuanced. It depends heavily on which model you own, the specific conditions of your shower, and what you hope to achieve by wearing it there. While your watch might survive an accidental splash, subjecting it to a daily steamy shower is a different story altogether.
What Apple’s Water Resistance Ratings Actually Mean
First, it’s crucial to understand that no Apple Watch is officially rated as “waterproof.” Instead, they are given a water resistance rating. For Apple Watch Series 7 and newer, as well as the SE and SE 2 models, Apple specifies a water resistance rating of 50 meters under the ISO standard 22810:2010. This sounds impressive, and it is—for certain activities. This rating means the watch is suitable for shallow-water activities like swimming in a pool or ocean.
However, this rating was established using controlled, pure water. It doesn’t account for the chemicals, soaps, shampoos, and conditioners we use in the shower. These substances can degrade the water-resistant seals over time, making your watch more vulnerable to liquid damage. Furthermore, the rating does not consider high-velocity water, like the direct stream from a showerhead, or the significant heat and steam present in a typical shower.
The Hidden Dangers of Showering With Your Watch
Even if your watch can technically handle being submerged, the shower environment presents unique risks. Soap is perhaps the biggest culprit. It’s designed to break down oils and grease, and it can similarly degrade the delicate water-resistant seals that protect your watch’s internal components. Once those seals are compromised, their ability to keep water out is permanently reduced.
Heat and steam are another major concern. The steam from a hot shower can potentially work its way into the device in ways that liquid water cannot. It can condense inside the watch, behind the screen, leading to internal moisture damage that may not be immediately apparent. Apple explicitly warns against exposing the watch to high-velocity water, steam, or soapy water, which perfectly describes the average shower experience.
Can You Shower With Apple Watch? (Series 7, SE & Older) – WatchRanker
Let’s break it down by model to give you the clearest picture. For owners of an Apple Watch Series 2 through Series 8, as well as the Ultra models, the hardware is technically capable of withstanding water. The SE and SE 2 models also share this robust water resistance. But again, capability doesn’t equal advisability. A quick, accidental rinse is one thing; a long, hot, soapy shower is another.
If you have an original, first-generation Apple Watch (Series 0), you should be especially cautious. Its water resistance was much less robust and it’s not designed for any kind of submersion. For these older models, even a splash could be problematic.
Practical Tips for When Your Watch Gets Wet
There will be times when your watch gets wet, whether by accident or after a swim. Apple has built-in a clever feature to help with this: the Water Lock. When you activate this mode (the droplet icon on the control center), it locks the screen to prevent accidental taps from water droplets. When you’re done, you turn the Digital Crown to unlock it, and the watch will eject any water from the speaker, accompanied by a series of tones. It’s a good practice to use this any time your watch is exposed to water.
If you do get soap, shampoo, or any other substance on your watch, Apple recommends gently rinsing it with lukewarm tap water. Avoid using any cleaning agents, compressed air, or heat to dry it. Simply wipe it with a non-abrasive, lint-free cloth.
What About the Apple Watch in the Sauna or Hot Tub?
The risks associated with showers extend to other high-heat, high-moisture environments. Using your Apple Watch in a sauna or steam room is not recommended due to the extreme heat and pervasive steam. Similarly, hot tubs are a perfect storm of dangers: they combine hot water, high-velocity jets (which can force water past the seals), and chemicals like chlorine or bromine. It’s best to leave your watch in a safe, dry place before enjoying these activities.
Making the Smart Choice for Your Device
Ultimately, the decision is yours, but it’s helpful to weigh the minimal benefit of having your watch on in the shower against the potential risk of damaging a several-hundred-dollar device. Are the notifications that urgent? You can always put it right back on as soon as you’re dry. Taking it off for those ten to fifteen minutes is the safest way to ensure its longevity.
Think of your Apple Watch’s water resistance less as a permanent shield and more as a feature with a finite lifespan. The seals will weaken over time with exposure to chemicals, lotions, and environmental factors. By avoiding unnecessary exposure to soap and steam, you are actively preserving that protective feature for when you truly need it, like during a swim or a run in the rain.
In summary, while your Apple Watch is a marvel of engineering built to handle water, the specific conditions of a shower make it a risky environment. The combination of soaps, steam, and heat can slowly degrade its protective seals. For the long-term health of your device, the safest and most recommended practice is to simply remove it before you step in. This small habit can help ensure your watch stays with you, fully functional, for years to come.