How To Get Water Out Of Apple Watch

If you need to know how to get water out of Apple Watch, you’re in the right place. If moisture gets inside your Apple Watch, certain built-in functions can help clear it from the speaker. Water damage is a common worry, but Apple has integrated specific features to handle this. This guide provides clear, step-by-step instructions to safely remove water and protect your device.

The primary method for ejecting water from your Apple Watch is the built-in Water Lock feature. This isn’t just a lock to prevent taps during swimming; it actively expels water from the speaker enclosure. When activated, it uses a series of sonic vibrations to push water out through the grill. It’s the first and most important step you should take after any water exposure.

Here is the exact process to use the Water Lock ejection function:

Ensure your Apple Watch is on your wrist or a flat, stable surface.
Turn the Digital Crown away from you slowly and steadily.
Continue turning until you feel a slight vibration and hear a series of beeps.
The beeps and vibrations indicate the process is working to clear water.
Once the sound stops, the process is complete. You can then turn the Crown again to unlock the screen.

It’s crucial to use this feature after every swim, shower, or accidental submersion. Even if your watch seems fine, this proactive step helps prevent long-term acumulation of moisture and mineral deposits that can degrade the speaker over time.

Understanding Water Resistance Ratings

Before we go further, it’s vital to understand what your Apple Watch can actually handle. Not all models have the same level of water resistance, and this resistance can diminish over time. Apple specifies water resistance based on the ISO standard 22810:2010. Knowing your watch’s limits is the best defense against water damage.

Here’s a breakdown of common Apple Watch models and their capabilities:

Apple Watch Series 2 and Newer (Except SE 1st Gen): These models have a water resistance rating of 50 meters under ISO standard 22810:2010. They are suitable for shallow-water activities like swimming in a pool or ocean.
Apple Watch SE (1st Generation): It is splash and water resistant but not designed for submersion. Apple advises against swimming with it.
Apple Watch Ultra and Ultra 2: These are the most water-resistant, rated to 100 meters and EN13319-certified for recreational diving.

Remember, water resistance is not permanent. It can be compromised by drops, impacts, exposure to soap, shampoo, perfume, solvents, or extreme temperatures. Always rinse your watch with fresh, lukewarm water after exposure to chlorine, salt water, or other liquids.

Immediate Steps After Significant Water Exposure

If your watch has been submerged beyond its intended use or for a prolonged period, the Water Lock feature is just the start. You need to take additional steps to ensure it dries completely. Acting quickly can mean the difference between a minor incident and permanent damage.

Follow these steps immediately after a significant water event:

Use the Water Lock ejection feature as described above.
Gently wipe the watch clean with a soft, lint-free cloth. Pay special attention to the speaker grills and the Digital Crown.
Do not use heat, compressed air, or insert any foreign objects into the ports or grills.
Place the watch in a well-ventilated, dry area. A gentle airflow from a fan can help, but do not point a hair dryer at it.
Leave it to dry for several hours, or ideally overnight, before attempting to charge it.

Avoid charging your Apple Watch while it is wet. Moisture in the charging port can cause a short circuit. If you see a water droplet icon on the charging screen, this is a warning that the port is wet and charging is blocked for safety.

What To Do If The Charging Port Is Wet

Seeing the water droplet icon can be alarming, but it’s a smart safety feature. The watch will not charge until the port is completely dry to prevent electrical damage. Here’s how to handle it correctly.

Do not try to force charge by plugging it in repeatedly.
Lay the watch on its side with the charging port facing down to encourage drainage.
Gently tap the watch against your palm with the port facing down to dislodge water droplets.
Allow it to air dry completely, which may take a few hours.
Once the icon disappears, you can safely connect the charger.

Common Mistakes To Avoid

In a panic, people often try methods that can cause more harm than good. Avoiding these mistakes is as important as following the correct steps. These actions can compromise seals, push water deeper inside, or cause corrosion.

Using Compressed Air: The high pressure can force moisture past the internal seals and into areas it shouldn’t reach.
Applying Heat: Hair dryers, radiators, or ovens can melt adhesives, warp components, and permanently damage the display or battery.
Shaking Vigorously: While gentle tapping is okay, violent shaking can potentially damage internal components.
Using Chemicals or Cleaners: Soaps, alcohols, and cleaning sprays can degrade water-resistant seals.
Inserting Objects: Never use a paperclip, cotton swab, or towel corner to probe the speaker or microphone grills.

Long-Term Care And Maintenance

Proper maintenance extends the life of your watch’s water resistance. It’s not just about reacting to water; it’s about proactive care. Simple habits can keep your watch functioning correctly for years.

Incorporate these practices into your routine:

Always rinse your watch with fresh water after swimming in a pool, ocean, or other bodies of water. This removes chlorine, salt, and sand.
Clean the band and case regularly with a non-abrasive, lint-free cloth dampened with fresh water.
Ensure the watch and your skin are completely dry before putting on a closed-band style for extended periods to prevent skin irritation.
Have the water resistance checked annually if you use the watch frequently in water, especially after any significant impact.

Apple recommends not wearing the Apple Watch in a sauna or steam room. The extreme heat and steam can damage the seals and other components. The same goes for high-velocity water activities like jet skiing or waterskiing, unless you have an Apple Watch Ultra model designed for such conditions.

Signs Of Potential Water Damage

Even with careful use, problems can occur. Recognizing the early signs of water ingress can help you seek service before the damage becomes severe. If you notice any of the following, it’s time to take action.

A consistently foggy or hazy display under the glass, especially if it doesn’t clear after drying.
The speaker sound becomes muffled, distorted, or stops working entirely.
The microphone quality drops during calls or for Siri.
Unexpected shutdowns, erratic behavior, or the watch will not turn on.
Visible corrosion around the speaker grill, Digital Crown, or side button.

If you experience these issues, contact Apple Support or visit an Apple Authorized Service Provider immediately. Do not attempt to open the watch yourself, as this will void any remaining warranty.

When To Seek Professional Help

Sometimes, DIY methods are not enough. If basic drying steps don’t resolve the issue, professional assistance is necessary. Apple’s limited warranty does not cover liquid damage, but they offer out-of-warranty service options.

Consider professional service if:

The water ejection sound plays but audio problems persist after 24-48 hours of drying.
The watch will not power on at all after a water incident.
There is visible liquid under the screen that does not dissipate.
The touchscreen becomes unresponsive or behaves strangely.
You suspect the watch was exposed to liquids other than fresh water (e.g., soapy water, soda, coffee).

Be prepared to describe the incident in detail to the technician. This information helps them diagnose the problem more effectively.

FAQ Section

Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about managing water in your Apple Watch.

Can I Shower With My Apple Watch?

Apple does not recommend showering with your Apple Watch. Soaps, shampoos, and conditioners can degrade the water-resistant seals over time. The high-velocity water from a shower head can also potentially force water into the device. It’s best to remove it before showering or bathing.

How Does The Apple Watch Know It’s Wet?

The watch has internal moisture sensors located near the charging port and possibly elsewhere inside the casing. These sensors detect the presence of liquid and trigger the charging block safety feature, displaying the water droplet icon to alert you.

My Watch Got Wet And Now Won’t Charge, What Should I Do?

First, ensure the charging cable and port are clean, dry, and free of debris. Use the drying steps for a wet charging port outlined earlier. If it still won’t charge after thorough drying, try a different charger and outlet. If the problem persists, the charging circuitry may be damaged, and you should contact Apple Support.

Is Rice A Good Way To Dry Out An Apple Watch?

No, putting your Apple Watch in rice is not recommended. Rice dust and starch can get into the small openings and cause further issues. The best method is simple, dry, room-temperature air circulation. Silica gel packets are a better alternative if available, but air drying is usually sufficient.

How Often Should I Use The Water Ejection Feature?

You should use it after every water exposure, even if it was brief. For regular swimmers, use it as soon as you finish your swim session. Making this a habit ensures water is promptly removed, helping to maintain clear audio and the long-term health of the speaker.