If you’re asking “is apple watch 3 series waterproof,” you’re not alone. It’s a crucial question for anyone who wants to wear their watch while swimming or in the shower. You can wear your Apple Watch Series 3 in the pool thanks to its 50-meter water resistance.
This means it’s built to handle water exposure, but there are important limits and care instructions you need to know. Understanding what “water resistant” really means will help you protect your investment and use your watch confidently during water-based activities.
This guide will explain everything. We’ll cover the official water resistance rating, what activities are safe, and how to properly care for your watch after it gets wet.
Is Apple Watch 3 Series Waterproof
Let’s clear this up right away: the Apple Watch Series 3 is not technically “waterproof.” Instead, Apple rates it as “water resistant” up to 50 meters under ISO standard 22810:2010. This is a key distinction that all users should understand.
Waterproof implies a complete and permanent barrier against water under any condition. Water resistance means the device can withstand water exposure to a specific degree under controlled conditions. The Series 3 is designed for shallow-water activities, but it has its limits.
The 50-meter rating is based on laboratory testing with static, fresh water. Real-world conditions like moving water, soap, shampoo, salt water, and sudden pressure changes (like diving) can affect this performance. Therefore, while highly capable, it requires sensible use.
Understanding The 50-Meter Water Resistance Rating
The ISO standard 22810:2010 is an international benchmark for watch water resistance. For the Apple Watch Series 3, the 50-meter rating translates to suitability for specific scenarios.
It does not mean you can dive 50 meters deep with the watch. The pressure at depth, especially during dynamic movement, is far greater than in the static test environment. Think of the rating more as a guide for surface-level water activities.
Here is what the 50-meter rating is intended to cover:
- Swimming in a pool or lake.
- Wearing it in the rain or during hand-washing.
- Shallow-water activities where the watch isn’t under high-velocity water pressure.
Here is what it is NOT designed for:
- Scuba diving or deep-water diving.
- High-velocity water activities like water skiing, jet skiing, or surfing (where the watch experiences forceful impact).
- Sauna or steam room use (heat can compromise seals).
Activities You Can Safely Do With Your Apple Watch Series 3
With its rating, the Apple Watch Series 3 is a great companion for many daily and recreational water exposures. You can confidently wear it during these activities.
Pool Swimming And Lap Tracking
The Series 3 is excellent for pool swimming. It can track your laps, calories burned, and average pace using the built-in Workout app. The touchscreen remains functional even when wet, though you may need to turn the Digital Crown to clear water from the speaker.
Showering And Bathing
You can wear it in the shower, but it’s best to avoid contact with soaps, shampoos, and conditioners. These substances can degrade the water-resistant seals over time. For bathing, brief immersion is fine, but prolonged exposure to hot water is not recommended.
Running In The Rain Or Washing Hands
Everyday exposure to water is perfectly fine. The watch can handle rain, splashes from a sink, and perspiration without any issues. You don’t need to worry about taking it off for these minor contacts.
Important Precautions And Limitations
To keep your watch’s water resistance intact, you must avoid certain situations. The seals and acoustic membranes that keep water out can be damaged by chemicals, extreme temperatures, and impacts.
- Avoid Soaps and Chemicals: As mentioned, keep the watch away from soap, detergent, perfume, lotion, and sunscreen. Rinse it with clean tap water if it comes into contact with these substances.
- No High-Impact Water Sports: Do not use it for activities where it will be hit by high-velocity water, such as wakeboarding or diving from a high board.
- Temperature Extremes: Do not expose it to very hot water in a hot tub, sauna, or steam room. Avoid submerging it in ice water as well.
- Check For Damage: If you drop the watch or notice any cracks or compromises to the case or screen, its water resistance is likely reduced.
How To Use The Water Lock Feature
The Apple Watch Series 3 has a brilliant feature called Water Lock. It’s designed to prevent accidental screen touches while you’re in water and to expel water from the speaker afterwards.
Here is how to use it:
- Open the Control Center on your watch by swiping up from the bottom of the screen.
- Tap the water droplet icon. The screen will show “WATER LOCK ON.”
- Now you can swim or shower. The screen won’t respond to taps or swipes.
- When you’re done, turn the Digital Crown firmly. You will feel a small vibration and hear a series of tones as the watch expels water from its speaker.
- The lock will disengage, and your screen will be responsive again.
It’s a good habit to use this feature every time you submerge your watch, even if just for a quick rinse.
Proper Care After Exposure To Water
After your watch gets wet, proper care ensures its long-term health. This is especially important after swimming in chlorinated pools or salt water.
- Rinse with Clean Water: If you’ve been in a pool, ocean, or any non-fresh water, gently rinse the watch under a slow stream of lukewarm tap water. This removes chlorine, salt, sand, or other debris.
- Dry Thoroughly: Use a soft, lint-free cloth to dry the watch, including the band. For the speaker, turning the Digital Crown with Water Lock will help eject moisture.
- Let the Band Air Dry: If you have a non-porous band like the fluoroelastomer Sport Band, you can just wipe it. For woven nylon or leather bands, remove them from the watch and let them air dry completely before reattaching. Leather bands should not get wet at all, really.
- Avoid Heat: Never use a hairdryer, heater, or compressed air to dry the watch, as heat can damage the seals.
What To Do If Your Watch Gets Submerged Accidentally
If your Series 3 is exposed to water in a way that’s not recommended—like a drop into hot tub or being worn in the ocean during rough surf—don’t panic. Follow these steps immediately.
- Remove it from the water and dry it gently with a soft cloth.
- Use the Water Lock feature to eject any water from the speaker port.
- Place the watch in a well-ventilated, dry area. Do not charge it if it or the charging port is wet.
- Check for any signs of damage or malfunction over the next few hours.
If you notice condensation under the screen, the speaker sounds muffled, or the watch behaves oddly, contact Apple Support. Water damage is not covered by the standard warranty, but they can provide diagnostic help.
How Water Resistance Changes Over Time
The water resistance of any watch is not permanent. For the Apple Watch Series 3, several factors can cause the seals to weaken over time.
- Normal Wear and Tear: Daily use, bumps, and temperature changes can degrade seals.
- Exposure to Chemicals: Repeated contact with soaps, lotions, and chlorine accelerates wear.
- Battery Service: If your watch ever needs a battery replacement, its water resistance may be compromised unless serviced by Apple or an authorized provider who can re-seal it properly.
Apple does not recommend getting the watch wet after a battery service unless it’s confirmed that water resistance is reinstated. It’s generally a good idea to be more cautious with an older Series 3 model.
Comparing Series 3 To Newer Apple Watch Models
While the Series 3 is water resistant, newer Apple Watches have improved upon this feature. Knowing the difference can help you set expectations.
- Apple Watch SE (1st and 2nd Gen): Also has a 50-meter water resistance rating, similar to Series 3.
- Apple Watch Series 4 and Later: These models also carry a 50-meter rating but include more advanced swim tracking features and are built with newer, potentially more resilient seals.
- Apple Watch Ultra and Ultra 2: These are in a different league, with a 100-meter water resistance rating and EN13319 certification for recreational diving down to 40 meters.
The core water resistance for casual swimming is consistent from Series 3 through to the standard Series 9, but the build quality and additional features for swimmers improve in newer models.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I wear my Apple Watch Series 3 in the ocean?
Yes, you can wear it for swimming in the ocean. However, you should rinse it thoroughly with fresh water afterwards to remove salt and sand, which can be corrosive and abrasive. Avoid high-surf zones where it could be struck forcefully.
Is the Apple Watch 3 waterproof for showers?
It is water resistant enough for showers. The main risk in the shower is exposure to soaps and shampoos, which can degrade the seals. It’s generally safe, but try to minimize direct contact with these products.
How long can Apple Watch 3 be underwater?
There is no official time limit for submersion at shallow depths. For activities like pool swimming, the duration of your workout is fine. It’s designed for continuous use in water during these activities, not for prolonged, deep submersion.
What happens if I don’t use Water Lock?
The watch will still be water resistant, but the screen may activate accidentally from water droplets. Also, water will remain in the speaker grill, potentially causing a muffled sound until it evaporates. Using Water Lock prevents accidental touches and actively clears the speaker.
Does water resistance warranty cover water damage?
No, Apple’s one-year limited warranty and AppleCare+ do not cover water damage. Water resistance is a feature of the device, but liquid damage is considered accidental damage and is not covered under the standard warranty. This is why following the usage guidelines is so important.
Final Verdict On Apple Watch Series 3 And Water
So, is the Apple Watch Series 3 waterproof? The definitive answer is no, but it is highly water resistant for most common water-based activities. You can confidently wear it for swimming, running in the rain, and showering, as long as you follow the care guidelines.
Remember to use the Water Lock feature, rinse the watch after exposure to chlorine or salt water, and avoid harsh chemicals and extreme temperatures. Over time, the water resistance will naturally diminish, so be more cautious with an older device.
By understanding its capabilities and limits, you can make the most of your Apple Watch Series 3 without worrying about water damage. It’s a durable device built for an active lifestyle, and with proper care, it can handle your workouts and daily routines with ease.