Is The Apple Series 3 Watch Waterproof

If you own an Apple Watch Series 3 or are considering buying one secondhand, a key question you likely have is, is the apple series 3 watch waterproof? The short answer is no, but it is water-resistant to a significant degree. Understanding this distinction is crucial for protecting your device and ensuring it lasts.

This guide will explain exactly what the Apple Watch Series 3 can handle, from handwashing and rain to swimming and showering. We’ll cover its official water resistance ratings, provide clear do’s and don’ts, and explain what happens if water does cause damage.

Officially, the Apple Watch Series 3 is not waterproof. Waterproof implies a complete and permanent barrier against water under any condition, which is not the case for this or most smartwatches. Instead, it is built with a high level of water resistance.

Apple rates the Series 3 as water resistant up to 50 meters under ISO standard 22810:2010. This means it is designed to withstand splashes, rain, and immersion in shallow water during activities like swimming in a pool. However, this resistance is not permanent and can decrease over time due to normal wear, exposure to soaps, or impacts.

Understanding The Water Resistance Rating

The 50-meter rating can be misleading. It does not mean you can dive 50 meters deep with the watch. The ISO standard it adheres to is for “watches suitable for swimming and diving into shallow water.” It simulates surface water pressure, not the dynamic pressure of active swimming or diving.

Here is what the Apple Watch Series 3 rating practically covers:

Shallow-water swimming in a pool or ocean.
Exposure to rain and splashes.
Washing your hands while wearing the watch.
Low-velocity, shallow water activities.

It is important to note that the rating was achieved under controlled laboratory conditions with a new watch. Everyday use changes things.

Factors That Reduce Water Resistance

Several things can compromise the seals that protect your watch. Hot water from showers or saunas can warp materials. Soaps, shampoos, and lotions can degrade gaskets. Dropping the watch or exposing it to high-velocity water, like from a jet ski or waterskiing, can force water inside. Even normal wear over years weakens the seals.

Safe Activities For Your Apple Watch Series 3

You can confidently wear your Series 3 during these water-based activities.

Swimming in a Pool: This is a primary use case. The watch can track your laps and calories burned. Remember that chlorine can be harsh, so rinse the watch with fresh water afterward.
Swimming in the Ocean: It is safe for saltwater swimming, but you must rinse it thoroughly with fresh, clean water immediately after to prevent salt corrosion.
Running in the Rain: Heavy downpours are not a problem for the watch’s seals.
Handwashing and Dishwashing: Frequent exposure to water and soap from handwashing is fine, though prolonged submersion in soapy dishwater is not recommended.
Light Water Sports: Activities like kayaking or paddleboarding where the watch might be splashed are generally safe.

Activities To Avoid With Your Apple Watch Series 3

To prevent damage, you should avoid these situations.

Showering or Bathing: Apple explicitly advises against this. Hot water, soap, shampoo, and conditioner can accelerate the breakdown of water seals.
Scuba Diving or Deep-Water Diving: The watch is not rated for the pressure at depths below shallow swimming.
High-Velocity Water: Do not wear it while water skiing, jet skiing, surfing, or in a hot tub or sauna. The force of the water or the steam/heat can cause damage.
Submersion in Soaps or Chemicals: Avoid wearing it in a bath with bubbles, oils, or Epsom salts, and keep it away from solvents, acids, or perfume.

How To Use The Water Lock Feature

The Apple Watch Series 3 includes a clever software feature called Water Lock. This is not a physical lock but a setting that prevents accidental screen touches from water droplets. It also expels water from the speaker after you’re done.

Activating Water Lock

Start a workout like “Pool Swim” or “Open Water Swim.” Water Lock often turns on automatically for these.
Alternatively, swipe up to open the Control Center and tap the water droplet icon.
The screen will show a blue water droplet icon and the words “Water Lock.” The screen will not respond to taps.

Deactivating Water Lock And Ejecting Water

Turn the Digital Crown slowly and steadily after your activity.
You will feel a slight haptic vibration and hear a series of beeps. This sound is designed to help eject any water from the speaker cavity.
Continue turning until the lock disengages and the screen is clear again.

It’s a good habit to use this feature even for activities like running in heavy rain to prevent mis-taps.

What To Do If Your Watch Gets Wet

Even with careful use, your watch can get wet in situations you didn’t plan for. Here’s the correct way to handle it.

Immediate Steps After Unplanned Water Exposure

If you were not using Water Lock, activate it from the Control Center to clear the speaker, then turn the crown to eject water.
Gently dry the watch with a non-abrasive, lint-free cloth. Pay attention to the crevices around the Digital Crown and side button.
If exposed to chlorinated or salt water, rinse the watch under a gentle stream of lukewarm fresh water first, then dry it.
Leave the watch in a well-ventilated, dry area. Do not use heat, compressed air, or insert anything into the ports to dry it.

Signs Of Water Damage

Water damage might not be immediately obvious. Watch for these signs over the following days:

A foggy or condesation-filled display under the screen.
The heart rate sensor or other features stop working consistently.
The speaker sounds muffled or distorted, even after using Water Lock.
The touchscreen becomes unresponsive or behaves erratically.
Visible corrosion in the speaker grills or around the back sensor.

Caring For Your Apple Watch Series 3

Proper maintenance will help preserve its water resistance for as long as possible.

Cleaning And Maintenance Best Practices

Clean your watch regularly, especially after exposure to sweat, salt, chlorine, or lotions.

Turn off the watch and remove it from the charger.
Use a lint-free cloth slightly dampened with fresh water to wipe the case and band.
For tougher grime, you can use a drop of mild hypoallergenic hand soap on the cloth. Avoid getting soap directly into openings.
Rinse the cloth with fresh water and wipe the watch again to remove any soap residue.
Dry thoroughly with another clean, lint-free cloth.

Never use cleaning products, solvents, or abrasive materials. Also, avoid charging a wet watch; ensure the back and charger are completely dry.

Band Considerations For Water Use

Your choice of band matters for water activities. The original Fluoroelastomer Sport Band and the Nylon Sport Loop are excellent choices as they dry quickly and are resistant to water. Avoid leather and stainless steel Milanese loops for swimming, as water can damage them.

Warranty And Water Damage Repair

It is critical to know that Apple’s standard one-year limited warranty and AppleCare+ do not cover water damage, even for a watch with a water resistance rating. Liquid damage is considered accidental damage.

What AppleCare+ Covers

If you have AppleCare+ for your Apple Watch, you are eligible for accidental damage coverage, which includes liquid damage. You will be subject to a service fee, which is significantly less than the out-of-warranty repair cost. Without AppleCare+, a water-damaged Apple Watch Series 3 repair typically involves a full unit replacement at a cost that may approach the value of a used watch.

Out Of Warranty Repair Options

If your watch is out of warranty and suffers water damage, you have a few paths. You can pay Apple’s out-of-warranty fee for a replacement unit. You can seek a reputable third-party repair shop, though they may not have genuine parts. Given the age of the Series 3, you might also consider upgrading to a newer model, as the cost of repair could be a significant portion of a newer watch’s price.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Wear My Apple Watch Series 3 In The Shower?

Apple does not recommend wearing your Series 3 in the shower. The combination of hot water, steam, and personal care products like soap and shampoo can degrade the water seals over time, reducing the watch’s resistance.

How Deep Can The Apple Watch Series 3 Go In Water?

It is rated for water resistance up to 50 meters per ISO 22810:2010. This means it is suitable for shallow-water swimming and surface water sports, but not for scuba diving, waterskiing, or other activities involving high-velocity water or submersion below shallow depths.

What Happens If Water Gets Into My Apple Watch?

If water gets inside the casing, it can cause short circuits, corrosion, and permanent damage to the internal components. You may see condensation under the screen, experience sensor failure, or have the watch stop working entirely. Using the Water Lock feature correctly after exposure helps protect the speaker, but it cannot prevent a breach of the physical seals.

Is The Apple Watch 3 Good For Swimming?

Yes, the Apple Watch Series 3 is designed for swimming in a pool or the ocean. It has a dedicated “Pool Swim” and “Open Water Swim” workout mode that tracks your metrics. Always rinse it with fresh water after swimming in chlorinated or salt water.

Does The Water Resistance On The Series 3 Wear Out?

Yes, water resistance is not a permanent condition. The seals that keep water out can and will degrade over time due to normal wear, exposure to chemicals, temperature changes, and physical impacts. Apple states that the water resistance should not be considered a permanent feature of the watch.