Curious about your Apple Watch’s waterproof capabilities? Planning to invest in a waterproof Apple Watch for your underwater excursions? Before drawing conclusions, grasp the fundamentals. Here, we delve into Apple Watches’ waterproofing and offer guidance for handling wet incidents. Additionally, we provide preventive measures against water-related damage to your smartwatch. Let’s commence without delay!
Apple Watch Waterproofing Demystified
To answer simply, Apple Watches aren’t waterproof, they’re water-resistant. While most models won’t get damaged in water, the level of resistance varies. Before swimming or diving, check your model’s water resistance. Apple’s one-year warranty excludes water damage, so understand your watch’s ratings.
Apple’s method for dust and water resistance calculation
Before delving into Apple Watch IP ratings, let’s grasp the essence of IP ratings. In essence, IP ratings indicate an electrical device’s protective level. These ratings comprise two components: the term IP followed by two digits. The initial digit indicates defense against solid foreign objects, while the subsequent digit signifies resistance against liquids. Notably, Apple exclusively provides IP ratings for dust resistance. From Series 8 onwards, all Apple Watch models boast an IP6X dust resistance rating, where X denotes no available data for liquid particles.
Unlike most devices, Apple doesn’t use the IP water resistance rating for Apple Watch and iPhone. Rather, it uses the standard rating method based on depth. For example, starting from Apple Watch Series 2 until Series 8 is rated for 50 meters of water depth.
Apple Watch Models & IP Ratings
Note: Water resistance is not permanent and diminishes over time.
We’ve compared all models based on their sweat & water resistance levels. Let’s check it out.
| Apple Watch Model | Water-resistance | IP6X (Dust-resistance) | Supported Activities |
| Series 1 | Splash resistant only. Submerging not recommended. | No | Washing hands, cleaning car, light rain, etc. |
| Series 2 | Up to 50 meters | No | Shower, swim, other shallow-water activities |
| Series 3 | Up to 50 meters | No | Swim, shower, pool, beach, light rain |
| Series 4 | Up to 50 meters | No | Swim, shower, pool, beach, light rain |
| Series 5 | Up to 50 meters | No | Swimming, beach, light rain, shower, pool |
| Series 6 | Up to 50 meters | No | Swimming, beach, light rain, shower, pool |
| SE (2020) | Up to 50 meters | No | Swimming, beach, light rain, shower, pool |
| Series 7 | Up to 50 meters | Yes | Swimming, beach, light rain, shower, pool |
| Series 8 | Up to 50 meters | Yes | Swimming, shower, pool, beach, rain |
| SE (2022) | Up to 50 meters | Yes | Swimming, shower, pool, beach, rain |
| Series Ultra | Up to 100 meters | Yes | Water skiing, scuba diving, & other water sports |
Apple Watch Bands & Water Resistance
After clarifying the waterproof status of Apple Watches, it’s natural to inquire about the water resistance of Apple Watch bands. Not all bands are water-resistant. Here’s a breakdown of various bands and their suitability for water-related activities:
| Ocean Band | Waterproof; ideal for high-speed water sports |
| Sports Band | Waterproof; perfect for intense workouts and water activities |
| Solo Loop | Swimproof and sweatproof |
| Braided Solo Loop | Allows moisture to escape to some extent |
| Sport Loop | Allows moisture to escape to some extent |
| Leather Loop | Not water-resistant |
| Classic Buckle | Not water-resistant |
| Modern Buckle | Not water-resistant |
| Milanese Loop | Not water-resistant |
| Link Bracelet Bands | Not water-resistant |
Apple Watch Bands and Water-Resistance: What to Do When Wet
- Wipe your Apple Watch and band with a clean, dry, lint-free cloth.
- Ensure your wrist is dry before re-wearing your Apple Watch.
- After swimming, rinse your Apple Watch 2 or later model under lightly running fresh, warm water. Then, gently wipe with a lint-free cloth.
- Avoid using compressed air, heat, or sprays to dry your smartwatch.
- If water enters the speaker or microphone, let your Apple Watch charge overnight to speed up evaporation. Do not insert anything into openings or shake to remove water.
- If water enters the air vents of Apple Watch Series 3 or later, the barometric altimeter measurements may become less accurate. However, they will return to normal once the water evaporates.
- If your Apple Watch fails to turn on after liquid exposure, visit the nearest Apple service center.
How to Remove Water from Your Apple Watch?
- After swimming, press and hold the Digital Crown to expel water from your Apple Watch.
- You will hear tones as the speaker clears the remaining water.
- To manually remove water, swipe up from the Watch Face or press the Side button (on watchOS 10) to access the Control Center. Tap the Water Lock icon, then press and hold the Digital Crown to unlock the screen and clear the water.
Maintaining Apple Watch Water-Resistance: Essential Tips
- Protect your Apple Watch from harsh drops or impacts that could harm the display.
- Avoid exposing your smartwatch to substances other than fresh water, such as soap, detergents, perfumes, lotions, hair dyes, oils, sunscreen, acidic foods, or any other chemicals.
- Avoid wearing your Apple Watch during high diving or cliff diving activities.
- If your model isn’t the Apple Watch Ultra, refrain from wearing it during high-velocity water activities like skiing or in saunas.
- Avoid subjecting your Apple Watch Ultra to sauna temperatures exceeding 55°C (130°F).
Pritam Chopra is a seasoned IT professional and a passionate blogger hailing from the dynamic realm of technology. With an insatiable curiosity for all things tech-related, Pritam has dedicated himself to exploring and unraveling the intricacies of the digital world.
