The Apple Watch is a powerful tool for staying connected, managing tasks, and tracking fitness, even during water-based activities. But despite being water-resistant, it’s not entirely immune to water-related issues.
You might wear it while washing your hands, caught in the rain, or even during a workout session involving heavy sweating.
Your time is valuable, and a malfunctioning device can throw off your entire schedule. That’s why knowing how to remove water from your Apple Watch properly is essential; not just for performance but also to avoid expensive repairs or downtime.
This guide will walk you through the steps you can take to safely eject water and keep your device functioning smoothly, whether you’re heading into a meeting or managing your team remotely.
Understanding Apple Watch Water Resistance
Apple Watches from Series 2 and above are water-resistant to a depth of 50 meters, under ISO standard 22810:2010. This means they’re fine for shallow-water activities like swimming in a pool or the ocean. But there’s a catch: it doesn’t make the device waterproof.
Water resistance can wear down over time. If you’ve dropped the watch or had it serviced recently, the seals might not be as effective. Apple explicitly advises against using the watch for scuba diving, water skiing, or exposure to high-velocity water.
Also, remember that soaps, shampoos, and lotions can degrade the water seals. So while it’s tempting to wear your Apple Watch all the time, there are certain conditions where it’s best to take it off.
The bottom line is that the Apple Watch is water-resistant, not invincible. That’s why it’s crucial to understand how and when to act if water gets in.
What Happens When Water Gets in Your Apple Watch?
Even with Apple’s water-resistant design, water can sometimes sneak into places it shouldn’t. It usually happens after prolonged exposure, misuse, or when the Water Lock feature isn’t enabled before a splash-heavy activity.
Once water gets in, it can affect the device’s performance in a few noticeable ways:
- Muffled or distorted speaker sound
- Unresponsive or erratic touchscreen behavior
- Reduced haptic feedback
- Intermittent system lag or glitches
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The two most common entry points for water are the speaker grills and the Digital Crown area.
The speaker grills are designed to let sound out, but are also vulnerable to water entry. Water tends to sit in the speaker chamber, affecting audio clarity until it is properly ejected.
The Digital Crown area, which allows for physical scrolling and navigation, includes mechanical parts that can become sticky or sluggish if water seeps in. Over time, moisture buildup here may also affect internal components.
Understanding where and how water enters can help you respond faster and prevent further complications, mainly when your activities relies on real-time alerts or productivity apps.
Using the Built-In Water Eject Feature
Apple designed a simple yet effective way to remove water from the speaker chamber of the Apple Watch using sound vibrations. This built-in water eject feature is especially handy after a swim, a shower, or accidental splashes during a busy workday.
You probably don’t want to waste time fiddling with settings or risk damage. Here’s a quick, hassle-free method for clearing out water and getting back to running your day efficiently.
Follow these steps to activate the water eject feature:
- Wake your Apple Watch and swipe up from the bottom of the screen to open the Control Center.
- Tap the droplet icon, which activates Water Lock mode.
- Turn the Digital Crown (either clockwise or counterclockwise).
- As you turn the crown, you’ll hear a series of sounds and feel slight vibrations.
- These sounds are designed to push water out of the speaker chamber.
- Once the sounds finish, the screen will unlock, and the feature will be complete.
That’s it. The entire process takes under 10 seconds, and it’s safe to repeat if needed.
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Now, if you’re wondering how to get the most out of this feature or when to use it proactively, here are a few helpful tips:
- Use Water Lock Before Exposure: If you’re heading into a situation where water is unavoidable (like washing your hands or attending a poolside meeting), activate Water Lock in advance to prevent accidental taps.
- Avoid Pressing Buttons Underwater: Physical buttons can allow water to sneak in or cause pressure-related damage to seals. Let Water Lock do the work.
- Repeat the Process If Needed: Don’t hesitate to rerun the eject feature if the speaker still sounds muffled after one cycle. Sometimes water needs a couple of nudges to clear out fully.
- Keep the Crown Clean and Dry: After turning the crown, dry it off to prevent any long-term buildup that could affect its movement.
Using the built-in water eject feature regularly ensures your device remains in top shape, especially when you need constant availability.
Additional Steps if Water Persists
If you’ve already used the Water Eject feature and your Apple Watch still shows signs of moisture, don’t panic. Some water might be trapped deeper, or humidity may be clinging to internal parts. A few extra steps can make a big difference.
- First, gently shake the watch with the screen facing down. It helps dislodge any water that’s clinging to the speaker grills or crown.
- Next, use a clean microfiber cloth to pat the entire watch dry. Avoid rubbing too hard, especially around the speaker holes.
- After that, place your Apple Watch in a dry, ventilated area. A spot near a fan or an air-conditioned room works better than a sealed container.
Avoid these common mistakes:
- Don’t use a hairdryer or direct heat; it may warp internal components.
- Skip the rice trick. Dust and particles from rice can get stuck in the ports or the speaker mesh.
If possible, give it a few hours to fully air out before wearing it again or connecting it to the charger.
These small steps can help protect your device and reduce the risk of long-term water damage, keeping your tech ready for whatever the business day throws your way.
What NOT to Do
After water exposure, it’s tempting to try every quick fix you’ve heard of. However, some methods can do more harm than good, especially with delicate devices like the Apple Watch. To protect your watch from permanent damage, avoid the following:
- Do Not Charge Your Apple Watch Right Away: Moisture inside the device, combined with electricity, can lead to short circuits or long-term internal damage.
- Avoid Using Heat Sources Like Hairdryers or Ovens: These can warp seals, damage sensors, or melt adhesive holding internal parts in place.
- Never Put It in a Bowl of Rice: Rice particles or dust can get into speaker grills and worsen the situation.
- Don’t Disassemble the Device Yourself: Apple Watches are tightly sealed, and opening them can void warranties or damage critical components.
When to Seek Professional Help
If you’ve tried the Water Eject feature and let your watch dry out, but you’re still noticing issues, it’s time to consult a professional.
Persistent sound distortion, fog under the screen, or unresponsive controls could indicate internal water damage. These symptoms aren’t likely to fix themselves and may worsen over time.
It’s best to visit an Apple Store or a certified repair provider. They have the tools and expertise to safely assess the problem and perform repairs if needed, often preserving your warranty in the process.
Act early to prevent minor issues from turning into expensive replacements.
Preventive Tips for the Future
Taking a few precautions can go a long way in protecting your Apple Watch from water-related problems. Start by enabling the Water Lock feature before any activity involving water. It takes seconds and can prevent accidental taps and moisture buildup.
Avoid using your watch in environments where high-pressure or hot water is present, like saunas or while showering. Hot water can weaken seals over time.
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Also, make it a habit to rinse and dry your watch with fresh water after exposure to salt or chlorinated water. Regular care will help you maintain peak performance and extend your device’s lifespan.
Conclusion
Your Apple Watch is built to handle a lot, but water can still sneak in and affect its performance. You can keep your device running smoothly by following the right steps to remove moisture (and knowing what to avoid).
When in doubt, take action early. A little care goes a long way in keeping your tech reliable day after day.
