Apple Watch is known for its water-resistant capabilities, making it ideal for swimmers, surfers, and anyone who enjoys being around water. One of the most useful features that Apple Watch offers for water activities is Water Lock, also known as “Water Mode.” When activated, Water Lock disables the screen’s touch functionality to prevent accidental taps when wet and ensures your watch remains functional underwater. This guide will explain how to activate Water Lock on your Apple Watch and how it helps protect your device during water-based activities.
What is Apple Watch Water Mode?
Apple Watch’s Water Lock is a feature designed to keep water out of your watch’s internals and prevent unwanted touch inputs on the screen. When turned on, it locks the screen, so you don’t accidentally trigger any actions while swimming or engaging in water-related activities. After the mode is disabled, the watch will emit a series of vibrations and eject water from the speaker.
Water Mode can be especially useful when you’re swimming or participating in water sports, and you don’t want the screen to register wet touch inputs. Here’s how to understand and activate this feature.
Which Apple Watch Models Support Water Mode?
Water Lock is available on all Apple Watch models that are water-resistant, which includes:
- Apple Watch Series 2 and later
- Apple Watch SE models
- Apple Watch Ultra
These watches are designed to be resistant to water, with varying levels of protection. For example, Apple Watch Series 2 and newer models are 50 meters water-resistant, meaning they can be used for shallow-water activities like swimming in a pool or ocean. However, Apple Watch Ultra is designed for more extreme activities like diving, providing protection down to 100 meters.
Before using Water Lock, make sure your Apple Watch is water-resistant. The feature won’t be necessary or available for non-waterproof models.
Why Do You Need Water Mode?
When your Apple Watch is exposed to water, its touchscreen can register accidental inputs due to the moisture on the display. This can be frustrating if you’re trying to use your watch for another task while in the water or afterward when wet. Water Lock prevents this by locking the screen until you manually disable it.
Water Mode is not just a convenience—it also ensures that water does not enter sensitive components like the speaker. Once deactivated, the watch uses its speaker to expel any water that may have gotten trapped inside.
How to Put Your Apple Watch in Water Mode
Step 1: Unlock Your Apple Watch
Before you begin, ensure that your Apple Watch is unlocked. If it’s locked, the Water Lock feature won’t be accessible. If you’re unsure whether your watch is locked, you can swipe up on the face to bring up the Control Center.
Step 2: Open the Control Center
To activate Water Lock, you need to open the Control Center on your Apple Watch. Here’s how:
- For Apple Watch Series 3 or later: Swipe up from the bottom of the watch face to open the Control Center.
- For Apple Watch Series 1 or earlier: Press the Digital Crown to go to the home screen, then tap the Control Center icon.
Step 3: Enable Water Lock
Once you’re in the Control Center, look for the Water Lock icon. This icon looks like a droplet of water inside a circle.
Tap the Water Lock icon: This will activate the Water Lock feature. Your screen will be locked, preventing accidental touches from water.
After Water Lock is enabled, the Apple Watch will display a water droplet icon at the top of the screen. This confirms that the feature is active.
How to Turn Off Water Mode After Your Swim
Once you’re done swimming or engaging in any water-based activities, it’s time to turn off Water Lock. Here’s how to do it:
Step 1: Turn the Digital Crown
To deactivate Water Lock, turn the Digital Crown (the round button on the side of your Apple Watch). This will cause the watch to make a sound, signaling that it is now unlocking and ejecting any water that might be inside the watch’s speaker.
Step 2: Wait for the Watch to Expel Water
Your Apple Watch will emit a short series of beeps or vibrations to expel water from its speaker. You’ll see the water-droplet icon disappear from the screen. The watch is now ready for normal use again.
Step 3: Use Your Apple Watch
After you’ve turned off Water Lock and the water has been ejected from the speaker, your Apple Watch will return to its regular functionality. You can start interacting with your watch again.
How to Clean Your Apple Watch After a Swim
After using your Apple Watch in water, it’s important to clean and dry the device properly to ensure it stays in good condition.
- Rinse Your Apple Watch with Fresh Water: If you’ve been swimming in saltwater or chlorinated water, it’s a good idea to rinse the watch under fresh water. This removes any residue that may build up on the watch.
- Dry with a Soft Cloth: After rinsing, use a soft, lint-free cloth to gently dry the watch. Avoid using paper towels or abrasive materials that can scratch the surface.
- Clean the Bands: If you’ve been in saltwater, it’s recommended to clean the bands with fresh water as well. Depending on the material of the band (such as silicone or leather), you may need to take special care when cleaning it.
Tips for Using Apple Watch in Water
- Water Resistance Limits: Remember, Apple Watch is water-resistant, not waterproof. It can handle exposure to water but should not be used for diving deep into water or exposed to high-velocity water, such as jet skis.
- Avoid Hot Water: Apple Watch is not designed to withstand very hot water. Avoid using it in hot tubs, saunas, or steam rooms.
- Use a Swimproof App: If you’re a swimmer, make use of apps like Apple’s Workout app or third-party apps designed for tracking swim metrics. These apps are optimized for water-based activities and can help you get the most out of your Apple Watch.
Common Issues and Troubleshooting Tips
While Water Lock is a great feature, you may occasionally run into issues. Here are some common troubleshooting tips:
- Apple Watch Not Turning Off Water Lock: If turning the Digital Crown doesn’t deactivate Water Lock, try restarting your Apple Watch by pressing and holding the side button until you see the Power Off slider. If that doesn’t work, force restart by holding both the side button and Digital Crown until the Apple logo appears.
- Water Droplet Icon Stuck on Screen: If the water droplet icon is stuck on the screen, ensure that your Apple Watch is not in an environment with moisture. If needed, use a dry cloth to clean the screen.
- No Sound During Ejection: If your Apple Watch isn’t emitting sound to eject water, check the volume settings in the Control Center.
Conclusion
Apple Watch’s Water Lock feature is an essential tool for those who engage in water activities, ensuring that your device remains functional and protected. Activating Water Mode is simple, and deactivating it after your activity is just as easy. By following the instructions above, you’ll be able to maximize the performance and longevity of your Apple Watch in any aquatic environment. Always remember to clean and dry your watch after use to keep it in pristine condition.