Is Your Apple Watch Waterproof? The Answer Might Surprise You

If you’re new to the Apple Watch and wondering whether it can get wet, the short answer is yes. Your device can handle showers and running in the rain. But not every Apple Watch has the same water-resistance rating, which means that even if you wear it in the ocean, you might want to careful about hopping on that Jet Ski.

Can my Apple Watch get wet?

Most Apple Watches (Series 2 or later) have an ISO water-resistance rating of 22810:2010, meaning they’re safe up to 50 meters underwater.

The Ultra and Ultra 2 are even more rugged, and they both carry a water-resistance rating of 100 meters. So if you want to take a dip with your Apple Watch, go for it. There are even several swimming options to choose from in the Workout app.

Photo by BangBang Studios for Gear Patrol

The one outlier is the first Apple Watch (released back in 2014 and discontinued in mid-2018), which was water-resistant but Apple did not recommend submerging it.

• Apple Watch Series 1 and Apple Watch (1st Generation): IPX7 water-resistance rating under IEC standard 60529
• Apple Watch Series 2 and Later: 50 meters under ISO standard 22810:2010
• Apple Watch Ultra and Later: 100 meters under ISO standard 22810:2010 (also EN13319-compliant)

Does that mean my Apple Watch is waterproof?

Not exactly.

The Series 9 and SE (2nd Generation) both have the same ISO water-resistance rating of 22810:2010, meaning they’re safe in the water. The catch is that they’re not meant to handle high-pressure situations, so you shouldn’t dive with them or even do high-speed water sports like waterskiing or tubing.

The Apple Watch Ultra 2, which has a Depth Gauge sensor and can work as a bona fide dive computer (thanks to the Oceanic+ app), has twice the water resistance of the other Apple Watch models, 100 meters.

Photo by Bang Bang Studios for Gear Patrol

In addition to an ISO rating of 22810, the Ultras are EN13319-compliant, water resistant up to 100 meters and meet the standards for recreational scuba diving, snorkeling and high-speed water sports.

What happens if water seeps into my Apple Watch?

If you do go swimming or take a shower while wearing your Apple Watch, it’s a good idea to eject any water that may have seeped into it (likely through its speaker). The good news is that your Apple Watch watch has a built-in feature to do just that. It’s quick and easy.

Photo by Tucker Bowe for Gear Patrol

First, you have to turn on Water Lock. This is a feature that disables your Apple Watch’s touchscreen, thus preventing you from accidentally tapping it while in the water. You can turn Water Lock on from the Control Center but it also automatically turns on when you are doing a water-based workout like swimming. Once Water Lock is turned on, you can eject water from your Apple Watch by holding down the Digital Crown.

1. Press the side button to open the Control Center on your Apple Watch
2. Scroll down and select the water drop to turn on Water Lock
3. Hold the Digital Crown to eject water

You’ll see a graphic and your Apple Watch will make a beeping noise while water is ejected — it takes roughly three seconds. Once finished, Water Lock will automatically turn off, and you can can go on with your day.

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