What to do when Apple Watch falls into water?

One benefit of owning an Apple Watch is its strong water resistance. However, like any electronic device, prolonged exposure to water can cause problems for Apple Watch. Whether it's a splash of water or the device falling completely into water, acting quickly when your watch comes into contact with water can prevent further damage.

With that said, here's what you should do if your Apple Watch falls into water.

1. Use Water Lock to push water out

Water Lock is an Apple Watch feature that locks the device's touchscreen and prevents water from accidentally touching the screen. This means you can't touch the watch or launch apps when Water Lock is on. When you turn off Water Lock, your device will push out all the water that has seeped into the watch.

Normally, Water Lock will activate automatically. However, if not, here's how to enable it manually:

1. Swipe up from the bottom of the watch face to access Control Center.
2. Scroll down to find the water drop icon.
3. Click the icon to activate Water Lock. When enabled, a water drop icon will appear at the top of the screen.

Here's how to turn off Water Lock mode:

1. Turn the Digital Crown and wait for the water drop icon to appear.
2. Press and hold until you feel a vibration and hear a beep.
3. Your watch will display the Unlocked message and drain the water from the speaker port.

2. Turn off the watch and dry it

After using Water Lock, you need to turn off your Apple Watch and clean the outside. This is important because leaving the watch on will prevent it from drying effectively, which can also increase the risk of water damage. To turn off Apple Watch, press and hold the side button until you see the Power icon in the upper right corner. Then, tap on it and drag the Power Off slider to the right.

After powering off Apple Watch, take a soft, lint-free cloth or microfiber cloth and gently wipe the watch. Make sure the fabric is clean and free of anything that could scratch the surface. Also, avoid rubbing the cloth too hard on the screen or body of the watch as this could push water into the device or scratch the surface.

Then, remove and clean your Apple Watch band because it can collect water. In addition, carefully check for water drops or residue on the screen, speaker port, buttons, and crevices and wipe them clean before they flow into the watch. When you're done, let the device dry naturally and avoid using heat sources such as hair dryers, as excessive heat can damage internal components.

3. Turn on the meter and check for any damage

Once you're sure your watch is dry, turn it on and test its core functions. This includes touchscreen responsiveness, Digital Crown rotation, and audio output. You should also check if the heart rate sensor is working properly.

If you notice any unusual behavior or functionality issues, this could be a sign of hardware damage. In such cases, go to an Apple Store near you or an Apple-authorized service center for in-person repair.

Samuel Daniel

Update 13 October 2023