Are Apple Watches Waterproof?

Swimming with a watch? What is this, The Jetsons? Back in the ’80s and ’90s, getting your tech wet was basically a death sentence. Drop your Walkman in the pool? Game over. Fast forward to today, and one of the most Googled tech questions is:“Can my tech get wet?” Whether it’s iPhones, laptops, or smartwatches—seriously, why is everyone suddenly trying to baptize their gadgets?

With Apple Watches on so many wrists, the big question remains: Are Apple Watches waterproof? Or are we just wading into risky territory? In this blog, we’ll cover everything you need to know about keeping your beloved Apple watch safe (and dry).

So… Are Apple Watches Waterproof?

The short answer? No Apple Watch is technically waterproof. But they are water-resistant. Think of it like your friend who says they’re “not scared of horror movies” but still watches through their fingers—they can handle some water, but there’s a limit.

Apple rates its watches using the ISO standard for water resistance (because even smartwatches need official paperwork). Most newer Apple Watches can survive being submerged, but they all have different thresholds.

Can Apple Watches Get Wet?

Yes, Apple Watches can get wet, and they’ve come a long way since the original Series 0. Here’s how it breaks down:

• Apple Watch Series 2 and later (including SE models): Water-resistant up to 50 meters. That means you can take them swimming in the pool, shower with them, or get caught in a surprise downpour without panicking.
• Apple Watch Ultra & Ultra 2: These bad boys are next-level. With a water resistance rating of WR100 and tested for recreational scuba diving up to 40 meters, the Ultra models are basically Poseidon’s smartwatch.

But just because it can get wet doesn’t mean you should go deep-sea diving with your wrist candy—unless you’re an Ultra user and really trust your luck.

Which Apple Watches Are Waterproof?

Okay, now for the nitty-gritty. Technically, no Apple Watch is truly waterproof, but here’s a handy chart of which are water-resistant and to what degree:

So if you’re rocking a Series 2 or newer, you’re probably good to go for most wet activities—just maybe don’t take it jet skiing and expect it to come back smiling.

What is Water Lock?

You know that moment post-swim when your Apple Watch starts making weird beeping noises like it’s auditioning for Star Wars? That’s not a glitch—it’s Water Lock in action. This clever feature locks your screen to stop accidental taps and then plays a sound to literally shake the water out. Talk about clever tech!

How to activate it: Swipe up on your watch face, tap the little droplet icon, and boom—your Apple Watch is ready to make a splash without freaking out.

Tips to Keep Your Watch High and Dry (Well… Kinda)

• After swimming, rinse it with fresh water and dry it. Chlorine and salt are not your Apple watch’s best friends.
• Don’t expose it to soaps, shampoos, lotions, perfume, solvents, detergents, acids or acidic foods, insect repellent, oil, hair dye or sunscreen—Apple says those can mess with the seals.
• If your watch gets wet and sounds like it’s gargling, use the Water Lock feature to eject water from the speaker. It’s weirdly satisfying to hear it splutter like a robot sneezing.
• Avoid steam: Saunas and hot tubs? Bad idea. Steam can sneak into places water can’t.
• No high-pressure water: Don’t spray it with a hose or try to clean it like a car.

Final Thoughts

So, are Apple Watches waterproof? Not quite. But they’re definitely designed to handle water better than your old 2000s flip phone ever could. Whether you’re swimming, sweating, or just caught in the rain again without an umbrella, you can rest easy knowing your Apple Watch is built for this.

Just remember: If in doubt, leave the deep dives to Aquaman and stick to safe, shallow waters.

P.S. Still wondering about the rest of your gadgets? Check out Which iPhones Are Waterproof? and How to Get Water Out of My Charger Port before your whole tech setup goes for a swim.