How does the Apple Watch water lock feature actually work?

There are many water-resistant smartwatches available, but it’s rare for them to be fully waterproof. That said, you can swim safely (in fresh water sources) with a model that meets IPX8, IP68 (or higher) standards. But there is still a risk of damage if the watch is not dried after submersion, which is why features like the Apple Watch’s water lock come in handy. When Water Lock is on, Apple Watch not only disables the screen so that water pressure doesn’t inadvertently trigger an unintended action, but it also ejects water from inside the device to help it dry faster.

This is a useful and underrated Apple Watch feature that every smartwatch should have, especially those that are deemed safe to wear while swimming. I use this feature often with my Apple Watch Series 11, and I like that it automatically triggers every time I jump in a pool or wade in the ocean. This also works while scuba diving if you have the Apple Watch Ultra, Apple Watch Ultra 2, or Apple Watch Ultra 3, all three of which are safe for deep diving (standard Apple Watches are not).

To manually enable Water Lock, available on all Apple Watch models starting with Series 2, press the side button to open Control Center. Select the water droplet icon (you may need to scroll down to see it). When water lock is active, you will not be able to manipulate the watch screen. He just doesn’t respond. Once you get out of the water, press and hold the Digital Crown to unlock the watch. You’ll see a water ejection mode begin and hear a series of tones, which sound a bit like an 80s video game, until the process is complete.

What happens inside the watch when you do this? It’s quite fascinating. When you hold the button, water flows out of the small side holes of the speakers. That’s a lot more water than you think or even notice, because it happens so quickly and the speakers and water droplets are so small. The watch pauses to settle and eject again, repeating this cycle over and over again. This is why you should press and hold the crown for at least a few seconds instead of a quick press. This prevents you from starting this process accidentally.

When should you use the waterlock? It’s a no-brainer to use the water lock feature on Apple Watch if you’re a swimmer or have a pool at home. In fact, you won’t have a choice, since it turns on automatically when you practice a water exercise like swimming or surfing. As an added precaution, you may want to turn it on manually using the steps given above when your wrist is not completely submerged, but the watch is still wet. This might be the case if you wear it in the shower, while doing the dishes, or simply when walking home in the rain. Using this feature will ensure that any residual water is removed.

What happens if you don’t turn on the water lock? The watch will probably be fine (assuming it’s a model with a high water resistance rating), but you run the risk of water accumulating inside and causing possible damage. While this water resistance rating gives you the confidence to wear an Apple Watch when swimming or doing other water activities, you should be aware that water resistance weakens over time with any device. Keeping as much water out as possible, especially if you’re swimming in a chlorinated pool, can help extend the life of your smartwatch. Next time you go swimming, see if you can spot the water coming out of the side speaker when you press the button. And think about the complex process that goes into keeping the watch free of moisture inside.