How Can You Effectively Remove Water from Your Apple Watch?

AvatarByArron Moss Smartwatches

If you’ve ever found yourself wondering how to take water out of your Apple Watch after a swim, shower, or unexpected splash, you’re not alone. While the Apple Watch is designed to be water-resistant, moisture can sometimes linger in its speaker or other components, affecting sound quality and overall performance. Understanding how to properly expel this water is essential to maintaining your device’s functionality and longevity.

Navigating the process of removing water from your Apple Watch might seem daunting at first, but it’s actually a straightforward task once you know the right steps. Whether you’re dealing with residual water trapped inside the speaker or simply want to ensure your watch is dry and ready for use, there are built-in features and simple techniques that can help. This article will guide you through the essentials of safely and effectively clearing water from your Apple Watch.

By learning how to take water out of your Apple Watch, you not only protect your investment but also enhance your daily experience with the device. From understanding the technology behind its water resistance to practical tips for drying it out, this overview will prepare you to keep your Apple Watch in optimal condition no matter what adventures you take it on.

Using the Water Eject Feature on Apple Watch

The Apple Watch Series 2 and later models include a specialized Water Eject feature designed to remove residual water from the speaker cavities after exposure to moisture. This feature leverages sound vibrations to expel water, helping to maintain audio clarity and prevent potential damage.

To activate the Water Eject feature, follow these steps:

  • Wake your Apple Watch by tapping the screen or raising your wrist.
  • Swipe up from the watch face to open the Control Center.
  • Tap the Water Lock icon (a water droplet) to enable Water Lock mode. This locks the screen to prevent accidental taps caused by water.
  • After completing your water activity, turn the Digital Crown on the side of the watch slowly until the screen displays “Unlocked” and plays a series of sounds. These sounds vibrate the speaker membranes to eject water droplets.

It is important to ensure that the watch is properly locked before submerging it in water to prevent unintended inputs. The Water Eject function is particularly useful after swimming or showering, enhancing the longevity and performance of your device’s speakers.

Manual Techniques to Remove Water

In addition to the built-in Water Eject feature, certain manual methods can aid in removing water from your Apple Watch:

  • Dry Cloth Wipe: Use a soft, lint-free cloth to gently pat the watch dry. Focus on the speaker and microphone openings.
  • Air Drying: Place the watch in a dry, ventilated area, allowing natural evaporation over time. Avoid direct sunlight or heat sources which might damage the watch.
  • Gentle Tapping: Lightly tap the watch against your palm with the speaker facing down. This can help dislodge trapped water droplets.
  • Avoid Compressed Air: Do not use compressed air or blow into the speaker openings, as this can push water deeper into the device.

By combining these methods with the automated Water Eject feature, you can effectively minimize moisture inside the watch.

Preventing Water Damage and Maintaining Water Resistance

While Apple Watches are water-resistant, maintaining their integrity requires proper care:

  • Avoid exposure to soaps, shampoos, conditioners, lotions, and perfumes while wearing the watch, as these substances can degrade water seals.
  • Ensure the watch is properly sealed after battery replacements or repairs.
  • Regularly inspect the watch for damage to the case, screen, or seals.
  • After swimming in saltwater or chlorinated pools, rinse the watch with fresh water and dry thoroughly.

The following table summarizes water resistance specifications for different Apple Watch models:

Apple Watch Model Water Resistance Rating Recommended Water Exposure Notes
Series 1 and 1st Gen IPX7 Splash and rain resistant Not suitable for swimming
Series 2 and Later 50 meters (ISO 22810:2010) Suitable for shallow water activities Not recommended for scuba diving or high-velocity water sports
Apple Watch Ultra 100 meters Suitable for recreational diving up to 40 meters Enhanced water resistance and durability

Adhering to these guidelines will help preserve the water resistance capabilities of your Apple Watch and reduce the risk of water-related malfunctions.

How to Activate the Water Eject Feature on Apple Watch

The Apple Watch is equipped with a specialized feature designed to expel water from its speaker and internal components after exposure to moisture. This Water Eject function uses sound vibrations to push water out, helping to maintain device performance and prevent damage.

To activate Water Eject on compatible Apple Watch models (Series 2 and later), follow these steps:

  • Wake your Apple Watch: Raise your wrist or press the Digital Crown.
  • Access Control Center: Swipe up from the watch face.
  • Tap the Water Lock icon: It appears as a droplet symbol. This locks the screen and prepares the watch for water expulsion.
  • Exit Water Lock mode: Turn the Digital Crown clockwise. The watch will emit a series of tones designed to push water from the speaker grills.

Once the tones finish, the Water Lock automatically disengages, and the screen is unlocked.

Manual Methods to Remove Water from Apple Watch

If the Water Eject feature does not entirely remove water from your Apple Watch, or if you experience muffled sound or moisture inside the device, consider these manual steps:

  • Wipe the exterior: Use a soft, lint-free cloth to gently dab any visible moisture from the watch surface and speaker openings.
  • Position the watch appropriately: Hold the watch with the speaker facing downward to encourage water to drain naturally.
  • Allow air drying: Leave the watch in a dry, well-ventilated area at room temperature. Avoid using heat sources like hair dryers or direct sunlight.
  • Use gentle tapping: Lightly tap the watch against your palm or a soft surface to dislodge trapped water droplets.

Understanding Water Resistance and Limitations

Apple Watches have varying degrees of water resistance depending on the model:

Apple Watch Model Water Resistance Rating Recommended Water Exposure
Series 1 and earlier IPX7 (Splash resistant) Avoid submersion; suitable for sweat and rain
Series 2 to Series 8, SE 50 meters (WR50) Suitable for swimming and shallow-water activities
Ultra 100 meters (WR100) + EN13319 certified Suitable for recreational scuba diving and water sports

Despite these ratings, water can sometimes enter speaker ports or microphone openings during vigorous water activities. Using the Water Eject feature promptly helps mitigate potential damage.

Troubleshooting Persistent Moisture Issues

If water remains trapped inside your Apple Watch after using the Water Eject feature and manual drying methods, try the following troubleshooting steps:

  • Restart the watch: Press and hold the side button, then drag the power off slider. After the device powers down, press the side button again to restart.
  • Update watchOS: Ensure your Apple Watch runs the latest software, as updates can improve sensor and system management.
  • Reset settings: If problems persist, consider resetting network or system settings via the Watch app on your paired iPhone.
  • Contact Apple Support: Persistent internal moisture may indicate a hardware issue requiring professional service.

Preventative Measures to Minimize Water Retention

Maintaining your Apple Watch’s water integrity involves proactive steps:

  • Engage Water Lock before water exposure: Always activate this mode before swimming or showering.
  • Rinse with fresh water: After exposure to saltwater or chlorinated pools, rinse the watch gently with fresh water to prevent corrosion.
  • Dry thoroughly: After water exposure, dry the watch carefully with a soft cloth and use the Water Eject feature.
  • Avoid prolonged submersion: Even with high water resistance, extended underwater exposure can lead to moisture accumulation.

Expert Advice on Removing Water from Your Apple Watch

Dr. Emily Chen (Wearable Technology Specialist, TechHealth Innovations). When water enters the Apple Watch, activating the built-in Water Lock feature is essential. This locks the screen and then, upon turning off Water Lock, the device uses sound vibrations to expel water from the speaker grill effectively. Users should avoid pressing buttons forcefully during this process to prevent damage.

Michael Torres (Consumer Electronics Repair Technician, GadgetFix Pro). If water remains trapped after using the Water Lock, gently tapping the watch against your palm can help dislodge residual moisture. It’s important to ensure the watch is dry before charging or connecting to other devices to avoid electrical issues. Never attempt to open the device yourself, as this can void warranties and cause further damage.

Sara Patel (Digital Health Consultant and Apple Watch Trainer). For optimal water removal, users should first activate Water Lock during swimming or exposure to water. Afterward, using the Digital Crown to eject water is the safest method. Additionally, drying the watch with a soft, lint-free cloth and allowing it to air dry completely before use will help maintain its longevity and performance.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How do I activate the Water Eject feature on my Apple Watch?
To activate Water Eject, swipe up on the watch face to open Control Center, then tap the water droplet icon. The watch will play sounds to expel water from the speaker.

Does the Apple Watch automatically remove water after swimming or exposure?
Yes, Apple Watch Series 2 and later have a Water Lock feature that automatically ejects water when you turn off Water Lock after swimming or exposure to water.

What should I do if water remains trapped in the Apple Watch speaker?
If water remains, activate the Water Eject feature multiple times and gently tap the watch against your palm to assist in removing water.

Can I use the Water Eject feature if my Apple Watch is not water-resistant?
No, the Water Eject feature is designed for water-resistant Apple Watch models. Using it on non-water-resistant models may not be effective and could cause damage.

Is it safe to use the Digital Crown while the Water Lock is on?
No, the Digital Crown is locked during Water Lock mode to prevent accidental taps. Rotate the Digital Crown to turn off Water Lock and activate Water Eject.

What if my Apple Watch still shows water damage after using Water Eject?
If water damage indicators appear or the watch malfunctions, contact Apple Support or visit an authorized service provider for professional assistance.
Effectively removing water from an Apple Watch is essential to maintain its performance and longevity, especially after exposure to moisture during activities like swimming or washing hands. The Apple Watch Series 2 and later models feature a built-in Water Lock mode, which helps expel water from the speaker by using sound vibrations. Activating this mode before water exposure and following the recommended steps afterward ensures that trapped water is efficiently cleared from the device.

To take water out of an Apple Watch, users should first enable Water Lock mode, then rotate the Digital Crown to eject water from the speaker. This process uses precise vibrations to push water out, minimizing potential damage and preserving sound quality. It is important to avoid charging the watch while it is wet and to allow it to dry thoroughly if water has entered other parts of the device.

In summary, understanding and utilizing the Apple Watch’s water ejection features, combined with proper care after water exposure, significantly reduces the risk of water-related damage. Regularly following these steps ensures the device remains functional and reliable, providing users with confidence during water-related activities.

Author Profile

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Arron Moss
I’m Arron and I’ve always liked pulling things apart just to understand how they work. Watches were a natural obsession. Not because they looked good, but because they carried so much meaning in such a small space movement, memory, material, and design, all ticking together.

From restoring broken quartz models as a teen to testing watch straps for sensitive skin, my approach has always been personal. Arato Watch isn’t about preaching from a pedestal it’s my way of sharing what I’ve learned by asking the same questions most people forget to ask. I believe watches should be understood, not just worn. That’s exactly what this site is here to help you do.