The best Apple Watch models have been waterproof for years, so you can wear them while swimming or showering without running into any problems. However, a feature called Water Lock can be switched on for extra protection. While Apple changed the way Water Lock works with watchOS 9, it is still found in earlier watchOS versions as well as in the latest watchOS 11. If you want to use Water Lock on your Apple Watch to prevent water from causing accidental screen presses or to eject water from your smartwatch, these are the steps for using it.
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What is Water Lock on watchOS?
The primary purpose of Water Lock is to block touch input, preventing water droplets from accidentally pressing things on your Apple Watch's display. Additionally, when it's turned off Water Lock will play an audible tone that ejects water droplets from the speaker grills.
How to use the Water Lock on watchOS
1. Open the Control Center on your Apple Watch. On watchOS 9, you can do this by swiping up from the bottom of the screen; on watchOS 10 and later, press the side button once.
2. Tap on the Water Lock button, which has a water drop icon.
3. This will now block all touchscreen input. You can still rotate the Digital Crown to scroll through a fresh notification or an active workout.
4. When you're no longer subjecting your Apple Watch to water, dry its display with a soft towel, then press and hold on the Digital Crown to remove the Water Lock. You can release the Digital Crown once your watch starts beeping and ejecting water.
If you're using an Apple Watch with watchOS 8 or earlier, rotate the Digital Crown instead of pressing and holding it to disable Water Lock.
When should you use Water Lock on Apple Watch?
Anytime accidental touches could cause problems in the water
We advise anyone wearing their Apple Watch while swimming or showering to use the Water Lock. Otherwise, water droplets could launch and mess with installed watchOS apps, as well as call or message people unintentionally. If you start a water-based workout on your Apple Watch (such as swimming or surfing), Water Lock will automatically be activated on the latest watchOS versions.
Even if you forget to enable Water Lock before you get in the water, it's a good idea to quickly enable and disable it as soon as you get out of the water. That way, your Apple Watch will at least still play the water-ejecting tone that clears your speakers out.
Water Lock is an extra measure of protection
You don't have to use it, but you probably should
Even though most recent Apple Watches are already waterproof, enabling Water Lock is an extra step you can take to prevent water droplets from accidentally pressing things on your Apple Watch's display. An additional benefit is that water is ejected from the watch speakers when the Water Lock gets disabled. Now, you know why to use Water Lock, and how to enable it, the next time you are using your smartwatch during water activities.
