Apple Watch Safety Tips: How To Turn on Water Lock Feature

Here's how to make the most of your Apple Watch's device lifespan through the Water Lock safety feature.

Tech users have long been wary of exposing their devices to water, as it could lead to several issues in the long run. However, many modern-day techs have finally adapted by developing water-resistant products.

Fortunately for Apple users, Cult of Mac reports that the latest Apple Watches are highly water-resistant, so users can wear their devices without any worry during sweaty workouts, swimming, taking a shower, or even when it is raining.

Apple Watches have a Water Lock feature that temporarily locks the screen and assists in drying up the speaker once you are away from any water exposure to prevent you from accidentally touching the watch display and causing the touch screen to malfunction.

How To Use Your Apple Watch's Water Lock Feature

The Apple Watch SE's Water Lock feature prevents you from mistakenly activating the watch while it is submerged and expels water from the speaker when the watch is turned off.

Apple Support reports that Water Lock activates when you start any water-based exercise, such as swimming or surfing. Additionally, it activates when you start a scuba dive while wearing your Apple Watch Ultra.

However, for manual configuration using the Water Lock feature, users can simply follow these steps:

1. Touch and hold the bottom of the display when your watch face or an app is visible. Wait for Control Center to show, then swipe up. You can open Control Center from any screen.
2. Tap the Water Lock button. The Water Lock icon appears at the top of the watch face, indicating that the feature has been turned on.
3. To eject water, turn the Digital Crown until a sound plays.
4. Rotate the Digital Crown until the gray circle is completely filled with the blue water drop to turn it off.

Business Insider notes that you can simply rotate the Digital Crown rather than tapping it if your Apple Watch is running watchOS 8 or an earlier version.

Although you cannot type out a response, you can still scroll with the Digital Crown to view your alerts as they come in. If you want to make a call or send a text, users will have to use Siri.

Apple Watch Water Lock Feature Limitations

Apple built and designed its smartwatch to be durable in a variety of circumstances. However, users should still keep in mind that all devices have their limitations.

Thus, Apple has compiled a list of scenarios and substances that the Apple Watch's Water Lock feature is not intended to handle:

• Soapy water
• Perfume, detergent, acidic food, bug spray, lotions, sunscreen, hair dye
• High-velocity water (waterskiing, high diving)
• Steam rooms and saunas

It may be notable that the Apple Watch Ultra would be more durable to withstand these conditions. However, older versions, including the Apple Watch Series 1, should never be completely submerged underwater.