How to eject water from apple watch

Overview

Apple Watches, particularly newer models, are designed with water resistance, making them suitable for activities like swimming and showering. However, after exposure to water, it's essential to ensure any residual moisture is expelled to maintain the watch's functionality and longevity. Fortunately, Apple has built-in mechanisms to help you eject water from your Apple Watch, primarily through the Water Lock feature and the watch's speaker system.

How Water Ejection Works

The primary method your Apple Watch uses to eject water is through its speaker. When the watch detects water or is manually instructed to do so, it plays a series of low-frequency sounds. These sounds cause the speaker's diaphragm to vibrate rapidly, effectively pushing water out of the speaker grille and any other openings. This process is similar to how some waterproof speakers are designed to clear themselves of water.

Using the Water Lock Feature

The Water Lock feature is automatically engaged when you start an outdoor swim workout on your Apple Watch. It prevents the screen from responding to accidental touches while you're in the water. Once you finish your swim, you need to unlock the watch to eject water.

To manually eject water using Water Lock:

1. Ensure your Apple Watch is not on the charger.
2. Rotate the Digital Crown upwards. You'll see a padlock icon appear on the screen, indicating that Water Lock is on.
3. Once you're out of the water, press and hold the Digital Crown until you see 'Unlocked' on the screen and hear a series of tones. These tones are the watch playing sounds to expel water.
4. Continue to hold the Digital Crown until the tones stop.

This manual process uses the same sound-based mechanism to clear water from the watch.

When to Manually Eject Water

While your Apple Watch is designed to handle water exposure, it's a good practice to manually eject water after specific activities:

• After swimming in a pool or the ocean.
• After showering with your watch.
• If your watch has been submerged in stagnant water.
• If you notice muffled sound from the speaker.

Even if you haven't used a workout mode, you can still manually initiate the water ejection process.

Manual Water Ejection Without Water Lock

If you haven't used a workout mode that automatically enables Water Lock, or if you want to eject water at any time, you can do so through the Control Center:

1. Swipe up from the bottom of the watch face to open Control Center.
2. Look for the Water Drop icon (this is the Water Lock icon). If you don't see it, you may need to add it by editing Control Center.
3. Tap the Water Drop icon to turn on Water Lock.
4. Now, follow the steps above under 'To manually eject water using Water Lock' (starting from rotating the Digital Crown upwards) to unlock the watch and eject water.

Drying Your Apple Watch

After ejecting water, it's crucial to dry your Apple Watch properly. Use a soft, lint-free cloth (like a microfiber cloth) to gently wipe down the watch casing, band, and any accessible parts. Avoid using heat, compressed air, or harsh cleaning agents, as these can damage the watch.

Water Resistance and Limitations

It's important to understand the water resistance ratings of different Apple Watch models. Most Apple Watch models are water-resistant, not waterproof. This means they can withstand submersion to a certain depth and for a limited time, but prolonged or high-pressure water exposure can still cause damage.

• Apple Watch Series 2 and later: Water-resistant up to 50 meters (ISO standard 22810:2010). This means they are suitable for shallow-water activities like swimming in a pool or ocean.
• Apple Watch (1st generation): Splash-resistant, not water-resistant. It's not recommended for swimming or showering.

Water resistance can decrease over time due to normal wear and tear, or if the watch is dropped or damaged. Activities like high-velocity water sports, scuba diving, or waterskiing are not recommended, as they involve conditions that exceed the water resistance capabilities of the Apple Watch.

Troubleshooting Muffled Sound

If you notice that the sound from your Apple Watch speaker is muffled even after attempting to eject water, it might indicate that water is still trapped or that there's debris obstructing the speaker. Try repeating the water ejection process. If the problem persists, consider cleaning the speaker grille gently with a dry, soft brush. If the issue is severe or persistent, contacting Apple Support may be necessary.

By understanding and utilizing the Water Lock feature and proper drying techniques, you can ensure your Apple Watch remains in excellent condition, even after exposure to water.