The advantage of a smartwatch is that you can take it anywhere. So, what’s the point of wearing it, if you can’t take it in a shower or in the pool or for a rain walk? If you are an Apple Watch user, you have probably asked yourself this question: Can I shower with my Apple Watch?
If you own the Apple Watch Series 2 and newer, the answer is yes, you can shower with your watch on. Just make sure that the device is kept away from shampoo, soap, sauna rooms, lotions, conditioner of any kind, and soapy water (and a few other things and places, more on that ahead).
Let’s go a bit deeper and let’s make sure you don’t damage your watch.
How Safe is Apple Watch Around Water – Can I Shower With My Apple Watch On?
All models of the Apple Watch—labeled generation or Series 1 to 8—are water and splash resistant to varying degrees. Although the first and second-generation models are water-resistant for up to 30 minutes in 1 meter (3.3 feet) and 50 meters (164 feet) of water, respectively, it is not advisable to drop them into shallow or deep waters as much as possible. Both Series 1 and Series 2 Apple Watch variants are not swim-proof, meaning that even a quick lap across the pool with them on is not advisable.
Beyond the first two variants, all other models of the smartwatch are water-resistant up to 50 meters and swim-proof. Additionally, Series 2-8 contain the Water-Lock feature, which locks the screen during a swim. As a result, the possibility of accidentally tapping your Apple Watch display is eliminated. After you’re done with your swim, you can rotate the digital crown on the side of your device to clear the water trapped within it.
The good news is that whether you have a Series 2 or Series 8 Apple Watch, they are built to last through a shower. On the other hand, Apple Watch Series 1 is something we recommend that you keep away from the shower.
Things To Know About Water-Resistant Wearables
Ever used the words water-resistant and waterproof interchangeably? Well, they are actually two different things. Here’s the difference: As the name suggests, a waterproof wearable is impervious to water and can function normally even after being fully submerged. On the other hand, a water-resistant wearable can prevent water penetration for a while, but not completely, and not beyond a specific depth and pressure level.
With years of research and relentless fine-tuning by manufacturers across the board, modern wearables, once considered to be inherently delicate and damage-prone, have become quite durable. Most smartwatches are likely to be waterproof and repellent to most non-corrosive fluids. Consider the Apple Watch, for instance. Each successive generation of the device has been progressively better at resisting water penetration than its predecessor. It is built for tough use and frequent exposure to water.
Knowing where the water-related limitations of your Apple Watch lie can come in handy for you while using it on a daily basis, especially as the thresholds vary for different generations.
What Things You Shouldn’t Do with Your Apple Watch On
Your device is resistant, not invincible, to water and other external entities. To protect your Apple Watch, you need to refrain from exposing the device to chemical solvents, corrosive solutions, acids, acidic foods, sunscreen, oil, insect repellents, hair dyes, and detergents. Additionally, the water resistance of the device wears thin if it is used during high-velocity water activities such as bungee jumping, high-speed water skating, water skiing, and deep diving. As specified already, having the smartwatch on during a sauna or steam room session can damage the device.
How Apple Watch Compares To Others
When it comes to smartwatches, you do have flagship alternatives from Samsung, Fitbit, Garmin, and Fossil. Like the latest Apple Watch, these flagship smartwatches are swim-proof and splash resistant, while also being water-resistant up to 50 meters depth and 5 atmospheres (ATM) worth of underwater pressure.
Conclusion
You can definitely shower with your Apple Watch (Series 2 and newer variants). The device’s water resistance tech allows it to function efficiently even after exposure to rain and shallow waters. So the next time you take a shower with your Apple Watch, you have nothing to worry about. Just keep in mind our suggestions, especially about shampoo and other cosmetics, and be careful and remember it’s water-resistant, it’s not water-invincible…
Also, a thing to remember – the shower is fine, and swimming is fine, but extreme temperatures like hot tubs and saunas are not safe for Apple Watch.
FAQ
Can I wear Apple Watch SE in the shower?
The same rules also apply to Apple Watch SE. You can shower with it, it’s also water-resistant, but you do have to be careful with the soap, lotions, and other perfumes you use while showering. That is not recommended.
How to Activate Water Lock Feature on Apple Watch?
A water lock feature is recommended while swimming with your smartwatch on. You can activate it in the control center by tapping the water icon. It will also activate automatically when you start a swim exercise activity.
You can disable the feature after your exercise by turning the digital crown.
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I bought my first smartwatch in 2018 and have been wearing one ever since. It might get frustrating at times to receive 100 notifications a day. That's why we need to know how to make the best of them and how to use them to improve our daily lives, not the other way around. I write about the newest smartwatches, I create top picks, and I write helpful guides and simply explain complicated things.