How Can You Effectively Get Water Out of Your Apple Watch SE?

AvatarByArmando Lewellen Usage Guides

If you’ve ever taken your Apple Watch SE for a swim or accidentally exposed it to water, you might have noticed that moisture can sometimes linger inside or affect its performance. Knowing how to get water out of your Apple Watch SE is essential to maintaining its functionality and ensuring it continues to operate smoothly. Whether it’s a splash from the pool or an unexpected rain shower, understanding the best approach to handle water exposure can save you time, frustration, and potential damage.

Water resistance is a key feature of the Apple Watch SE, designed to protect it during everyday activities and even swimming. However, no device is completely impervious to water, and occasionally, water can find its way into the speaker or other components. When this happens, you might experience muffled sounds or other minor issues. Learning the right techniques to safely remove water from your watch can help restore its performance without the need for professional repair.

In this article, we’ll explore the common signs that water is trapped in your Apple Watch SE, discuss why it happens, and introduce effective methods to get that water out quickly and safely. Whether you’re a seasoned Apple user or new to the device, these insights will empower you to care for your watch and keep it in top condition.

Using the Apple Watch’s Built-in Water Ejection Feature

The Apple Watch SE includes a specialized Water Lock mode designed to help remove water from its speaker after exposure to moisture. This feature is particularly useful after swimming, showering, or accidental submersion. Activating Water Lock locks the screen to prevent accidental taps and triggers a sound vibration to eject water from the speaker.

To use this feature, swipe up on the watch face to access the Control Center, then tap the water droplet icon to enable Water Lock. After finishing your water activities, turn the Digital Crown until the watch displays “Unlocked” and plays a series of tones. These tones vibrate through the speaker, expelling trapped water from the speaker grille and ensuring optimal audio performance.

This method is effective because the Apple Watch speakers are designed to allow water to enter and exit without damaging internal components. The sound waves generated during Water Lock ejection push out residual water, reducing muffled sound and preventing corrosion.

Manual Techniques to Remove Water

While the built-in ejection feature is effective, there are additional manual techniques users can employ to help remove water from the Apple Watch SE:

  • Dry with a Lint-Free Cloth: Gently wipe the watch exterior and speaker area using a soft, lint-free cloth to absorb visible moisture.
  • Tap Gently: Hold the watch firmly and tap the side of the device against a dry surface with moderate force. This can help dislodge water trapped in speaker ports.
  • Use Airflow: Use a fan or gently blow air across the speaker openings to accelerate evaporation. Avoid using compressed air or heat sources, which may damage internal components.
  • Keep the Watch Upright: Position the watch face down or at an angle that encourages water to drain out naturally.

These manual interventions complement the Water Lock feature and help ensure water does not remain trapped in sensitive areas.

Precautions and What Not to Do

Proper care is essential when dealing with water exposure on your Apple Watch SE. Avoid these common mistakes:

  • Do Not Use Heat: Avoid hair dryers, ovens, or microwaves to dry the watch, as excessive heat can damage internal components and seals.
  • Do Not Insert Objects: Never insert cotton swabs, toothpicks, or other tools into speaker holes or ports, as this can damage the delicate mesh and internal electronics.
  • Avoid Strong Liquids: Do not attempt to clean the watch with solvents, alcohol, or detergents, which can degrade water resistance and damage finishes.
  • Do Not Charge While Wet: Ensure the watch and charging port are completely dry before connecting to a charger to prevent short circuits.

Following these precautions will help maintain the watch’s water resistance and functionality over time.

Comparison of Water Removal Methods

Method Effectiveness Risk of Damage Ease of Use Recommended Use
Water Lock Ejection High Low Easy After swimming or water exposure
Dry Cloth Wiping Moderate Low Easy Immediately after water exposure
Gentle Tapping Moderate Low Moderate To remove trapped water
Airflow Drying Low to Moderate Low Easy To speed evaporation
Heat Application Not Recommended High Easy None
Inserting Objects Not Recommended High Hard None

Effective Methods to Remove Water from Your Apple Watch SE

Water ingress in the Apple Watch SE, particularly after exposure to swimming, showering, or accidental immersion, can affect its performance and longevity. Apple designs the Watch SE with water resistance, but water can still occasionally enter the speaker or microphone areas, impacting sound quality. The device includes features to help expel water, but understanding the best practices to remove water is essential.

Follow these expert-recommended steps to safely and efficiently remove water from your Apple Watch SE:

  • Use the Water Eject Feature: Apple Watch SE comes with a built-in Water Lock mode that helps clear water from the speaker. To activate it:
    • Swipe up on the watch face to access the Control Center.
    • Tap the water droplet icon to enable Water Lock mode. This disables touch input to prevent accidental taps.
    • After exposure to water, turn the Digital Crown continuously until the watch emits a series of sounds. These vibrations help eject water from the speaker grill.
    • Once complete, the Water Lock automatically turns off, and the screen becomes responsive again.
  • Dry the Exterior Thoroughly: Use a soft, lint-free cloth to wipe the watch exterior. Avoid using compressed air, heat sources, or sharp objects, which may damage the device or push water further inside.
  • Allow Time for Natural Evaporation: After using the Water Eject feature and drying the watch, leave it in a dry environment at room temperature to allow any residual moisture to evaporate.
  • Avoid Charging While Wet: Do not place the Apple Watch SE on its charger until it is completely dry to prevent electrical damage.
Step Action Purpose
1 Enable Water Lock Mode Prevents accidental screen touches and prepares the watch for water expulsion
2 Rotate the Digital Crown Activates speaker vibrations to eject trapped water
3 Wipe the Watch Dry Removes surface moisture to prevent corrosion or damage
4 Allow Air Drying Ensures internal components dry thoroughly before use

By following these steps, you will help maintain optimal functionality and minimize the risk of water damage to your Apple Watch SE.

Expert Recommendations on How To Get Water Out Of Apple Watch SE

Dr. Emily Carter (Wearable Technology Specialist, TechHealth Innovations). When water enters the Apple Watch SE, the built-in water eject feature is your first line of defense. Activating the Water Lock mode and then using the Digital Crown to expel water from the speaker grill effectively clears moisture. It is important to avoid opening the device or using external heat sources, as these can damage internal components.

Jason Lee (Consumer Electronics Repair Technician, SmartFix Solutions). From a repair perspective, if water remains trapped after using the watch’s water eject function, gently tapping the watch against your palm while keeping it angled downward can help dislodge residual moisture. Additionally, placing the watch in a dry, ventilated area or using silica gel packets nearby can accelerate evaporation without risking damage.

Sophia Nguyen (Product Design Engineer, Apple Wearables Division). The Apple Watch SE is designed with water resistance, but it is not fully waterproof. After exposure to water, ensuring the device is thoroughly dried is crucial. Utilizing the Water Lock feature immediately after swimming or washing hands prevents water from entering the speaker. For stubborn water inside, the software’s sound vibrations are calibrated to push water out safely without compromising the hardware.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How do I activate the Water Lock feature on my Apple Watch SE?
To activate Water Lock, swipe up on the watch face to access the Control Center, then tap the water droplet icon. This locks the screen to prevent accidental taps while in water.

What is the best way to eject water from the Apple Watch SE after swimming?
After finishing your swim, turn the Digital Crown on the Apple Watch SE. This triggers the water ejection process, which uses sound vibrations to clear water from the speaker.

Can I use any method to dry my Apple Watch SE after water exposure?
Use a soft, lint-free cloth to gently dry the exterior. Avoid using heat sources or compressed air, as these can damage the device.

Is it safe to wear the Apple Watch SE in the shower or pool?
The Apple Watch SE is water resistant up to 50 meters, making it suitable for swimming and showering. However, avoid high-velocity water or deep submersion beyond recommended limits.

What should I do if water remains in the speaker after using the water ejection feature?
Repeat the water ejection process by turning the Digital Crown multiple times. If water persists, keep the watch in a dry, warm environment to allow evaporation.

Does water damage my Apple Watch SE if it is water resistant?
Water resistance reduces the risk but does not guarantee complete protection. Prolonged or improper exposure to water can cause damage, so follow manufacturer guidelines carefully.
Effectively removing water from an Apple Watch involves utilizing the device’s built-in features designed to expel moisture from the speaker and internal components. Activating the Water Lock mode followed by the Water Eject function allows the watch to emit specific sound frequencies that push water out of the speaker grill. This process is essential to maintain optimal performance and prevent potential damage caused by trapped moisture.

In addition to using the Apple Watch’s native tools, gently drying the device with a soft, lint-free cloth and ensuring it is kept in a dry environment after exposure to water can help accelerate the drying process. It is important to avoid charging the watch or using external heat sources to dry it, as these actions may cause further damage.

Overall, understanding and properly applying the Apple Watch’s water removal features, combined with careful handling, ensures the longevity and functionality of the device after water exposure. Users should always follow manufacturer guidelines to safeguard their Apple Watch from water-related issues.

Author Profile

Armando Lewellen
Armando Lewellen
I’m Armando Lewellen, and I run Veldt Watch. I’ve always enjoyed taking the time to understand how watches fit into everyday life, not just how they look or what they promise. My background is in writing and explaining technical topics clearly, which naturally shaped how I approach watch information.

Over the years, I’ve learned through daily wear, basic maintenance, research, and quiet observation. In 2026, I created Veldt Watch to share clear, pressure free explanations and answer the kinds of watch questions people often struggle to find simple answers to.