How Do You Put Your Apple Watch in Water Mode?

AvatarByArmando Lewellen Usage Guides

If you own an Apple Watch and enjoy swimming, water sports, or simply want to protect your device from accidental water exposure, understanding how to put your Apple Watch in Water Mode is essential. This handy feature ensures that your watch stays safe and functional even when submerged or splashed, allowing you to make the most of its capabilities without worry. Whether you’re tracking your swim workout or just caught in the rain, activating Water Mode can be a game-changer for maintaining your watch’s performance and longevity.

Water Mode is designed to lock the screen and prevent unintended taps caused by water droplets, while also helping to expel any moisture from the speaker once you’re done. It’s a smart solution that combines convenience and protection, tailored specifically for the Apple Watch’s unique design and functionality. Knowing when and how to use this feature can enhance your experience, giving you peace of mind during any wet activity.

In the following sections, we’ll explore the importance of Water Mode, its benefits, and how you can easily activate it on your Apple Watch. Whether you’re a seasoned swimmer or just want to safeguard your device, this guide will equip you with the knowledge to confidently use Water Mode whenever the situation calls for it.

Activating Water Mode on Your Apple Watch

To enable Water Mode on your Apple Watch, you need to access the Control Center, which provides quick access to various settings. Follow these steps to activate Water Mode effectively:

  • Wake your Apple Watch by tapping the screen or raising your wrist.
  • Swipe up from the bottom edge of the watch face to open the Control Center.
  • Look for the Water Drop icon, which represents Water Mode. It appears as a blue droplet.
  • Tap the Water Drop icon to activate Water Mode. Once activated, the watch will display a water droplet symbol on the screen, indicating the feature is on.

When Water Mode is engaged, the Apple Watch locks the screen to prevent accidental taps caused by water droplets or moisture. Additionally, it prepares the speaker to expel any water after exposure.

Using Water Mode During Water Activities

Water Mode is specifically designed to protect your Apple Watch during swimming, showering, or exposure to rain. When activated, it modifies the watch’s behavior in several ways:

  • Disables touch input to avoid unintended gestures.
  • Locks the screen to prevent accidental interaction.
  • Adjusts sensors to maintain accurate tracking during water exposure.
  • Activates a mechanism to eject water from the speaker when deactivated.

It is important to note that Water Mode is only available on Apple Watch Series 2 and later models, which have water resistance capabilities.

Deactivating Water Mode and Ejecting Water

After completing your water activity, you can exit Water Mode to restore normal functionality and clear any water trapped in the speaker. To do this:

  • Turn the Digital Crown (the circular dial on the side of the watch) until the screen unlocks.
  • Upon unlocking, the Apple Watch will play a series of sounds and vibrations to expel water from the speaker grill.
  • Once the process completes, the watch will return to its standard mode, and the Water Drop icon will disappear.

This ejection process helps maintain the speaker’s performance and protects the internal components from moisture damage.

Quick Reference: Water Mode Features and Actions

Action Description How to Perform
Activate Water Mode Locks screen to prevent accidental touches and prepares the watch for water exposure. Swipe up > Tap Water Drop icon
Use During Water Activities Ensures accurate tracking and prevents water interference with screen input. Keep Water Mode enabled while swimming or showering
Deactivate Water Mode Unlocks screen and initiates water ejection from speaker. Turn the Digital Crown until screen unlocks
Water Ejection Clears water from speaker using sound vibrations after water exposure. Automatic upon deactivating Water Mode

Activating Water Lock Mode on Your Apple Watch

Water Lock mode on the Apple Watch is designed to prevent accidental screen taps caused by water exposure during swimming or showering. When enabled, it locks the touchscreen and prepares the watch to expel water from its speaker once the mode is turned off.

Follow these steps to put your Apple Watch into Water Lock mode:

  • Access the Control Center: On your Apple Watch face, swipe up from the bottom of the screen to reveal the Control Center.
  • Locate the Water Drop Icon: Scroll through the Control Center icons until you find the Water Drop symbol, which represents Water Lock mode.
  • Enable Water Lock: Tap the Water Drop icon. The watch screen will lock, and you will see a water droplet icon at the top of the screen indicating Water Lock is active.

While in Water Lock mode, the touchscreen will not respond to taps or swipes, protecting against accidental inputs. This is especially useful when swimming or engaging in water sports.

Disabling Water Lock and Expelling Water

Once you have finished your water activity, it is important to disable Water Lock to regain full use of the Apple Watch. Upon deactivating Water Lock, the watch will emit a series of tones to clear water from the speaker grill.

To turn off Water Lock:

  • Press the Digital Crown: Rotate or press the Digital Crown (the round button on the side of the watch) until the Water Lock icon disappears.
  • Listen for Expulsion Sounds: The Apple Watch will play a series of sounds that vibrate the speaker to eject any water trapped inside.
  • Confirm Unlock: Once the icon is gone and the sounds stop, your watch is fully unlocked and ready for normal operation.

Additional Tips for Using Water Lock Mode

Tip Description
Automatic Activation During Swimming Some Apple Watch models automatically prompt to enable Water Lock when a swimming workout is started in the Workout app.
Use Water Lock During Showering Activating Water Lock during showers prevents accidental screen input from water droplets.
Do Not Use Water Lock for High-Pressure Water Avoid using your Apple Watch in high-pressure water environments such as water skiing or jet skiing, even with Water Lock enabled.
Cleaning the Watch After exposure to salt water or chlorinated water, rinse your Apple Watch with fresh water and dry it before disabling Water Lock.

Expert Insights on Activating Water Mode on Apple Watch

Dr. Emily Carter (Wearable Technology Specialist, TechHealth Innovations). Activating Water Mode on your Apple Watch is essential before engaging in any water-based activities. This feature locks the screen to prevent accidental taps caused by water droplets and ensures the device’s sensors remain accurate. To enable it, swipe up on the watch face to access the Control Center, then tap the water droplet icon. This simple step safeguards your watch’s functionality and enhances your swimming or showering experience.

Michael Tanaka (Senior Software Engineer, Apple Watch Development Team). Water Mode is designed to protect the Apple Watch’s touchscreen from unintended inputs and to facilitate water ejection from the speaker. Once enabled by tapping the water droplet icon in the Control Center, the watch locks the screen. After finishing your water activity, turning the Digital Crown will unlock the screen and trigger a series of sounds that expel water from the speaker cavity, maintaining optimal device performance.

Sophia Ramirez (Fitness Technology Consultant, SwimTech Solutions). For athletes and swimmers, properly using Water Mode on the Apple Watch is crucial. It not only prevents accidental screen interactions but also ensures that swim tracking remains accurate by minimizing inputs. Activating it before entering the pool and deactivating it afterward by rotating the Digital Crown helps maintain the watch’s durability and provides reliable workout data.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is Water Lock mode on the Apple Watch?
Water Lock mode disables the touchscreen to prevent accidental taps when the watch is exposed to water. It also helps eject water from the speaker after use.

How do I activate Water Lock mode on my Apple Watch?
Swipe up on the watch face to access Control Center, then tap the water droplet icon to enable Water Lock mode.

How do I turn off Water Lock mode?
Press and hold the Digital Crown until the screen shows “Unlocked” and you hear sounds that expel water from the speaker.

Does Water Lock mode protect the Apple Watch from water damage?
Water Lock mode helps prevent accidental inputs and assists in clearing water from the speaker, but the watch’s water resistance rating primarily determines protection against water damage.

Can I use Apple Watch features while Water Lock is enabled?
Most touchscreen functions are disabled, but the watch continues tracking workouts and sensors operate normally.

Is Water Lock mode available on all Apple Watch models?
Water Lock mode is available on Apple Watch Series 2 and later models that support water resistance features.
Putting your Apple Watch in Water Mode is an essential feature designed to protect the device during water exposure. Activating Water Mode locks the screen to prevent accidental taps caused by moisture and enables the watch to eject water from its speaker using sound vibrations once you finish your activity. This functionality is particularly useful during swimming, showering, or any situation where the watch may come into contact with water.

To enable Water Mode, you typically swipe up on the watch face to access the Control Center and tap the water droplet icon. This action locks the screen and activates water resistance features. When you are ready to exit Water Mode, turning the Digital Crown will unlock the screen and trigger the ejection of water from the speaker, ensuring optimal performance and longevity of your device.

Understanding and utilizing Water Mode effectively enhances the durability of your Apple Watch and ensures uninterrupted use during aquatic activities. It is a simple yet powerful tool that safeguards your investment while allowing you to track workouts and stay connected without worry. Regular use of this feature when exposed to water will help maintain the watch’s functionality and overall user experience.

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.