When we first purchased an Apple Watch we certainly have a lot of questions to ask ourselves. One of them is about water resistance and if it will hold up showering with the watch or on the contrary we should take it off. In this article we analyze what resistance each watch has and the tips to avoid degradation over the years.
Models with protection against water
In general, Apple Watch are waterproof but are not waterproof. We must have these two concepts completely clear when putting our watch underwater. By this we mean that you can exercise with the Apple Watch, go in the rain and even wash your hands. But within all the Apple Watch models we must distinguish that there is a gigantic leap from the Apple Watch Series 2 onwards.
To clarify, the Apple Watch Series 1 and first generation can resist water but are not designed to submerge them. This is because they have an IPX7 certification of water resistance certified by the IEC 60529 standard. With this protection the watch will be able to withstand splashes such as washing hands but it is not ready to carry out an underwater training such as swimming .
Starting with the Apple Watch Series 2, Apple took a step to make its watches submersible up to 50 meters thanks to ISO 22810: 2010 certification. This makes these watches suitable for powering anything in the pool or the sea. But we must not ‘mistreat’ them too much either because they are not prepared for certain sports such as diving or those where strong water impacts are received.
In short, the Apple Watch can get wet but only if you have the Apple Watch Series 2 onwards can you immerse it in water for swimming among other activities. But Series 1 and Series 0 is better not to expose you to these types of activities. Also, as a reminder, the classic buckle, leather, modern buckle or Milanese straps are not waterproof.
How to keep the water resistance condition
Unfortunately, the resistance to water is not eternal since all the hydraulic seals it has, to prevent water from entering the internal components, are wearing out. That is, as time goes by we have a high probability that the clock will break due to swimming with it. And this is something that we have to be very careful about since the Apple guarantee does not cover this type of breakage by not checking the quality control watches one by one.
But we can delay this wear by taking a few tips. One of the most important questions that many users ask is: can I take a shower with the Apple Watch? The quick answer is yes, but you have to be very careful not to come into contact with soap, shampoo, conditioner, or any other bath product. These can seriously impair the integrity of hydraulic seals.
Obviously, we are also very careful not to expose the watch to solvents, detergents, bleach, acidic foods, insect repellents, hair dyes … This is why for many daily tasks, such as intensive cleaning, it is better to remove the wrist watch and put it back when we are not dealing with toxic products.
One of the big enemies of the Apple Watch is also the saunas since water vapor for a long time can end up bothering the joints. But it is logical since a mobile phone that is also waterproof is not going to be able to put it in a sauna for a long time due to the conditions in the cabin.
What to do if your Apple Watch gets wet
Wearing the Apple Watch wet all the time is not recommended although it can withstand splashes and dives. Whenever we go swimming or when we have sweated when wearing the watch, it is advisable to take a lint-free suede and perform a superficial cleaning. It is important not to insert any needle or any other device in the holes of the Apple Watch to remove the stored water. Before doing this, it is best to leave it on a surface so that the liquid ends up evaporating. It is also recommended not to rinse the Apple Smart Watch with salt water from the sea and always rinse with fresh water.
In the case of Apple Watch 2 onwards, we have the possibility of activating the water mode so that all the water remains that we may have on the clock when we leave a pool for example are removed. In addition it also gives us the comfort of not making phantom touches while we are in the shower for example.
Warranty in case of liquid breakage
To make it as clear as possible, and avoid unpleasant surprises, keep in mind that if the watch breaks after immersing it or when a liquid falls on it, Apple will not want to know anything. If we read the warranty of the device it is clearly explained that it will not apply if there are ‘damages caused by accidents, misuse, misuse, fire, contact with liquids , earthquakes or any other external cause’.
That is why we have to be very careful when using our watch underwater. If unfortunately the seal does not work properly and liquid enters its interior, we must weigh that the equipment will not be replaced. Here there is a great dispute between users and companies but unfortunately Apple is not the only one that applies this strict regulation in this regard.