How to use Water Lock on an Apple Watch

2 min read · 4 steps · Updated 2 October 2026

Water on a touchscreen acts like a finger and can start or stop things by accident. Water Lock disables the screen while you swim or shower, and clears water from the speaker when you finish.

These steps are for recent versions of watchOS. The pictures are simplified diagrams of the watch screen, not screenshots.

Step by step

1. Press the side button

   This opens Control Centre.

   Done

2. Tap the water drop

   A drop icon appears at the top of the watch face, and touches are ignored.

   Done

3. Swim or shower

   Starting a swimming workout turns Water Lock on by itself.

   Done

4. Press and hold the Digital Crown to unlock

   Hold until the screen says Unlocked. The watch plays a series of tones that push water out of the speaker opening. You may feel a few drops on your wrist.

   Done

Good to know

Apple Watch Series 2 and later are water resistant to 50 metres for swimming. Only Apple Watch Ultra is made for diving and high-speed water sports.

Water resistance is not permanent and can lessen over time. Avoid soap, shampoo, hot water in saunas and steam rooms, and jumping in from a height.

Rinse the watch with fresh water after the sea or a pool and dry it with a soft cloth. Leather and metal bands are not meant for water.

In short: Side button, water drop. Hold the Digital Crown to unlock and eject water.