If you’re a big fan of Apple, then you probably know all there is to know about the brand and its products. Apple has brought a lot of revolutionizing devices to the tech market, from computers to phones to tablets and even smartwatches.
The Apple Watch has been a great accessory for millions of people for years, and its incredible capabilities make it one of a kind compared to smartwatches from other brands. However, is this rather expensive piece of kit waterproof? So, let’s discover more about the question you wonder: what is the water drop on Apple Watch?!
Is the Apple Watch Waterproof?
Apple Watches have been water resistant since the series 2 models were released. The first models of the Apple Watch were unfortunately not made to be water resistant, so if you’re an owner of that watch model, this review is not for you.
Unfortunately, Apple Watches aren’t 100% waterproof, but they are, as we’ve said, quite resistant to water. After all, waterproof means being completely impervious to water, while water-resistant means being resilient to water to some extent.
Fortunately, since the Apple Watch Series 2 was released, Apple has increased their devices’ water resistance levels, which means they can handle shallow water submerging without any guarantees that the device won’t malfunction.
Apple’s Apple Watch Series 2,3,4,5 and 6 are water-resistant to up to 50 meters, which means they are safe to use for swimming, but at your own risk.
What Is the Water Drop on Apple Watch?
The water drop icon on your Apple Watch signifies that your Apple Watch has the Water Lock option turned on. Apple implements this function to protect your watch against water while swimming or taking a bath with the device. It’s a very ingenious way to secure your device, which is probably unique to Apple Watches.
This feature is automatically activated when the watch senses some water activity, but the user can manually toggle it. When the water lock on your device is activated, the touchscreen will become unresponsive to prevent accidental touches from the water droplets.
How to Enable the Water Drop Icon on Apple Watch
Now that you no longer have to wonder what is the water drop on the Apple watch, if you want to enable this function manually, then follow these steps:
- First, touch the bottom of your device’s touchscreen and hold for a few seconds; this will make the control center appear, after which you can perform a swipe-up motion.
- Once you’re in the Control Center, tap the water drop button to activate the water lock function.
- Now, the water drop icon will appear at the top of the device’s screen.
If you can’t locate the water drop button in your device’s Control Center, you need to open the Control Center first and click on the “Edit” button at the bottom. This will take you to a menu with additional icons and functions with a small plus sign in the upper left corner. Simply find the water drop button and tap it to add it to your watch’s Control Center.
When Should You Use This Water Safety Feature?
The water safety feature of your Apple Watch is convenient, especially when it automatically detects water and water-based activities. Nevertheless, there are many situations when Apple Watch users forget about this feature and never consider the need to enable it.
So, whenever you’re considering going to the beach for a swim, or even taking a shower, always check if the watch’s water protective feature is enabled. We recommend always leaving the function on because the watch will automatically regulate when to turn it on or off. That way, you will no longer have to worry about forgetting to enable it manually.
Read more: How to Eject Water From Apple Watch
Steps to Remove Water From Your Apple Watch
Unfortunately, water may eventually enter your Apple Watch, even though you will enable the water safety feature. It’s an inevitable process but not something for which you should panic. The water residue that enters the watch gets ejected by the watch itself.
To remove water from your Apple Watch manually, ensure that the water lock feature is enabled by pressing the water drop button in the Control Center. The next thing to do is turn the Digital Crown of the watch and clear the water residue from the speaker.
The process is similar to the iPhones, as the sound emitted through the speaker blows out any water that might be trapped inside the watch.
Tips to Clean Your Apple Watch With Water Thoroughly
It is very important to keep your watch clean, and you must clean it regularly to prevent the materials from wearing out faster than they should. If you’ve been swimming in salt water or had a bath with your watch, you must rinse all the salt or bubbles. Failing to do so will leave a small residue inside your watch, which, when dry, will be much more difficult to clean.
That is why it’s recommended that you manually cleanse your watch several times a week and keep the watch’s speaker hole dry and clean. You can use the water lock feature of your watch as many times as you want until you’re sure that all your watch has been thoroughly rinsed.
For example, if you see soap bubbles from the speaker after taking a bath with your watch, that means the watch needs thorough cleaning to prevent future damage.
Read more: Why Is My Apple Watch Dying So Fast?
Conclusion
Water lock is an amazing Apple Watch feature, and it is especially useful for people who frequently practice water-based activities. It will keep your watch safe from accidental water damage and automatically adjust to your water habits on the go.
So, now that you have discovered more about the question of what is the water drop on Apple Watch, we recommend always leaving it turned on. If you’ve just bought the watch, enable this feature and let your watch do the rest, so you can have peace of mind even if you accidentally go for a swim with it.