Apple Watch: water lock - how to use the feature

All newer models of the Apple Watch have a water lock feature that protects the smartwatch when you wear it during your swim workout. Find out exactly how the water lock works and how to unlock it once you've finished your workout in our article.

How to use the water lock feature on the Apple Watch

If you have an Apple Watch Series 2 or newer, it has a built-in water lock feature. This automatically locks the smartwatch's screen as soon as the watch comes into contact with water. In this way, you can also wear your Apple Watch during swim training without water drops triggering unintentional inputs on the display.

1. Although the water lock only switches on automatically if you start a swim training session on the Apple Watch beforehand, you can also activate the function manually.
2. To switch on the water lock, first swipe upwards from the bottom edge on the Apple Watch dial to open the control center.
3. Tap the "water drop icon" there afterwards to activate the lock function.

Apple Watch: How to unlock the water lock again

Once you are done with your swim workout, please press the Digital Crown and the side button of the Apple Watch simultaneously to stop the workout. In addition, after your swim workout, you should dry your watch and turn the Digital Crown to remove any existing water from the Apple Watch and unlock the screen again.