You might be unsure whether it’s a good idea to enter the shower without taking off your Apple Watch because it’s designed to be worn for the entirety of your waking hours (though you can choose to wear it to bed and track your sleep using third-party apps).
In short, while you technically can shower with your Apple Watch on your wrist, you probably shouldn’t. We advise you to remove your water-resistant watch before taking a shower because it is not waterproof but is water-resistant.
If you’ve ever wondered if you could wear an Apple watch in the shower, you’re in luck. All Apple watches have some level of water resistance. Here’s a short response.
Can You Wear An Apple Watch in the Shower?
The short answer is, it depends. The Apple Watch Series 0 (original model) and Series 1 are splash and water-resistant, but submerging them is not advised. While Series 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6 models can be worn while taking a shower, they shouldn’t be exposed to soaps, shampoos, lotions, or perfumes as these substances can harm the gadget.
According to Apple, Apple Watches are water resistant, but not waterproof. The two terms are completely distinct from one another, and this article will explain what you should know before using your Apple smartwatch in the shower in addition to defining the two.
Understanding the Difference Between Waterproof and Water-Resistant Devices
Any item you own that is marked as water-resistant means it won’t be harmed if you briefly submerge it in water. Contrarily, a waterproof device is impervious to water and would not suffer any harm even if it were submerged in water for an extended period of time.
Different Apple smartwatch models have varying degrees of water resistance. However, they can be used and worn in the rain, while washing your hands, during exercise without affecting them from sweat, and for a quick shower.
But this water resistance property is not permanent. The condition diminishes over time, and that is the reason why Apple Watch can’t be resealed or rechecked for water resistance. Some of the factors that affect this feature in an Apple Watch, all of which must be avoided, include:
- Dropping the smartwatch on hard surfaces or subjecting it to other impacts
- Exposing the watch to soap or soapy water – should be avoided while showering or bathing
- Exposing it to acids or acidic foods, sunscreen, perfume, detergent, insect repellent, lotions, oil, hair dye, and solvents
- Leaving it vulnerable to high-velocity water, for instance, while water skiing
- Wearing the smartwatch in the sauna or steam room.
NOTICE: Not all smartwatch bands are suitable for use in water. For example, leather and stainless steel bands should not be exposed to liquids because they are not water-resistant.
Showering With Apple Watch
There is no immediate danger to showering while wearing your Apple smartwatch. However, it is strongly advised that you take off your first-generation Apple Watch. You can take a shower with Series 2 and newer models, swim in a lake or pool, and work out with them.
Interestingly, Apple Watch doesn’t only keep water out; it also expels any excess water that may potentially penetrate the works.
These smartwatches’ more recent iterations have an ISO rating for water resistance of 22810:2010. They are capable of staying submerged at depths of up to 50 meters (164 feet) thanks to their design.
Remember that even with that rating, Apple still advises leaving the watch at home when doing activities like scuba diving or water skiing. Due to high speeds or high depths, such circumstances may force the water deep into the watch’s ports, damaging various components.
However, you should follow the same precautions whether you wear the smartwatch in freshwater or saltwater. In order to remove the salt from the watch after swimming in salt water, rinse it under a faucet with fresh water while turning the watch to the low setting.
Can I Wear My Apple Watch 6 in the Shower?
Apple Watch 6 and Apple Watch SE are some of the newest smartwatches by Apple that were introduced in November 2020. Apple Watch 6 comes with several features, including some health features absent in the Apple Watch SE that frequent swimmers would prefer to have such as a heart sensor and an oximeter.
However, since the two are water-resistant up to 50 meters, the same water resistance rating as most other models from Series 2, you can wear them as you shower. The Apple Watch 6 would be a better option for anyone who plans to swim frequently, though.
Can I Wear My Apple Watch 5 in the Shower?
Owners of Series 4 or 5, which were released in 2018 and 2019, respectively, will be happy to learn that they can also take showers while wearing their watches. Even better, one can keep wearing them while participating in water sports like swimming or snorkeling or when venturing outside to enjoy an all-day river float.
It is also worth mentioning that for the swimmers, several apps can be installed to complement your swimming routine and offer you insight regarding the measure of your rate of exertion as well as guess the strokes you’re taking.
Can I Wear My Apple Watch 3 in the Shower?
Both the Apple Watch Series 2 and Series 3, which were released in 2016 and 2017, can be worn while taking a shower or a bath. It has a water-resistance rating of up to 50 meters although it may not be as efficient as the newer models.
It can be used for brief water exposure tasks like cleaning or taking a shower. But maybe you ought to think twice about swimming. Unless you are planning on going for a quick run of a swim.
Do I Need to Do Anything to My Apple Watch before Getting It Wet?
Yes, it is essential to turn on Water Lock before submerging your Apple Watch in water. Newer Apple Watch models, including Series 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6 come equipped with a Water Lock feature.
This trait automatically locks the smartwatch’s screen when the monitor activity senses that you’re in contact with water, or if you issue a command signaling the beginning of a swimming workout. Accidental taps are prevented by this feature.
Make sure the Water Lock is activated before taking a shower with your Apple Watch or engaging in any other water-related activity.
The quickest way to protect the watch against water damage before jumping in the shower or the pool is by following these three simple steps:
- From the bottom of any screen, swipe up to open the Command Center
- Flick the screen with your finger or use the Digital Crown to scroll up and down until you see the water drop icon
- Tap on it
Once done, you will notice that the screen stops responding to taps or swipes.
Rotate the watch’s Digital Crown once you’ve finished swimming or taking a shower. After a few beeps, the screen will turn back on and the device will beep several times to clear out any water or dirt that may have gotten into the speakers and microphones.
Is It Bad to Wear An Apple Watch All Day?
Apple smartwatches are useful and have a wide range of uses, including receiving notifications on the wrist, reading messages, keeping track of workouts, heart rate, detecting falls, and monitoring your fitness, including calories burned, exercise minutes, and standing times.
Therefore, it is only fair to wonder if wearing it all day is a problem. You can wear your Apple Watch for a long time; it is not unhealthy. You will undoubtedly take it off at some point to charge, and this counts as a wrist break. The upkeep of it should be your only and primary concern.
For instance, you need to make sure your Apple Watch is adjusted correctly for the various tasks you subject it to. The sensors in the watch won’t properly project results or gauge your heart rate if it is loose. On the other hand, if it is too tight, it could lead to poor readings and circulatory problems. So, ensure that it fits just right.
Cleaning and Caring for Your Apple Watch After a Shower
After every water activity, keep your Apple Watch dry and clean. Cleanse and dry your skin after taking a shower, as well as the watch and band. The same is true for strenuous exercises, swimming, snorkeling, and boating.
Additionally, if it has been exposed to anything that might harm it, like sand or dirt, makeup, ink, soap, detergent, acids, or acidic foods, as well as sweat, ocean water, soapy water, insect repellent, lotions, sunscreen, oil, adhesive remover, hair dye, or solvents, clean it immediately.
Final Thoughts
Apple Watch, like most water-resistance devices or wearables, can be used while showering. But while they are water-resistant, they are not waterproof.
So, there are precautions that should be exercised, regardless of the Series you own. Hopefully, this article addresses all your concerns, but remember, be safe than sorry.
These gadgets might be shielded from the shower water, but not from soap, shampoo, or any other liquids that might be used in the shower. Away from such, please.
