Water Lock is a nifty feature on your Apple Watch that locks the screen during water-based activities, like swimming or showering, to prevent accidental taps. But what does it actually mean and how do you use it? Let’s dive in and find out how you can make the most out of this cool function.
Step by Step Tutorial: Enabling Water Lock on Your Apple Watch
Before we jump into the steps, it’s important to know that activating Water Lock will lock your Apple Watch’s screen, making it unresponsive to touch. This is to ensure that water doesn’t activate any functions while you’re getting wet.
Step 1: Swipe Up on Your Watch Face
Swipe up from the bottom of your watch face to access the Control Center.
When you swipe up, you’ll see various icons. One of them looks like a drop of water – that’s the Water Lock button.
Step 2: Tap the Water Lock Button
Tap the Water Lock button to activate the feature.
Once tapped, you’ll hear a sound, and the Water Lock icon will fill up, indicating that the feature is on and your screen is locked.
After you complete these actions, your Apple Watch will be in Water Lock mode. This means your screen won’t respond to touches, which is perfect for when you’re swimming or in the shower. Don’t worry, though – your watch will still track your activity!
Tips for Using Water Lock on Your Apple Watch
- Remember to activate Water Lock before you start your water-based activity.
- To turn off Water Lock, turn the Digital Crown on your Apple Watch until you feel and hear a series of beeps.
- If your Apple Watch doesn’t exit Water Lock, try rinsing it under warm tap water and repeating the process of turning the Digital Crown.
- Even with Water Lock on, you can still access the time by pressing the side button.
- Water Lock also ejects any water that may have gotten into your Apple Watch’s speaker.
Frequently Asked Questions About Water Lock
What activities should I use Water Lock for?
Water Lock is great for any activity where your Apple Watch may be submerged in water, like swimming, surfing, or showering.
Can I still track my swimming workout with Water Lock on?
Absolutely! Your Apple Watch will continue to track your activity and workout data while Water Lock is enabled.
Will Water Lock protect my Apple Watch from water damage?
While Water Lock prevents accidental touch input when in water, it’s not a guarantee against water damage. Always follow Apple’s guidelines for water exposure for your specific Apple Watch model.
Can I receive notifications with Water Lock on?
Yes, but you won’t be able to interact with them until you disable Water Lock by turning the Digital Crown.
Do I need to use Water Lock if I have an Apple Watch Series 2 or later?
It’s not necessary, as these models are water-resistant, but it’s still recommended to prevent accidental touch input while in water.
Summary of Steps
- Swipe up on your watch face to open the Control Center.
- Tap the Water Lock button.
Conclusion
So, what does Water Lock mean on your Apple Watch? Simply put, it’s a safeguard for your device when you’re taking a dip or dancing in the rain. With this feature, you can enjoy your water activities without worrying about your watch misbehaving due to unintended touches. Just remember to enable Water Lock before you plunge into the water, and disable it by turning the Digital Crown afterwards. It’s a small step for a big peace of mind. Now, go ahead and make a splash with your Apple Watch, confident that it’s protected with Water Lock.
Matthew Burleigh has been writing tech tutorials since 2008. His writing has appeared on dozens of different websites and been read over 50 million times.
After receiving his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Computer Science he spent several years working in IT management for small businesses. However, he now works full time writing content online and creating websites.
His main writing topics include iPhones, Microsoft Office, Google Apps, Android, and Photoshop, but he has also written about many other tech topics as well.