The Apple Watch is a technological marvel, combining smartwatch functionality with impressive water resistance. One of its key features is the ability to eject water from its speaker using the Digital Crown. This guide will walk you through the process of unlocking your Apple Watch and ejecting water, ensuring your device remains in top condition after exposure to moisture.
Understanding the Water Lock Feature
Water Lock is a crucial feature designed to protect your Apple Watch during water-based activities. When activated, it prevents accidental touches on the screen, which can occur due to water droplets or submersion.
How Water Lock Works
- Automatic Activation: Water Lock turns on automatically when you start a water-based workout, such as swimming or surfing.
- Manual Activation: You can also enable it manually by swiping up on the watch face to access the Control Center and tapping the water droplet icon.
- Screen Lock: Once activated, you’ll see a water droplet icon at the top of the screen, indicating that the touch screen is locked.
Compatible Models
Water Lock is available on Apple Watch Series 2 and later models. These versions are designed with improved water resistance, making them suitable for swimming and other water activities.
Using the Digital Crown to Unlock and Eject Water
After your aquatic adventure, it’s time to unlock your watch and clear out any water that might have entered the speaker. Here’s how to do it:
- Turn the Digital Crown: Begin by turning the Digital Crown (the round button on the side of the watch) away from you.
- Continue Turning: Keep turning until you see the water droplet icon on the screen start to fill up.
- Listen for Tones: As you turn, you’ll hear a series of tones and feel vibrations. This is the watch expelling water from its speaker.
- Complete the Process: Continue turning until the screen displays “Unlocked” and the water droplet icon disappears.
Tips for Effective Water Ejection
- Make sure your watch is positioned with the speaker facing downwards to allow gravity to assist in water removal.
- If you hear muffled sounds after the process, repeat the unlocking procedure to ensure all water is expelled.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Sometimes, you might encounter issues with the Digital Crown or the water ejection process. Here are some troubleshooting steps:
Cleaning a Stuck Digital Crown
If the Digital Crown feels stuck or unresponsive:
- Turn off your Apple Watch and remove it from the charger.
- Hold the watch under lightly running, warm fresh water for 10-15 seconds.
- While under the water, turn and press the Digital Crown repeatedly.
- Dry the watch thoroughly with a non-abrasive, lint-free cloth.
Performing a Forced Restart
If cleaning doesn’t resolve the issue:
- Press and hold both the side button and Digital Crown simultaneously.
- Keep holding until you see the Apple logo (about 10 seconds).
- Release the buttons and wait for the watch to restart.
If your Apple Watch is stuck on the Apple logo, you may need to try more advanced troubleshooting methods. For detailed steps, check out our guide on how to fix an Apple Watch stuck on the Apple logo.
Using an iPhone to Unlock
As a last resort:
- Open the Apple Watch app on your paired iPhone.
- Go to the “My Watch” tab and select “Passcode.”
- Tap “Unlock with iPhone” and follow the prompts.
If you’re having trouble with your iPhone’s GPS while trying to sync with your Apple Watch, you might want to read our article on how to fix iPhone 6 GPS not working. While it’s specific to iPhone 6, many of the tips apply to other models as well.
Best Practices for Water Exposure
To keep your Apple Watch in top condition:
- Always activate Water Lock before submerging your watch.
- Rinse your watch with fresh water after exposure to salt water or chlorine.
- Avoid exposing your watch to high-pressure water, such as when water skiing or diving.
- Use water-resistant bands (like silicone or nylon) for water activities.
Maintaining Your Apple Watch
Regular maintenance can prolong the life of your Apple Watch:
- Clean your watch regularly with a soft, lint-free cloth.
- Check the water resistance of your watch annually, especially if it’s frequently exposed to water.
- Keep your watchOS updated to ensure you have the latest features and improvements.
If you’re experiencing issues with multiple Apple devices, you might need to unlink your iPhones to troubleshoot syncing problems between your watch and phone.
Conclusion
Understanding how to use the Digital Crown to unlock and eject water from your Apple Watch is essential for maintaining its performance and longevity. By following these steps and best practices, you can enjoy your water activities without worry, knowing that your Apple Watch is protected and easily recoverable from water exposure.
FAQs
- Can I shower with my Apple Watch? While Apple Watch Series 2 and later are water-resistant, Apple recommends avoiding soaps, shampoos, and other chemicals that could damage the seals.
- How often should I eject water from my Apple Watch? It’s best to eject water after every significant water exposure, especially after swimming or heavy sweating.
- Will Water Lock turn on automatically every time my watch gets wet? Water Lock activates automatically for water-based workouts, but for other situations, you’ll need to turn it on manually.
- Can water damage my Apple Watch if I forget to use Water Lock? Water Lock mainly prevents accidental screen touches. Your watch remains water-resistant even if you forget to activate it, but using Water Lock is recommended for optimal protection.
- How do I know if water has damaged my Apple Watch? Signs of water damage include fogging under the display, muffled speakers, or unresponsive buttons. If you suspect water damage, contact Apple Support immediately.
By mastering the use of the Digital Crown to unlock and eject water, you’re ensuring that your Apple Watch remains a reliable companion for all your adventures, both on land and in water. Remember, a little care goes a long way in maintaining the performance and longevity of your device.
If you’re experiencing other issues with your Apple devices, such as iPhone camera not working or text messages appearing out of order, check out our comprehensive guides for solutions to these common problems.
