Important safety information for Apple Watch
- June 7, 2024
- Apple
Table of Contents
Important safety information for Apple Watch
WARNING: Failure to follow these safety instructions could result in fire, electric shock, injury, or damage to Apple Watch or other property. Read all the safety information below before using Apple Watch.
Handling Handle Apple Watch with care. Apple Watch cases are made of various materials that include the following:
- Aluminum Apple Watch case—7000 series aluminum, Ion-X glass (strengthened glass), composite back (plastic)
- Stainless Steel Apple Watch case—Stainless steel, sapphire crystal, ceramic back
- Titanium Apple Watch case—Titanium, sapphire crystal, ceramic back
- Ceramic Apple Watch case—Ceramic, sapphire crystal, ceramic back
Apple Watch contains sensitive electronic components and can be damaged if dropped, burned, punctured, or crushed. Apple Watch cases made of ceramic may chip or crack if dropped or subjected to forceful impact. Don’t use a damaged Apple Watch, such as one with a cracked screen or case, visible liquid intrusion, or a damaged band, as it may cause injury. Avoid heavy exposure to dust or sand.
Repairing Don’t open Apple Watch and don’t attempt to repair Apple Watch yourself. Disassembling Apple Watch may damage it, result in loss of water resistance, and may cause injury to you. If Apple Watch is damaged or malfunctions, contact Apple or an Apple Authorized Service Provider. You can find more information about getting service at support.apple.com/watch/repair/service.
Battery Don’t attempt to replace the Apple Watch battery yourself—you may damage the battery, which could cause overheating and injury. The lithium-ion battery in Apple Watch should be serviced only by Apple or an authorized service provider. You may receive a replacement Apple Watch (in place of your original device) when ordering battery service. Batteries must be recycled or disposed of separately from household waste. Don’t incinerate the battery. For information about battery service and recycling, see apple.com/batteries /service-and-recycling.
Distraction Using Apple Watch in some circumstances can distract you and may cause a dangerous situation (for example, avoid reading a text message while driving a car). Observe rules that prohibit or restrict the use of mobile devices.
Navigation Maps, directions, and location-based apps depend on data services. These data services are subject to change and may not be available in all areas, resulting in maps, directions, or location-based information that may be unavailable, inaccurate, or incomplete. Some Maps features require Location Services. Compare the information provided on Apple Watch to your surroundings and defer to posted signs to resolve any discrepancies. Do not use these services while performing activities that require your full attention. Always comply with posted signs and the laws and regulations in the areas where you are using Apple Watch, and always use common sense.
Charging Charge Apple Watch with the Apple Watch Magnetic Charging Cable (included), MagSafe Duo Charger, or Apple Watch Magnetic Charging Dock and an Apple-branded compatible power adapter (each sold separately). You may also charge Apple Watch with other third-party power adapters that are compliant with USB 2.0 or later and with applicable country regulations and international and regional safety standards. Other adapters may not meet applicable safety standards, and charging with such adapters could pose a risk of death or injury.
Using damaged cables or chargers, or charging when moisture is present, can cause fire, electric shock, injury, or damage to Apple Watch or other property. When you use the Apple Watch Magnetic Charging Cable, MagSafe Duo Charger, or Apple Watch Magnetic Charging Dock with a power adapter to charge Apple Watch, make sure the cable or dock is fully inserted into the power adapter before you plug the adapter into a power outlet. It’s important to keep Apple Watch, the Apple Watch Magnetic Charging Cable, the MagSafe Duo Charger, the Apple Watch Magnetic Charging Dock, and the power adapter in a well-ventilated area when in use or charging.
Prolonged heat exposure Apple Watch, the Apple Watch Magnetic Charging Cable, the MagSafe Duo Charger, the Apple Watch Magnetic Charging Dock, and the power adapter comply with required surface temperature limits defined by applicable country regulations and international and regional safety standards. However, even within these limits, sustained contact with warm surfaces for long periods of time may cause discomfort or injury. Apple Watch, the Apple Watch Magnetic Charging Cable, the MagSafe Duo Charger, the Apple Watch Magnetic Charging Dock, and the power adapter will become warm when plugged in to a power source. Use of cellular on Apple Watch Series 3 (GPS + Cellular), Apple Watch Series 4 (GPS + Cellular), Apple Watch Series 5 (GPS + Cellular), Apple Watch SE (GPS + Cellular), or Apple Watch Series 6 (GPS + Cellular) may make the device feel warm. Use common sense to avoid situations where your skin is in contact with Apple Watch, the Apple Watch Magnetic Charging Cable, the MagSafe Duo Charger, the Apple Watch Magnetic Charging Dock, or the power adapter for long periods of time when they’re plugged in. For example, while Apple Watch is charging or while the Apple Watch Magnetic Charging Cable, MagSafe Duo Charger, the Apple Watch Magnetic Charging Dock, or the power adapter are plugged in to a power source, don’t sleep on them or place them under a blanket, pillow, or your body. Take special care if you have a physical condition that affects your ability to detect heat against the body. Remove Apple Watch if it becomes uncomfortably warm.
Hearing loss Listening to sound at high volumes may damage your hearing. Background noise, as well as continued exposure to high volume levels, can make sounds seem quieter than they actually are. Turn on audio playback and check the volume before inserting a Bluetooth connected headset in your ear. For more information about hearing loss, go to the Sound and Hearing website.
WARNING: To prevent possible hearing damage, do not listen at high volume levels for long periods.
Radio frequency exposure Apple Watch uses radio signals to connect to wireless networks. For information about radio frequency (RF) energy resulting from radio signals and steps you can take to minimize exposure, open the Apple Watch app on iPhone, tap My Watch, then tap General > About > Legal > RF Exposure or visit apple.com/legal/rfexposure.
Radio frequency interference Observe signs and notices that prohibit or restrict the use of electronic devices. Although Apple Watch, the Apple Watch Magnetic Charging Cable, the MagSafe Duo Charger, and the Apple Watch Magnetic Charging Dock are designed, tested, and manufactured to comply with regulations governing radio frequency emissions, such emissions from Apple Watch, the Apple Watch Magnetic Charging Cable, the MagSafe Duo Charger, and the Apple Watch Magnetic Charging Dock can negatively affect the operation of other electronic equipment, causing them to malfunction. Unplug the Apple Watch Magnetic Charging Cable, MagSafe Duo Charger, and the Apple Watch Magnetic Charging Dock, and turn off Apple Watch or use airplane mode when use is prohibited, such as while traveling in aircraft, or when asked to do so by authorities.
Medical device interference Apple Watch contains components and radios that emit electromagnetic fields. Apple Watch, some of the bands, the Apple Watch Magnetic Charging Cable, the MagSafe Duo Charger, and the Apple Watch Magnetic Charging Dock contain magnets. These electromagnetic fields and magnets may interfere with medical devices, such as pacemakers and defibrillators. Consult your physician and medical device manufacturer for information specific to your medical device and whether you need to maintain a safe distance of separation between your medical device and Apple Watch, its bands, the Apple Watch Magnetic Charging Cable, the MagSafe Duo Charger, and the Apple Watch Magnetic Charging Dock. Stop using Apple Watch, its bands, the Apple Watch Magnetic Charging Cable, the MagSafe Duo Charger, and the Apple Watch Magnetic Charging Dock if you suspect they are interfering with your medical device.
Not a medical device Apple Watch is not a medical device and should not be used as a substitute for professional medical judgment. It is not designed or intended for use in the diagnosis of disease or other conditions, or in the cure, mitigation, treatment, or prevention of any condition or disease. Please consult your healthcare provider prior to making any decisions related to your health.
Medical conditions Before starting or modifying any exercise program using Apple Watch, consult your physician. Be careful and attentive while exercising. Stop exercising immediately if you feel pain, or feel faint, dizzy, exhausted, or short of breath. By exercising, you assume all associated inherent risks including any injury that may result from such activity. If you have any medical condition that you believe could be affected by Apple Watch (for example, seizures, blackouts, eyestrain, or headaches), consult with your physician prior to using Apple Watch.
Explosive and other atmospheric conditions Charging or using Apple Watch in any area with a potentially explosive atmosphere, such as areas where the air contains high levels of flammable chemicals, vapors, or particles (such as grain, dust, or metal powders), may be hazardous. Exposing Apple Watch to environments having high concentrations of industrial chemicals, including near evaporating liquified gasses such as helium, may damage or impair Apple Watch functionality. Obey all signs and instructions.
High-consequence activities Apple Watch is not intended for use where the failure of the device could lead to death, personal injury, or severe environmental damage.
Choking hazard Some Apple Watch bands may present a choking hazard to small children. Keep these bands away from small children.
Skin sensitivities Some people may experience reactions to certain materials used in jewelry, watches, and other wearable items that are in prolonged contact with their skin. This can be due to allergies, environmental factors, extended exposure to irritants like soap, sweat, or other causes. You may be more likely to experience irritation from any wearable device if you have allergies or other sensitivities. If you have known skin sensitivities, please take special care when wearing Apple Watch. You may be more likely to experience irritation from Apple Watch if you wear it too tightly. Remove Apple Watch periodically to allow your skin to breathe. Keeping Apple Watch and the band clean and dry will reduce the possibility of skin irritation. If you experience redness, swelling, itchiness, or any other irritation or discomfort on your skin around, or beneath, your Apple Watch, please remove Apple Watch and consult your physician before resuming wear. Continued use, even after symptoms subside, may result in renewed or increased irritation.
Apple Watch models with a stainless steel or aluminum case, the stainless steel portions of some Apple Watch bands, the metallic portions of Hermès bands, and the magnets in the watch and bands contain some nickel. Nickel exposure from these materials is unlikely, but customers with known nickel allergies should be attentive when wearing them until they can determine they are not experiencing an allergic reaction.
The Apple Watch case and the Apple Watch bands contain trace amounts of acrylates and methacrylates. Acrylates and methacrylates are found in many consumer products that come in contact with the skin, such as adhesive bandages. Some people may be sensitive to them, or may develop sensitivities over time. Apple Watch and its bands are designed so that parts containing acrylates and methacrylates are not in direct contact with your skin.
The materials used in Apple Watch and the Apple Watch bands meet the standards set for jewelry by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, applicable European regulations, and other international standards.