Important handling information for Apple Watch
- June 7, 2024
- Apple
Table of Contents
Important handling information for Apple Watch
Exposure to liquid Apple Watch is water resistant but not waterproof. You may, for example, wear and use Apple Watch during exercise (exposure to sweat is OK), in the rain, and while washing your hands. If water splashes onto the watch, wipe it off with a nonabrasive, lint-free cloth. Try to minimize exposing Apple Watch to perfume, soap, solvents, detergent, acids or acidic foods, soapy water, insect repellent, lotions, sunscreen, oil, or hair dye. Follow the instructions below in the “Cleaning and care” section if Apple Watch comes into contact with them.
Apple Watch Series 3, Apple Watch Series 4, Apple Watch Series 5, Apple Watch SE, and Apple Watch Series 6 have a water resistance rating of 50 meters under ISO standard 22810:2010. This means that they may be used for shallow water activities like swimming in a pool or ocean. However, Apple Watch Series 3, Apple Watch Series 4, Apple Watch Series 5, Apple Watch SE, and Apple Watch Series 6 should not be used for scuba diving, water skiing, or other activities involving high velocity water or submersion below shallow depth.
Water resistance is not a permanent condition and may diminish over time. Apple Watch cannot be rechecked or resealed for water resistance. The following may affect the water resistance of Apple Watch in particular and should be avoided:
- Dropping Apple Watch or subjecting it to other impacts.
- Exposing Apple Watch to soap or soapy water, for example while showering or bathing.
- Exposing Apple Watch to perfume, solvents, detergent, acids or acidic foods, insect repellent, lotions, sunscreen, oil, or hair dye.
- Exposing Apple Watch to high velocity water, for example while water skiing.
- Wearing Apple Watch in the sauna or steam room.
Not all bands are appropriate for water use. For example, the stainless steel and leather bands are not water resistant and should not be exposed to liquids.
Cleaning and care Keep Apple Watch clean and dry. Clean and dry Apple Watch, the band, and your skin after workouts or heavy sweating. Dry Apple Watch and the band thoroughly if they are exposed to fresh water. Clean Apple Watch if it comes in contact with anything that may cause stains or other damage, such as dirt or sand, makeup, ink, soap, detergent, acids or acidic foods, or comes in contact with liquids other than fresh water, including those that may lead to skin irritation such as sweat, salt water, soapy water, pool water, perfume, insect repellent, lotions, sunscreen, oil, adhesive remover, hair dye, or solvents. The Apple Watch and band colors may vary or fade over time.
After swimming with Apple Watch Series 3, Apple Watch Series 4, Apple Watch Series 5, Apple Watch SE, and Apple Watch Series 6, gently rinse it with warm tap water.
How to clean Apple Watch:
- Turn off Apple Watch. Press and hold the side button, then drag the Power Off slider to the right.
- Depress the band release buttons and remove the band. See Remove, change, and fasten Apple Watch bands.
- Wipe Apple Watch clean with a nonabrasive, lint-free cloth. If necessary, you can also lightly dampen the cloth with fresh water.
- Dry Apple Watch with a nonabrasive, lint-free cloth.
To help avoid damaging Apple Watch, observe the following:
- Don’t clean Apple Watch while it’s charging.
- Don’t dry Apple Watch or the bands using any external heat source (for example, a hair dryer).
- Don’t use cleaning products, ultrasonic cleaners, or compressed air when cleaning your Apple Watch.
The front of Apple Watch is made of Ion-X glass (strengthened glass) or sapphire crystal, each with a fingerprint-resistant oleophobic (oil repellent) coating. This coating wears over time with normal usage. Cleaning products and abrasive materials will further diminish the coating, and may scratch the glass or the sapphire crystal.
Using buttons, Digital Crown, connectors, and ports Never apply excessive pressure to a button or the Digital Crown on Apple Watch, or force a charging connector into a port, because this may cause damage that is not covered under the warranty. If the connector and port don’t join with reasonable ease, they probably don’t match. Check for obstructions and make sure that the connector matches the port and that you have positioned the connector correctly in relation to the port.
Certain usage patterns can contribute to the fraying or breaking of cables. The cable attached to a charging unit, like any other metal wire or cable, is subject to becoming weak or brittle if repeatedly bent in the same spot. Aim for gentle curves instead of angles in the cable. Regularly inspect the cable and connector for any kinks, breaks, bends, or other damage. Should you find any such damage, discontinue use of the cable.
Magnetic Charging Cable, MagSafe Duo Charger, and Magnetic Charging Dock Discoloration of the charging surface of the Apple Watch Magnetic Charging Cable, MagSafe Duo Charger, and Apple Watch Magnetic Charging Dock may occur after regular use due to dirt and debris that come in contact with the magnetic surface. This is normal. Cleaning the magnetic charging surface may reduce, or prevent, such discoloration, and will help to prevent damage to your charger and Apple Watch. To clean the charging surface, disconnect the charger from both Apple Watch and the power adapter and wipe with a damp, nonabrasive cloth. Dry with a nonabrasive, lint-free cloth before resuming charging. Do not use cleaning products when cleaning the charging surface.
Operating temperature Apple Watch is designed to work best in ambient temperatures between 32° and 95° F (0° and 35° C) and be stored in temperatures between -4° and 113° F (-20° and 45° C). Apple Watch can be damaged and battery life shortened if stored or operated outside of these temperature ranges. Avoid exposing Apple Watch to dramatic changes in temperature or humidity. If the interior temperature of Apple Watch exceeds normal operating temperatures (for example, in a hot car or in direct sunlight for extended periods of time), you may experience the following as it attempts to regulate its temperature:
- Charging may slow or stop.
- The display may dim.
- A temperature warning screen may appear.
- Some data transfer may be paused or delayed.
- Some apps may close.
- 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) you might not have a cellular connection or you might not be able to make or receive calls. Normal cellular functionality resumes after Apple Watch cools. However, you can still make emergency calls.
Important: You may not be able to use Apple Watch while the temperature warning screen is displayed. If Apple Watch can’t regulate its internal temperature, it goes into Power Reserve or a deep sleep mode until it cools. Move Apple Watch to a cooler location out of direct sunlight and wait a few minutes before trying to use Apple Watch again. For more information, see the Apple Support article Keep Apple Watch within acceptable operating temperatures.
Magnets Keep key cards and credit cards away from Apple Watch, the bands, the Apple Watch Magnetic Charging Cable, the MagSafe Duo Charger, and the Apple Watch Magnetic Charging Dock.