Have you ever noticed a tiny water drop icon at the top of your Apple Watch screen and wondered what it means? Well, you’re not alone. This icon indicates that your Apple Watch is in Water Lock mode, a feature designed to prevent accidental touches on your screen while you’re swimming or in a wet environment. In this article, we’ll explain how to turn off Water Lock mode and what the water drop icon represents.
Apple Watch Water Drop Icon: Step by Step Tutorial
Before we dive into the steps, let’s understand what we’re trying to achieve here. By following these steps, you’ll be able to turn off Water Lock mode and get rid of the water drop icon at the top of your Apple Watch screen.
Step 1: Turn the Digital Crown on your Apple Watch
Twist the Digital Crown on the side of your Apple Watch until you hear a series of beeps.
The beeps indicate that Water Lock mode is being turned off. Water might eject from the speaker, and that’s normal – it’s just your watch clearing out any liquid that got inside.
Step 2: Keep turning until the water drop icon disappears
Continue turning the Digital Crown until the water drop icon is gone and your screen says “Unlocked.”
Once the screen reads “Unlocked,” you can use your Apple Watch as usual. The water drop icon should no longer be visible.
After you complete these steps, your Apple Watch will exit Water Lock mode, and you’ll be able to interact with the screen again. The water drop icon will disappear, signifying that the screen is no longer locked.
Tips for Understanding the Apple Watch Water Drop Icon
- The water drop icon appears when your Apple Watch is in Water Lock mode.
- Water Lock mode is automatically activated when you start a swim workout.
- You can manually activate Water Lock mode by swiping up on your watch face and tapping the water drop icon.
- If your Apple Watch gets wet, it’s a good idea to activate Water Lock mode to prevent accidental screen touches.
- Even with Water Lock mode activated, your Apple Watch is not waterproof, but it does have a water resistance rating.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the water drop icon mean?
The water drop icon means your Apple Watch is in Water Lock mode, which prevents your screen from registering accidental touches when wet.
Can I still receive notifications with Water Lock mode on?
Yes, you will still receive notifications, but you won’t be able to interact with them until you disable Water Lock mode.
Is my Apple Watch waterproof?
Your Apple Watch is water-resistant, not waterproof. It can withstand certain water activities but should not be used for deep-water activities like diving.
How do I know if Water Lock mode is activated?
The water drop icon at the top of your Apple Watch screen indicates that Water Lock mode is on.
Can I swim with my Apple Watch?
Yes, you can swim with your Apple Watch Series 2 and later, as they are rated for water resistance up to 50 meters, but it’s not recommended for high-velocity water activities.
Summary
- Turn the Digital Crown to disable Water Lock mode.
- Continue turning until the water drop icon disappears and the screen reads “Unlocked.”
Conclusion
The water drop icon on your Apple Watch is more than just a cute symbol; it’s an essential feature for anyone who loves to swim or finds themselves in wet situations. Understanding how to use the Water Lock mode can not only prevent accidental touches but also protect your device from potential water damage. Remember, while your Apple Watch is designed to withstand water to a certain degree, it’s not invincible. So, make sure you know the limits of your specific model before taking the plunge. With this knowledge in hand, you’re now ready to jump into the water without worrying about your Apple Watch – just don’t forget to turn that Digital Crown when you’re done!
Matthew Burleigh has been a freelance writer since the early 2000s. You can find his writing all over the Web, where his content has collectively been read millions of times.
Matthew received his Master’s degree in Computer Science, then spent over a decade as an IT consultant for small businesses before focusing on writing and website creation.
The topics he covers for MasterYourTech.com include iPhones, Microsoft Office, and Google Apps.
You can read his full bio here.