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Showering with the AW and Fall Detection?

jaybar

jaybar

macrumors 68020
Original poster
Dec 11, 2008
2,197
679
I am considering an AW Series 4, because of its fall detection.

However. I see conflicting things about showering with the watch. If I can’t shower with the watch or I have to take it off because of soap, then would this not seriously limit the utility of fall detection, since falls can happen in the bathroom?

I would be interested in your thoughts or experiences. Thanks.
 
I don't get it. Why do you think you can't shower with the watch? You can even swim with it. Unless you shower in gasoline or chloride: the watch can perfectly withstand a bit of soap.
 
jaybar said:
I am considering an AW Series 4, because of its fall detection.

However. I see conflicting things about showering with the watch. If I can’t shower with the watch or I have to take it off because of soap, then would this not seriously limit the utility of fall detection, since falls can happen in the bathroom?

I would be interested in your thoughts or experiences. Thanks.
Click to expand...
Had my S4 since eo Sep and it has showered every day... no experience with fall detection yet, which is just fine with me
 
nieks said:
I don't get it. Why do you think you can't shower with the watch? You can even swim with it. Unless you shower in gasoline or chloride: the watch can perfectly withstand a bit of soap.
Click to expand...


The Apple support guidelines recommend not showering with soap due to the possibility of loosening the seals, I think. I could be wrong or have misread.
 
jaybar said:
The Apple support guidelines recommend not showering with soap due to the possibility of loosening the seals, I think. I could be wrong or have misread.
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They might state that and if they do its to cover themselves if they feel the need. Showering with the watch has been done here since the Series 0. Never an issue.
 
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gsmornot said:
They might state that and if they do its to cover themselves if they feel the need. Showering with the watch has been done here since the Series 0. Never an issue.
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They DO state that, and it probably is to cover themselves:

Showering with Apple Watch Series 2, Apple Watch Series 3, and Apple Watch Series 4 is ok, but we recommend not exposing Apple Watch to soaps, shampoos, conditioners, lotions, and perfumes as they can negatively affect water seals and acoustic membranes. Apple Watch should be cleaned with fresh water and dried with a lint free-cloth if it comes in contact with anything other than fresh water.

Water resistance isn't a permanent condition and may diminish over time.
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That last sentence is something to consider.

https://support.apple.com/en-gb/HT205000
 
I had my first AW when they came out, and showered with it every day. No problems, and handed it down to a daughter. No idea as to whether she showered with it, but she in turn passed it on to an aunt. Series 0 is still going, as far as I know.

I started the same practice with my AW S3, and after hearing about the soap thing, decided to take it off while showering. My guess is it’s fine either way.

As for the AW S4, if you’re specifically concerned about fall detection, then I’d probably go with wearing it in the shower and not worry about it. I’d also be sure to take the time to more carefully rinse it at the end of the shower.
 
I’m closing in on two years with an S2 that’s been in the shower just about every time I’ve bathed since I got it. No problems.
 
I would imagine this is to cover someone that might shower with a bar of soap and clog it up with thick soap debris I mean soap can be a problem if you were to lets say rub your aw on it but other than that I think it should be ok you just have to take precautions whilst showering and be mindful of whats on your wrist.
 
Best band to shower with?

Milanese Loop?
Sport Loop?
Some Other?

Thanks
 
skanska said:
I would imagine this is to cover someone that might shower with a bar of soap and clog it up with thick soap debris I mean soap can be a problem if you were to lets say rub your aw on it but other than that I think it should be ok you just have to take precautions whilst showering and be mindful of whats on your wrist.
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What would keep the scum on the walls from not getting in the nooks and crannies of the watch. Worry about the speaker and mike holes. I used to wear a Rolex in the shower all the time and it got soap build up between watch and where the band attaches.
 
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jaybar said:
I am considering an AW Series 4, because of its fall detection.

However. I see conflicting things about showering with the watch. If I can’t shower with the watch or I have to take it off because of soap, then would this not seriously limit the utility of fall detection, since falls can happen in the bathroom?

I would be interested in your thoughts or experiences. Thanks.
Click to expand...
Water resistance isn't a permanent condition and may diminish over time. Apple Watch can't be rechecked or resealed for water resistance. The following may affect the water resistance of your Apple Watch 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 aren't water resistant and shouldn't be exposed to liquids.
 
I have showered with a Series 0, Series 2 and now Series 4. So far no ill effects as a result. I think of the warnings posted by Skanska, solvents, detergent (strong), acids, insect repellents would be chief among my concerns, particularly DEET which will destroy seals and gaskets. I would actually be more worried about chlorine in the pool than I would be about body wash and shampoo, but that is just me. I make sure to rinse it along with the rest of me before leaving the shower :)
 
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jazz1 said:
I for one didn’t think about the soap and seal issue.
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It can weaken the acoustic membranes and seals over the course of time, thus allowing for water to penetrate the internals. I don’t necessarily think it’s ‘common’ for this to happen, but it’s obviously a warning to heed.
 
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