Got a tip for us?
Let us know
Become a MacRumors Supporter for $50/year with no ads, ability to filter front page stories, and private forums.
Showering with watch
- Thread starter eclipse01
- Start date
- Sort by reaction score
Apple states that soaps and lotions can break down the water seals and acoustic membranes over time over time. But my suggestion would be, to rinse it off as thoroughly as possible when out of the shower from any type of cleansers and thoroughly dry it off.
I took my Series 2 in the shower with me all the time.. I didn’t wear it when showing, but I’d bring it in for a good wet rub down to remove sweat and other buildup that might have occurred on the watch/sport band. I just got a series 4 with the sport loop, so I haven’t showered with it yet, but I imagine my use case will stay the same!
Yes it is. It's waterproof, it doesn't matter what kind of soap, shampoo, etc. gets on it. I shower with mine daily, and have done so for a very long time with zero issues.
[doublepost=1538930012][/doublepost]
I never wear a sport loop in the shower. I workout with sport bands from Nike and Apple, then shower every morning. I wouldn't think a sport loop would dry very fast though, but that's just a guess.
[doublepost=1538930049][/doublepost]
Op, I stand corrected.
From the Apple support site:
“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.”
https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT205000
Apparently it does matter. Good luck with that.
I’ve been doing it for years now, as have many others, with no ill effects. The watch is designed to be used in harsher water conditions (i.e. salt water, chlorine) than standard shampoos. I would guess this is a disclaimer from Apple to protect themselves.
Maybe, but IMHO potential buyers should have all the facts, including Apples recommendations.
With all due respect, I’d rather go with Apple. Just because you never had a problem doesn’t mean nobody will. There are too many soaps, too many shampoos, too many chemicals.
But I’m not going to argue about it, so feel free to have the last word.
Last edited:
The last word is that the OP has the information he/she asked about. You have your opinion, and I have mine. Now they can take it and make their own decision.
It may have been designed for swimming in a pool, lake or ocean but I don’t think it was designed to be steam, soap and shampoo resistant. I think anyone showering with any “water resistant” electronic device is taking a big chance with it. Plus I honestly don’t understand the need or desire to shower while wearing the watch.
I workout every morning and the watch and band can get kind of gross, so I just leave it on when I shower to rinse it and then dry it off real thoroughly when I’m done.
That’s what I mentioned above at the top of this thread. If you use conditioners lotions/soaps with the Apple Watch in the shower, just make sure to thoroughly wash it off and then dry it immediately when you’re out of the shower. Apple likely has that disclaimer so no one can make any claims against them in case something does happen to the Apple Watch with any contact with soaps/shampoo’s.
I can understand wearing apple watch whilst in the pool swimming as a means of fitness tracking or even just casually cooling off. I've worn my traditional, dive watches whilst doing so. Wearing a watch while in the shower, of any sort? What exactly is the purpose? I'm not trying to be critical of anyone, simply trying to understand.
I can stream music to bluetooth speakers or even just play it on my iPhone.
I can stream music to bluetooth speakers or even just play it on my iPhone.
I mentioned it in my last comment I believe, but the reason I personally wear mine is because after my morning running/cardio workouts my watch has my sweat on it and the sport band. So, I leave it on while I shower to rinse it off, and then thoroughly dry it afterwards.
[doublepost=1538977959][/doublepost]I will also say this: If I didn't work out every morning (or on the occasional day where I won't exercise) then I wouldn't wear it in the shower. I only wear it in there to rinse the sweat and all off.
It’s not necessary to wear the watch in the shower, it’s just a preference for those who actually do it. I have been an Apple Watch owner since April 2015 and I never have showered with my Apple Watch. If it needs to be rinsed off, then I do so under light pressure with water and thoroughly dried off. That’s all it really needs.
Hot water has a huge impact on the rubber seals. Not just eventual degradation (years) but the expansion and the way hot water changes it's shape.
Consider this. The way any device gets its water proof certification like the IP68 of the new iPhone it must be submerged in still, cool water and the tank is pressurised to simulate the depth. It must complete this task only once and from new.
Thats right. Any waterproof certification is from a single test in static water. Moving water has a much greater pressure than static. Hot water causes seals to expand. It doesnt have to repeat the test and if it did and failed the second time it doest matter, its got its certification.
Now, we know apple test their watches in moving water and swimming. They say you can shower but recommend against it.
To be sure, dont do it but lets be honest. None of us are keeping the same watch for the years it will take for the seals to break. Unless your using some industrial strength dandruff removal shampoo which can melt stuff.
Consider this. The way any device gets its water proof certification like the IP68 of the new iPhone it must be submerged in still, cool water and the tank is pressurised to simulate the depth. It must complete this task only once and from new.
Thats right. Any waterproof certification is from a single test in static water. Moving water has a much greater pressure than static. Hot water causes seals to expand. It doesnt have to repeat the test and if it did and failed the second time it doest matter, its got its certification.
Now, we know apple test their watches in moving water and swimming. They say you can shower but recommend against it.
To be sure, dont do it but lets be honest. None of us are keeping the same watch for the years it will take for the seals to break. Unless your using some industrial strength dandruff removal shampoo which can melt stuff.
Outstanding post. I do want to also mention that sauna’s and hot tubs are not something I would subject the Apple Watch to either, because steam can penetrate past the water resistant seals and ultimately embedd under the display causing issues with OLED, and for those who don’t know, OLED is _extremely_ sensitive to moisture and water. So that’s one of the reasons why also would never wear my Apple Watch in the shower, let alone a hot tub.
Everyone has a choice, mine is that I see little use is showering with one's watch on. That is just me.
I get it and if you’re comfortable wearing it in the shower then all the power to you. After a workout or if I sweat a lot due to heat or physical exertion I take the watch off and gently rinse it with cold water. Once every couple of weeks I remove the band and wash it with gentle soap and water. I personally feel more comfortable doing it that way.
I see this a lot whenever this topic comes up. Nobody is showering in water hot enough to have steam present. What you see in a shower is water vapor (you can't see steam). Water vapor has the same characteristics as regular liquid water as far as the seals are concerned. The seals won't have any problem with it.