Apple Watch Water Lock
The Apple Watch uses a water drop icon to represent Water Lock mode.
Abigail Abesamis/Business Insider
  • The water drop icon on your Apple Watch means that the Water Lock feature has been enabled.
  • Water Lock locks your watch’s screen so that you can swim or shower without turning it on, or tapping anything inadvertently.
  • Disabling Water Lock is quick and easy, and will even clear any excess water out of your Apple Watch.
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The Apple Watch is meant to be worn pretty much 24/7, whether you’re working out, sleeping, or even bathing. While the device is water-resistant (not waterproof), its screen is still pretty sensitive, and you don’t want to accidentally tap it while swimming or showering.

This is when Water Lock — the water drop icon on your Apple Watch — comes in handy.

What is the water drop icon on Apple Watch?

Water Lock, indicated by the water drop icon, is exactly what it sounds like: it’s a feature that locks your watch while you’re in the water, so that you don’t inadvertently activate the screen or get water inside the device. It’s a great protective measure for your device and it’s relatively easy to use. 

It activates automatically should you start a water-based workout like swimming, but it can also be turned on manually via the Control Center, which you can get to by swiping up on your watch’s screen. You’ll know it’s on because you’ll see the small water drop icon at the top of your watch’s screen.

When you’re done with Water Lock and want to turn the feature off, while also ejecting any water that may have worked its way inside the Watch, here’s how to do it. 

How to turn off Water Lock on your Apple Watch

1. When Water Lock is enabled, begin turning the Digital Crown away from you. You'll hear sounds, and may feel some moisture on your wrist.

Apple Watch Water Lock
Turning the Digital Crown will eject water from your device.
Abigail Abesamis/Business Insider

2. Continue turning the crown until your watch displays a message telling you that your Apple Watch is unlocked, and the water has been ejected from the device's speaker holes. 

It's that simple! Now you can use your Apple Watch normally.

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