Apple Watch Crown Not Working After Swimming? 5 Easy Ways to Fix It!

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Apple Watch Crown Not Working After Swimming

You just got out of the pool, tried to scroll or press your Apple Watch crown — and suddenly, it’s stuck. It won’t turn smoothly, or maybe it doesn’t click at all.
Before you worry, take a breath — this issue is actually common. When your Apple Watch crown not working after swimming, it’s often caused by residue, salt, or tiny particles lodged between the crown and the casing.

Here’s a complete guide to understand why it happens and how to fix your Apple Watch crown not working after swimming — safely and effectively.

Apple Watch Crown Not Working After Swimming is Normal


It is a common and normal behavior for the digital crown to seem unresponsive while an Apple Watch is in Water Lock mode, as the feature is designed to prevent accidental inputs from moisture on the screen and to allow you to actively unlock the watch by continuously turning the digital crown to eject water. 

How to Unlock from Water Lock Mode

  1. Press and Hold the Digital Crown: 
    To turn off Water Lock mode, press and hold the Digital Crown (the round button on the side) until the display shows "Unlocked". 
  2. Rotate to Eject Water: 
    Continue to rotate the Digital Crown in one continuous motion away from you until the animated water droplet on the screen fills a full circle. 
  3. Listen for Beeps: 
    Your Apple Watch will then emit a series of beeps to help clear any remaining water from the speaker grills. 
  4. Resume Normal Use: 
    Once the display says "Unlocked," you can resume using your Apple Watch as usual. 
  5. Keep Turning: 
    The water ejection process can require multiple continuous spins of the digital crown. 

💧 Why Apple Watch Crown Not Working After Swimming Happens


Even though Apple Watches are designed for water resistance, they’re not immune to small particles or minerals that can accumulate after a swim. The Digital Crown — that round button on the side — is especially sensitive.

Here are the main reasons your Apple Watch crown not working after swimming:

  1. Saltwater residue or chlorine
    Salt from the sea or chlorine from pools can crystallize and stick around the crown, causing it to feel jammed.

  2. Tiny debris or sand
    Small particles can slip into the narrow space around the crown, blocking its rotation.

  3. Moisture trapped behind the crown
    If the watch isn’t fully dried after swimming, trapped water can create resistance inside the crown’s rotation mechanism.

  4. Lack of post-swim cleaning
    Many users rinse their Apple Watch screen but forget to clean the crown — the most delicate moving part.

  5. Over time buildup
    Repeated exposure to water, sweat, and chemicals without cleaning can lead to long-term stiffness.

🧽 5 Easy Fixes for Apple Watch Crown Not Working After Swimming


Here’s how to fix it quickly — no tools needed.

1. Rinse with fresh, warm water

Hold the Apple Watch under lightly warm, running water for 10–15 seconds.
Rotate and press the crown gently while rinsing to help loosen any trapped salt or debris.
Avoid soaps or cleaners — plain water is best.

2. Rotate the crown continuously

While rinsing, keep turning the crown back and forth. This motion helps dislodge any particles or dried minerals that may be stuck inside.

3. Dry thoroughly

After rinsing, shake the watch gently to remove excess water. Then use a lint-free cloth to pat it dry, especially around the crown area.

4. Use the Water Lock feature (if not already)

Swipe up on the watch face → tap the water drop icon → then turn the crown to unlock and eject water.
This helps remove any leftover moisture from internal speakers or sensors.

5. Wait and test again

Leave your watch to air-dry for about an hour, then test the crown. In most cases, it’ll start moving freely again.

🧠 Prevention Tips



  • Always rinse with fresh water after swimming in saltwater or chlorinated pools.

  • Avoid letting water dry naturally without wiping the crown area.

  • Use Water Lock mode before swimming to minimize water intrusion.

🚨 When to Contact Apple Support

If your Apple Watch crown not working after swimming even after cleaning and drying, it may have internal corrosion or mechanical damage. Contact Apple Support if:

  • The crown won’t rotate at all

  • The crown feels gritty even after rinsing

  • Buttons near the crown also stop responding

💡 Final Thoughts

A stuck Apple Watch crown not working after swimming doesn’t always mean serious damage — it’s often a cleaning issue.
A simple rinse and careful drying are usually enough to restore smooth scrolling.

A lot of things can happen after swimming:

Apple Watch Not Charging After Swimming


So, don't worry, next time you swim, remember: rinse, rotate, and dry — your Apple Watch will thank you later.


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