Apple Watch Won’t Turn On After Swimming? 6 Proven Steps to Get It Back to Life!

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 Apple Watch Won’t Turn On After Swimming

Ever come out of the pool, towel off, and realize your Apple Watch won’t turn on after swimming? You’re not alone. Many Apple Watch users panic when their device suddenly refuses to wake up after a dip — even though Apple says it’s water-resistant.

Let’s fix that. This guide breaks down why your Apple Watch won’t turn on after swimming, what you should (and shouldn’t) do, and how to get it working again without making the problem worse.

💧 Why Your Apple Watch Won’t Turn On After Swimming


Before you assume it’s dead, understand that most of the time, when your Apple Watch won’t turn on after swimming, it’s due to one of these common causes:

  1. Battery drained completely — Swim workouts and sensors consume extra power. If the battery is exhausted, the watch won’t respond until it’s charged again.

  2. Water Lock still active — The Water Lock feature disables the screen to prevent accidental taps in water. If you forget to eject water, the screen may stay unresponsive.

  3. Moisture trapped in speaker or ports — Water might still be inside the speaker cavity, blocking sound or interfering with the startup.

  4. Temporary software freeze — A glitch or crash caused by moisture exposure can make the watch appear “dead.”

  5. Charging pins wet or corroded — If your charger or back of the watch is damp, it won’t charge properly.

  6. Saltwater damage or seal wear — Saltwater is corrosive, and repeated exposure weakens water seals over time.

  7. Hard impact or water pressure damage — Diving or hitting a pool wall can damage internal components.

⚡ Immediate Steps to Take When Apple Watch Won’t Turn On After Swimming


If your Apple Watch won’t turn on after swimming, here’s what to do — in the safest order.

Step 1: Wipe and dry the exterior

Remove the band and gently wipe the watch using a soft, lint-free cloth. Avoid paper towels or tissue — they can push moisture deeper.

Step 2: Rinse with fresh water (only if you were in salt or chlorinated water)

Salt or chlorine can corrode internal parts. Lightly rinse the watch with fresh tap water, then dry thoroughly with a microfiber cloth.

Step 3: Check the charger and place your watch on it

Make sure both the watch and charger are completely dry. Place it on the charger for at least 30 minutes.
If your Apple Watch won’t turn on after swimming but shows no charging symbol — be patient; the battery might be fully drained.

Step 4: Force restart your Apple Watch

If nothing happens after charging, try this:
Press and hold both the side button and Digital Crown for 10–15 seconds, until you see the Apple logo.
This force-restarts the system and often solves a temporary freeze caused by moisture.

Step 5: Use the Water Lock eject feature

If your Apple Watch won’t turn on after swimming, but you can see the display, open Control Center → tap the water drop icon to enable Water Lock → then press and hold the Digital Crown to eject water from the speaker.

Step 6: Let it air-dry for 24–48 hours

If the Apple Watch won’t turn on after swimming even after force restart, leave it in a well-ventilated, dry area at room temperature.
✅ Don’t use hair dryers, rice, or heat sources — they cause more harm than good.

🛠️ Still, Apple Watch Won’t Turn On After Swimming? Here’s Why

If it remains unresponsive after all steps, it may have internal water damage, especially if:

  • It was exposed to salt or chlorinated water repeatedly.

  • You went diving or subjected it to strong water pressure.

  • Seals have weakened due to age or previous drops.

In that case, Apple Support can run diagnostics. Note that liquid damage isn’t covered by the standard warranty, but AppleCare+ might cover accidental damage with a service fee.

🧠 Prevention Tips for the Future

To avoid facing the same “Apple Watch won’t turn on after swimming” nightmare again, here’s what to do:

  • Always turn on Water Lock before swimming.

  • After swimming, rinse with fresh water and dry it completely.

  • Don’t press buttons or charge the watch while it’s wet.

  • Avoid hot tubs, high-velocity water, or deep dives.

  • Periodically check your watch seals, especially if it’s a few years old.

🕵️‍♀️ FAQs

1. My Apple Watch won’t turn on after swimming — is it ruined?
Not necessarily! Try charging it, doing a force restart, and drying it properly for 24–48 hours. Most users find it powers up again after these steps.

2. How long does it take to dry an Apple Watch?
It can take up to two days, depending on the moisture level. Keep it in a dry, airy place and avoid heat.

3. Will Apple replace my watch if it’s water-damaged?
Apple’s limited warranty doesn’t cover liquid damage, but AppleCare+ does include accidental damage protection for a small service fee.

4. Can salt water permanently damage an Apple Watch?
Yes, prolonged salt exposure can corrode the internal components even can cause your Apple Watch overheating after swimming. Always rinse with fresh water immediately after swimming in the sea.

🔋 Final Thoughts

When your Apple Watch won’t turn on after swimming, it’s not always a death sentence. In most cases, it’s just a drained battery, trapped water, or a temporary freeze.
Be patient — let it dry, charge it, and try a force restart.

But if your Apple Watch won’t turn on after swimming even after 48 hours, Apple Support is your best next step.

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