It’s ok to shower with an Apple Watch 8?

Read this

About Apple Watch water resistance - Apple Support

It will explain what wet conditions the Apple Watch should avoid, what it can tolerate, and how to care for it when it gets wet.

If you need shower fall Detection and the ability to alert someone, then get a medical alert system, where the device you wear does not have multiple buttons, speakers, microphone, sensors, etc… that all need to be protected from soaps and other things used in the shower.

Generally a medical alert device triggers a base unit in the house connected to your phone line, or it has its own cellular service. The monitoring company generally calls a list of contacts, before calling emergency services.

We had this for my Mother-in-Law.

I accept that you can’t take the Apple Watch into the shower as the soap, shampoo and conditioner would compromise the watches seals and circuits. But slips and falls are endemic in the shower. I am very disappointed. Even if the watch is nearby it may not be of any help to get an SOS out.

Hello Msjanuary,

Thank you for reaching out to Apple Support Communities, and we'll be happy to help in any way we can. We understand you have questions about the water resistance for Apple Watch. You can find information about this here: About Apple Watch water resistance - Apple Support

"Is my Apple Watch waterproof?

Your Apple Watch is water resistant, but not waterproof. For example, you can wear and use your Apple Watch during activities such as exercise (exposure to sweat is OK), walking in rain, and washing your hands.

• Apple Watch Series 1 and Apple Watch (1st generation) have a water-resistance rating of IPX7 under IEC standard 60529.
• Apple Watch Series 2 and later have a water-resistance rating of 50 meters under ISO standard 22810:2010.
• Apple Watch Ultra has a water-resistance rating of 100 meters under ISO standard 22810:2010 and is EN13319-compliant.
• Apple Watch Series 7 and later are rated IP6X dust resistant. 
• Classic Buckle, Leather Loop, Modern Buckle, Milanese, and Link Bracelet Bands aren't water resistant.

Can I go scuba diving, swimming, or take a shower with my Apple Watch?

If you have Apple Watch Ultra, you can wear it during recreational scuba diving up to 130 feet (40 meters) and other activities like swimming, showering, and water skiing.*

Apple Watch Series 2 and later can be used for shallow-water activities like swimming in a pool or ocean, but you shouldn't use models other than Apple Watch Ultra for diving, water skiing, or other activities involving submersion below shallow depth or high-velocity water.

Apple Watch Series 1 and Apple Watch (1st generation) are splash and water resistant, but submerging these models isn't recommended.

Not all Apple Watch 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.

* For important information about safety while using Apple Watch Ultra for underwater activities, see Measure underwater temperature, duration, and depth on Apple Watch Ultra in the Apple Watch Ultra User Guide.

What should I avoid while wearing my Apple Watch?

Water resistance isn't a permanent condition and can diminish over time. Apple Watch can't be rechecked or resealed for water resistance. The following can 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 models other than Apple Watch Ultra to high-velocity water (for example, while water skiing)
• Wearing Apple Watch while cliff diving or high diving
• Wearing Apple Watch in a steam room
• Wearing Apple Watch models other than Apple Watch Ultra in a sauna
• Wearing Apple Watch Ultra in a sauna above 55° C (130° F)

While the above should be avoided, if your Apple Watch comes in contact accidentally with soaps, shampoos, conditioners, lotions, perfumes, solvents, detergent, acids or acidic foods, insect repellent, sunscreen, oil, hair dye, or any substance other than water, it should be cleaned with fresh warm water and dried with a lint-free cloth. Chemicals found in these items could negatively affect water seals and acoustic membranes.

What should I do if my Apple Watch gets wet?

To remove water from your Apple Watch, wipe it off with a nonabrasive, lint-free cloth. Don't use heat, compressed air, or sprays. Clean and dry your Apple Watch, the band, and your skin after workouts or heavy sweating. After swimming, gently rinse Apple Watch Series 2 and later under lightly running, warm, fresh water. Dry Apple Watch and the band thoroughly afterwards. Learn more about cleaning your Apple Watch. 

If your Apple Watch gets wet and its speaker sounds muffled, follow the steps below. Don't insert anything into the openings—for example, the microphone or speaker ports—and don't shake the watch to remove water. Allowing your Apple Watch to charge overnight might speed up evaporation.

On Apple Watch Series 3 and later, measurements from the barometric altimeter might be less accurate if water gets into the air vent (for example, during swimming). Normal altimeter performance returns after the water has evaporated."

We hope this helps.

Cheers!

Msjanuary wrote:

My boyfriend is arguing with me about if it’s safe to shower with the watch series 8 on or not. I have said soap and steam can be damaging and water resistant is not the same as waterproof. However he still thinks it’s fine to shower with my watch on.

You're right. He is wrong. But, if it's his watch, let him learn the lesson himself. If it's your watch, smile, say "You may be right" and continue to do what you think is best.

It's also good to give your skin some breathing time. If you shower with a watch and get soap or lotion underneath, you're also more likely to get a rash. Use the word "rash" a lot when talking to your boyfriend. No one wants to discuss rashes so that may get him to drop the matter.

You're correct. Your boyfriend is not correct. I don't think water is really the issue, though... you can swim with a Series 8. It's the soap, shampoo, and conditioner that can cause damage.

Hope you 2 can kiss and make up. 😂

While what you have outlined is helpful but in some emergency falls in a shower the fallen not be able to speak or be mobile enough to get the watch to hit the emergency button.

Additionally, I would like to know if salt water could similarly comprise the seal and circuits of the Apple Watch?

Thank you.

broye54 wrote:

I accept that you can’t take the Apple Watch into the shower as the soap, shampoo and conditioner would compromise the watches seals and circuits. But slips and falls are endemic in the shower. I am very disappointed. Even if the watch is nearby it may not be of any help to get an SOS out.

Apple does not read this user-to-user technical support forum for feedback.

But you can send Apple feedback via:

Feedback - Watch - Apple

If enough users send feedback, it is more likely a decision maker will see it, and maybe take action.

broye54 wrote:

Additionally, I would like to know if salt water could similarly comprise the seal and circuits of the Apple Watch?

You can wear certain Apple watches while swimming.

About Apple Watch water resistance - Apple Support

The seals may still become compromised over time.

broye54 wrote:

I accept that you can’t take the Apple Watch into the shower as the soap, shampoo and conditioner would compromise the watches seals and circuits. But slips and falls are endemic in the shower. I am very disappointed. Even if the watch is nearby it may not be of any help to get an SOS out.

There are emergency alert buttons specifically designed for use in the shower. If your phone is nearby (not so near it will fall in the tub), you can also use it to call 911, "Hey, Siri, call 9-1-1".