Apple Watch Ultra 2 screen goes dark when I'm swimming

Question

Apple Watch Ultra 2 screen goes dark when I'm swimming

First, I have the "always on" setting enabled in the display/brightness - so that's not the issue.

Every time I do a swim workout, which I do regularly, the ultra 2 workout app display goes dark while I'm swimming. I need to tap the face to wake the display and see workout details.

Especially annoying when I lose track of my lap count and want to quick check, with the ultra I have to completely pause swimming and float while I tap repeatedly to get the display to wake up. Under water, it's pretty flakey on waking up - often I need to raise my wrist out of water to wake the display.

It's really annoying. This doesn't happen with any other workout - run/bike etc.

My older v6 watch never does this, which makes the Ultra 2 feel like a downgrade.

[Re-Titled by Moderator]

Apple Watch Ultra 2, watchOS 11

Posted on May 2, 2025 9:19 AM

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Answer 1

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Ingo2711

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May 2, 2025 11:20 AM in response to kochnotthefascist

Did you try to disable the Always On Display feature during your swim workouts and only use the Wake on Wrist Raise?

If the Water Lock is enabled during swimming, the display is locked and not responsive to the touch.

Pressing or turning the Digital Crown upward will turn on the display during swimming.

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Answer 2

May 2, 2025 12:27 PM in response to kochnotthefascist

You're welcome 🙂

On my Ultra 2 the Water Lock is automatically enabled, I don't use Always On Display and the screen is switched on by turning my wrist approx. 90 degrees, Wrist Raise enabled.

...

When you start a swimming workout, your Apple Watch automatically locks the screen with Water Lock to avoid accidental taps. And if you have Apple Watch Ultra or later, you can have it turn on Water Lock automatically when it's submerged to a depth of 10cm or lower. When you finish, press and hold* the Digital Crown to unlock the screen and clear any water from your Apple Watch. A series of tones plays to clear any water that remains in the speaker.

To clear water from Apple Watch manually, press the side button to open Control Center (for watchOS 9 or earlier, touch and hold the bottom of the screen, then swipe up). Tap Water Lock, then press and hold the Digital Crown to unlock the screen and clear water from the speaker.

...

copied from: About Apple Watch water resistance - Apple Support

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Answer 3

May 2, 2025 11:49 AM in response to Ingo2711

I have not, but I will next swim. Seems worth a try.

Weird about the water lock, which is definitely on as I have to unlock at the end of the swim to end the workout.

The crown also works to turn on the display. Typically, I count my laps so I generally look at the watch for the timing to start my next set. Meaning, I'm stopped on the wall, then raise my wrist out of the water - sometimes this triggers the display on, but not always - usually I then tap the display and it turns on.

Maybe the tapping isn't doing anything but triggering the Wake on Wrist Raise?

IDK, I'll try it - thanks for the idea

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Apple Watch Ultra 2 screen goes dark when I'm swimming

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