Yes. You can swim with an Apple Watch Series 2 or later, any Apple Watch SE, or any Apple Watch Ultra, provided the watch is undamaged and fitted with a suitable band. The original Apple Watch and Series 1 are not recommended for swimming. For an older or second-hand watch, check its condition and history before relying on its original water-resistance rating.
Which models support swimming?
| Model | Water-resistance rating | Suitable water activities |
|---|---|---|
| Original Apple Watch; Series 1 | IPX7; splash resistant | No swimming. Apple advises against submersion. |
| Series 2–9 | 50 meters | Shallow-water pool and ocean swimming. No scuba diving or high-speed water sports. |
| Series 10, Series 11, Series 12 | 50 meters | Swimming and shallow snorkeling. The 6-meter depth gauge is not permission for scuba diving. |
| SE, SE 2, SE 3 | 50 meters | Shallow-water pool and ocean swimming. No scuba diving or high-speed water sports. |
| Ultra models | 100 meters | Swimming, high-speed water sports, and recreational scuba to 40 meters with a compatible dive app. |
A 50-meter rating does not mean you can dive to 50 meters. Choose by the activity limits, not just the number on the specifications. See Apple’s model comparison, Series 12 specifications, and water-resistance guidance. These describe model capabilities, not the present condition of a used device.
For model-specific guidance, see our Apple Watch Series 12 water-resistance and swimming guide.
What evidence shows Apple Watch is designed for swimming?
There are three useful checks beyond the water-resistance number: Apple documents swimming as an intended activity, its software records swim-specific data, and commercial developers offer products built around using the watch in water.
- Apple includes dedicated swimming workouts. The built-in Workout app offers Pool Swim and Open Water Swim. Apple documents automatic pool sets and rest detection, stroke summaries, distance, and pace. These are features for recording a swim while wearing the watch. You do not need a paid third-party app for basic swim recording. See Apple’s swimming user guide.
- MySwimPro sells swimming coaching with Apple Watch support. Its paid subscription includes training plans, guided workouts, and swimming analytics. Its Apple Watch documentation describes guided workouts, Pool Mode, and Open Water Mode. This is a concrete example of a commercial service built around repeat swim training, rather than a generic fitness app that only imports a distance total.
- Oceanic+ offers paid diving features for Apple Watch Ultra. Its subscription plans include daily, monthly, and annual scuba options. The maker specifies recreational scuba use on Ultra to 40 meters, while Series 10 and later support snorkeling to 6 meters. That distinction matters: installing a dive app on a Series 12 does not give it Ultra’s scuba capabilities.
Together, these sources support a clear conclusion: swimming is an intended use of compatible Apple Watch models, with both built-in features and commercial apps supporting it. App availability is evidence of a supported use case, not a test of your individual watch’s seals or a guarantee against water damage. Check the model, band, and condition below, and check an app’s current watchOS requirements separately from the hardware’s swimming capability.
What do independent swimming tests and videos show?
First-hand reviews add something specifications cannot: an account of using a particular watch in water. These examples identify the tested model and setting, so you can distinguish a pool workout from an open-water tracking test or a simulated dive.
- Pool swimming — Series 2, 2016. In MacRumors’ A Swimmer’s Perspective, Eric Slivka reports using the watch for pool workouts. He found continuous length swimming tracked well, but described missed kick sets and difficulties with drills and intervals. It is direct evidence of pool use, including shortcomings, from the generation where Apple introduced swimming support. Those software observations are historical, not a review of today’s watchOS.
- Open-water comparison — Series 6, 2021. DC Rainmaker’s Huge Openwater Swim GPS Test includes Apple Watch Series 6 alongside watches from Garmin, Wahoo, Polar, COROS, and Suunto. It gives readers a swim-specific comparison to examine rather than relying on a general smartwatch review. Its focus is GPS tracking, not testing how long water seals last.
- Simulated diving — original Ultra, 2022. DC Rainmaker’s I Tested Apple Watch Ultra In A Dive Chamber demonstrates the Ultra Depth app in a pressure-test setting. A chamber demonstration is different from an ocean dive, and the Depth app alone is not a full scuba dive computer.
These are historical tests of specific devices, not Series 12 reviews or estimates of the chance of a leak. They corroborate practical water use; Apple’s current model limits and the condition of your own watch still determine whether you should take it swimming.
Which Apple Watch band materials can go in the water?
The case and band need separate checks. A swimming-capable watch can arrive with a band you should remove before entering the pool. Identify the exact band, especially when buying second-hand: similar-looking straps can use different materials and closures.
| Material and examples | Swimming? | What to check |
|---|---|---|
| Silicone or fluoroelastomer: Solo Loop, Sport Band, Nike Sport Band, Ocean Band | Yes | Check for splits, stretching, and a secure fit. Fasten and tuck Sport Band’s loose end fully. Ocean Band is designed for water sports. |
| Fabric, woven, or knit bands | Depends on the exact band | Do not assume all fabric is swimproof. Apple identifies Hermès woven bands as swimproof, but Hermès knit bands are not. Check the maker’s instructions and allow the band to dry fully. |
| Leather: Leather Link, leather Modern Buckle, Hermès leather | No | Swap to a water-suitable band before swimming. |
| FineWoven: Magnetic Link, FineWoven Modern Buckle | No | FineWoven is not water resistant; do not soak it. |
| Stainless steel: Milanese Loop, Link Bracelet | No | Apple lists these bands as unsuitable for water exposure. |
| Titanium Milanese Loop for Ultra | Yes | Designed for water activities. This is different from the stainless steel Milanese Loop; secure the buckle before entering. |
Sources: Apple’s Solo Loop specifications, Ocean Band design, band care guide, and Titanium Milanese Loop description.
For a third-party strap, look for explicit swimming suitability for that exact product. “Sport” or “sweat resistant” alone does not answer whether its material, adhesive, and fastening can handle immersion. Before each swim, check both band connectors and the closure; replace a damaged or loose strap.
Can you swim with an older or second-hand Apple Watch?
Age alone cannot tell you whether a watch will leak. Apple says water resistance can diminish, and impacts or chemical exposure can affect it. There is no home inspection that certifies the seals. Use this checklist to identify reasons to keep the watch out of the water:
- Confirm the model. Ask the seller to show the model information, rather than identifying it from the case shape. Match it to the table above before considering its condition.
- Inspect it dry, in good light. Look for cracked front or back glass, a lifted screen, or gaps in the case. If you find any, do not swim with it; arrange service. Do not press a lifted screen back into place.
- Ask about its history. Has it been dropped, opened for a screen or battery repair, exposed to chemicals, or had liquid-related faults? Request repair records. A seller saying “I swam with it yesterday” does not establish its current seal condition.
- Treat unknowns as unresolved. A working touchscreen, good battery health, and a clean exterior do not test water resistance. Do not dunk the watch in a sink or do a short trial swim to find out.
- Make the decision before entering. If there is damage, an uncertain repair history, or a suspected leak, leave it dry and discuss service options with Apple. For a used watch intended mainly for swimming, resolve these questions before buying.
Can Apple test it? Apple’s general guidance says watches cannot be rechecked or resealed for water resistance; do not assume a routine Series or SE inspection restores its original rating. Ultra has a specific Depth and Water Seal Test in supported regions. Apple checks for visible damage first, and a pass describes the seals at the time of testing. Hidden damage can cause the watch to fail during testing and lead to a replacement fee. Ask about eligibility and cost before sending it in.
Do you need Water Lock to make it waterproof?
No. Water Lock prevents unintended touchscreen input; it does not create a waterproof seal. See how to unlock Water Lock after your swim. For recording the session, follow the swimming mode setup guide.
What should you do after a pool or ocean swim?
Follow Apple’s cleaning instructions. Use fresh water and a soft, lint-free cloth as directed for your model and band. Avoid soap, external heat, and compressed air.
Water suitability and recording accuracy are separate questions. If the watch records the wrong distance, use the missing-laps guide.