Apple watches are known to be prone to some basic issues. However, Apple Watch getting stuck on the Apple logo after swimming isn’t that common. However, it has happened to a dozen or so users who have reported it on the Apple Support forums. It has become a frustrating issue for those who use their watch for swimming and other water activities. So, how do you fix it?
One possible fix is to force a restart. If that doesn’t work, you will have to reset the watch and set it up again. If that doesn’t fix the problem, the third option is to contact Apple Support for further assistance and potentially get a replacement watch.
Read on to learn more about how to fix this issue and how to prevent it from happening again in the future.
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How to Fix Apple Watch Stuck on Apple Logo After Swimming
All Apple Watches are known to be water resistant, at least IPX7. However, Series 2 and newer are rated waterproof to up to 50 meters. That means they are safe to wear while swimming, but it’s important to remember that water damage is not covered under warranty.
Let’s assume you decided to take a swim with your Apple Watch trusting its waterproof abilities, and afterward, it’s stuck on the Apple logo and not responding. Considering liquid damage is not covered under warranty, It’s understandable to be concerned about fixing it yourself.
What are the possible causes of this issue? It could be;
- a software crash
- an issue with the Taptic Engine, or
- water damage
Luckily, we have a few steps to try and fix the issue before seeking professional help:
1. Allow the Watch to Dry Before Attempting Any Fixes
If by any chance, water got its way into your watch, it’s important to allow it enough time to dry before attempting any fixes. When water gets into electronic devices, it can cause shorts and damage components.
Another thing, charging the watch while wet could make it get really hot and might damage the battery in the process.
We recommend you place the watch in a dry and warm area for at least 48 hours before attempting any fixes. But first, you will need to turn off the watch.
- To turn off the watch, press and hold down the side button until the logo disappears. It might require some force, especially if there was water between the buttons.
Once it has turned off, use a soft cloth or paper towel to wipe any visible water off the watch and its band. To thoroughly dry, place it somewhere warm (not overly hot).
Ensure not to place the watch in direct sunlight or use a hair dryer, as too much heat can damage the electronic components.
2. Charge the Watch
Once the watch has had time to dry, try charging it. Use the original charger and cable that came with the watch or a certified third-party one.
If the watch charges and turns on, great! If not, it could be a sign of liquid damage and require professional help.
3. Power On the Apple Watch
If the watch is charged full, feel it to check for overheating. If it feels okay, try powering it on and see if it gets past the Apple logo.
Don’t get frustrated if it doesn’t have power right away or gets stuck again. It might take a few attempts before successfully powering on. If the watch does power on, use it normally for a few days and see if any issues occur.
4. Force Restart the Watch
Try a force restart if the watch does not power on but is still stuck on the Apple logo.
To do this:
- Press and hold down the Digital Crown and side button simultaneously until the Apple logo disappears and the watch powers off.
- Wait a few seconds before pressing both buttons again to power on the watch. Again, it might take some attempts before successfully powering on.
5. Reset the Watch
If everything fails and the watch won’t power on, try resetting it. This will erase all content and settings from the watch, but it might be worth it if it fixes the issue.
But remember, you can’t access the watch settings since it’s not powering on completely, so you won’t access this through the watch itself.
Instead:
- Attach your Apple Watch to the charger.
- Go to the Apple Watch app on your iPhone and select “General” > “Reset.” Choose “Erase All Content and Settings.”
- Enter your passcode if asked.
- Remember that your data, including activity and health data, will be erased from the watch.
- Once it’s done resetting, try powering on the watch again and see if it’s fixed.
6. Take It to the Nearest Apple Store or Authorized Service Provider
If the Apple Watch still won’t turn on or gets stuck on the logo after attempting these steps, it may be a sign of liquid damage.
In this case, we recommend taking it to the nearest Apple Store or authorized service provider for a professional assessment and repair. You can also contact Apple Support for further assistance or to see if the watch is still covered under warranty.
It’s important to remember that liquid damage is not covered under the Apple Watch warranty, but they may offer repairs for an additional cost.
Tip to avoid this in the future: Avoid wearing your Apple Watch in the hot shower, swimming, or any other situations where it may come in contact with hot water. If you have the Apple Watch 1 or the 1st generation Apple Watch Series 1, it’s not even water resistant, so try to keep it away from any liquid.
Final Verdict!
We hope this guide helps fix a wet Apple Watch, but always remember to keep your watch dry and avoid charging it while wet to prevent any future issues. Good luck!
