Apple Watch Safety and Handling Information
Getting Started
Before using Apple Watch, review the Apple Watch User Guide available at support.apple.com/guide/watch or via Apple Books. Retain documentation for future reference.
Initial Setup Steps:
- Open your band box and follow the steps to attach your band to your Apple Watch.
- Put on your Apple Watch. Press and hold the side button to turn it on.
- Open the Apple Watch app on your iPhone to set up your device.
- To charge, magnetically attach the charger to the back of the case.
Note: Requires an iPhone connection to cellular service or a Wi-Fi network with calling enabled.
Safety and Handling
WARNING: Failure to follow these safety instructions could result in fire, electric shock, injury, or damage to Apple Watch or other property.
Handling
Handle Apple Watch with care. Cases are made from materials including:
- Aluminum Apple Watch case: 7000 series aluminum, Ion-X glass, composite back (plastic)
- Stainless Steel Apple Watch case: Stainless steel, sapphire crystal, ceramic back
- Titanium Apple Watch case: Titanium, sapphire crystal, ceramic back
- Ceramic Apple Watch case: Ceramic, sapphire crystal, ceramic back
Apple Watch contains sensitive electronic components and can be damaged if dropped, burned, punctured, or crushed. Ceramic cases may chip or crack if dropped or subjected to forceful impact. Do not use a damaged Apple Watch (e.g., cracked screen, liquid intrusion, damaged band) as it may cause injury. Avoid heavy exposure to dust or sand.
Repairing
Do not open Apple Watch or attempt self-repair. Disassembly can cause damage, loss of water resistance, and injury. For service, contact Apple or an Apple Authorized Service Provider. More information is available at support.apple.com/watch/repair/service.
Battery
Do not attempt to replace the Apple Watch battery yourself, as this may cause overheating and injury. The lithium-ion battery should be serviced only by Apple or an authorized service provider. Batteries must be recycled or disposed of separately from household waste. Do not incinerate the battery. For service and recycling information, see apple.com/batteries/service-and-recycling.
Distraction
Using Apple Watch can be distracting and may cause dangerous situations (e.g., reading texts while driving). Observe rules that prohibit or restrict mobile device use.
Navigation
Maps, directions, and location-based apps depend on data services that may change or be unavailable. Some features require Location Services. Always compare information with your surroundings and posted signs. Do not use these services during activities requiring full attention. Comply with signs, laws, and regulations.
Charging
Use the included Apple Watch Magnetic Charging Cable or Apple Watch Magnetic Charging Dock and power adapter (sold separately). Third-party 5W adapters with an MFi logo may also be used. Keep Apple Watch, cables, and adapters in a well-ventilated area during charging. Using damaged equipment, uncertified third-party solutions, or charging with moisture present can cause fire, electric shock, injury, or damage.
Prolonged Heat Exposure
Apple Watch and its accessories comply with surface temperature standards. However, sustained contact with warm surfaces may cause discomfort or injury. The device, cable, and adapter will become warm when plugged in. Cellular use on certain models may make the device feel warm. Avoid prolonged skin contact with warm components. Do not sleep on or place items over charging components. Take care if you have conditions affecting heat detection. Remove Apple Watch if it becomes uncomfortably warm.
Hearing Loss
Listening at high volumes can damage hearing. Background noise can make sounds seem quieter. Turn on audio playback and check volume before using Bluetooth headsets. For more information, visit the Sound and Hearing website. WARNING: To prevent hearing damage, do not listen at high volume levels for long periods.
Radio Frequency (RF) Exposure
Apple Watch uses radio signals for wireless networks. For RF energy information and minimization steps, open the Apple Watch app on iPhone, tap My Watch, then General > About > Legal > RF Exposure, or visit apple.com/legal/rfexposure.
Radio Frequency Interference
Observe signs prohibiting electronic device use. While designed to comply with RF emissions regulations, Apple Watch and its accessories may affect other electronic equipment. Unplug cables and turn off Apple Watch or use airplane mode when use is prohibited (e.g., during flights) or when instructed by authorities.
Medical Device Interference
Apple Watch contains components and radios that emit electromagnetic fields. Magnets in the watch, bands, and charging accessories may interfere with medical devices like pacemakers. Consult your physician and medical device manufacturer regarding safe distances. Stop using Apple Watch if you suspect interference with your medical device.
Not a Medical Device
Apple Watch is not a medical device and should not substitute professional medical judgment. It is not intended for diagnosis, cure, mitigation, treatment, or prevention of disease. Consult your healthcare provider before making health decisions.
Medical Conditions
Before starting or modifying exercise programs with Apple Watch, consult your physician. Exercise with care and stop immediately if you feel pain, faint, dizzy, exhausted, or short of breath. By exercising, you assume inherent risks. If you have a medical condition that could be affected by Apple Watch (e.g., seizures, blackouts, eyestrain, headaches), consult your physician.
Explosive and Other Atmospheric Conditions
Charging or using Apple Watch in potentially explosive atmospheres (e.g., areas with flammable chemicals, vapors, dust, or metal powders) may be hazardous. Exposure to industrial chemicals or liquified gases may damage or impair functionality. Obey all signs and instructions.
High-Consequence Activities
Apple Watch is not intended for use where its failure could lead to death, personal injury, or severe environmental damage.
Choking Hazard
Some Apple Watch bands may present a choking hazard to small children. Keep these bands away from small children.
Skin Sensitivities
Some people may experience reactions to materials in jewelry, watches, and wearable items due to allergies, environmental factors, or irritants (soap, sweat). Sensitivity may increase with any wearable device. If you have known skin sensitivities, take special care. Wearing Apple Watch too tightly may increase irritation. Remove Apple Watch periodically to allow skin to breathe. Keeping the watch and band clean and dry reduces skin irritation. If you experience redness, swelling, itchiness, or discomfort, remove Apple Watch and consult your physician. Continued use after symptoms subside may lead to renewed irritation.
Apple Watch models with stainless steel or aluminum cases, stainless steel portions of bands, metallic portions of Hermès bands, and magnets contain nickel. Nickel exposure is unlikely, but customers with nickel allergies should monitor for reactions.
Apple Watch cases and bands contain trace amounts of acrylates and methacrylates, found in many skin-contact products. While designed to avoid direct skin contact, some individuals may be sensitive.
Materials meet standards set for jewelry by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, applicable European regulations, and international standards.
Water Resistance and Care
Exposure to Liquid
Apple Watch is water resistant, not waterproof. It can be worn during exercise (sweat is OK), in the rain, and while washing hands. If splashed, wipe with a nonabrasive, lint-free cloth. Minimize exposure to perfume, soap, solvents, detergent, acids, acidic foods, soapy water, insect repellent, lotions, sunscreen, oil, or hair dye. Follow cleaning instructions if contact occurs.
Apple Watch Series 3, 4, and 5 have a water resistance rating of 50 meters under ISO standard 22810:2010, suitable for shallow water activities like swimming in a pool or ocean. They are not suitable for scuba diving, water skiing, or activities involving high-velocity water or submersion below shallow depth.
Water resistance can diminish over time and cannot be rechecked or resealed. Avoid:
- Dropping Apple Watch or subjecting it to impacts.
- Exposing Apple Watch to soap or soapy water (e.g., showering, bathing).
- Exposing Apple Watch to perfume, solvents, detergent, acids, acidic foods, insect repellent, lotions, sunscreen, oil, or hair dye.
- Exposing Apple Watch to high-velocity water (e.g., water skiing).
- Wearing Apple Watch in a sauna or steam room.
Not all bands are water resistant (e.g., stainless steel and leather bands). Do not expose them to liquids.
Cleaning and Care
Keep Apple Watch, the band, and your skin clean and dry, especially after workouts or heavy sweating. Dry thoroughly after exposure to fresh water. Clean if contact occurs with dirt, sand, makeup, ink, soap, detergent, acids, acidic foods, sweat, salt water, pool water, perfume, insect repellent, lotions, sunscreen, oil, adhesive remover, hair dye, or solvents.
To avoid damage:
- Do not clean Apple Watch while charging.
- Do not dry with external heat sources (e.g., hair dryer).
- Do not use cleaning products, ultrasonic cleaners, or compressed air.
The front of Apple Watch has a fingerprint-resistant coating that wears over time. Cleaning products and abrasives can diminish this coating and scratch the glass or sapphire crystal.
Buttons, Digital Crown, Connectors, and Ports
Never apply excessive pressure or force connectors into ports, as this can cause damage not covered by warranty. If a connector and port do not join easily, they may not match. Check for obstructions and ensure correct alignment.
Cables
Certain usage patterns can cause cables to fray or break. Avoid repeatedly bending cables at the same spot; aim for gentle curves. Regularly inspect cables and connectors for kinks, breaks, or damage, and discontinue use if damage is found.
Magnetic Charging Cable and Magnetic Charging Dock
Discoloration of the charging surface may occur due to dirt and debris. This is normal. Cleaning the surface can reduce discoloration and prevent damage. To clean, disconnect the charger, wipe with a damp, nonabrasive cloth, and dry with a lint-free cloth before resuming charging. Do not use cleaning products.
Operating Temperature
Apple Watch is designed for ambient temperatures between 32° and 95° F (0° and 35° C) and storage between -4° and 113° F (-20° and 45° C). Operating or storing outside these ranges can damage the device and shorten battery life. Avoid dramatic temperature or humidity changes. If the interior temperature exceeds normal operating temperatures (e.g., in a hot car or direct sunlight), the device may attempt to regulate its temperature, potentially causing:
- Charging to slow or stop.
- Display dimming.
- A temperature warning screen.
- Data transfer pauses or delays.
- App closures.
- Loss of cellular connection or inability to make/receive calls on cellular models (normal functionality resumes after cooling).
Important: You may not be able to use Apple Watch while the temperature warning screen is displayed. If internal temperature cannot be regulated, it enters Power Reserve or deep sleep mode. Move Apple Watch to a cooler location out of direct sunlight and wait before trying again. For more information, see the Apple Support article Keep Apple Watch within acceptable operating temperatures.
Magnets
Keep key cards and credit cards away from Apple Watch, bands, and charging accessories.
Band Care Information
Third-party bands may not fit properly, may interfere with Apple Watch features, or may contain materials causing skin sensitivities or damage. Use only Apple-branded or authorized bands for best results.
Cleaning Apple-Branded Bands
Remove the band before cleaning. This information applies to Apple-branded bands; follow manufacturer instructions for other bands.
- Leather portions: Wipe clean with a nonabrasive, lint-free cloth lightly dampened with fresh water (if necessary). Air dry thoroughly before re-attaching. Do not store leather bands in direct sunlight, at high temperatures, or in high humidity. Leather bands are not water resistant.
- Other bands and clasps: Wipe clean with a nonabrasive, lint-free cloth lightly dampened with fresh water (if necessary). Dry thoroughly with a nonabrasive, lint-free cloth before re-attaching. Stainless steel bands are not water resistant.
Regulatory Compliance
FCC Compliance Statement
For Apple Watch, Apple Watch Magnetic Charging Cable, and Apple Watch Magnetic Charging Dock:
This device complies with part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to two conditions: (1) it may not cause harmful interference, and (2) it must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to part 15 of the FCC Rules, designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation.
This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy. If not installed and used per instructions, it may cause harmful interference to radio communications. No guarantee is made that interference will not occur in a particular installation.
If this equipment causes harmful interference to radio or television reception, try correcting it by:
- Reorienting or relocating the receiving antenna.
- Increasing separation between equipment and receiver.
- Connecting equipment to a different circuit than the receiver.
- Consulting a dealer or experienced radio/TV technician.
Changes or modifications not authorized by Apple could void electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) and wireless compliance, and negate operating authority.
This product has demonstrated EMC compliance using compliant peripheral devices and shielded cables.
RF Exposure Limits
The radiated output power meets FCC/IC radio frequency exposure limits. Operate with a minimum separation distance of 20 cm (8 inches) between the equipment and a person's body.
Responsible Party (FCC Matters)
Apple Inc.
One Apple Park Way, MS 911-AHW
Cupertino, CA 95014
USA
apple.com/contact
ISED Canada Compliance Statement
For Apple Watch, Apple Watch Magnetic Charging Cable, and Apple Watch Magnetic Charging Dock:
This device complies with ISED Canada licence-exempt RSS standard(s). Operation is subject to two conditions: (1) it may not cause interference, and (2) it must accept any interference, including interference that may cause undesired operation.
Operation in the 5150–5250 MHz band is for indoor use only to reduce potential interference to co-channel mobile satellite systems.
Le présent appareil est conforme aux CNR d'ISDE Canada applicables aux appareils radio exempts de licence. L'exploitation est autorisée aux deux conditions suivantes : (1) l'appareil ne doit pas produire de brouillage, et (2) l'appareil doit accepter tout brouillage radioélectrique subi, même si le brouillage est susceptible d'en compromettre le fonctionnement. La bande 5150–5250 MHz est réservée uniquement pour une utilisation à l'intérieur afin de réduire les risques de brouillage préjudiciable aux systèmes de satellites mobiles utilisant les mêmes canaux.
RF Exposure Limits (ISED Canada)
The radiated output power meets FCC/IC radio frequency exposure limits. Operate with a minimum separation distance of 20 cm (8 inches) between the equipment and a person's body.
La puissance de sortie rayonnée de cet appareil est conforme aux limites de la FCC/IC limites d'exposition aux fréquences radio. Cet appareil doit être utilisé avec une distance minimale de séparation de 20 cm entre l'appareil et le corps d'une personne.
Disposal and Recycling Information
Apple Watch Disposal and Recycling
Do not dispose of Apple Watch or its battery with household waste. Dispose of them in accordance with local environmental laws and guidelines. For information about Apple's recycling program and collection points, visit apple.com/recycling. For information about restricted substances and environmental initiatives, visit apple.com/environment.
European Union—Disposal Information
The symbol ♻️ indicates that, according to local laws and regulations, your product and/or its battery must be disposed of separately from household waste. Take it to a designated collection point at its end of life. Separate collection and recycling conserve natural resources and protect human health and the environment.
Brasil – Informações sobre descarte e reciclagem
O símbolo ♻️ indica que este produto e/ou sua bateria não devem ser descartados no lixo doméstico. Descarte de acordo com as leis e diretrizes ambientais locais. Para informações sobre substâncias de uso restrito, o programa de reciclagem da Apple, pontos de coleta e telefone de informações, visite apple.com/br/environment.
Información sobre eliminación de residuos y reciclaje
El símbolo ♻️ indica que este producto y/o su batería no deben desecharse con los residuos domésticos. Deséchelo de conformidad con las leyes y directrices medioambientales locales. Para obtener más información sobre el programa de reciclaje de Apple, los puntos de recolección, las sustancias restringidas y otras iniciativas medioambientales, visita apple.com/mx/environment o apple.com/la/environment.
Battery Service
The lithium-ion battery in Apple Watch should be serviced by Apple or an authorized service provider. You may receive a replacement Apple Watch when ordering battery service. Batteries must be recycled or disposed of separately from household waste. For more information about battery service and recycling, go to apple.com/batteries/service-and-recycling.
Australia Battery Disposal
For more information, visit apple.com/au/trade-in.
Türkiye
Türkiye Cumhuriyeti: AEEE Yönetmeliğine Uygundur.
China Mainland Battery Statement
警告:不要刺破或焚烧。该电池不含水银。
Taiwan Battery Statement
警告:請勿戳刺或焚燒。此電池不含汞。
Apple and the Environment
At Apple, we recognize our responsibility to minimize the environmental impacts of our operations and products. For more information, go to apple.com/environment.
Trademarks and Copyright
Copyright © 2020 Apple Inc. All rights reserved. Apple, the Apple logo, Apple Watch, and iPhone are trademarks of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries. Apple Books is a trademark of Apple Inc. Apple Store is a service mark of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries. IOS is a trademark or registered trademark of Cisco in the U.S. and other countries and is used under license. The Bluetooth® word mark and logos are registered trademarks owned by Bluetooth SIG, Inc. and any use of such marks by Apple Inc. is under license. Other company and product names mentioned herein may be trademarks of their respective companies.
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