Why does my Apple Watch say turn digital crown to unlock?

Answered by Jason Smith

The message “Turn Digital Crown to Unlock” on your Apple Watch typically appears when the device has been exposed to water or moisture. This message is a prompt to help you unlock and eject any water that may have entered the device.

When your Apple Watch detects water or moisture, it activates its Water Lock feature. This feature essentially seals off the internal components of the watch to prevent any potential damage caused by water. In this state, the touch screen is disabled to avoid accidental input from wet fingers or water droplets.

To unlock your Apple Watch and disable the Water Lock feature, you need to turn the Digital Crown. The Digital Crown is the small rotating button on the side of the watch. By turning it, you activate a mechanism that helps to eject any water or moisture that may have entered the device.

When you turn the Digital Crown, you may hear sounds of vibrations and feel moisture escaping from the grill of the speaker. These vibrations help to dislodge any water that may be trapped inside the watch. It’s important to continue turning the crown until you no longer hear the vibrations or feel moisture, as this ensures that the water is properly ejected.

Once the water has been expelled, the watch will unlock, and you can resume using the touch screen normally. It’s crucial to note that if you do not turn the Digital Crown to unlock and eject the water, the touch screen will remain disabled, and the Water Lock feature will continue to be active.

It’s worth mentioning that the Water Lock feature is particularly useful during activities such as swimming or when the watch is exposed to water. It helps to protect the internal components and maintain the functionality of the device. However, it’s important to remember to unlock and eject the water using the Digital Crown once you’re out of the water to ensure optimal performance.

When your Apple Watch says “Turn Digital Crown to Unlock,” it’s a prompt to help you unlock the device and eject any water or moisture that may have entered. By turning the Digital Crown, you activate a mechanism that helps expel the water, allowing you to resume normal use of the watch.