How to clean your Apple Watch

Learn how to clean your Apple Watch and band.

Is it OK to use a disinfectant on my Apple Watch?
Using a 70-per cent isopropyl alcohol wipe, 75-per cent ethyl alcohol wipe or Clorox Disinfecting Wipes, you may gently wipe the exterior surfaces of your Apple Watch and your Solo Loop, Sport Band, Nike Sport Band or metal band. Don't use on fabric or leather bands. Don't use products containing bleach or hydrogen peroxide. Avoid getting moisture in any openings, and don't submerge your Apple Watch in any cleaning agents.

Get helpful tips on avoiding skin irritation, especially if you have allergies or skin sensitivities.

Clean and dry your Apple Watch

Keep your Apple Watch clean and dry. Soaps, cleaning products, abrasive materials*, compressed air, ultrasonic cleaning and external heat sources can cause damage and shouldn't be used with your Apple Watch.

To clean your Apple Watch, follow these steps:

  1. Turn off your Apple Watch and remove it from the charger.
  2. If you have a leather band, remove it from your Apple Watch.
  3. Wipe your Apple Watch clean with a non-abrasive, lint-free cloth. If necessary, lightly dampen the cloth with fresh water. Or you can hold your Apple Watch under lightly running, warm, fresh water for 10 to 15 seconds.  Soaps and other cleaning products shouldn't be used.
  4. Dry your Apple Watch with a non-abrasive, lint-free cloth, including the surface of the back crystal.

* Apple Watch is manufactured with extreme care and precision, while leveraging state-of-the-art technology to provide the best customer experience. To ensure that the watch maintains all functionality and to keep a consistent finish across the enclosure and external components, Apple does not recommend polishing or buffing the watch with abrasives.

Clean and dry the Digital Crown

If the Digital Crown gets stuck or won't move, check for debris and wipe down your Apple Watch. If you find substances like dust or lotion around the Digital Crown, follow these steps to clean it, and repeat as needed:

  1. Turn off your Apple Watch and remove it from the charger.
  2. If you have a leather band, remove it from your Apple Watch.
  3. Hold the Digital Crown under lightly running, warm, fresh water from a tap for 10 to 15 seconds. Soaps and other cleaning products shouldn't be used.
  4. Continuously turn and press the Digital Crown as water runs over the small gap between the crown and the housing.
  5. Dry your Apple Watch with an absorbent, non-abrasive, lint-free cloth. Make sure you wipe the surface of the Digital Crown, the space between the Digital Crown and the watch case, and the surrounding surfaces, removing any water.

Clean and dry your band

Remove the band from your Apple Watch before cleaning. This cleaning information applies to Apple-branded bands only. For all other bands, follow the care information provided with the band.

For leather bands:

  1. Wipe the leather portions of the bands clean with a non-abrasive, lint-free cloth. If necessary, lightly dampen the cloth with fresh water*.
  2. Don't soak leather bands in water. The leather bands aren't water resistant.
  3. Let the band air dry thoroughly before you attach it to your Apple Watch. Don't store leather bands in direct sunlight, at high temperatures or in high humidity.

For Solo Loop, Sport Band and Nike Sport Band:

  1. Wipe the band clean with a non-abrasive, lint-free cloth. If necessary, lightly dampen the cloth with fresh water. With these bands, you can also use mild hypoallergenic hand soap for cleaning.
  2. Dry the band with a non-abrasive, lint-free cloth before you attach it to your Apple Watch.

For all other bands, buckles and closures:

  1. Wipe the band clean with a non-abrasive, lint-free cloth. If necessary, lightly dampen the cloth with fresh water.
  2. Dry the band with a non-abrasive, lint-free cloth before you attach it to your Apple Watch.

* Leather usually takes on a patina after normal wear. The leather may also change colour due to exposure to substances like perfume, insect repellent, oil, lotion or dyed materials like denim. The Apple Watch and band colours may vary or fade over time.

Tips to avoid skin irritation, or if you have allergies or skin sensitivities

  • Wearing your Apple Watch with the right fit – not too tight, not too loose and with room for your skin to breathe – will keep you comfortable.
  • Keeping your Apple Watch and bands – as well as your skin – clean and dry will maximise comfort and prevent long-term damage to the watch. This is especially important after workouts or exposure to liquids such as sweat, soap, sun cream and lotions that can potentially cause skin irritations.
  • Pick the right Apple Watch and band. If you have known allergies or sensitivities to substances like metals or plastics, check the materials in each Apple Watch and band.
  • Many third parties make accessory bands for Apple Watch. Such bands may not fit properly, may interfere with the Apple Watch Wrist Detect feature, may contain materials that cause skin sensitivities or other health concerns, and may even damage Apple Watch. For best results, only use Apple-branded or Apple-authorised bands.

Information about products not manufactured by Apple, or independent websites not controlled or tested by Apple, is provided without recommendation or endorsement. Apple assumes no responsibility with regard to the selection, performance or use of third-party websites or products. Apple makes no representations regarding third-party website accuracy or reliability. Contact the vendor for additional information.

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