Apple Watch SE water lock

AdriftGlitter4 wrote:

Do I need to put water lock mode on before showering with my Apple Watch SE?

No. It’s automatic.

Related details: About Apple Watch water resistance - Apple Support

AdriftGlitter4 wrote:

So I am able to shower with my watch on and no water lock?

Water Lock does not add additional protection against water intrusion.

Water Lock does disable touch controls, as those do not work reliably when wet.

When (eventually disabled) Water Lock also expels water from the (otherwise sealed) cavity containing the speakers.

Those Apple Watch series with water resistance are already resistant. Water Lock does not change that.

Should the seals against water intrusion fail and as can happen over time and for various reasons including physical damage—Apple Watch is water resistant, but is not waterproof—then Apple Watch can be damaged by water. Irrespective of the Water Lock setting.

TL;DR: If Apple Watch detects immersion, then it will automatically enable Water Lock. Water Lock does not change water resistance. Water resistance is not a permanent feature, and can degrade and can fail.