9 useful tips for using Apple Watch you should know

Here, we'll discuss some tips and tricks to help you get the most out of your Apple Watch.

1. Track your workout progress

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One of the main uses for the Apple Watch is tracking fitness metrics like calories burned. You can also use wearables to track data during your workouts. It's easy to start your workout on the watch.

Just press the Digital Crown and select Workout from the list of apps. Choose the exercise type and then get started. You can even start a workout with Siri. Say "Hey Siri," followed by "Start a workout" or something more specific like "Start a 300-yard pool swim."

During your workout, you'll see information on the watch screen such as time, active calories, total calories, and heart rate.

2. Connect AirPods or Bluetooth headphones

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You don't need an iPhone to use with AirPods or other Bluetooth headphones. It's easy to connect wireless headphones to Apple Watch.

For AirPods, go to Control Center by pressing the Side button once and selecting the Bluetooth icon. It's a triangle with three circles on top. Then, select AirPods to connect. To pair and connect other Bluetooth headphones, go to Settings > Bluetooth on watchOS.

Once you connect your headphones, you can play music on Spotify or Apple Music, or play songs saved on your watch.

3. Make the most of complications

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Complication is one of the best features of the Apple Watch. They show a small piece of information from the app right on your favorite watch face.

You can view data, such as the current temperature, along with the time. You can add complications when customizing your watch face. To help you get started, here are some of the best Apple Watch complications to get started with.

4. Find iPhone using Apple Watch

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Most of us have misplaced our iPhone at some point. However, if you have an Apple Watch, there is no need to worry. Enter the control center by pressing the Side button and looking for the iPhone icon.

Tap it once and if the paired iPhone is within range, it will start playing a loud tune, even when in silent mode. Press and hold the icon so that your iPhone not only sounds a notification tone but also flashes an LED flash. This is perfect for helping you find your lost iPhone under the couch cushions or in the closet.

Apple Watch can also find more than just a paired iPhone. With the Find People, Find Items, and Find Devices apps on watchOS, you can locate other Apple devices, friends using your iPhone, and even AirTag.

5. Save battery with low power mode

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Low Power Mode can be useful when you want your Apple Watch to run a little longer before it can charge. It turns off features like Always-on Display and heart rate measurement while minimizing background activity to help extend battery life.

According to Apple, low power mode can double the Apple Watch's typical battery life. For example, if you own an Apple Watch Ultra, low power mode can double battery life from 36 to 72 hours.

You can enable Low Power Mode from the control center. Select the current battery percentage. At the bottom of that screen, you can tap Low Power Mode , then select Turn On or Turn On For and set it for 1, 2, or 3 days.

6. Control Apple Watch by double tapping

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If you have an Apple Watch Series 9, Apple Watch Ultra 2, or a later model, you can control your watch with simple Double Tap gestures. This way, you don't have to interact with the touchscreen, which is helpful when your other hand is doing something else.

After raising your wrist, you can double-tap your thumb and index finger consecutively. That will select the home button of the app you're currently using. So you can answer phone calls, snooze alarms, open Smart Stack, etc. with Double Tap gestures.

7. Use Theater Mode

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When you're watching a movie, the Apple Watch's always-on screen and audio notifications aren't ideal. In those cases, you can turn on Theater Mode on Apple Watch. Once activated, the screen will only turn on after being touched once. The watch will also be in silent mode and vibrate to receive notifications.

You can turn on Theater Mode at any time by going to the control center and tapping the two masks icon. It will turn orange to let you know this mode is active. You'll also see the same icon at the top of the watch face.

8. Adjust text size and screen brightness

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Because Apple Watch has a small screen, it can often be difficult to read some of the smaller text and other information it displays. However, it's easy to adjust both text size and screen brightness.

Go to Settings > Display & Brightness on watchOS. Here you'll find options to adjust screen brightness and text size, as well as enable bold text for improved readability.

9. Customize the Action button on Apple Watch Ultra

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One of the standout features of the Apple Watch Ultra is the customizable Action button. It provides one-touch access to many features like starting a specific workout, turning on the flashlight or running a shortcut.

Customizing the Action button on Apple Watch Ultra only takes a few seconds. Go to Settings > Action Button  on watchOS and change it to whatever you like.

Hopefully these tips will help you unleash the true potential of your Apple Watch. Remember that watchOS has some hidden features that you can master over time. When used properly, Apple Watch can reduce the time you spend using your iPhone.

Isabella Humphrey

Update 10 July 2024