How to remap hardware buttons on smartwatch

If you don't like the hardware buttons on your smartwatch, you can easily remap them. However, the process will vary depending on your device; in some cases, you may need to download a third-party app.

Remap hardware buttons on Apple Watch

With the Apple Watch Ultra, you have more flexibility and can change the Action button. If you just have a regular Apple Watch or Apple Watch SE, you can't remap your hardware buttons, but you can change how the Digital Crown is used. Both of these options are explained in more detail below.

Change Digital Crown actions

You can change the Digital Crown's functions for several tools on your Apple Watch or Apple Watch SE. These include Display & Brightness and activating Siri . You can change each of these functions in the Watch app on your iPhone.

Go to the actions you want to change in the Watch app. For example, include the settings for Display & Brightness below. You can choose whether your watch wakes when you turn the Digital Crown.

Note that you can't change the Digital Crown for every app and function. It's only available for a select few apps, like the Display & Brightness window .

Unfortunately, there aren't any good Apple Watch remapping tools yet, but since you can now download third-party apps from the App Store, hopefully that will change soon.

Change the Action button on Apple Watch Ultra

If you have an Apple Watch Ultra, you can customize the Action button. Hold down the Action button and select your new function. If your preferred option isn't visible, scroll down using the Digital Crown.

Or, go to Settings -> Action Button  to remap the button.

Remap Hardware Buttons on Samsung Galaxy Smartwatch

Remapping hardware buttons on your Samsung Galaxy Watch is often easier than on smartwatches from other manufacturers. Use the settings on your watch to make the necessary adjustments.

Start by tapping the Settings icon in the app library.

Select Buttons and gestures on the next page.

You can customize by choosing your preferred action for each button. We recommend starting with the Home button.

Repeat this process for all your buttons.

In addition to the Samsung watch, consider some other Android smartwatches .

Remap hardware buttons on Pixel Watch

Unfortunately, you can't remap the hardware buttons on the Pixel Watch. However, you can download Pixel Watch Button Remapper , a Freepoc app. Start by visiting the Freepoc website and selecting Pixel Watch Remapper . After clicking the link, download the remapper.

Pair your Pixel Watch via Wi-Fi pairing code. Once you're done (accepting the terms and conditions), make any necessary adjustments.

Is remapping of buttons reversible?

Yes. If your smartwatch supports remapping buttons, you can usually change things back later if needed. To do this, you just follow the same steps as when you changed them.

Remapping hardware buttons can be a challenge, depending on which smartwatch you have. Aside from Samsung, it's exclusive to the highest-end Apple Watch models. And with the Pixel Watch, you'll need to download a third-party app. If at some point you decide this isn't for you, you might want to ditch your smartwatch.

David Pac

Update 25 May 2025