Apple Watch is one of the most versatile and feature-rich wearables on the market. While many users are familiar with the basics such as fitness tracking, notifications, and the ability to check the time, there are a wealth of hidden features within the device that can truly enhance your user experience.
In this article, we’ll dive into ten hidden Apple Watch features you might not know about, helping you unlock more from your device.
10 Hidden Apple Watch Features You Didn’t Know About
1. Use Your Apple Watch as a Camera Remote
One of the coolest features of the Apple Watch is its ability to act as a camera remote for your iPhone. Whether you’re trying to take a group photo, selfies, or capture a shot from a distance, your Apple Watch can be your shutter button.
How to use it:
Open the Camera app on your Apple Watch.
It will automatically display a live preview of what your iPhone camera is seeing.
Tap the shutter button on the screen to take a photo.
For video, swipe to the video option and start recording from the watch.
This is especially useful when you need to set up your iPhone in a hard-to-reach position or need to snap a shot quickly.
2. Customize Watch Faces with Complications
Apple Watch faces are highly customizable, but many users don’t realize just how much flexibility they have when it comes to adding complications. Complications are the small widgets on the watch face that give you quick access to apps, data, and functions without opening the app itself.
How to customize your face:
Press and hold the watch face on your Apple Watch.
Swipe left or right to choose a face or tap “Edit.”
Tap on the complications you want to change, and select the app or data you want displayed.
You can customize these in-depth, changing everything from weather to heart rate or even stock prices.
Apple allows users to create faces that are tailored to different activities like working out, traveling, or relaxing, and these options can be added or swapped at any time.
3. Unlock Your Mac with Apple Watch
If you’re tired of typing in your password every time you wake up your Mac, you can unlock it with your Apple Watch. This feature can save time and add a layer of convenience, especially for those who already use Apple products in tandem.
How to enable it:
On your Mac, go to System Preferences > Security & Privacy.
Check the box for Allow your Apple Watch to unlock your Mac.
Ensure both Bluetooth and Wi-Fi are enabled on your devices.
Now, whenever you’re near your Mac, it will automatically unlock when you wake it, as long as your Apple Watch is on your wrist.
This feature only works on Macs running macOS Sierra or later and requires your Apple Watch to be running watchOS 3 or newer.
4. Find My Apple Watch
If you’ve ever misplaced your Apple Watch, this hidden feature can help you track it down in no time. Using the Find My app, you can locate your Apple Watch, even if it’s on silent mode.
How to find it:
Open the Find My app on your iPhone.
Tap on the Devices tab and select your Apple Watch.
You can see its location on a map or play a sound on the device to help you locate it more easily.
This feature can come in handy if your Apple Watch is hiding under a pile of clothes or if you’re not sure where you left it.
5. Handwashing Detection
With the ongoing emphasis on hygiene, Apple Watch introduced the handwashing detection feature to help you stay mindful of your handwashing habits. This feature detects the motion and sound of you washing your hands and encourages you to wash for the full 20 seconds.
How to use it:
This feature is automatically enabled if your Apple Watch is running watchOS 7 or later.
The watch detects when you begin washing your hands and starts a 20-second countdown.
If you stop washing before the time is up, your Apple Watch will remind you to keep going.
It’s a simple, yet effective way to stay hygienic and ensure you wash your hands properly.
6. The “Theater Mode” for Quiet Events
Apple Watch comes with a lesser-known feature called “Theater Mode.” This mode is ideal for situations where you need to silence the watch’s alerts and disable the always-on display. It’s especially useful in movie theaters, conferences, or any other quiet space where you don’t want to disturb others.
How to enable Theater Mode:
Swipe up to open the Control Center.
Tap the theater mask icon (a mask that looks like the symbol for movies).
This will mute sounds and prevent the display from turning on when you raise your wrist.
To disable, simply tap the icon again in the Control Center.
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7. Track Your Menstrual Cycle
Apple Watch comes with a robust Health app that includes tracking options for menstrual cycles. This can help individuals monitor their periods, track symptoms, and predict future cycles.
How to set it up:
Open the Health app on your iPhone.
Go to Browse > Cycle Tracking.
Enter your data, including cycle length and any symptoms, so the Apple Watch can predict future cycles.
You can then view this data in the Health app or Apple Watch app on your wrist.
By inputting your cycle data regularly, you can keep track of your health, receive predictions about upcoming periods, and monitor your symptoms over time.
8. Sleep Tracking
Apple Watch has built-in sleep tracking functionality that allows users to monitor their sleep patterns. The watch records when you go to bed, how long you slept, and provides a summary of your nightly rest.
How to enable sleep tracking:
Open the Health app on your iPhone.
Go to the Browse tab and select Sleep.
Set a bedtime schedule and enable the option to track your sleep.
Your Apple Watch will track your sleep when you wear it to bed, recording your sleep stages and duration.
This feature can help users improve their sleep hygiene and provide a detailed view of their nightly rest.
9. Siri Shortcuts on Apple Watch
Siri Shortcuts can help automate repetitive tasks, making the Apple Watch even more efficient. You can create custom voice commands to perform specific actions on your watch. For instance, you can create a shortcut to start a workout or send a message to a specific contact.
How to set up Siri Shortcuts:
Open the Shortcuts app on your iPhone.
Tap the + sign to create a new shortcut.
Choose actions like “Send a message,” “Start a workout,” or “Control Home devices.”
Once set up, you can say, “Hey Siri, [Your Shortcut Name],” and your watch will execute the action.
This allows you to automate daily tasks directly from your wrist.
10. Use Apple Watch for Apple Pay
Apple Watch supports Apple Pay, allowing you to make secure payments directly from your wrist without needing your phone or wallet. You can add your credit or debit card to your Watch and pay with just a tap.
How to set it up:
Open the Watch app on your iPhone.
Go to Wallet & Apple Pay and add a card.
On your Apple Watch, double-tap the side button to bring up Apple Pay.
Hold the watch near the payment terminal to complete your transaction.
Apple Pay on Apple Watch is fast, secure, and incredibly convenient for those who want to travel light or simply prefer not to carry their wallet.
FAQs
How do I check if my Apple Watch is running the latest watchOS?
Open the Watch app on your iPhone and go to General > Software Update. If an update is available, follow the on-screen instructions to install it.
Can I use my Apple Watch without an iPhone?
While the Apple Watch requires an iPhone for initial setup, you can still use many features like fitness tracking, music, and Apple Pay without needing to have your iPhone nearby. However, cellular models allow more independent functionality.
How can I extend my Apple Watch’s battery life?
To maximize battery life, turn on Power Saving Mode during workouts, reduce screen brightness, and disable unnecessary background apps. Enabling Low Power Mode in settings can also help conserve energy.
Can I change the strap on my Apple Watch?
Yes, Apple Watch bands are easily interchangeable. You can switch between different styles and sizes of bands to suit your needs.
Does my Apple Watch track my heart rate?
Yes, Apple Watch includes a heart rate sensor that continuously monitors your heart rate. You can view your heart rate data in the Health app or on the watch itself.