The Apple Watch is a powerful device packed with features you probably aren’t fully aware of.
As Apple prepares to release the latest version of WatchOS, it’s a great time to explore some lesser-known functionalities that can enhance your daily life.
From convenient notifications to clever productivity hacks, here are 10 tips for getting more out of your Apple Watch.
Get Alerts If You Leave Your Phone Behind
One of the most practical features of the Apple Watch is its ability to notify you if you leave your phone behind.
This is particularly useful if you’re out and about, such as at a bar, where it’s easy to forget your phone when you’re ready to leave.
To set this up, simply tap the Digital Crown to access your apps, then select “Find Devices.” From there, you can enable the “Notify When Left Behind” option for your iPhone.
You can even set exceptions for trusted locations, like your home, so you only get notified when you truly need it.
Navigate Without Looking at Your Watch
The Apple Watch provides turn-by-turn directions using haptic feedback, allowing you to navigate without constantly looking at the screen.
When you’re walking or cycling, your watch buzzes on your wrist to indicate when to turn. Two taps repeated three times signal a left turn, while 12 taps signal a right turn.
When you reach your destination, your watch will vibrate for a long time. You can enable this feature in the Watch app on your iPhone under Maps settings.
Better Manage Your Emails
While the Apple Watch isn’t the best device for handling lengthy emails, it does offer some convenient tools for managing your inbox.
Instead of trying to reply to emails on the small screen, you can flag important messages to revisit later on your iPhone, iPad, or Mac.
A more efficient method is to open an email, tap and hold the Digital Crown, and ask Siri to “remind me about this” at a specific time.
This will create a reminder with a link to the email, allowing you to easily access it later on any of your devices.
Pay for Things with Your Watch
Apple Pay is incredibly convenient, and you can use it directly from your Apple Watch. To set it up, go to the Watch app on your iPhone, scroll down to Wallet & Apple Pay, and add your bank cards.
Remember, adding a card to your iPhone doesn’t automatically add it to your watch—you need to do this for each device separately.
Once set up, you can double-tap the side button on your watch to access Apple Pay and choose the card you want to use.
Set Timers Quickly and Efficiently
Setting timers on the Apple Watch is faster than ever. Simply hold down the Digital Crown to activate Siri, then say the duration of the timer, like “10 minutes.”
For multiple timers, such as cooking different dishes, you can add context by saying “1 hour steak timer” or “45-minute banana timer.”
To view all your timers, just ask Siri to “open timer,” and you’ll see everything in one place.
Also: Your iPhone has a secret feature that lets you charge your Apple Watch without using a power outlet
Access Notifications Anytime
You might think you can’t access notifications while using an app on your Apple Watch, but there’s a trick.
Instead of swiping down from the top of the screen, tap and hold at the top until the notifications tab appears, then swipe down. This way, you can view your notifications without leaving the app you’re in.
Identify Music with Shazam
Your Apple Watch can identify songs just like your iPhone using Shazam. Press and hold the Digital Crown and ask, “What song is this?” Your watch will listen and identify the track.
While the Apple Watch doesn’t have a dedicated Shazam app, your identifications sync with the Shazam app on your iPhone, where you can view your song history.
Also: 7 Apple Watch settings tech experts say you should change to dramatically improve battery life
Unlock Your Mac with Your Watch
If you’re tired of typing in your password every time you unlock your Mac, your Apple Watch can help.
In your Mac’s settings, go to Touch ID & Password and enable the option to unlock your Mac with your Apple Watch.
Now, as long as you’re wearing your watch, your Mac will automatically unlock when you wake it.
Use Your Watch as a Camera Remote
The Camera Remote feature on the Apple Watch can be surprisingly useful.
Whether you’re trying to figure out which breaker switch controls a light in your home or need a makeshift baby monitor, the Apple Watch lets you view a live preview from your iPhone’s camera.
Just open the Camera Remote app on your watch, and you can control your iPhone’s camera from a distance.
Easily Share Your Location
Your Apple Watch makes it easy to check in with someone or let them know your location.
Open the Messages app, press firmly on the screen, and select “Send Location.” Your location will be shared with the selected contact, informing them of your whereabouts.
Control Your Apple TV
Your Apple Watch can also double as a remote for your Apple TV. The Remote app should already be installed on your watch, but if not, you can download it from the App Store.
Once connected, you can swipe on your watch’s screen to navigate, tap to select, and use the play/pause, back, and home buttons just like you would with the regular remote.
