Your Apple Watch does a lot more than you think
Your Apple Watch beeps. Another notification. You swipe it away without looking. Just like yesterday. And the day before. You're wearing a mini-computer on your wrist, but using it like an expensive watch. Sound familiar?
Most Apple Watch users only use about 20% of their smartwatch's capabilities . They miss out on handy shortcuts, hidden health features, and time-saving automations.
But here's the surprising part: the real power isn't in downloading more apps or trying out all the features. It's in cleverly configuring what you already have . The standard Apple Watch app on your iPhone contains features that even seasoned Apple enthusiasts will be surprised by. Features that can streamline your daily routine effortlessly.
Useful links:
- Apple Watch collection - view all models
- iPhone collection - for optimal connection
- Accessories - find the right straps and chargers
The hidden treasures in your watch app
Most users only open the Apple Watch app during initial setup. After that, the icon disappears somewhere among the other apps on their iPhone. That's a shame, because it's here that you'll find the key parameters that determine how effectively your watch functions.
Take the "Accessibility" section, for example. It's systematically skipped, even though it contains features that are useful to everyone. The "Tap to Speak Time" option lets your watch read the time aloud when you hold two fingers on the screen. Handy while exercising or when your hands are full.
Configure watch faces smartly
The default watch faces are fine, but the real gain lies in creating context-dependent versions. You can use the watch app to prepare multiple watch faces for different situations:
- A sports version with heart rate, timer and music control
- A working version with agenda, weather and focus mode
- An evening version with only time and do not disturb mode
Switching between these settings is a simple swipe on your watch. No need to constantly adjust complications.
Complications that save you time
Complications are the small information blocks on your watch face. Most users choose the date, weather, and activity rings. That's logical, but there are better options:
Battery level: Not for your watch (you can already see that), but for your iPhone and AirPods. This way, you avoid running out of power while on the go.
Sound Recognition: This feature alerts you to important sounds like a doorbell or fire alarm. Ideal when wearing earbuds.
Home Shortcuts: Control your smart lights or thermostat right from your wrist without opening the Home app.
Intelligently filter notifications
The default notification settings are a disaster. Your watch vibrates for every app update, news alert, or social media notification. The solution is in the watch app under "Notifications."
First, turn off "Mirrored iPhone Alerts" for apps you don't need to see directly. Keep only essential notifications like messages from specific contacts, calendar appointments, and important apps.
Even smarter: use the "Summaries" feature. This groups notifications from the same app and presents them as a single notification. So your watch vibrates only once instead of ten times in a row.
Automation without hassle
The Shortcuts app works seamlessly with your Apple Watch, but configuration is done through the watch app on your iPhone. Here are some practical automations:
Automatic Do Not Disturb: Set Do Not Disturb to automatically turn on during calendar appointments. Your watch will remain silent during meetings without you having to remind yourself.
Location-based reminders: Get a tap on your wrist when you arrive at the supermarket. Your shopping list will appear automatically.
Sleep Focus: Have your watch automatically switch to the sleep watch face when you go to sleep. In the morning, it switches back to your daily settings.
Using the training app differently
The Workout app tracks more than just running or cycling. You can use the Watch app to add custom workouts for activities that Apple doesn't recognize by default:
- Gardening (registers as 'Other')
- Housework (surprisingly intensive)
- Yoga or meditation (with heart rate variability measurement)
These activities count towards your Activity Rings, which gives a more realistic picture of your daily effort.
Double battery life
The biggest complaint about the Apple Watch remains its battery life. You can significantly extend it via the watch app without turning off important features:
- Turn off "Background App Refresh" for apps you rarely use. This will save hours of battery life.
- Turn off "Hey Siri" and use the Digital Crown press and hold instead. This prevents your watch from constantly listening.
- Reduce the screen brightness. You can find this setting in the Watch app under "Display & Brightness." A small adjustment makes a big difference.
Smart sharing of health data
The Health app on your iPhone syncs with your watch, but configuration is done through the watch app. Here you can set which data you want to share with specific apps or contacts.
For example, set your heart rate and training data to be automatically shared with your workout buddy. Or configure medical ID information that first responders can access in an emergency.
Theater and cinema stand
An underrated feature in the Watch app is Theater Mode. This keeps the screen off until you tap it explicitly, but retains all functionality. Perfect for:
- Cinema visits
- Theaters and concerts
- Sleep registration without light pollution
- Meetings where a bright screen is distracting
Activate this mode via the control panel on your watch or set automatic activation via the watch app.
Troubleshooting via the app
When your watch isn't syncing properly or apps are slow to respond, the watch app offers diagnostic tools:
Manage storage: Check which apps and music are taking up the most space. Delete unused content directly from the app.
Reset App Layout: Restore the original app layout when your watch screen becomes a mess.
Force Sync: Force manual sync when data is not updating automatically.
These tools prevent you from having to completely reset your watch in case of minor problems.
It's all about smart configuration
Your Apple Watch isn't a gadget you have to tame with dozens of apps and complicated settings. It's about cleverly configuring what's already there .
The Watch app on your iPhone turns out to be the key to features you've been overlooking. From context-sensitive watch faces to smart automations—it's all there.
Start small: customize a single watch face, filter your notifications, or set an automation. You'll notice the difference immediately. That mini-computer on your wrist finally becomes what it's meant to be: an extension that makes your day run more smoothly without you even thinking about it.
