Change your Apple Watch face with hidden features
Your Apple Watch. Great watch, but that watch face? A bit dull. You've probably already tried to customize it . A bit of tapping, swiping, scrolling through settings. Maybe even opened that Watch app on your iPhone. Still, the result remains disappointingly basic.
But here's the thing: most Apple Watch users don't even know half of its capabilities . They stick with the obvious options. While Apple has quietly built in tricks that almost no one knows about. Like creating a kaleidoscope watch face from your favorite photo. Or adding watch faces that aren't even in the default list.
With just a few simple steps, you can transform that boring watch face into something that truly suits you. No hassle, no third-party apps. Just using the features already on your watch.
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The hidden possibilities of your watch face
Most Apple Watch owners use their watch for years without ever discovering its true personalization capabilities. They fiddle around with the default settings, choose a different color, and think they're done. But Apple has built in features that virtually no one knows about.
Take the kaleidoscope feature, for example. This option transforms any photo into a moving work of art on your wrist. Or how about adding watch faces that aren't even visible in the standard menu? With a few clever tweaks, you can access options most users will never find.
Tricks that almost no one knows
The hidden time travel function
Turn the Digital Crown while looking at your watch face. With certain watch faces, like Solar and Astronomy, something special happens: you travel through time. You'll see tomorrow's sun position, next week's moon phase, or the positions of the planets a month from now. This doesn't work on all watch faces, but try it with the astronomical ones.
Photos that come alive
You're probably familiar with the option to set a photo as your watch face. But did you know you can create a moving watch face with Live Photos? Hold your finger on the screen, and the photo comes to life. This only works with Live Photos taken with your iPhone. The movement lasts about three seconds and gives your watch face a dynamic effect that few people use.
The Secret Emoji Watch Face
Hidden within the watch face list is Memoji. This lets you create a personalized avatar that responds to your wrist movements. Tap it, and the face changes expression. But the real secret: you can add multiple Memojis and switch between different moods with a tap. This way, you always have a watch face that matches your mood.
Watch faces that Apple would rather not promote
There are watch faces that Apple rarely promotes, but that are surprisingly useful. The Numerals Mono, for example, features just numbers without hands. Perfect for minimalists. Or the X-Large watch face, which is actually intended for the visually impaired but works great while working out.
Then there's the Artist watch face. This features artwork that changes weekly. Apple collaborates with various artists, but doesn't prominently mention it anywhere. You have to add the watch face yourself via the gallery in the Watch app.
Combining complications cleverly
Complications are those little blocks of information on your watch face. Most people add a few at random. But with the right combinations, you can create an information hub on your wrist.
Try this combination for productivity: calendar in the top left, tasks in the top right, timer in the bottom left, and battery percentage in the bottom right. Or for health: heart rate, activity rings, mindful minutes, and water intake. The secret is to choose complications that complement each other rather than random information.
Shortcuts via complications
Many users don't know you can add Shortcuts complications. These allow you to launch complete automations with a single tap. For example, a complication that turns on your thermostat, dims your lights, and starts your favorite playlist. Or a button that automatically sends a message that you're on your way.
The Watch app on iPhone: the control center
The Watch app on your iPhone offers features you don't have on the watch itself. Here, you can customize watch faces in detail. Choose colors outside the standard palette by dragging your finger across the color wheel. Or add complications for apps you rarely use but still want to see information about.
You'll also find seasonal watch faces in the Watch app gallery. These only appear during certain periods, such as Pride watch faces in June or special Olympic variations during the Games. Once you've added them, they'll remain available.
Taking photo dials to the next level
The Portrait Mode watch face uses the depth sensor in your iPhone's photos. The result: the time appears to float in front of your subject. This works best with portrait photos of people or pets. The subject remains sharp while the background fades, making the time appear to float naturally on top.
Photos with bright colors and patterns work best for the kaleidoscope option. Think of flowers, abstract art, or architecture. The watch face changes every time you raise your wrist, with the patterns rearranging themselves into new shapes.
Albums as a changing dial
Instead of just one photo, you can select an entire album. Your watch will then automatically switch between the photos. Create an album with your favorite vacation photos, artwork, or nature shots. Every time you look at your watch, you'll see a different image. This feature is hidden in the photo watch face settings under "Dynamic."
Practical tips for daily use
Different watch faces work best for different situations. Set a business watch face for workdays, a sporty one for workouts, and a minimalist one for evenings. You can quickly switch between watch faces by swiping from the edge of the screen.
You can also adjust the brightness of each watch face. Some watch faces can be dimmed for nighttime use, while others can be brightened for outdoor use. You can adjust this by tapping the brightness slider while adjusting the brightness.
Finally, syncing between multiple Apple Watches works automatically. Do you have a sports watch and a dress watch? Your watch faces will appear on both watches. This way, you don't have to configure everything twice, and your personal style stays consistent, no matter which watch you wear.
Discover the hidden possibilities of your Apple Watch
So your Apple Watch is packed with possibilities most users never discover. From time travel with the Digital Crown to hidden artist watch faces and clever complication combinations. The beauty is that all these features are right there on your watch —you just have to discover them.
With these tricks, you can transform that standard watch face into something truly personal . No external apps, no hassle, just use the built-in features intelligently. Try the kaleidoscope function or create shortcuts via complications. Small adjustments, big difference .
