Apple Watches have become a popular choice among consumers who are looking for a high-quality and durable smartwatch. These smartwatches are great for staying connected but also have a lot of hidden features that most users are not aware of. With these hidden features, Apple Watches offer more than just a standard smartwatch experience, making them a versatile and valuable accessory for any user. Here are 15 Apple watch hidden hacks one can explore:
1. Unlock the phone using the watch
Apple Watch works well and seamlessly with other Apple devices. Now, it is possible to unlock an iPhone through the watch, especially for those wearing a mask or glasses that obstruct Face ID. To use this feature, go to Settings > Face ID & Passcode and enter the passcode. Scroll down until one finds “Unlock with Apple Watch” and turn the setting on.
2. Control Apple TV
Operate Apple TV through the Apple Watch, provided both use the same Wi-Fi network. Pair them and access the TV functions through the watch. To use this feature, open the Remote app on the watch, then tap the Apple TV (or add Apple TV, if needed). Then select it on the Apple TV settings. Enter the displayed passcode on the watch, and once the pairing icon appears, one’s Apple Watch can control one’s Apple TV.
3. Locate the phone using the watch
Locate a paired iPhone by activating the Precision Finding feature, which gives a paired iPhone’s exact location and direction. It enables visual, audio, and haptic guidance that helps to locate the iPhone even if it is in another room.
4. Cover to mute
This feature could be more helpful for those who have enabled voice/sound notifications on their watch. One can cover the display with one’s palm to mute the notifications. To enable this feature, simply go to the Apple Watch app, select My Watch, and then navigate to Sounds & Haptics. Once there, select Cover to Mute. This will make it easier to quickly silence notifications when needed.
5. Use the watch as a camera remote
One can control the iPhone camera by tapping the camera icon on the watch, even if the iPhone camera app is closed. Preview the image and click a picture from the watch without touching the iPhone.
6. Customize the watch Dock
If one has a lot of apps installed on the watch, it can be difficult to find the right one when needed. One can customize the watch dock to display the most frequently used apps by changing the Dock settings in My Watch.
7. Calculate and split the bill
The watchOS has a built-in tip calculator that can be used to calculate and split a bill among multiple people.
8. Take screenshots
The Apple Watch Series 8 can take screenshots. To enable the feature, open the Watch app on the paired iPhone, go to My Watch to access settings, and toggle the “Enable Screenshots” feature. Press the side button and crown simultaneously to take screenshots.
9. Join group FaceTime calls
The watchOS 10 has a feature that allows Apple Watch users to join audio-only group FaceTime calls. During these calls, the watch display expands photos of the speaking participants.
10. Use the handwashing alert feature
Apple Watches have a handwashing timer feature that can be turned on to remind users to wash their hands. It also sends alerts reminding users to scrub their hands for at least 20 seconds, which is important for maintaining good hygiene.
11. Monitor the heart
Apple watches are one of the best smartwatches for health monitoring. One can monitor one’s heart health by opening the Health app on the phone, setting up the ECG App, and taking an ECG. Though the watch does not detect a heart attack, it can help monitor heart rate for those who require periodic monitoring.
12. Control the watch with a gesture
The double-tap gesture is unique to the Apple Watch Series 9. Tap the thumb and index finger in the watch hand to answer or end calls, stop timers, and take photos – without touching the watch display.
13. Use the Water Lock feature
Swimmers can now turn on the Water Lock feature on the Apple Watch. This feature automatically locks the display while selecting a water-based workout and prevents accidental input if the user taps the display. Manually turn the feature by swiping the water-drop-shaped icon in the Command Center.
14. NameDrop securely
Apple Watches with watchOS 10 now have a new feature called NameDrop, which allows users to easily and securely share their contact information, photos, or any other important data with someone else. This feature uses an encrypted connection, ensuring the privacy and security of the shared information.
15. Turn off unread notifications
There are many different status icons and symbols on the Apple Watch that the users should get familiarized with. The red dot on the watch is one of them. The red dot is an indicator of unread notifications on the watch. While a few people love this feature, others may prefer manually checking notifications. To hide the red dot, open the Apple Watch app on the phone and tap Notifications. One can then turn off the Notifications Indicator.