The Apple Watch isn’t just a watch, it’s practically a personal assistant, fitness coach, and health monitor all wrapped around your wrist. But are you really using it to its full potential? With the right Apple Watch model, specifically Series 6 or newer, you can access a range of advanced features designed to make daily life easier, healthier, and more fun. From sleep tracking and blood oxygen monitoring to personalized activity reminders and quick replies, these models allow you to truly get the most out of your Apple Watch. If you are interested in reading my first impressions on the Apple Watch Series 10, check out our product review Apple Watch 10 Review: My Experience After One Month of Use.
Here are ten practical hacks you can try today, with real-life examples to get you started.
1. Customize Watch Faces to Match Your Day
Setting up different watch faces for different activities can save you time and make your Apple Watch even more useful.
How-To: Just long-press on your watch face to switch between your custom setups, or use the Watch app on your iPhone.
Example: Try a “Work Mode” with your calendar, reminders, and weather widgets when you’re at the office. Heading to the gym? Switch to “Fitness Mode” with Activity Rings, Heart Rate, and Workout widgets. And for winding down, use a “Home Mode” with music controls and messages.
Why it’s Great: Tailoring each watch face to your needs means you always have the info you need right there, without digging around in menus.
2. Track Your Sleep and Relax Before Bed with Wind Down Mode
Your Apple Watch can help you get a better night’s sleep, thanks to its built-in sleep tracking and Wind Down Mode, which lets you ease into bedtime.
How-To: In the Health app on your iPhone, set your bedtime schedule, then turn on Wind Down Mode.
Example: If you aim to go to bed by 10 p.m., set Wind Down for 9:30 p.m. Your watch will dim, silence notifications, and suggest relaxing activities like music or meditation.
Why it’s Great: This little routine helps your body wind down, making it easier to get into a consistent sleep pattern. Plus, you can track your sleep habits to see what works best.
3. Use the Handwashing Timer (Your Mom Would Be Proud)
Apple added a handwashing timer to help you stay healthy—it detects when you’re washing your hands and gives you a gentle reminder to keep going for the recommended 20 seconds.
How-To: Open the Watch app on your iPhone, go to Handwashing, and turn it on.
Example: Let’s say you just got home after running errands. Start washing your hands, and your Apple Watch will start the timer automatically, making sure you hit the full 20 seconds.
Why it’s Great: Simple, but super helpful. Keeping your hands clean is one of the easiest ways to stay healthy, especially in flu season.
4. Hit Your Fitness Goals with Custom Activity Reminders
The Apple Watch’s Activity app helps you stay active throughout the day with personalized reminders to move, exercise, and stand.
How-To: In the Activity app, head to Notifications to adjust how often you’re reminded.
Example: If you sit a lot at work, set reminders to stand every hour. Each time it pops up, take a quick stroll or stretch. Small moves like this can add up big over the day.
Why it’s Great: You’ll stay active without having to remember, and it’ll help you break up long hours of sitting, which is great for your health.
5. Automate Daily Tasks with Siri Shortcuts
Siri Shortcuts can simplify all kinds of routines by letting you perform multiple steps with one command.
How-To: Create your shortcuts in the Shortcuts app on your iPhone, then just say, “Hey Siri,” and your shortcut on your watch will run.
Example: Set up a “Goodnight” shortcut that turns off your smart lights, starts a relaxing playlist, and sets your alarm. All you need to say is, “Hey Siri, goodnight,” and you’re ready to sleep.
Why it’s Great: It’s like having your own little routine assistant. Shortcuts save time and help you streamline repetitive tasks.
6. Keep an Eye on Your Health with Heart Rate and Blood Oxygen Alerts
Your Apple Watch can send alerts if your heart rate or blood oxygen levels go outside your normal range, which can give you a heads-up if something seems off.
How-To: Set up heart rate and blood oxygen alerts in the Health app.
Example: Let’s say you’re out for a long hike. If your heart rate spikes, your watch will alert you, letting you know to take a breather. Or, if you have breathing issues, the watch will monitor your blood oxygen levels, helping you stay aware.
Why it’s Great: It’s like having a mini health monitor that can give you early warnings and insights into your overall wellness.
7. Use Your Watch as a Remote for Camera and Music
You can control your iPhone’s camera and music from your Apple Watch, making it perfect for selfies, group shots, or when you’re hands-on with other tasks.
How-To: Open the Camera app on your watch to control your iPhone camera. Or use the Now Playing app to adjust music.
Example: At a party? Use your watch as a remote shutter for group photos. Or, when you’re running or cooking, control your music from your wrist—skip songs, adjust the volume, or pause without touching your phone.
Why it’s Great: Hands-free convenience for those moments when pulling out your phone isn’t ideal.
8. Save Time with Quick Replies for Messages and Emails
With customizable quick replies, you can respond to texts or emails with just a tap on your watch.
How-To: In the Watch app, customize replies under Messages or Mail.
Example: Add replies like “On my way!” or “Thanks!” to answer messages quickly, especially when you’re in a meeting or on the go.
Why it’s Great: Quick replies are perfect when you just need a fast response, keeping you connected without needing to dig out your phone.
9. Automatically Unlock Your Mac or iPhone
Forget typing in passwords—if you have an Apple Watch, you can unlock your Mac and, in some cases, your iPhone just by being nearby.
How-To: For Mac, go to System Preferences > Security & Privacy and allow Apple Watch to unlock it. For iPhone, turn on “Unlock with Apple Watch” in Face ID & Passcode settings.
Example: Your Mac unlocks instantly when you sit down, so you can dive right into work. And if you’re wearing a mask, your iPhone will unlock with your watch.
Why it’s Great: Speeds up access and makes unlocking your devices completely seamless.
10. Use Fall Detection for Extra Safety
Fall Detection is an underrated feature that can automatically call for help if you fall and don’t respond—a great safety net if you’re alone or doing a risky activity.
How-To: In the Watch app, go to Emergency SOS and turn on Fall Detection.
Example: If you’re on a hike or jog and take a hard fall, the watch will detect it and ask if you’re okay. If you don’t respond, it’ll automatically call emergency services and alert your contacts.
Why it’s Great: A little extra peace of mind that’s especially helpful for high-impact activities or for those who might be at risk for falls.
These ten hacks are just the start of what the Apple Watch can do to make your life easier and healthier. Try them out, explore other features, and let your watch work harder for you. And if you have favorite Apple Watch tricks or tips, drop them in the comments below!
Your Apple Watch is more than just a watch—it’s a little bit of everything you need, right on your wrist.
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This content was created with the assistance of AI to help structure my thoughts and communicate more clearly. All ideas, insights, and personal experiences shared here are my own.
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