You strap it on every day, but are you truly making the most of that powerful little computer on your wrist? It tells the time, tracks your steps, and shows your notifications, but its capabilities run so much deeper. Moving beyond the basics can turn your Apple Watch from a handy gadget into an indispensable life tool. If you’re ready to see what your device is really capable of, you’ve come to the right place.
We’re about to go on a tour of some of the most clever, useful, and downright cool features that often fly under the radar. This curated list is designed to help you get more value, more fun, and more utility out of your wearable companion. Let’s jump right into our guide on 11 Cool Things to Do With Your Apple Watch – WatchRanker and find some new ways to use your favorite tech.
Your Watch as a Remote Shutter
Struggling to fit everyone into a group photo? Your Apple Watch has you covered. Open the Camera app on your watch, and it will automatically launch the viewfinder on your paired iPhone. You can see exactly what your iPhone’s camera sees right on your wrist, giving you the perfect vantage point to frame the shot. Tap the shutter button on the watch to take a photo, or use the timer for a hands-free group picture where you can jump in at the last second. It’s a fantastic tool for family portraits, tripod shots, or any situation where you want to be in the picture yourself.
Find Your iPhone with a Tap
We’ve all been there: the iPhone is somewhere in the house, but a quick pat-down of your pockets comes up empty. Instead of asking someone to call it, simply swipe up on your watch face to access the Control Center and tap the icon that looks like an iPhone with sound waves coming out. Your iPhone will play a sound, even if it’s on silent mode, making it easy to locate. For an extra trick, press and hold that same button, and your iPhone’s flash will also strobe, helping you find it in the dark.
Unlock Your Mac Automatically
If you’re a Mac user, this is a game-changer for workflow. You can set up your Apple Watch to unlock your Mac when you’re wearing it and in close proximity. No more typing your password every time you wake your computer. Simply open your Mac’s lid, and it will unlock as soon as it detects your watch on your wrist. You can enable this in System Settings (or System Preferences on older macOS) under Touch ID & Password. It’s a small feature that adds a seamless layer of convenience to your day.
Use Your Watch as a Spirit Level
Need to hang a picture frame straight? The hidden Compass app on your Apple Watch has a secret tool. Open the Compass app and swipe to the left. You’ll find a built-in spirit level. Place your watch on the surface you want to check, and the app will show you exactly how level it is, with a visual indicator and a reading of the tilt in degrees. It’s a surprisingly practical tool that’s there when you need it, no extra app required.
Control Your Music and TV Remotely
Your Apple Watch is a fantastic media remote. The Now Playing app automatically pops up when you’re playing audio or video on your iPhone, Apple TV, or even compatible smart speakers. You can adjust the volume, skip tracks, or play/pause your content right from your wrist. This is perfect when your phone is across the room, when you’re listening to a podcast while cooking, or when you want to discreetly control the music during a party.
Shazam a Song from Your Wrist
Hear a song you love but can’t identify? Ask Siri on your Apple Watch, “What song is this?” She’ll activate Shazam and listen, displaying the song title and artist on your screen in seconds. You can even add a Shazam complication to your watch face for one-tap identification. It’s faster than pulling out your phone, and you can save your discoveries to a list in the Shazam app on your iPhone for later.
Get Turn-by-Tire Haptic Directions
While using Maps on your iPhone for walking directions, your Apple Watch provides a subtle, private way to navigate. Instead of constantly looking at your screen, you feel a distinct series of taps on your wrist. A gentle tap-tap-tap-tap means turn left, while a different tap… tap… tap… tap… pattern means turn right. It’s an intuitive system that lets you keep your phone in your pocket and your eyes on your surroundings.
Monitor Your Noise Environment
Your hearing is precious, and your Apple Watch can help protect it. The Noise app can measure the sound levels in your environment. If you’re at a concert, mowing the lawn, or in a loud restaurant, it can alert you when decibels rise to a level that could impact your hearing over time. You can set thresholds for notifications in the Watch app on your iPhone, helping you make informed decisions about when to move to a quieter spot or use hearing protection.
Track Your Water Intake Easily
Staying hydrated is key to good health, but it’s easy to forget. Use a third-party app like WaterMinder or MyWater to log your water consumption directly from your wrist. With a quick tap, you can add a glass of water, and many apps will send you gentle reminders throughout the day if you’re falling behind your goal. Seeing your progress on a watch face complication provides a constant, motivating visual cue to drink up.
Take an ECG Anytime
For Apple Watch Series 4 and later (excluding the SE model), you have a powerful health tool at your fingertips. The ECG app can generate an electrocardiogram similar to a single-lead reading. If you ever feel palpitations, dizziness, or an irregular heart rate, you can place your finger on the Digital Crown for 30 seconds to get a reading. This data can be shared with your doctor to provide valuable insights into your heart health. It’s a profound example of how wearable tech can empower you with information.
More Cool Ideas for Your Wrist
This list just scratches the surface of what’s possible. You can use your watch to check in for a flight, control your smart home lights, use it as a walkie-talkie with other Apple Watch users, or even stream music directly without your phone. The key is to think of it as more than a watch; it’s a compact command center for your digital life.
11 Cool Things to Do With Your Apple Watch – WatchRanker: A Final Look
From being a life-saver when you’ve misplaced your phone to acting as a personal health assistant, the Apple Watch is packed with features that go far beyond notifications. Trying out even a few of these tips can significantly enhance how you interact with technology every day. The real magic happens when you find the functions that best fit your personal lifestyle and needs.
So, take a moment to play with these features. Customize your watch face with useful complications, and don’t be afraid to ask Siri for help right from your wrist. The more you integrate these cool tricks into your routine, the more you’ll appreciate the powerful little device that’s always with you.