10 Underrated Apple Watch Features You Can Set Up In Minutes

Much is often said about “hidden” features in Apple products. But the fact is that every version of the company’s hardware and software has been tested so deeply that nothing is really a secret. However, some tools fly under the radar. If uncovering out-of-the-box functions is your thing, here are 10 lesser-known Apple Watch features that are worth checking out.

We’ll start with an oldie but a goodie: the Auto Unlock feature that debuted in macOS Sierra in 2016. You can avoid typing your Mac’s login password just by wearing your Apple Watch. When you sit down near your machine, a satisfying haptic click lets you know the gates have opened.

Most modern MacBooks come with Touch ID, making this feature slightly less useful. But it’s still useful for setups without Touch ID, whether it’s an entry-level MacBook Neo, an older MacBook, or any desktop model with an external monitor (or a MacBook in clamshell mode). It can also be useful if, perhaps, you are not able to access the fingerprint sensor for some reason.

As a bonus, Auto Unlock can also authenticate administrator-level tasks on your Mac. Basically, Touch ID can do anything, even auto unlock.

To activate it go here System Settings > Touch ID & PasswordAnd turn on the toggle by the name of your watch. You’ll need to activate Wi-Fi and Bluetooth on your Mac and watch. This only works if you’re logged into the same Apple account on both devices, and you’ll need to set up a passcode on your watch.

The Compass app on the Apple Watch includes a neat feature called Backtrack that helps you retrace your steps. It records your path, so you can follow it if you get lost. This only works for Apple Watch Series 6 and later or Apple Watch SE, and you’ll need to be running watchOS 10 or newer.

By default, Apple Watch will automatically start a Backtrack session when you start a workout in a remote location. (You can make sure it’s active by going here Settings > Compass on your watch, and checking the Backtrack toggle.) However, since this isn’t something you want to risk with when facing the great outdoors, it might not hurt to start it manually.

The easiest way to get started is to add the Backtrack shortcut to Control Center. Apple Watch Ultra owners can also set the action button to start a Backtrack session (Settings > Action Button > Action > Backtrack > Record Path).

When you’re ready to go back to where you started, tap pause button Compass at the bottom right of the screen. then choose retrieve steps And follow the arrow on the compass.

If you have a recent Apple Watch, you can control it with one hand. Double-tap gestures let you scroll through your smart stack (widgets), play or pause media playback, and answer calls.

Use a double-tap by pinching your index finger and thumb together twice. (This may feel a little awkward at first, but over time it becomes more natural.) I love checking widgets or replying to messages when I get my hands dirty in the kitchen or walking my dog.

In watchOS 26, Apple added a companion gesture: the wrist flick. It’s like the back button. By quickly turning your wrist away from you and back, you can dismiss what you see on the screen and return to the watch face. It also works to mute incoming calls, stop timers, and dismiss notifications.

Double-tap and wrist flick require the latest Apple Watch. In the main series, you will need Series 9 or later. It also works with Apple Watch SE 3 and Apple Watch Ultra 2 and later. You can set it up and customize it in Settings > Gestures > Double Tap On your watch (or in the Watch app on your iPhone).

A gesture that has been present since the first Apple Watch is Cover to Mute. When you get an alert like a call or a timer, you can silence it by covering the screen with your palm for about three seconds. Note that, unlike the wrist flick, this will not dismiss the alert. It just mutes it.

Finally, people with disabilities (or others who want to maximize their one-handed use) can go even further. AssistiveTouch can simulate screen taps, Digital Crown twists, swipes between screens, and more. You can activate it by going to Settings > Accessibility > AssistiveTouch On your watch. You can learn more about it from Apple.

Here is what is useful for taking group photos or selfies from a distance. Set your iPhone on a tripod (or prop it up some other way), step into frame and use your Apple Watch to trigger the shutter.

In watchOS 26, a Smart Stack prompt will appear at the bottom of your watch face when you open your phone’s camera. Tap on the Camera Remote app to open it. But you can also find it in your app list. (It’s a gray icon with a black camera.) After you open it, the feature shows a live viewfinder to help frame the shot.

The three dots at the bottom right open a menu that lets you choose between countdown and instant shot. At the same time, you can also switch between front and rear cameras. You can take a photo by tapping the shutter button on the watch or using the double-tap gesture.

You may already know that when you lose your iPhone you can ping it from your Apple Watch. (If not: Open Control Center by pressing the Side button, then tap the icon that looks like a phone with sound waves coming out of it.) Your phone will make a loud sound, and your Apple Watch will guide you to it by showing its distance.

But you can also turn on the phone’s flashlight to help you find it in a dark room. On the screen that appears after you start pinging, press and hold the same icon (phone with sound waves). This turns on your phone’s flashlight, giving you an additional visual cue.

As its name suggests, the Walkie-Talkie app lets you have a push-to-talk connection with a friend who has an Apple Watch. This can be an easy way to communicate quickly without having to make a call.

Open the Walkie-Talkie app, which is a yellow icon with a black walkie-talkie inside. Then, scroll to your contacts to add someone. After they accept your invite request, their card in the app turns yellow, and you can start talking.

To use it, open the Walkie-Talkie app, select your contact, and hold down the Talk button while speaking. If they’re available, Walkie-Talkie automatically opens to their Apple Watch and plays your message. It works just like a real walkie-talkie, so you’ll take turns talking.

You can set your availability inside the app (or using the icon in Control Center), so your watch doesn’t start talking at a bad time. You won’t hear messages even when you’re on a phone call or your watch is in theater mode.

The timer app on my watch gets used a lot. But here’s a way to keep track of people when you have more than one. When creating a timer with Siri, you can name it. (This also works on iPhone.)

For example, “Siri, set a pasta timer for eight minutes.” Then, “Hey Siri, set a 15-minute timer to sauté,” and “Siri, set a five-minute sauté timer.” Each will include the name at the top, so you don’t get them mixed up.

Chances are, you already know about it. But you’d be surprised how many people don’t do this. After setting up Apple Pay on your watch, you can use your wearable for contactless payments. No need to take out your wallet (or even your phone).

In the Apple Watch app on your phone, scroll down Wallet and Apple Pay And make sure you’ve added at least one card. Or, open the Wallet app on your watch and check there. Either way, there will be an option to add a card if you haven’t already.

Then, when you are near the checkout terminal with the contactless symbol, double-click the side button of the Apple Watch, select the card you want to use and hold your watch within a few centimeters of the reader. A tap, chime, and onscreen confirmation will let you know it’s complete.

If you prefer to hear the time rather than see it, your watch can do that too. Place two fingers on the watch face for a moment, and Siri will read the time.

The feature is on by default, but if it’s not working, you can make sure it’s enabled. On your watch, go to Settings > Clock and turn on tell time.

It’s more novelty than practical, but it’s still a gentle way to connect with a loved one from a distance. Digital Touch sends a haptic representation of your heartbeat to a partner, family member, or friend.

In the Messages app on your watch, select a chat thread, and tap the plus icon next to the text field and select Digital Touch. On the next screen, press and hold two fingers until you see a red heart beating and feel haptic feedback. Tap Done, then Send it (on the next screen). When they open a digital touch message, they’ll feel your heartbeat on their wrist.

Digital Touch doesn’t require your recipient to have an Apple Watch, but it works best if they have an Apple Watch. Otherwise, they’ll be left seeing a visual representation of your heartbeat on their phone screen, with no secret reaction. It’s not like that at all.