The Apple Watch might not have had a single, killer-feature, but it does a lot more than you might think it can. Unlike Android Wear which depends a lot on its simplified UI, watchOS really does have a fleshed-out operating system that can do quite a bit more than it appears on the surface.
So here are ten Apple Watch tips that you’ll want to know if you recently purchased one:
1. Take a screenshot
Similar to how you can take a screenshot on the iPhone, you can also take a screenshot of whatever is on your screen on the Apple Watch. Just press and hold the Home button on the side and simultaneously tap the Digital Crown. You’ll be able to find your screenshot in your iPhone’s Photos folder, just as you would with screenshots from your phone.
2. Switch to last used app
Another thing you can with with the Digital Crown is switch to your last used app.
Due to the tiny screen, it can be a bit more challenging to navigate from app to app within watchOS. Regardless of where you’re at within watchOS, all you have to do is double tap the Digital Crown and it’ll take you back to whatever app
3. Eject Water
Apple made a big deal of the fact that the Apple Watch Series 2 was “swim-proof”—and that indeed was a big deal for some people. One of the cool engineering feats Apple had to pull off was a way for the device to literally eject water out of its holes.
There are two primary ways to do that: the first being within in the new Swimming app. After using it for a session, the watch will actually give you a prompt to turn the digital crown to eject the water. You can also do it manually at any time within the swipe-up Control Center. Just tap the water droplet icon and wait for the prompt to give that Digital Crown a turn.
4. Ping iPhone
One of the great things about smartwatches is that they’re much easier to keep track of then other devices. Apple picked up on the included benefit of wearables and added a little feature that will ping your iPhone.
We’ve all been through the insane-looking process of trying to find our smartphones that are inevitably stuck between couch cushions or under furniture—and this nifty little feature should help out with that.
5. View the time
Yeah—okay, the primary function of a watch is to tell the time. But the Apple Watch has a nice little feature that lets you take a peek at the time without having to lift your wrist in an obvious way.
All you have to do is slightly turn the Digital Crown and the Apple Watch will flash you a look at the current time.
6. Auto Pause a run
If you’re using your Apple Watch as a serious fitness device, it’s helpful for it not to track stops in your workout when you are interrupted. Just open up the Apple Watch app on your phone, tap on My Watch, and then on Workout. Switch on “Auto Pause” and your fitness tracking will conveniently turn off when your movement stops.
7. Switch up to left handers
Because the Apple Watch isn’t symmetrical, it can be a bit of an issue for people who’d rather have their watch on their right hand. Fortunately, you can flip all of the controls pretty easily.
Just go into your Apple Watch app on your phone, head into your general settings, and then tap Watch Orientation. From there, you can select the wrist that you want, as well as the placement of the Digital Crown.
8. Power Reserve mode
Battery life is always going to be an issue for the Apple Watch. A helpful thing to have that can push you through those final few hours of the day is power reserve mode. This one’s easy to find: just swipe up from the bottom of the screen to bring up Control Center.
From here, tap on the battery life symbol, which will give you access to Power Reserve mode. While it’s too bad this doesn’t turn on automatically, it’s at least nice to have access to this helpful mode.
9. Night Stand mode
Night Stand mode is a nifty little feature that turns your Apple Watch into a mini-clock for your bedside. All you have to do is flip your watch on its side and it’ll automatically switch to Night Stand mode.
10. Change text size
The Apple Watch screen isn’t exactly huge, which can often make reading text difficult. If you want to change the text size, head into your Settings and then tap on Brightness & Text Size. This will left you adjust the size to whatever is most comfortable for you.