Home / apple watch / 15 Apple Watch Hacks Users Must Know About

15 Apple Watch Hacks Users Must Know About

15 Apple Watch Hacks Users Must Know About

Under the sleek exterior of Apple Watches lies a world of hidden features and functionalities waiting to be explored. Whether one is a long-time user or a recent adopter, these hidden hacks for Apple Watches will allow one to make the most of these remarkable devices. So, to make their Apple Watch experience better, here is a list of 15 hidden hacks that Apple Watch users must know about.

1. Customize the action button
One of the best features of the Apple Watch Ultra and the Apple Watch Ultra 2 is the Action Button, which can open various apps. To do this, users will have to create a Shortcut on their iPhone using the Shortcut app and then enable the “Show on Apple Watch” option. Then, they must return to the Apple Watch app on their iPhone, where they can personalize the ction button to trigger the shortcut they just generated.

2. Enable fall detection
The Apple Watch SE, Apple Watch Series 4 (and later), and Apple Watch Ultra (and later) have a feature called Fall Detection, which can benefit older people and anyone who does outdoor activities like running. With this feature turned on, when a fall is detected, the watch connects the user to emergency services and notifies their emergency contacts. Users can access this feature in the SOS settings menu and select the “Always On” option for added safety.

3. Monitor heart rate
Apple Watches also have a feature to take the wearer’s electrocardiogram (ECG). To set this up, the user would need to navigate to the Health app on their phone, access the “Heart” section, and choose “Electrocardiograms (ECG).”

4. Take screenshots
Users can also enable the option of taking screenshots on their Apple Watch. To do this, they would need to open the Watch app on their iPhone and, in General Settings, select the option to enable screenshots. After enabling this feature, they can take screenshots on their Apple Watch by pressing the side button and the Digital Crown together.

5. Control Apple TV
Apple Watches can be remote controls for Apple TVs, provided they are connected to the same Wi-Fi network. To utilize this feature, the user must go to the Remote app on their Apple Watch and select their Apple TV. Similarly, they would need to select their Watch in their Apple TV settings and then enter the displayed passcode on the Watch.

6. Check gesture control
The watchOS 9 and watchOS 10 boast an impressive feature called AssistiveTouch, which allows the user to control a few functions with specific gestures. Some default gestures with the watch hand include pinching, double pinching, clenching, double clenching, etc. The user can use hand gestures for several functions, including swiping between screens, activating Siri, accessing the Notification Center, and more.

7. Find a lost phone
Those who own the latest Apple Watch Ultra 2 and the iPhone 15 can now use Apple’s advanced phone tracking technology to find their lost iPhone. They can use this feature by pressing the side button on the watch and activating the “Find iPhone” option. The watch will then guide them towards their iPhone, provided it is within range, with an arrow on the screen.

8. Use the watch as a flashlight
The Apple Watch Ultra’s 2000-nit display can serve as a powerful flashlight. The Apple Watch Ultra 2 takes it up a notch with a 3000-nit display. To access this feature, users need to open Control Center, where they will find a flashlight icon.

9. Join group FaceTime calls
The watchOS 10 has a feature that enables Apple Watch users to participate in audio-only group FaceTime calls. During these calls, the watch display expands photos of speaking participants, enhancing the experience for Apple Watch wearers.

10. Enable night mode
The Apple Watch Ultra features a Night Mode on its Wayfinder watch face, accessible by scrolling the Digital Crown upwards. Meanwhile, the Apple Watch Ultra 2 uses its integrated ambient light sensor to activate this mode on the Modular Ultra automatically watch face when it detects low light.

11. Use the water lock technology
Apple Watches have a fantastic feature to protect themselves from water damage. This feature is the Water Lock feature, which is activated automatically when the user selects the swimming workout mode on the watch. The watch will expel any water from its speakers when they turn the mode off.

12. Turn off the notifications alert
Users can hide the ‘unread notifications’ icon from their Apple Watches. To do this, they would need to access the Apple Watch app on their iPhone, tap “Notifications,” and disable the “Notifications Indicator.” This allows them to check notifications at their convenience without being constantly alert.

13. Share contacts
With watchOS 10, Apple Watches introduced NameDrop, a feature enabling secure sharing of contact information, pictures, or other data. To utilize this on the watch, users must click “Share” in the Contacts app or place their Apple Watch near the recipient and tap the My Card watch face.

14. Unlock Mac and iPhone
Apple Watches also have a feature allowing users to unlock their iPhone and Mac. To enable the iPhone feature, the user would need to navigate to iPhone Settings, tap on Face ID & Passcode, and turn on the “Unlock with Apple Watch” option. Similarly, Apple Watch users can also unlock their Macs with their watches.

15. Increase text size
Users can also increase the text size on their Apple Watches with a few simple steps. To do this, they would need to access Settings, select Text Size, and adjust it using the Digital Crown.

While Apple Watch Series 8 and Apple Watch Series 9 have integrated watchOS 9 and watchOS 10, users of Apple Watch Series 4 and above can also upgrade their operating systems to access the features limited to watchOS 9 and watchOS 10.

Recommended

Learn about these 3 types of hearing loss

Learn about these 3 types of hearing loss

Hearing loss, deafness, or impairment is the partial or total inability to hear sounds. People with low to moderate hearing impairment face challenges in understanding what the other person is saying in a noisy environment. Whereas, people with severe deafness cannot hear anything, and rely completely on lip-reading and sign language skills. There are three main types of hearing loss: sensorineural, conductive, and a combination of both. Let’s understand these types in detail and learn about the causes, symptoms, and treatments of each type. Sensorineural hearing loss It’s the most common type of hearing loss. Sensorineural is permanent hearing loss often caused by damage to the tiny hair cells that line the inner ear or the auditory nerve. The damage stops or weakens the transfers of nerve signals to the brain. These signals are essentially the intensity and clarity of sounds. Causes: Aging and exposure to loud noises for a long period of time are the most common cause of the damage. Certain medications and illnesses can also increase risks. It can even be genetic, and pass on to the child in the mother’s womb. Treatment: There is no medical or surgical treatment available to repair the tiny hair cells once they’re damaged.
Simple lifestyle changes that reduce the risk of heart diseases

Simple lifestyle changes that reduce the risk of heart diseases

The heart is the most crucial organ in the body and as the system will cease to function if the heart stops or loses momentum pumping fresh oxygenated blood. This is why it is vital to not neglect your heart health at all and responsibly maintain a healthy, stress-free, and more importantly, a happy lifestyle. Here are a few simple lifestyle changes that will help support a healthy heart function. Switch to a healthy diet Avoid eating foods that are rich in trans and saturated fats. Most foods you find on the shelves of the supermarket contain large quantities of one or the other. Instead, switch to low-fat high fiber alternatives to help manage cholesterol. Maintaining a healthy cholesterol level in the body automatically reduces the risk of heart diseases. The simple reason for this is that fats that normally block major arteries and blood vessels are eliminated from these foods choices. It is also advisable to limit the salt (sodium) intake to control blood pressure and sugar to reduce the risk of diabetes simultaneously. Change certain lifestyle habits Reduce the number of alcoholic or carbonated drinks you have regularly. For men, it is advisable to have not more than two drinks and day and women must have only one.
How to distinguish between heartburn and GERD

How to distinguish between heartburn and GERD

Heartburn is an unpleasant, burning sensation in the chest that is more common than a lot of individuals realize. Pregnant women, older men, and even young adults experience it frequently. Despite it being such a prevalent experience, not many know that heartburn has actually nothing to do with the heart and everything to do with the stomach and the esophagus. Unsurprisingly enough, heartburn is also used interchangeably with GERD. But, before we get to deciphering heartburn and GERD, let’s understand what acid reflux is. What is acid reflux or GER? Acid reflux occurs when the lower esophageal sphincter or LES becomes weak, allowing the contents of the stomach to travel in the wrong direction, back up the esophagus. Acid reflux is also called GER or gastroesophageal reflux as it involves the stomach and esophagus. This condition can usually be resolved with over-the-counter medication. What is heartburn? Heartburn is a burning or painful sensation that is experienced in the chest. Since the lining of the esophagus is not as strong as the lining of the stomach, the acid from the stomach can cause a burning sensation in the chest. This pain or burning sensation that is heartburn can often be misconstrued for a heart attack.
5 common joint conditions and how to treat them

5 common joint conditions and how to treat them

A joint or articulation is made from two bones that aid the body in movement. There are many forms of joint conditions, which, in many cases, arise from the wear and tear of bones. Arthritis is one of the major and most common health conditions in the country, and its intensity increases with age. Here are some common types of joint conditions that you need to know: Osteoarthritis With almost 10 percent of men and 13 percent of women aged over 60 suffering from osteoarthritis, it is one of the most prevalent joint conditions in the country. Osteoarthritis occurs due to the wear and tear of the cartilages that protect the ends of bones. It commonly affects joints of the spine, hands, hips, and knees. If left untreated, this wear and tear of the cartilage soon leads to bone degeneration, thereby affecting flexibility and range of movement. Treatment for osteoarthritis depends on its severity and the patient’s age. Mild symptoms can be treated through medications, physiotherapy, and changes in lifestyle, whereas moderate to severe cases may require surgical intervention. Spondyloarthritis Spondyloarthritis, also referred to as spondyloarthropathy, is a type of rheumatic disease that causes inflammation in various joints. There are two types of spondyloarthritis—axial spondyloarthritis, which causes inflammation of the joints in the chest, spine, and hip bone, and peripheral spondyloarthritis, which causes inflammation in the fingers, knees, and toes.
Tips to help you strengthen your immune system

Tips to help you strengthen your immune system

Natural selection has transformed the way in which the human immune system works. While some human genes have evolved to become immune to certain diseases, others have not. This leaves a whole lot of people prone to certain diseases and disorders. That said, there are ways to boost the immune system, improve one’s diet, and lead a healthier lifestyle. Here are a few simple steps that you can take to strengthen the immune system: Ensure adequate sleep There are quite a few studies that prove the relationship between adequate sleep and the strength of the immune system. As an adult, you should ensure that you get seven to eight hours of sleep every night. A teenager should get eight to ten hours of sleep, whereas a young child should get at least 14 hours of sleep on a daily basis. If you have disturbed or no sleep, then you can improve your sleep cycle with these quick tips: Try sleeping in a room that is completely dark Get to bed at the same time every night. This will help regulate your sleep pattern Avoid using electronics that emit blue light before bed Maintain a diet of fruits and vegetables Fruits, vegetables, and whole grains contain essential minerals, fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants.
8 lesser-known facts about the liver

8 lesser-known facts about the liver

Considered the second-largest organ in the body, the liver plays an extremely important role in a variety of functions. It is key to the body’s metabolism; and helps burn fat and maintain body weight. It is located above the stomach and beneath the diaphragm, its size similar to that of a football. While such information is common knowledge, there are a few not-so-known facts about this organ. Read on to find out more: It is the only organ that can regenerate Unlike any other organ, the liver has the miraculous ability to regenerate and regrow, needing just 25 percent of the original tissue to do so. According to a study, evolutionary safeguards are responsible for this effect, which is a central concept behind liver transplants. It is the body’s detox center The liver filters everything we eat and drink, ridding the body of the materials that are not meant for it. It first burns toxins using enzymes and oxygen. This is followed by the second step, which combines toxins with amino acids that are later flushed out through urine or bile. It is multifunctional Identified as one of the most complex organs in the body, the liver performs hundreds of vital functions.