Brief Summary
This video highlights several hidden features of the Apple Watch that are not immediately obvious to new users. It covers features such as automatic unlocking with iPhone, handwashing timer, auto workout detection, adjusting haptic feedback, using the flashlight trick to find your iPhone, muting notifications with cover to mute, disabling Apple Watch alerts while using CarPlay, using Walkie-Talkie mode, changing the app view, and using Theater Mode with a red flashlight.
- Unlock Apple Watch with iPhone
- Auto-detect handwashing and workouts
- Customize haptic feedback
- Use flashlight to find iPhone
Intro (Apple Watch Hidden Features for New Users)
The Apple Watch is a versatile device for health tracking, timekeeping, and communication. The video aims to reveal hidden features that are not commonly known or instructed when unboxing the Apple Watch. The presenter will demonstrate these features on an Apple Watch Ultra 3 due to its larger display, making it easier to view on camera.
Compatible Apple Watch
The presenter is using a Series 11 Apple Watch and an Apple Watch Ultra 3 for demonstration purposes. The features discussed are applicable to various Apple Watch models, including the SE and Ultra Watch.
Unlock Apple Watch Automatically With iPhone
One useful feature is the ability to unlock the Apple Watch using your iPhone's Face ID or Touch ID, bypassing the need to enter a passcode on the watch itself. To enable this, open the Watch app on your iPhone, go to "Passcode," and enable "Unlock with iPhone." This is especially useful for those who use Apple Pay on their watch and want a seamless unlocking experience.
Handwashing Timer (20-Second Auto Detection)
The Apple Watch has a built-in handwashing timer that automatically detects when you are washing your hands and starts a 20-second timer. This feature uses the watch's internal sensors and microphone to detect hand motions and provides a countdown to ensure thorough handwashing. To enable it, go to Settings on your Apple Watch, then "Handwashing," and enable the feature.
Auto Workout Detection (Never Miss a Workout)
The Apple Watch can automatically detect when you start a workout using its built-in sensors and algorithms. This feature ensures that you don't miss logging your exercise even if you forget to start the workout manually. The watch can also credit you for the time you were working out before it detected the activity. To ensure this feature is enabled, go to "Workout" in the Apple Watch settings and enable "Start Workout Reminder," "Resume Workout Reminder," and "End Workout Reminder."
Increase Haptic Vibration Strength
You can adjust the strength of the haptic vibrations on your Apple Watch. This is useful if you find the default vibration too weak, especially on older models. To adjust the haptic settings, go to "Sound & Haptics" in the settings and select "Haptics." From there, you can choose between "Default" and "Prominent" to increase the vibration strength.
Find iPhone Faster (Flashlight Trick)
The Apple Watch has a feature to help you find your iPhone. By opening the Finder app in Control Center and tapping the phone icon, your iPhone will make a pinging sound. If you long-hold the phone icon, it will cause your iPhone to flash its light, making it easier to locate in dark places.
Cover to Mute Notifications
You can quickly mute incoming notifications or calls on your Apple Watch by covering the watch face with your hand. This will silence the device. To ensure this feature is enabled, go to "Gestures" in the settings and make sure "Cover to Mute" is turned on.
Quick Like Reminder ❤️
The presenter encourages viewers to like the video to support the channel and avoid the need for brand sponsorships.
Stop Apple Watch Alerts While Using CarPlay
If you find it annoying to receive notifications on both your CarPlay head unit and your Apple Watch while using navigation, you can disable the watch alerts. To do this, open the Watch app on your iPhone, go to "Maps," and turn off alerts for "Driving" or "Driving with CarPlay." This will prevent duplicate notifications.
Walkie-Talkie Mode (Apple Watch to Apple Watch)
The Apple Watch has a Walkie-Talkie mode that allows you to communicate with other Apple Watch users without making a phone call or using FaceTime. To enable this feature, add the Walkie-Talkie icon to your Control Center. Then, launch the Walkie-Talkie app on your Apple Watch and send an invitation to other Apple Watch users to start communicating.
App View: Grid vs Alphabetical List
You can change the app view on your Apple Watch from the default grid layout to an alphabetical list, which some users may find easier to navigate. To switch the app view, press the digital crown to view all apps, long-press to edit, and scroll down to select either "Grid View" or "Alphabetical List."
Theater Mode + Red Flashlight
Theater Mode silences your Apple Watch and disables the always-on display. When you receive a notification in Theater Mode, you can slowly rotate the digital crown to peek at the notification. Additionally, when using the flashlight app, the default color is red to help maintain your night vision.
Final Thoughts (Best New User Settings)
The video concludes by summarizing the discussed features, emphasizing their usefulness for new Apple Watch users to enhance their overall experience.
Watch Next (More Forgotten Apple Features)
The presenter recommends watching another video that showcases more forgotten Apple features that are no longer actively promoted by Apple.

