10 Apple Watch Features Worth Using Every Day—and How to Set Them Up (2026 Update)

Apple Watch is most useful when it quietly removes small daily annoyances: finding a misplaced iPhone, taking a group photo, silencing an alert, unlocking a Mac, or waking you without disturbing someone else.

This updated guide revisits the ten features highlighted in the original March 3, 2025 9to5Mac article and video. The advice remains practical, but compatibility is not universal. It depends on your Apple Watch generation, watchOS, iPhone, iOS, Mac, macOS, Apple TV, vehicle, region, and—sometimes—third-party app support.

#	Preview	Product	Price
1		Apple Watch Series 11 [GPS 46mm] Smartwatch with Jet Black Aluminum Case with Black Sport Band -...	$360.05	Buy on Amazon
2		Apple Watch Series 11 [GPS 42mm] Smartwatch with Rose Gold Aluminum Case with Light Blush Sport Band...	$331.55	Buy on Amazon
3		Apple Watch SE 3 [GPS 40mm] Smartwatch with Starlight Aluminum Case with Starlight Sport Band - S/M....		Buy on Amazon
4		Apple Watch SE 3 [GPS 40mm] Smartwatch with Midnight Aluminum Case with Midnight Sport Band - S/M....	$208.05	Buy on Amazon
5		Apple Watch Series 11 [GPS 42mm] Smartwatch with Jet Black Aluminum Case with Black Sport Band -...	$331.55	Buy on Amazon

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Quick compatibility guide

1. Find a misplaced iPhone

Why it is useful: You do not need to search the sofa, kitchen, or car manually. Your Apple Watch can make a connected iPhone play a sound.

On Apple Watch, open Control Center by pressing the side button, then tap the iPhone-ping button. If the phone is reachable, it emits a sound even when you would otherwise struggle to locate it.

#1 Best Overall

Apple Watch Series 11 [GPS 46mm] Smartwatch with Jet Black Aluminum Case with Black Sport Band - M/L. Sleep Score, Fitness Tracker, Health Monitoring, Always-On Display, Water Resistant

• A FULL-FEATURED HEALTH TRACKER—Apple Watch Series 11 gives you invaluable insights about your body, right from your wrist. Take an ECG anytime* and get alerts for a high and low heart rate or an irregular rhythm*—so you can stay closer to your heart. You can also view your overnight health tracking metrics with the Vitals app* and be notified of possible sleep apnea.*
• KNOW YOUR SLEEP SCORE—With advanced sleep tracking, Series 11 gives you a daily sleep score. It’s an easy way to help measure and understand the quality of your sleep, so you can make it more restorative.
• GET HYPERTENSION NOTIFICATIONS—Did you know that Series 11 can spot signs of chronic high blood pressure? By analyzing how your blood vessels respond to beats of the heart, it can notify you of possible hypertension.*
• SAFETY FEATURES—A smartwatch that puts your safety first. Series 11 can detect a hard fall or severe car crash, automatically help connect you with emergency services, and notify your emergency contacts.* Check In can automatically notify a loved one when you’ve arrived at your destination.
• A POWERFUL FITNESS TRACKER—With advanced metrics and motivating features like Pacer, Heart Rate Zones, training load, and Workout Buddy powered by Apple Intelligence from your nearby iPhone*—Series 11 is made to help everyone stay active, from runners and hikers to strength-training enthusiasts.

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On newer compatible combinations, the watch can provide more detailed location guidance through Precision Finding. Apple currently lists Precision Finding for iPhone on Series 11 and Ultra 3, while the SE 3 listing identifies ordinary Find iPhone functionality. Do not assume every Apple Watch supports the precision feature.

The basic ping can fail when the iPhone is powered off, disconnected, or out of range. If that happens, use Find My from another Apple device or the web. Cellular service on the watch does not guarantee that every finding feature works independently of the iPhone.

Privacy note: Finding your own phone is convenient, but a watch with access to notifications and device controls should still be protected with a passcode.

2. Take Apple Watch screenshots

A screenshot is useful for saving a workout metric, documenting an error, recording a watch-face layout, or showing support staff what appeared on your wrist.

Press the Digital Crown and the side button simultaneously. The Action button is not part of this shortcut. The image can be transferred to the paired iPhone and appear in Photos.

If nothing is saved, open the Watch app on your iPhone and search its settings for the screenshot option, or check the watch’s general settings. Enable screenshots and try the two-button shortcut again.

Remember that screenshots may capture private notifications, health data, messages, or account information. Review the image before sharing it.

3. Use Apple Watch as an iPhone camera remote

Camera Remote turns the watch into a viewfinder and shutter button for the paired iPhone. It is especially useful for group photos, tripod shots, self-portraits, and images where touching the phone would move the framing.

Rank #2

Apple Watch Series 11 [GPS 42mm] Smartwatch with Rose Gold Aluminum Case with Light Blush Sport Band - S/M. Sleep Score, Fitness Tracker, Health Monitoring, Always-On Display, Water Resistant

• A FULL-FEATURED HEALTH TRACKER—Apple Watch Series 11 gives you invaluable insights about your body, right from your wrist. Take an ECG anytime* and get alerts for a high and low heart rate or an irregular rhythm*—so you can stay closer to your heart. You can also view your overnight health tracking metrics with the Vitals app* and be notified of possible sleep apnea.*
• KNOW YOUR SLEEP SCORE—With advanced sleep tracking, Series 11 gives you a daily sleep score. It’s an easy way to help measure and understand the quality of your sleep, so you can make it more restorative.
• GET HYPERTENSION NOTIFICATIONS—Did you know that Series 11 can spot signs of chronic high blood pressure? By analyzing how your blood vessels respond to beats of the heart, it can notify you of possible hypertension.*
• SAFETY FEATURES—A smartwatch that puts your safety first. Series 11 can detect a hard fall or severe car crash, automatically help connect you with emergency services, and notify your emergency contacts.* Check In can automatically notify a loved one when you’ve arrived at your destination.
• A POWERFUL FITNESS TRACKER—With advanced metrics and motivating features like Pacer, Heart Rate Zones, training load, and Workout Buddy powered by Apple Intelligence from your nearby iPhone*—Series 11 is made to help everyone stay active, from runners and hikers to strength-training enthusiasts.

$331.55

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1. Open Camera Remote on Apple Watch.
2. Position the iPhone and use the watch display to check the composition.
3. Tap the shutter button on the watch.
4. Use the Digital Crown for supported zoom controls.
5. Use the timer or switch cameras when those controls are available.

The watch is controlling the iPhone’s camera, not operating as an independent camera. The iPhone generally needs to be within Bluetooth or Wi-Fi range, and some camera modes and settings are unavailable from the watch.

Double Tap can provide camera-related control on supported newer models, but it is not a universal Apple Watch feature. Check the controls offered by your specific watch and software version rather than assuming the gesture will work.

If Camera Remote cannot find the phone, open the Camera app on the iPhone, bring both devices closer together, and confirm Bluetooth and Wi-Fi are enabled.

4. Cover the display to mute alerts

When an alert, call, alarm, or other audible activity arrives at an inconvenient moment, place your palm over the Apple Watch display. Cover it fully for a moment to silence or dismiss the activity where supported.

This is useful in meetings, bedrooms, cinemas, and anywhere that tapping through an alert is awkward. It does not disable future notifications, and haptic behavior may differ from sound behavior.

If the gesture fails, make sure the display is completely covered and check the watch’s gesture and sound settings. You can also use the side controls or adjust notification settings directly.

5. Unlock a Mac with Apple Watch

Mac Auto Unlock saves you from typing your password repeatedly when your Apple Watch is on your wrist and unlocked. It is an authentication convenience, not a permanent replacement for the Mac password.

Requirements

• A Mac that supports Auto Unlock and a compatible version of macOS.
• The Mac and watch signed in to the same Apple account.
• A passcode enabled on the Apple Watch.
• The watch worn and unlocked.
• Wi-Fi and Bluetooth enabled.
• Two-factor authentication enabled for the Apple account when required.

Setup

On the Mac, open System Settings and search for Apple Watch or Auto Unlock. On some macOS releases the control appears under login-password or related security settings. Enable the Apple Watch option and authenticate with the Mac password if prompted.

Rank #3

Apple Watch SE 3 [GPS 40mm] Smartwatch with Starlight Aluminum Case with Starlight Sport Band - S/M. Fitness and Sleep Trackers, Heart Rate Monitor, Always-On Display, Water Resistant

• GET SMARTER HEALTH INSIGHTS—Apple Watch SE 3 is an advanced health tracker that helps you better understand your body. The smartwatch sends alerts for an irregular heart rhythm, or an unusually high or low heart rate.* You can view your overnight health tracking metrics with the Vitals app,* track your sleep score, and get sleep apnea notifications.*
• A GREAT FITNESS TRACKER—SE 3 can track your workouts in a healthy number of ways—from running and strength training to simply achieving your 10K steps a day. With real-time metrics and Workout Buddy powered by Apple Intelligence from your nearby iPhone,* you’ll hit your goals like never before.
• KEEP HELP CLOSE AT HAND—SE 3 is a smartwatch that can detect a hard fall or severe car crash and automatically help connect you to emergency services and notify your emergency contacts.* Check In can automatically notify a loved one when you’ve arrived at your destination.
• WOMEN’S HEALTH INSIGHTS—SE 3 has advanced sensors that track your wrist temperature while you sleep. With this smartwatch, you can log your periods and symptoms, get period predictions, and get notified of cycle deviations.*
• GREAT BATTERY LIFE AND FASTER CHARGING—Enjoy a smartwatch with all-day, 18-hour battery life* from sunup to sundown. Then charge up to twice as fast as SE 2* and get up to 8 hours of battery in just 15 minutes.*

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The Mac may still request its password after a restart, logout, security change, or whenever the watch is not detected.

If it does not work

1. Confirm the watch is unlocked and on your wrist.
2. Check that both devices use the same Apple account.
3. Turn Wi-Fi and Bluetooth off and on again.
4. Restart the Mac and Apple Watch.
5. Confirm two-factor authentication is enabled.
6. Disable and re-enable Auto Unlock.
7. After a restart, enter the Mac password manually once and test again.

6. Unlock an iPhone when Face ID cannot

Unlock with Apple Watch helps unlock a Face ID iPhone when Face ID is obstructed—for example, by a mask, sunglasses, or face paint. It assists Face ID; it does not replace Face ID for every secure action.

How to enable it

On iPhone, go to Settings → Face ID & Passcode → Unlock with Apple Watch, then enable the relevant watch.

Requirements

• A compatible Face ID iPhone.
• A compatible Apple Watch with a passcode.
• The watch worn, unlocked, and signed in to the same Apple account.
• Wi-Fi and Bluetooth enabled.

This fallback generally does not authorize Apple Pay or other high-security operations. If the watch is removed, it locks and must be unlocked before it can help again. If you suspect someone accessed the phone, use the watch’s iPhone-lock control immediately.

7. Control Apple TV from your wrist

The Remote app on Apple Watch can handle basic Apple TV navigation when you cannot find the Siri Remote.

1. Open Remote on Apple Watch.
2. Select the Apple TV.
3. Swipe or tap to navigate.
4. Use the Digital Crown for volume where supported.

The watch and Apple TV should be configured within the same Apple ecosystem and network environment. Different Wi-Fi networks, guest-network isolation, or discovery restrictions can prevent the Apple TV from appearing. Volume control also depends on the Apple TV, television, and audio setup.

The physical Siri Remote remains better for text entry and some advanced navigation tasks, so the watch is a useful backup rather than a complete replacement.

8. Set a silent wake-up alarm with Sleep Focus

Apple Watch can wake you with haptic taps instead of a loud alarm. Sleep Focus can also filter notifications during your intended sleep period.

Rank #4

Apple Watch SE 3 [GPS 40mm] Smartwatch with Midnight Aluminum Case with Midnight Sport Band - S/M. Fitness and Sleep Trackers, Heart Rate Monitor, Always-On Display, Water Resistant

• GET SMARTER HEALTH INSIGHTS—Apple Watch SE 3 is an advanced health tracker that helps you better understand your body. The smartwatch sends alerts for an irregular heart rhythm, or an unusually high or low heart rate.* You can view your overnight health tracking metrics with the Vitals app,* track your sleep score, and get sleep apnea notifications.*
• A GREAT FITNESS TRACKER—SE 3 can track your workouts in a healthy number of ways—from running and strength training to simply achieving your 10K steps a day. With real-time metrics and Workout Buddy powered by Apple Intelligence from your nearby iPhone,* you’ll hit your goals like never before.
• KEEP HELP CLOSE AT HAND—SE 3 is a smartwatch that can detect a hard fall or severe car crash and automatically help connect you to emergency services and notify your emergency contacts.* Check In can automatically notify a loved one when you’ve arrived at your destination.
• WOMEN’S HEALTH INSIGHTS—SE 3 has advanced sensors that track your wrist temperature while you sleep. With this smartwatch, you can log your periods and symptoms, get period predictions, and get notified of cycle deviations.*
• GREAT BATTERY LIFE AND FASTER CHARGING—Enjoy a smartwatch with all-day, 18-hour battery life* from sunup to sundown. Then charge up to twice as fast as SE 2* and get up to 8 hours of battery in just 15 minutes.*

$208.05

Buy on Amazon

Setup on iPhone

1. Open the Health app.
2. Open the sleep settings and create or edit a sleep schedule.
3. Set your bedtime and wake time.
4. Enable Sleep Focus or its schedule.
5. Wear the watch overnight and confirm it has sufficient battery.

Depending on your configuration and software version, the morning experience may show information such as the time, date, weather, temperature, and battery level. These are configurable experiences, not guaranteed universal defaults.

A haptic alarm is not medical-grade or fail-safe. Battery depletion, poor fit, low haptic intensity, or sleeping through the taps can make it unreliable. Keep a backup alarm if missing your wake time would matter.

9. Track sleep, workouts, and longer-term fitness trends

Apple Watch can record sleep-related estimates, workouts, runs, walks, heart-rate information, Activity Rings, and longer-term trends. The value is less in one perfect reading than in building a consistent picture of activity and routines.

Apple’s current listings include sleep tracking, sleep score, Vitals, and workout functions, but sensors differ significantly. Series 11 and Ultra 3 list features including ECG, hypertension notifications, blood oxygen, sleep apnea notifications, Vitals, and temperature sensing, subject to model and regional availability. The SE 3 has a more limited sensor set.

For better results, wear the watch snugly with good skin contact, keep it clean, and account for factors such as tattoos, movement, fit, and charging gaps. Sleep duration is not the same as sleep quality, and health readings are informational estimates rather than a diagnosis.

Use health notifications as a reason to seek appropriate medical advice—not as a substitute for a clinician or medical device.

10. Use an Apple Watch as a Tesla key

Tesla is the most specialized feature in this list. Tesla’s app may provide controls such as locking and unlocking, opening the trunk, preconditioning, and, where supported, using the watch as a vehicle key.

Availability depends on Tesla’s current app, vehicle, account, region, software support, and how the key was provisioned. It is Tesla-specific and is not the same thing as Apple’s broader Car Key standard. Supported Car Key vehicles and functions vary by manufacturer and model; the original coverage also mentions brands such as BMW, Genesis, Hyundai, and Kia.

Best Value

Apple Watch Series 11 [GPS 42mm] Smartwatch with Jet Black Aluminum Case with Black Sport Band - S/M. Sleep Score, Fitness Tracker, Health Monitoring, Always-On Display, Water Resistant

• A FULL-FEATURED HEALTH TRACKER—Apple Watch Series 11 gives you invaluable insights about your body, right from your wrist. Take an ECG anytime* and get alerts for a high and low heart rate or an irregular rhythm*—so you can stay closer to your heart. You can also view your overnight health tracking metrics with the Vitals app* and be notified of possible sleep apnea.*
• KNOW YOUR SLEEP SCORE—With advanced sleep tracking, Series 11 gives you a daily sleep score. It’s an easy way to help measure and understand the quality of your sleep, so you can make it more restorative.
• GET HYPERTENSION NOTIFICATIONS—Did you know that Series 11 can spot signs of chronic high blood pressure? By analyzing how your blood vessels respond to beats of the heart, it can notify you of possible hypertension.*
• SAFETY FEATURES—A smartwatch that puts your safety first. Series 11 can detect a hard fall or severe car crash, automatically help connect you with emergency services, and notify your emergency contacts.* Check In can automatically notify a loved one when you’ve arrived at your destination.
• A POWERFUL FITNESS TRACKER—With advanced metrics and motivating features like Pacer, Heart Rate Zones, training load, and Workout Buddy powered by Apple Intelligence from your nearby iPhone*—Series 11 is made to help everyone stay active, from runners and hikers to strength-training enthusiasts.

$331.55

Buy on Amazon

Before relying on the watch, check Tesla’s current Tesla app documentation for your vehicle and region. Retain a phone, card, or other backup entry method. Some remote controls may work through the app even when key behavior is unavailable.

Do you need a new Apple Watch?

Usually, no. Mac unlock, Camera Remote, screenshots, Cover to Mute, sleep alarms, and basic fitness tracking are not good reasons by themselves to buy the most expensive watch. The key question is whether your existing model, iPhone, and software support the particular feature you want.

As of August 2026, Apple’s U.S. lineup includes the Apple Watch SE 3 from $249, Series 11 from $399, and Ultra 3 from $799. Prices are U.S. starting prices; case, cellular, material, and configuration choices can increase them.

• SE 3: Best for basic conveniences, notifications, workouts, sleep tracking, and iPhone integration at the lowest entry price. It is a poor fit if you specifically want ECG, Precision Finding, or more advanced sensors.
• Series 11: The sensible mainstream choice for current health and convenience features, with a starting price of $399 and an Apple-estimated battery life of up to 24 hours, or up to 38 hours in Low Power Mode.
• Ultra 3: Best when you value rugged construction, outdoor features, a larger case, cellular connectivity, and longer battery life—Apple estimates up to 42 hours, or up to 72 hours in Low Power Mode. It is not necessary for the everyday features in this article.

GPS + Cellular is worthwhile if you regularly leave your iPhone behind. It costs more initially and usually requires a carrier plan. Apple’s listed Series 11 cellular configuration begins at $499 in the specified aluminum configuration.

Sleep tracking also creates a charging routine. Charge while showering or getting ready, before bed, or at work, and keep a backup alarm if the watch often reaches low battery.

The best order to try these features

Existing owners should begin with the low-effort wins:

1. Ping the iPhone.
2. Enable screenshots.
3. Try Cover to Mute.
4. Set up Camera Remote.
5. Enable Mac Auto Unlock.
6. Enable iPhone unlocking with Apple Watch.
7. Add Apple TV Remote.
8. Create a Sleep Focus and haptic alarm.
9. Review sleep and fitness tracking.
10. Investigate Tesla integration only if you own a compatible Tesla.

These features show the real appeal of Apple Watch: not one spectacular function, but a collection of small interactions that become useful because the watch is already on your wrist.

Quick Recap

Bestseller No. 1

Apple Watch Series 11 [GPS 46mm] Smartwatch with Jet Black Aluminum Case with Black Sport Band - M/L. Sleep Score, Fitness Tracker, Health Monitoring, Always-On Display, Water Resistant

$360.05

Bestseller No. 2

Apple Watch Series 11 [GPS 42mm] Smartwatch with Rose Gold Aluminum Case with Light Blush Sport Band - S/M. Sleep Score, Fitness Tracker, Health Monitoring, Always-On Display, Water Resistant

$331.55

Bestseller No. 3

Apple Watch SE 3 [GPS 40mm] Smartwatch with Starlight Aluminum Case with Starlight Sport Band - S/M. Fitness and Sleep Trackers, Heart Rate Monitor, Always-On Display, Water Resistant

Bestseller No. 4

Apple Watch SE 3 [GPS 40mm] Smartwatch with Midnight Aluminum Case with Midnight Sport Band - S/M. Fitness and Sleep Trackers, Heart Rate Monitor, Always-On Display, Water Resistant

$208.05

Bestseller No. 5

Apple Watch Series 11 [GPS 42mm] Smartwatch with Jet Black Aluminum Case with Black Sport Band - S/M. Sleep Score, Fitness Tracker, Health Monitoring, Always-On Display, Water Resistant

$331.55

Useful official links

• Apple Watch overview
• Apple’s current U.S. Apple Watch lineup
• Apple Fitness+ (optional; it is not required for ordinary workout tracking)
• Apple Trade In
• AppleCare+ for Apple Watch

Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.