You can make a custom Apple Watch face by choosing a supported Apple design, adjusting its available style and color options, and adding complications where the face allows them. For the easiest setup, use Face Gallery in the iPhone Apple Watch app; you can also create and customize faces directly on the watch. To use your own images, make a Photos face.
What “custom watch face” means
Apple’s regular customization workflow lets you configure faces Apple provides; it does not offer users a documented way to add an entirely new, arbitrary face design. You can personalize a supported face with its available options, use your photos, and add complications. Developers can make watchOS apps that provide complications, but that is different from creating a new system face.
| Approach | What you can customize | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Supported face in Face Gallery | Options such as color, style, and available complication positions | Choosing a system face and configuring it on iPhone |
| Photos face | Personal images, with the layout options offered by the face | Using your own photos as a background |
| Face configured on Apple Watch | Available face options and complication positions | Making a change without using Face Gallery on iPhone |
| Third-party complication | App information in a supported position on an Apple face | Adding glanceable information from an app |
Customize a face with the iPhone Apple Watch app
Apple describes Face Gallery as the easiest way to browse and configure faces. Available styles and complication positions vary by face.
- Open the Apple Watch app on your iPhone.
- Tap Face Gallery.
- Choose a category and face design.
- Adjust the options the face offers, such as color or style.
- To add a complication, tap a position and choose from the options available for that position. Where offered, you can choose Off.
- Tap Add to Watch. The face is added to your collection and becomes current.
Customize a face on Apple Watch
- Display the current face and touch and hold the screen.
- Swipe through your face collection. To add a face, swipe to the end and choose the add option.
- Select a face and choose Edit if available.
- Move through the editing options, then select a complication position and choose an available option if you want one.
- Save or activate the face using the controls shown on your watch.
The choices differ by face. If a particular option or complication is not available, the selected face or position may not support it.
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Make a Photos face with your own images
- Open the Apple Watch app on your iPhone and tap Face Gallery.
- Choose Photos and select a style.
- Choose a photo source: shuffle Featured or People, choose an album, or select photos manually.
- If choosing photos manually, select up to 24 images.
- Adjust the available layout and complication options, then tap Add.
Apple says a shuffled library or collection automatically selects 16 photos to display each day. These photo counts are Apple’s product instructions, not general statistics, and may change in future software guidance.
You can also open a photo on Apple Watch, use the action menu, and choose Create Watch Face. If photos do not appear, check that they are included in the album synced to your watch.
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Add complications
A complication is a small piece of app information or functionality shown in a position provided by a particular face. To add one, edit the face, tap a supported position, and select from the available options. Third-party apps may provide complications, but the app and selected face position must be compatible.
Choose a face based on the balance you want between a simple appearance and information at a glance. A face may not offer the position or complication you want, and an app that does not appear in the choices may not provide a compatible complication.
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Share a configured face
You can share a configured watch face from the Apple Watch app. Apple says recipients need an Apple Watch with watchOS 7 or later. Compatibility can also depend on the particular face and watch model.
A shared face may include a third-party complication. The recipient can download the corresponding app or continue without it. Apple Developer documentation also describes configured face files and ways developers can offer them through an app or website.
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Can third-party apps make a completely new face?
Do not assume that an app advertised as a custom watch-face app adds a new system face. Developers can create watchOS apps that provide complications, and configured native faces can be shared. Those features extend or distribute configurations for supported Apple faces; they are not the same as adding an unrestricted new face design through the ordinary customization workflow.
FAQ
Can I make an Apple Watch face from scratch?
Apple’s documented user workflow lets you customize supported faces, not add an entirely new, arbitrary system face design.
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- Comfortable & Fit: HEARTBOOM stretchy apple watch band is made of recycled polyamide with a fabric weave, which is skin-friendly, breathable, lightweight, washable, sweat-resistant and quick-drying. Perfect for Fitness, Running, Yoga and daily wear, as it ensures that your wrist remains comfy and gentle feeling
- Multi Colors & Freely Adjustable: Our iwatch bands come with Various rich & muted colors for your choices, personalize your smartwatch to fit your outfit in daily life and easy change for every occasion. Suitable for women and men with 5.5"-9.6"(140mm~244mm) wrists. One size fit for most people,no need to measure your wrist to choose the size like the traditional braided bands
- Confidently Secure with Upgraded Magnets: Experience the perfect blend of style and security with our braided stretch band for Apple Watch. The enhanced magnetic Closure creates a strong, reliable connection that is easily adjustable for a flawless custom fit. Designed for all-day comfort and peace of mind, it stays put during any activity. Tool-free installation and one-click removal make it incredibly easy to use
- Perfect Gift: This apple watch bands blend fashion with functionality, look more fashionable and youthful. It's a a thoughtful and well-made gift. Suitable for Christmas, New Year's, Father's Day, Mother's Day and birthdays as a surprise for your parents, loved ones, and friends.We offer 24/7 friendly support
How do I add my own photos to my Apple Watch face?
In the iPhone Apple Watch app, open Face Gallery > Photos, choose a photo source, adjust the available options, and add the face. You can also open a photo on the watch and use Create Watch Face.
How many photos can I select manually?
Apple’s guide allows up to 24 manually selected photos. For a shuffled library or collection, Apple says 16 photos are selected automatically for daily display.
How do I add complications to an Apple Watch face?
Edit a face, tap a complication position it supports, and select an available option. Complications are optional, and choices depend on the face position and app support.
Can I share a watch face with someone?
Yes. Apple says the recipient needs watchOS 7 or later. If the face includes a third-party complication, the recipient can get the app or continue without it.
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Use Face Gallery to choose a supported face, adjust its options, add any complications you want, and tap Add to Watch. For a personal image, choose the Photos face; for app information, use a complication supported by the face and app.
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