Read and reply to messages with your Apple Watch

Apple Watch gives you a gentle tap to let you know when you have a new message. Just raise your wrist to read it and reply.

Read a message

To open Messages, press the Digital Crown to see all your apps, then tap . You can also open Messages from the Dock.

If you get a notification about a message, raise your wrist to see it or swipe down on the watch face.

Reply to a message

To reply, scroll to the end of a message, then choose an option. With the latest versions of watchOS and iOS, you can send a preset reply, use Scribble, record a response, and more.

Preset replies like Hello, What's up, and on my way.

To use preset replies, scroll down to the end of the message, then tap a reply. You can also create your own replies.

To send an emoji, tap , then turn the Digital Crown to see more options. Tap to send.

Handwritten notes, like thank you.

To send a handwritten message or sticker, tap , scroll down, then tap Stickers. To use a different message or sticker, use Messages on your iPhone.

"Sounds good. Do you have any ideas" message.

To record a message, tap , say something, then tap Send or Done. If you want to send the message as text instead of audio, change your settings in the Apple Watch app on your iPhone.

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Tap to write letters or words on the display and let your Apple Watch turn them into text. Learn about Scribble.

Options to Reply, Send Location, See Details, or Choose a language.

To show where you are on a map, firmly press the display while you're viewing a conversation, then tap Send Location.

Heart drawing

To reply with a Digital Touch, tap , then you can send a sketch, tap, your heartbeat, and more.

Heart tapback

To use a Tapback, double-tap a message, then tap to choose a Tapback, like thumbs-up or a heart.

Send a new message

You can ask Siri to create a message for you. For example, ask Siri to "Tell Johnny I’ll be there in 20 minutes." Then lower your wrist to send. You can also use these steps:

Press the Digital Crown to open the Home screen, then tap .
Firmly press the display, then tap New Message.
Tap Add Contact. You can tap a contact in the list that appears, tap to see more contacts, tap to search for someone or dictate a phone number, or tap to enter a phone number.
Create your message.